At a christmas party a couple of weeks ago, i learned that our hosts have a daughter who is, like me, a non-believer in all religious-oriented things. Because of this, she and her husband travel somewhere else in the world during christmas because they do not and do not want to celebrate it.
I have heard similar concepts mentioned in some articles i’ve read, that if you are not a christian, then you would not celebrate christmas. I have a few comments on this idea.
- The true meaning of christmas in the christian sense is often lost in the commercialism. My family reads the christmas story from the bible every year before the opening of the presents, but that’s it for acknowledging the true meaning. The rest is completely gift-oriented, including things like sulking adolescents who are impatient at having to wait their turn. So even my very-christian family is not immune. However, when i think of the true meaning and spirit of christmas, i think more about joy, love, hope, giving and selflessness.
- The winter holiday celebrated on or around December 25 has not always been about Jesus. But there has always been a celebration around this time.
- My family gathers at christmastime, and i want to be around them. I wouldn’t miss it. And while i’m there, i might as well participate with them in the cultural traditions of our time. I don’t view it as any different than the tooth fairy, which is completely secular. Christmas is fun for me in the same way.
- Giving gifts is a joy regardless of whether i believe the christmas story. I have always enjoyed the finding and giving of the gifts much more than opening my own presents. I have contemplated making some kind of statement about my non-belief by not participating in the gift exchange circus, but i enjoy the giving way too much. Although perhaps in the future i will make an effort to tone it down and give more to charity.
January 6th, 2009 11:11 pm
I’m sort of with you. I don’t teach my children religion but I also don’t NOT teach them. What I mean is: when Mia came home and said to me “christmas is jesus’ birthday”, I said yes, that’s what a lot of people believe. And then my next question is “who told you that?” Not to point the finger, but interesting to note that she is FIVE years old and in Kindergarten…so someone in her class is telling her this and well, I’m curious.
To me, Christmas is about Santa Claus, a christmas tree with lights on it and yes, an angel on top because that’s what it looks like on TV. We put stockings up, we bake more, we eat more, and we leave cookies out and it’s all about fun, peace, comfort and joy.
Why does everything have to be taken so serious? I think I was trying to say this at book club the last meeting, about the idea that hanukkah is difficult to celebrate among christians. Why can’t we just celebrate both, if both are in our lives? Why fight one over the other?
I know: easier said than done. I’m not Jewish and I’m not a practicing-Catholic so it’s easier for me to be neutral since I have no ties nor passion for either side, or shall I say, *any* side. I just find it exasperating for people to make a big deal out of everything. As Tim always says: we live in the land of the offended.
And it just seems to be soooo much work…