NationStates Jolt Archive

I know an atheist who celebrates Christmas. He says he doesn't celebrate it religiously, but it's an oppurtunity to give stuff. yeah right, that's BS. The only reason he celebrates Christmas(he probably hasn't even told his parents he's an atheist) is to get that whatchamacallit for his computer. So I guess I'm just wondering, do atheists celebrate Christmas? I don't think they should, I don't think they ought to celebrate Valentine's Day either. Of course I got no place tellin people what to celebrate, but come on, if you're going to denounce God, I don't think you should be taking advantage of his holidays just for the goodies.

You answered your own question. To we atheists, Christmas is a time of indulgence in capitalism, so we do. :)

I am an atheist who celebrates Christmas. You do know that you're celebrating a pagan holiday on the 25th of December, mmm? I have just as much right as any Christian (or otherwise, I know a few Hindus who celebrate it too) to give and recieve gifts on a day that now represents worship of consumerism.

i think christmas is more then just a religious thing now, "turns on sentimental mode" Its a time where you get togheter with family and friends and show you care about them.

Of course I got no place tellin people what to celebrate, but come on, if you're going to denounce God, I don't think you should be taking advantage of his holidays just for the goodies.
Why shouldn't they? It's not like they'll be able to get their own set of holidays, and get them officially recognized so as to get time off work and such.

I know an atheist who celebrates Christmas. He says he doesn't celebrate it religiously, but it's an oppurtunity to give stuff. yeah right, that's BS. The only reason he celebrates Christmas(he probably hasn't even told his parents he's an atheist) is to get that whatchamacallit for his computer. So I guess I'm just wondering, do atheists celebrate Christmas? I don't think they should, I don't think they ought to celebrate Valentine's Day either. Of course I got no place tellin people what to celebrate, but come on, if you're going to denounce God, I don't think you should be taking advantage of his holidays just for the goodies.

I look through my Bible, but I cannot find any mention of Santa Claus or reindeer or Easter bunnies or little chocolate eggs or Valentine's cards or Cupid.

Maybe Christians ought to celebrate their own holidays and not pagan holidays.

I think they celebrate Christmas

Christmas, Easter and Valentine's day are no longer God's holidays. They are just another marketing explosion for the world, which is a lot better than a bunch of bible thumpers running about. I say you can celebrate whatever you want however you want, as long as it isn't illegal.

I don't consider myself atheist or even nessecarily agnostic but I certainly don't consider myself Christian, and yes, I celebrate Chrsitmas, for the following reasons:

(1) It's such a sweet, pleasant holiday with some adorable concepts behind it.
(2) I do have a fondness for family traditions, and Christmas is the source of many of them.
(3) I like the idea of Santa Claus.
(4) I like the presents.
(5) I was born on December 25th, so I'd celebrate the day even if I was devoutly atheist.

I celebrate christmas and have no intention of stopping. I get presents... why would I want to stop that happening? Sure, I have to go to slight expense and get stuff back... but my pc DEMANDS upgrading yearly. That and I need girls clothes. Some would be handy. just a little :D

I hope santa gets me what I want. To think some people have the nerve to say he doesn't exist. WHO EATS THOSE MINCE PIES AND MILK, EH?

Christmas, Easter and Valentine's day are no longer God's holidays. They are just another marketing explosion for the world, which is a lot better than a bunch of bible thumpers running about. I say you can celebrate whatever you want however you want, as long as it isn't illegal.
Several concepts of Easter tradition are pagan.

Considering that Christmas is actually a solstice and therefore a pagan holiday, one might be prone to ask why Christians celebrate Christmas.

I look through my Bible, but I cannot find any mention of Santa Claus or reindeer or Easter bunnies or little chocolate eggs or Valentine's cards or Cupid.

Maybe Christians ought to celebrate their own holidays and not pagan holidays.
I agree, these holidays originated as Pagan holidays, and still are.

if you're going to denounce God, I don't think you should be taking advantage of his holidays just for the goodies.

First, atheism isn't necessarily denouncing anything.

Second... it's God's holidays now? Does He know this, because I didn't find Him mention Santa Claus, Christmas elves, chestnuts, Christmas trees, stockings in the Bible. Nor all those heart-shaped candies, writing love-letters on Feb 14th.

God's holidays? If He really digs all that commercialized, traditionalized bullshit... well, let's just say He doesn't get my respect even if He does exist.

I'm an atheist and do celebrate Christmas.

I just don't celebrate it as a religious holiday but as a day of family and showing my love and appreciation of them. The giving of gifts is traditional and has been a part of various pagan religions long before Christianity was thought up. The xams tree also has its origins in pagan celebrations. I'm sure various other bits and pieces of it did too. The day itself isn't the birthday of Jesus. No-one knows when he was born but that day was picked by the early church to try to wipe out one of the major and most important pagan celebrations. I can't remember the name of it, maybe one of our Pagan members can elaborate.

I hate Valentines day and pay no attention to it. That one's just an excuse for card and gift companies to make money.

One religious holiday I do ignore is Easter. I don't believe Jesus rose from the dead so don't see any need to celebrate what I consider fiction.

Considering that Christmas is actually a solstice and therefore a pagan holiday, one might be prone to ask why Christians celebrate Christmas.

I was going to say exactly that. :)

Well, Christmas was orginally a pagan holiday called Yuletide until the church took over the date to ensure easier integration of Christianity. If you disagree with the aethiests celebrating the date you will have to give it up yourself. Same goes for Easter.

Christmas is a Pagan holiday? Christmas? All of those stupid traditions may be Pagan, but for most Christian families its a religious day with traditions that go along with it.

yes, but just for pressies

Why shouldn't atheists be allowed to use December 25th as a gift-exchanging day when the whole economy (at least in the U.S.) uses that date as a marketing scheme? The only reason Pope Julius picked that date in the first place was to try to replace the Pagan celebration of the winter solstice (Saturnalia) with a Christian celebration. Not sure why he chose the birth of Christ to celeberate, but there you go. I suppose the birth just hadn't been celebrated before on a large scale.

Christmas is a Pagan holiday? Christmas? All of those stupid traditions may be Pagan, but for most Christian families its a religious day with traditions that go along with it.
The traditions are christian (besides the German tradition of bringing a tree indoors) but the day is a Pagan holiday. The church had an easier time making people forget the old ways by incorporating them into itself.

I know an atheist who celebrates Christmas. He says he doesn't celebrate it religiously, but it's an oppurtunity to give stuff. yeah right, that's BS. The only reason he celebrates Christmas(he probably hasn't even told his parents he's an atheist) is to get that whatchamacallit for his computer. So I guess I'm just wondering, do atheists celebrate Christmas? I don't think they should, I don't think they ought to celebrate Valentine's Day either. Of course I got no place tellin people what to celebrate, but come on, if you're going to denounce God, I don't think you should be taking advantage of his holidays just for the goodies.

The bigger question is, why do christians celebrate christmas/ easter/ halloween?Of course we all have fun celebrating saint patty's day.

So an EVIL atheist shouldn't celebrate valentines because....?
a)They don't love if they don't believe in god?
b)They have no right to have a lover if they don't believe in god?
c)Buying a romantic card and flowers is implicit in god worship?
d)Jesus commanded only christians to celebrate valentines day?
e)God invented valentines day for christians to profess their sexual love?
f)Atheists don't deserve valentines candy hearts?
g)God is a capitalist and spending money is religious and implies god worship?

If god has a problem with it, have her call Wal Mart and complain.

The traditions are christian (besides the German tradition of bringing a tree indoors) but the day is a Pagan holiday. The church had an easier time making people forget the old ways by incorporating them into itself.
True, but that doesn't mean it's the same holiday. If Muslims made a holiday on December 25 it wouldn't be the same as Christmas.

snip

Last time I checked christians had stolen these holidays from the old pegans religions to indoctorinate followers.

Last time I checked christians had stolen these holidays from the old pegans religions to indoctorinate followers.
No, they stole the day, not the holiday. If Christians stole the holiday then instead of worshipping Jesus we'd be worshipping Pagan gods.

True, but that doesn't mean it's the same holiday. If Muslims made a holiday on December 25 it wouldn't be the same as Christmas.
But if the muslims made a holiday on December 25th (which they wouldn't since their calenders are different) because its the day Christmas is celebrated, then that would have some meaning on its own, wouldn't it?

True, but that doesn't mean it's the same holiday. If Muslims made a holiday on December 25 it wouldn't be the same as Christmas.

And if they did and then began mocking people for celebrating their Muslim holiday even though they weren't Muslim, you'd understand what we're saying. Christmas is clearly not solely a Christian holiday, so when Christians mock non-Christians for celebrating "their" holiday, it's a little ridiculous.

No, I don't celebrate christmas. It's annoying, especially all the crap that goes on just before, with the constant whinging of half-wits about "christmas spirit" and "good-will". Plus travel around the city becomes increasingly difficult because every lard tub from the midwest comes: "to see the christmas tree and the shows." It's fucking irritating, and I wish someone would do something about it.

But if the muslims made a holiday on December 25th (which they wouldn't since their calenders are different) because its the day Christmas is celebrated, then that would have some meaning on its own, wouldn't it?
Yeah, but the principals and ideas would be different so it would not be the same holiday.

You could say atheists have changed the principals and ideas of Christmas as a time of gift-giving, friendship, family, etc. So its not really the same holiday when atheists celebrate it.

No, they stole the day, not the holiday. If Christians stole the holiday then instead of worshipping Jesus we'd be worshipping Pagan gods.

Sorry about that, worded it wrong. The days these holidays were set on were the same days as pegan holidays.

No, I don't celebrate christmas. It's annoying, especially all the crap that goes on just before, with the constant whinging of half-wits about "christmas spirit" and "good-will". Plus travel around the city becomes increasingly difficult because every lard tub from the midwest comes: "to see the christmas tree and the shows." It's fucking irritating, and I wish someone would do something about it.
If you want something to be done about it, get off your butt and do something. Whining will get you nowhere.

Yes, i celebrate christmas, but not for jesus, for my family and for the gifts, both giving and recieving. the fact that i dont believe in god doesnt mean that im heartless.

If you want something to be done about it, get off your butt and do something. Whining will get you nowhere.

No, because that would entail work. :rolleyes:

(In any case, what do you suggest I do, get religion banned? I mean, personally I am all for that, I just can't see the other 98% of the population getting behind it).

No, because that would entail work. :rolleyes:

(In any case, what do you suggest I do, get religion banned? I mean, personally I am all for that, I just can't see the other 98% of the population getting behind it).
There is always something that can be done.

I'm an atheist. If people want to give me stuff, why should I complain? If they don't, then I honestly couldn't give a damn.

There is always something that can be done.

That is demonstrably not true. There are many situtations in which nothing can be done.

Tied up and in front of a firing squad for example.

Well...duhh...you dont expect me to receive presents only on my birthday now do you?

That is demonstrably not true. There are many situtations in which nothing can be done.

Tied up and in front of a firing squad for example.
Something can still be done. Struggling, insulting, etc.

I would classify myself as atheist-agnostic, and I do celebrate Christmas. My reason for celebrating Christmas is to be with my friends and family who may celbrate Christmas for religious reasons. I come from a family of very diverse people. Several of them are devout Christians, while some are more laid back in their practices, and still others verge on the border of atheism. I use Christmas primarily as a time of joy and a time to show my appreciation for the members of my family and their beliefs.

Now, this may sound to you like "BS", as you so aptly put it, but here is another, perhaps more understandable reason, for my celebration of Christmas. I am not going to refuse, in front of my children, as well as my nieces and nephews, to celebrate Christmas. I can just imagine how that would go over with my wife, as well as my siblings. I do not particularly want them to be angry with me because I am telling their children that I do not necessarily believe in God, or "Santa Claus." Call me crazy, but just because I personally am not a Christian, does not mean that I want the youth of our world to stop following a religion. If it gives them inner peace in life, or they do truly believe in God, then I am not here to stop them. By celebrating Christmas, I am keeping my atheist-agnosticism from coming out in the open for those whom I care about. It does not necessarily have to be religious; just a time to show good will.

Well i'm not an Athiest, but i'm not a Christian either - I notice this thread was only aimed at athiests, which seems a touch prejudiced. Why say that you don't think Muslims should be able to celebrate these dates either? I know several who celebrate Christmas, although I can't think of any reason why they'd celebrate Easter.

Personally, I celebrate Christmas - as a reason to show my close friends and family that I care about them, and hopefully to get presents back. It also gives me a chance to get to see people I haven't had a chance to see over the rest of the year.

As for Valentine's, is it actually a recognised religious holiday? I thought it was just a cynical marketing ploy made up by greeting card companies to fill the void between Christmas and Easter.

Something can still be done. Struggling, insulting, etc.


That's not doing anything. That's acting like a whiny bitch; just like I was doing earlier about christmas.

Yeah, but the principals and ideas would be different so it would not be the same holiday.

You could say atheists have changed the principals and ideas of Christmas as a time of gift-giving, friendship, family, etc. So its not really the same holiday when atheists celebrate it.

Huh? I did not know that it was the atheists that we have to credit with making Christmas a holiday that emphasizes "gift-giving, friendship, and family." Interesting...

Many of the symbols associated with Christmas-the tree, the holly and the ivy, the burning of the Yule log-were pagan. The last time I checked, Israel did not have blizzards of white and drifting snow unless someone wants to correct me.

And yes, many dominant cultures, the rituals and traditions of pagans were embroidered by the Christian Church to encourage conversion. Though truthfully not all pagans celebrated or even now celebrate the same holidays since pagans represent different paths unto themselves.

The holiday itself I think has a life of its own. There are some countries that do celebrate Christmas but that are not predominantly Christian. Japan is one of them. The focus is on the "gift-giving, friendship, and family" aspect rather than the religious doctrine.

That's not doing anything. That's acting like a whiny bitch; just like I was doing earlier about christmas.
Oh, dear, are you tied up and in front of a firing squad? How terrible for you.

Assuming that it is somehow logically sound for atheists not to celebrate christian holidays, have you considered the implication? Namely, that there would be no holidays for us other than the governmentally endorsed historical ones, like Veteren's Day and Martain Luther King Jr. Day. Shouldn't we be allowed to have our own celebrations as well? Suppose we had Niechtze (or however you spell his name) Day? That would entail a whole new string of days people would have to take off. How about I just celebrate Altruism Day on Dec. 25, Spring Day on Easter, etc. You have your holiday, I have mine.

... or you can stop making such a fuss about the whole thing, and let me have my day off

Most of the Christians holidays are celebrated on the same day as pagan holidays, starting in the Dark Ages so that pagans would more readily convert to Christianity. Then, once people started converting, they just killed the others who didn't.
I don't see why Christians celebrate these dates either, because they ARE technically pagan. I enjoy the idea of Santa Clause, and reindeer, and free stuff, and putting out cookies, and milk (don't forget carrots for the reindeer!), and free stuff, and christmas trees, and did I mention that I enjoy getting free stuff? :rolleyes:
I think people need to spend less time worrying about who's what religion, and who's not, because will it really truly matter in 50 years? Is that really what's important?
Even if Atheists and Christians celebrate a different holiday, last time I checked, it is possible to have two holidays on the same day, please correct me if I'm wrong, however.

No, they stole the day, not the holiday. If Christians stole the holiday then instead of worshipping Jesus we'd be worshipping Pagan gods.

The yule log is pagan, the tree is pagan, the holly and ivy are pagan.

The image of god (bearded, white robe) is pagan (Zeus), the image of Jesus (bearded, average looking male) is pagan (Serapis).

The date of the event is pagan, the traditional fire in the fireplace is pagan, the ritual of gift-giving to celebrate the day is pagan.

The singing of songs for the date is pagan.

The ONLY thing that isn't pagan is the NAME of the day.

I don't celebrate Christmas as such, I just think its nice to decorate and eat nice food, etc. on Dec 25.

It's not like Christians invented trees or turkeys or snow.

I am an atheist and I do not celebrate any religious holiday. This means I do not take part in any religious aspect of Christmas Eid, Diwali, Easter or Ramadan. I do not attend services nor do I exchange prayers. I celebrate New Year and wish my friends and family well on Decenber 31st. I have often worked on Christmas Day and at Easter as it is not important to me but is to my colleages to spend that time with their families.

I don't send cards or presents. I do give gifts to people who have sent me one (that is good manners).

My experience of religious holidays is that they put a strain on people in families to be together when they really should'nt and there is always a terrible amount of stress for the women in the family to make things "wonderful" for everyone.

More family break ups happen on religious holidays than at any other time of the year.

As for Valentines day. It's a Hallmark con don't buy it. If you can't be spontaneously romantic to your loved ones at any other time then you should not be on one day a year as an afterthought. :headbang:

I know an atheist who celebrates Christmas. He says he doesn't celebrate it religiously, but it's an oppurtunity to give stuff. yeah right, that's BS. The only reason he celebrates Christmas(he probably hasn't even told his parents he's an atheist) is to get that whatchamacallit for his computer. So I guess I'm just wondering, do atheists celebrate Christmas? I don't think they should, I don't think they ought to celebrate Valentine's Day either. Of course I got no place tellin people what to celebrate, but come on, if you're going to denounce God, I don't think you should be taking advantage of his holidays just for the goodies.

First off, Christmas was a holiday that was stolen from Pagan traditions, and incorporated to entice converts. Second, since Christmas has turned into a day of capitalism/materialism, there's really no "God" aspect in that, ne? So why not indulge in that? 'Sides, some people like giving gifts.

If you don't believe in God, then you obviously don't believe Christmas is Christ's birthday, so celebrating Christmas would be logical, because they're just thinking of it as a holiday, and not a religious holiday.

The yule log is pagan, the tree is pagan, the holly and ivy are pagan.

The image of god (bearded, white robe) is pagan (Zeus), the image of Jesus (bearded, average looking male) is pagan (Serapis).

The date of the event is pagan, the traditional fire in the fireplace is pagan, the ritual of gift-giving to celebrate the day is pagan.

The singing of songs for the date is pagan.

The ONLY thing that isn't pagan is the NAME of the day.

And, of course, the celebrations of Christ's b-day is absolutely pagan.

And, of course, the celebrations of Christ's b-day is absolutely pagan.
Christ's birthday wasn't even on December 25th! It was March 1st, according to Google. That is, of course, assuming he actually existed.

Santa Claus died on the cross so I could get presents. Leave your puny God out of this.

Santa Claus died on the cross so I could get presents. Leave your puny God out of this.
*Laughs.* It is not Christmas, it's Clausmas!

Christ's birthday wasn't even on December 25th! It was March 1st, according to Google. That is, of course, assuming he actually existed.
You used google to look up the birth of an imaginary man? I have trouble with google for easy stuff, like when movies in theatres start, but looking for some fake dude's birthday? How did you manage that? :confused:

Christ's birthday wasn't even on December 25th! It was March 1st, according to Google. That is, of course, assuming he actually existed.

I think it has been proven that there was a Jesus Christ wandering about at this time in history... it's the whole "son of God" thing that complicates matters. Of course, some people put his real date of birth closer to either 7 or 70 BC. I'm leaning towards 70. Christ was born 70 years before the birth of Christ. That proves divine intervention, no? :D

You used google to look up the birth of an imaginary man? I have trouble with google for easy stuff, like when movies in theatres start, but looking for some fake dude's birthday? How did you manage that? :confused:
I just searched
christ's-true-birthday

Yeah, that whole, "Savior of Us All" thing is bullshit. It's true, don't even argue. Compleat bullshit.

I think it has been proven that there was a Jesus Christ wandering about at this time in history... it's the whole "son of God" thing that complicates matters.
I think he existed, but not everyone does. So I added that part in an edit.

Of course, some people put his real date of birth closer to either 7 or 70 BC. I'm leaning towards 70. Christ was born 70 years before the birth of Christ. That proves divine intervention, no? :D
But I thought AD was supposed to have started at Christ's death?
I'm not sure though.

And, of course, the celebrations of Christ's b-day is absolutely pagan.

No... I shouldn't think so... but then again, why would you assume that Jesus is born on December 25th?

But I thought AD was supposed to have started at Christ's death?
I'm not sure though.
No, AD stands for anno domini, which is Latin for "in the year of the lord". It's a common misconception.

No, AD=Anno domini, in the year of the lord.
After some searching, it appears you are right.

I sleep in and chill with my family.

After some searching, it appears you are right.
Of course I am. :p


Seriously, I took Latin last year.

I learned Valentine's day was about St. Valentine, who, at a time in Rome when people weren't allowed to be married, he went and married people(like a priest, not a polygamist). The Emperor found him out and seperated him from his head. That's what I learned about it anyway, so the love aspect comes from how he married folks. Santa Claus is not an idea, I don't know where you folks get that from. He's the guy who lands on your roof on Christmas Eve if you were a good dude and didn't break any of the commandments.

So if I'm understanding, atheists celebrate Christmas because it's actually a pagan holiday that stands for commercialism?

I learned Valentine's day was about St. Valentine, who, at a time in Rome when people weren't allowed to be married, he went and married people(like a priest, not a polygamist). The Emperor found him out and seperated him from his head. That's what I learned about it anyway, so the love aspect comes from how he married folks. Santa Claus is not an idea, I don't know where you folks get that from. He's the guy who lands on your roof on Christmas Eve if you were a good dude and didn't break any of the commandments.

So if I'm understanding, atheists celebrate Christmas because it's actually a pagan holiday that stands for commercialism?

No - Atheists 'celebrate' Christmas for a variety of reasons.... they just want to give presents, they want to spend time with family/loved ones, etc.

Personally, I am an Atheist who 'celebrates' Christmas for my daughter. I think her happiness is more important than my objections.

The thing about pagan holidays.... well, Christians seem to think it somehow 'wrong' that Atheists might 'celebrate' Christmas...

Well, Atheists might think it JUST as bizarre that Christians are, in fact, celebrating a Pagan festival......

I don't celebrate another religion's holidays, but I welcome the day off. :D

we celebrate all holidays and some we just make up just for the hell of it. No different than any other holiday.

I know an atheist who celebrates Christmas. He says he doesn't celebrate it religiously, but it's an oppurtunity to give stuff. yeah right, that's BS. The only reason he celebrates Christmas(he probably hasn't even told his parents he's an atheist) is to get that whatchamacallit for his computer. So I guess I'm just wondering, do atheists celebrate Christmas? I don't think they should, I don't think they ought to celebrate Valentine's Day either. Of course I got no place tellin people what to celebrate, but come on, if you're going to denounce God, I don't think you should be taking advantage of his holidays just for the goodies.

Then call it for what it is Solstice - That's right, Christmas was placed around the same time of year that "heathens" celebrated solstice, as to convert them to Christianity.

I know an atheist who celebrates Christmas. He says he doesn't celebrate it religiously, but it's an oppurtunity to give stuff. yeah right, that's BS. The only reason he celebrates Christmas(he probably hasn't even told his parents he's an atheist) is to get that whatchamacallit for his computer. So I guess I'm just wondering, do atheists celebrate Christmas? I don't think they should, I don't think they ought to celebrate Valentine's Day either. Of course I got no place tellin people what to celebrate, but come on, if you're going to denounce God, I don't think you should be taking advantage of his holidays just for the goodies.

That's all right. Well just nail someone to a tree and have a big party every year on their birthday. Oh, and you can't come.

The ONLY thing that isn't pagan is the NAME of the day.
And even that is pagan in many countries. We celebrate joulu, Swedes have Jul etc.

And even that is pagan in many countries. We celebrate joulu, Swedes have Jul etc.

Very true. To claim it as a non-Pagan event is almost to fly in the face of every piece of evidence... not to mention, millenia of historical proof.

It's only on December the 25th because some Pope (around 502 CE, i think) wanted to make the transition to Christianity easier for Roman pagans by replacing rather than getting rid of their holidays. Also, he didn't say Christ was born on that day, just that his birth was to be celebrated then. Christmas was placed on the old Roman holiday of Saturnalia.

December the 21st is the midwinter solstice in old heathen tradition, often called Yule or Yuletide.

Santa Claus is not an idea, I don't know where you folks get that from. He's the guy who lands on your roof on Christmas Eve if you were a good dude and didn't break any of the commandments.

Eeehm.. no. Santa Clause as found in the USA is a combination of Saint Nicholas, once bishop of Myra and the pagan wintericon now known as Father Christmas. The latter image definately dominates; Saint Nicholas lived in a warm country, did not have flying sleighs with reindeer and was quite thin and tall according to the images made of him. According to legend he did love children though, and was known to anonymously leave gifts.

So if I'm understanding, atheists celebrate Christmas because it's actually a pagan holiday that stands for commercialism?
I assume they actually celebrate it because society demands it, or because it is nice for the children. If everything is closed for Christmas and you see displays about it everywhere it is a little hard to avoid. Just like shopclosure on sundays.

Christmas isn't actually a Christian festival so technically atheists are no more wrong to celebrate it than Christians. It is pagan, hence why Oliver Cromwell banned it in England during his protectorate (1653-58).

Very true. To claim it as a non-Pagan event is almost to fly in the face of every piece of evidence... not to mention, millenia of historical proof.
You have any favorite pagan Yuletide traditions?

There has been discussion about Santa Claus (again you have this annoying "Santa" in it...we just call him joulupukki, julgubbe, Yuleguy...) but he's nothing compared to
DADAA: Caga tió! The Catalan Christmas log. You hit it with a stick and yell: Shit, log, shit! If you don't shit well, we will whack you again!

I can tell you I was pretty amazed to see these violent kids whacking logs everywhere.

You have any favorite pagan Yuletide traditions?

There has been discussion about Santa Claus (again you have this annoying "Santa" in it...we just call him joulupukki, julgubbe, Yuleguy...) but he's nothing compared to
DADAA: Caga tió! The Catalan Christmas log. You hit it with a stick and yell: Shit, log, shit! If you don't shit well, we will whack you again!

I can tell you I was pretty amazed to see these violent kids whacking logs everywhere.

That's one of the ones I have heard about, actually... not sure quite what the history of defecating Christmas logs is, mind you. :)

I don't know how worldwide it is, I've seen it in both the UK and the US, the hanging of mistletoe, for kissing beneath. Another one of those weird pagan holdovers... a fertility symbol, under which people conduct a 'fertility rite'.

Another UK tradition is hiding money in the Christmas pudding... but I'm not sure where that tradition originates.

My final 'UK' tradition... again, I don't know how commonplace in the world, but this one is even rare in the UK now... eating a pig's head. I think this is one of those Viking throwbacks - with the idea that you consumed the strength of the boar with the meat... not sure QUITE how it got tangled up with Christmas/Yule - except that it would be a big feast.

One of my favourites... I have heard that Ukrainian Christmas trees are decked with spiders and webs, among the other ornaments... as they are considered 'lucky'.

i think christmas is more then just a religious thing now, "turns on sentimental mode" Its a time where you get togheter with family and friends and show you care about them.That's what I hate about christmas. I want to be alone, damnit! Sure, it can be fun being with a person of two once in a while for some time, but most of the time I want to be as isolated as possible. Those gatherings of people can really bug me, and often most of my thoughts during them are related to getting away as far away possible from them.

Oh well, atleast I get quite a bit of stuff and/or money, which often makes up for it. Other large gatherings of people however...

Only because my family does

That's one of the ones I have heard about, actually... not sure quite what the history of defecating Christmas logs is, mind you. :)

I don't know how worldwide it is, I've seen it in both the UK and the US, the hanging of mistletoe, for kissing beneath. Another one of those weird pagan holdovers... a fertility symbol, under which people conduct a 'fertility rite'.

Another UK tradition is hiding money in the Christmas pudding... but I'm not sure where that tradition originates.

My final 'UK' tradition... again, I don't know how commonplace in the world, but this one is even rare in the UK now... eating a pig's head. I think this is one of those Viking throwbacks - with the idea that you consumed the strength of the boar with the meat... not sure QUITE how it got tangled up with Christmas/Yule - except that it would be a big feast.

One of my favourites... I have heard that Ukrainian Christmas trees are decked with spiders and webs, among the other ornaments... as they are considered 'lucky'.
Fertile land. Shit is good... ;)
No mistletoes around here. Kissing is too girly. Once a year is definately too much.
Money? You can afford to hide money? We only hide almonds (in porridge) around here...
And pigs head is a delicacy ;) But we make a brawn (?) of it. Yummy...

Eating (and drinking) is the main thing in Finnish pagan "joulu" celebrations.

Fertile land. Shit is good... ;)
No mistletoes around here. Kissing is too girly. Once a year is definately too much.
Money? You can afford to hide money? We only hide almonds (in porridge) around here...
And pigs head is a delicacy ;) But we make a brawn (?) of it. Yummy...

Eating (and drinking) is the main thing in Finnish pagan "joulu" celebrations.

Aha - the log is yet another offering to the fertility powers... seems to be a popular use for the Yule celebration time.

I didn't say I hide money in Christmas pudding. :) I just said it is done.

Brawn is a UK thing also... at least in some areas. I never acquired a taste for it, personally. :(

Eating and drinking rate quite highly in the traditional British Christmas, I think... which we might get from the Romans (Saturnalia), or maybe from the Vikings (not un-known for their feasting)... or maybe just because people like to eat and drink.... no 'excuse' required. :)

Eating (and drinking) is the main thing in Finnish pagan "joulu" celebrations.
Yeah, those. And then there is the one tradition where the father gets unbelieveably drunk and chases his barefooted family out of the house with an axe.

I didn't say I hide money in Christmas pudding. :) I just said it is done.

yep, with you I actually meant you Brits :)
And I rather stay weak than eat that pighead brawn thing...ewww..
There were several different pagan festivities around 21st to 31st of December. Around here it's a mixture of Kekri (a harvest and new year's fest) and Celtic traditions (which are quite similar to Saturnalia.)

Yeah, those. And then there is the one tradition where the father gets unbelieveably drunk and chases his barefooted family out of the house with an axe.
You just got to love traditions.

btw you ever go to Brinkkala on Christmas Eve?

Do I "celebrate" it? No, but I give and receive plenty of presents.

yep, with you I actually meant you Brits :)
And I rather stay weak than eat that pighead brawn thing...ewww..
There were several different pagan festivities around 21st to 31st of December. Around here it's a mixture of Kekri (a harvest and new year's fest) and Celtic traditions (which are quite similar to Saturnalia.)

In the UK we mark 'advent' by counting off the days with special calenders.. often involving chocolate... so it's all good. :)

In a lot of ways we still celebrate Saturnalia... we just don't really talk about what we are doing. But, many start a period of 'feasting' and carousing a little earlier (as you said, around the 21st... after the children get out of school)... and continue on for a few days past 'Christmas'.

Many have this skill so perfected that a proper 'Christmas' can be a delicious revelry from the 20th (ish) of December, until a couple of days into the next year. :)

Perhaps it is our 'northern' blood, but this winter revelry just seems to come naturally. :D

You just got to love traditions.

btw you ever go to Brinkkala on Christmas Eve?
Sure. It's a tradition for me now (for 5 consecutive years). Although I have to say it looks better on the telly.

Christmas is a christian holiday. Yule and Saturnalia are not christian holidays, but Christmas is. The fact that it is celebrated around the same time and incorporates some of the same traditions does not mean it is the same holiday. Saying that it remains the same because it incorporates some of the same elements is like saying that Eminem's song "Stan" is in fact the song "Thank You" by Dido because he uses samples from there. Nothing can be further from the truth. Eminem's song about a mentally disturbed fan is not the same song as Dido's song about a friend who is always there through your worst times. Just because something incorporates elements from elsewhere does not mean it ceases to be a new creation. "Stan" is not "Thank you" and Christmas is not Yule.

Christmas is a christian holiday. Yule and Saturnalia are not christian holidays, but Christmas is. The fact that it is celebrated around the same time and incorporates some of the same traditions does not mean it is the same holiday. Saying that it remains the same because it incorporates some of the same elements is like saying that Eminem's song "Stan" is in fact the song "Thank You" by Dido because he uses samples from there. Nothing can be further from the truth. Eminem's song about a mentally disturbed fan is not the same song as Dido's song about a friend who is always there through your worst times. Just because something incorporates elements from elsewhere does not mean it ceases to be a new creation. "Stan" is not "Thank you" and Christmas is not Yule.

Okay - so what about Christmas separates it from Yule, then?

If the only differences turns out to be the 'intentions' of the participants, then the revellers may be 'Christian', but it says nothing for the event.

I'm not a Christian, but my mother is. We celebrate Christmas more as an annual family reunion. It's more special to me because I get to see all the people I love. Bugger the religious motifs. We don't even do decorations, and I'm a vegetarian, so the joy of pork crackling is lost on me. I do love the steamed fruit pudding, though. With brandy custard. Or sloppy fresh cream.

Sure. It's a tradition for me now (for 5 consecutive years). Although I have to say it looks better on the telly.
Been there once. (used to spend every Christmas around there, not in Turku, but nearby) I'm not sure if it looks any better on telly but at least I'm more comfortable lying on a sofa than freezing on the Brinkkala square...

Now my favorite place to celebrate Christmas is at our cottage. Complete silence, darkness, savusauna etc. Perfect.

Okay - so what about Christmas separates it from Yule, then?
If the only differences turns out to be the 'intentions' of the participants, then the revellers may be 'Christian', but it says nothing for the event.

The actual parts that invoke Jesus I assume - songs like Ave Maria, prayer, the actual mas on Christ-mas day, the little crib in the stable (even though, as already pointed out, Jesus was probably born nowhere near december) and so on. The other things, like family gatherings,the whole man-with-presents part, the tree etc are shared between "Yule" and Christmas.

Okay - so what about Christmas separates it from Yule, then?

If the only differences turns out to be the 'intentions' of the participants, then the revellers may be 'Christian', but it says nothing for the event.

Well, for starters Yule is usually celebrated December 21 or 22nd, christma on the 24th, 25th and the 12 days following it. But the christmas and yule traditions vary so much that its difficult to say just one set of things that defines christmas and yule, so its difficult to compare. In Latin America, for example, the gift of the magi is considered part of the christmas celebration and involves the three wise men bringing gifts to children. In most cultures Saint Nicholas brings gifts to children. In some parts of the world a "velorio" is a traditional part of christmas. This involves walking down the streets and stopping at several points to pray in memory of the different steps to the cross. Some cultures celebrate the festivities for their patron saints as part of the christmas tradition. Caroling is done in some places. The traditions vary quite a bit and many of them have no basis in pagan practices. Also, the sexual practices are notably absent from christmas tradition. There are traditions about reading a different bible passage each night. Traditions about attending a sunrise mass, etc. It depends on what part of the world you live in.

In the UK we mark 'advent' by counting off the days with special calenders.. often involving chocolate... so it's all good. :)
...

Perhaps it is our 'northern' blood, but this winter revelry just seems to come naturally. :D
Adventcalender. I bought one for my boyfriend. It had 24 cans of lager in it...

You're absolutely right :) It's very natural indeed.

The actual parts that invoke Jesus I assume - songs like Ave Maria, prayer, the actual mas on Christ-mas day, the little crib in the stable (even though, as already pointed out, Jesus was probably born nowhere near december) and so on. The other things, like family gatherings,the whole man-with-presents part, the tree etc are shared between "Yule" and Christmas.

Singing songs - especially to a goddess-mother-figure and a god-figure, are hardly specific to Christianity. The only specialisation there might be the specific tune, and the specific wording. The concept is pretty non-specific.

Similarly, invocations (or prayers, as they are called here) of your chosen deity are not that unusual at pagan celebrations.

Regarding the crib in the stable... apart from being, one would have thought, forbidden by at least one of the commandments, effigies or icons are not that unusual on pagan festivals.

Still - it seems, pretty much the only things that make Christmas a 'Christian' event, are the specific wording of the salutations and songs.

Well, for starters Yule is usually celebrated December 21 or 22nd, christma on the 24th, 25th and the 12 days following it. But the christmas and yule traditions vary so much that its difficult to say just one set of things that defines christmas and yule, so its difficult to compare. In Latin America, for example, the gift of the magi is considered part of the christmas celebration and involves the three wise men bringing gifts to children. In most cultures Saint Nicholas brings gifts to children. In some parts of the world a "velorio" is a traditional part of christmas. This involves walking down the streets and stopping at several points to pray in memory of the different steps to the cross. Some cultures celebrate the festivities for their patron saints as part of the christmas tradition. Caroling is done in some places. The traditions vary quite a bit and many of them have no basis in pagan practices. Also, the sexual practices are notably absent from christmas tradition. There are traditions about reading a different bible passage each night. Traditions about attending a sunrise mass, etc. It depends on what part of the world you live in.

There may be some truth in the assertion that it depends on what part of the world you inhabit... but, by and large, there seems to be a preponderance towards the Pagan... with very few things present that aren't directly attributable to Pagan practise.. and very few of the classic Pagan practises NOT present.

Example - although some of the more lurid pagan practises might not grace our modern Christmas - much evidence is left for them in the fertility rites that often ARE included, such as the kissing under the misteltoe.

I'm not sure if I would agree about the 'Saint Nicholas' thing. Largely, it seems to be in the US that "Saint Nicholas" is seen, replaced by, for example, "Father Christmas", in other climes. Further, even in the US, I think Saint Nicholas is something of an archaic figure - replaced by the more dynamic Santa Claus.

I would have to disagree, also, with your delineation of the Christmas holiday... since the UK starts the festivities in miniature way back on the First of December... and often gets into Christmas celebration as early as the 20th/21st. Also - the Christmas celebration proper has a third day in the UK, in the form of "Boxing Day"... and often doesn't really wind down until after New Year, merging the two festivals together, somewhat.

Perhaps there are some countries (as you said, perhaps, some of the Latin American countries) that might have a slightly less Pagan event (I am afraid I don't know enough about South American Pagan practises)... but, on the whole, I suspect Christmas is, at best, a nominally Christian event.

Adventcalender. I bought one for my boyfriend. It had 24 cans of lager in it...

You're absolutely right :) It's very natural indeed.

A Lager calender? Nice twist...

I think I'd prefer the chocolate, mind you.

Atheists should either celebrate festivus on the 23rd or the winter solstice on the 21st. Leave the 25th alone, that be our day now

Atheists should either celebrate festivus on the 23rd or the winter solstice on the 21st. Leave the 25th alone, that be our day now

No, it isn't. For one thing, the pagans had it first, so the Pope decided to steal it (want proof? The sheperds only tend to their flock in lambing season i.e spring, not mid winter). For another thing, what makes Christians so special that we Atheists can't join in the fun?

In remembrance of countless innocent pagans who perished for their believes?

Being that the holidays are so commercialized nowadays, it's not surprising to see everyone celebrate Christmas. While I was stationed in Turkey (a mostly muslim country) I was shocked to see them put up decorations in their malls and have a Santa Claus for the kiddies. :confused:

While I was stationed in Turkey (a mostly muslim country) I was shocked to see them put up decorations in their malls and have a Santa Claus for the kiddies. :confused: Not that odd considering St. Nicholas was born near Myra which is in modern-day Turkey.

I know an atheist who celebrates Christmas. He says he doesn't celebrate it religiously, but it's an oppurtunity to give stuff. yeah right, that's BS. The only reason he celebrates Christmas(he probably hasn't even told his parents he's an atheist) is to get that whatchamacallit for his computer. So I guess I'm just wondering, do atheists celebrate Christmas? I don't think they should, I don't think they ought to celebrate Valentine's Day either. Of course I got no place tellin people what to celebrate, but come on, if you're going to denounce God, I don't think you should be taking advantage of his holidays just for the goodies.
We do it for the same reasons all ye little Christian boys and girls do it … presents and family
You are sadly mistaken if you think Christmas is about Jesus Christ any more (at least to the large majority)

All you devout Christians did is win us some time off … thanks

We do it for the same reasons all ye little Christian boys and girls do it … presents and family
You are sadly mistaken if you think Christmas is about Jesus Christ any more (at least to the large majority)

All you devout Christians did is win us some time off … thanks


Considering the nature of it's origins... it seems like the 'holiday' was never 'about' Jesus, anyway.

He seems to have been a brand label glued on, for the look of the thing.

I know an atheist who celebrates Christmas. He says he doesn't celebrate it religiously, but it's an oppurtunity to give stuff. yeah right, that's BS. The only reason he celebrates Christmas(he probably hasn't even told his parents he's an atheist) is to get that whatchamacallit for his computer. So I guess I'm just wondering, do atheists celebrate Christmas? I don't think they should, I don't think they ought to celebrate Valentine's Day either. Of course I got no place tellin people what to celebrate, but come on, if you're going to denounce God, I don't think you should be taking advantage of his holidays just for the goodies.

Christmas is just another stolen Pagan holiday (popularly known as "Yule"). It was originally intended to celebrate the Winter Solstice, centuries before the Christians stole it and twisted its meaning to suit their own beliefs. I mean, you don't seriously believe that Jesus was born in a manger during the Winter, do you? Or that the nearby shepherds had their flocks in the fields in December?

I know an atheist who celebrates Christmas. He says he doesn't celebrate it religiously, but it's an oppurtunity to give stuff. yeah right, that's BS. The only reason he celebrates Christmas(he probably hasn't even told his parents he's an atheist) is to get that whatchamacallit for his computer. So I guess I'm just wondering, do atheists celebrate Christmas? I don't think they should, I don't think they ought to celebrate Valentine's Day either. Of course I got no place tellin people what to celebrate, but come on, if you're going to denounce God, I don't think you should be taking advantage of his holidays just for the goodies.
I'm sure somebody has already covered this, but Christmas is as much a pagan holiday as a Christian one, and Valentines has been the sole property of Hallmark for many moons. By your logic, no Christian should be celebrating those holidays, either.

As an agnostic, I celebrate a variety of "religious" holidays because my friends and family do so. I celebrate love, companionship, and the important human bonds in my life. I celebrate that my loved ones are healthy and happy and fortunate enough to be able to get together, eat great food, and give each other presents. I also tend to celebrate these things on Christian holidays because they're the only holidays I am given automatic time off for; lovely secular nation we've got here...

Christmas is just another stolen Pagan holiday (popularly known as "Yule"). It was originally intended to celebrate the Winter Solstice, centuries before the Christians stole it and twisted its meaning to suit their own beliefs. I mean, you don't seriously believe that Jesus was born in a manger during the Winter, do you? Or that the nearby shepherds had their flocks in the fields in December?
Christians believe that an all-powerful diety impregnated a 14 year old so that the child she bore could die a slow and torturous death because that was the only way the all-powerful diety could redeem humanity from the sin of eating some fruit off a tree that the all-powerful diety placed in front of them. Shepards in December doesn't sound crazy at all, by comparison.

Yes, Christmas is only about presents and one who tells you different is selling something

I'm an atheist, and I celebrate Christmas, not just in materialistic way.

First of all, it's an opportunity to celebrate and reconnect with my cultural heritage (I am of Polish descent, and my family is Roman Catholic.)

Second, it's an opportunity to give and receive not just gifts, but love. It's a time when we place value on the things we should value all year long...family, friends, love and charity.

Third, it's an opportunity to celebrate the values that Christmas represents, both in the pagan and Christian sense....the light being reborn in the time of darkness, hope for a new beginning, a promise of light ahead.


"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." :p

As an Atheist, I do not celebrate christmas. I celebrate X-mas.

Christmas is a holiday that commemorates the supposed birth of christ.

X-mas is a traditional orgy of American consumerism.

The two have nothing in common excepting that they take place on December 25th.

Honestly, as an Atheist I don't celebrate it, for me it's more a case of, yay day off (from doing absolutely anything, don't know why, it just is) and a chance to get money (I've made it known I prefer money over presents, it's far more dynamic), otherwise I don't give a sh*t, though considering the shops are closed does make it a little tiring. As for easter or any other "religious" holiday it's always a case of: Yay, day off.

christams is a top excuse to catch up with family and friends and eat food. plus giving and getting presents is pretty good too. its just a celebration of togetherness to me. always a great day.

Considering the nature of it's origins... it seems like the 'holiday' was never 'about' Jesus, anyway.

He seems to have been a brand label glued on, for the look of the thing.
True that … but hey they “took up” the “cause” and won us a national holiday … I’m not complaining lol

Christians believe that an all-powerful diety impregnated a 14 year old so that the child she bore could die a slow and torturous death because that was the only way the all-powerful diety could redeem humanity from the sin of eating some fruit off a tree that the all-powerful diety placed in front of them. Shepards in December doesn't sound crazy at all, by comparison.
LOL I love your summaries

It's Christmas in Japan! Time to buy jewelery for your girlfriend, order chicken from Kentucky Fried, buy a plush pokemon for the kids, and nail Santa to a cross! Brazilians throw Christmas parties and get arrested because the neighbors have to go to work in the morning! Cleaning crews don't understand why there are so many drunk foreigners passed out on subways! Department stores throw out miles of christmas light decorations and they are scavenged by foreigners and used to decorate their apartment and make the interior look like a kind of bizzare alien hachery! One dark nights the apartment is mistaken for a flying saucer! You walk into the homes of secular Shintoists and see thousand dollar nativity scenes! They politely ask you to leave because you're drunk! You see nativity scenes where the characters are realistic colors instead of aryan white! Japanese people invite you over to eat seaweed and chicken so you won't feel lonely! Ah, Christmas, is there anywhere where you are better than in Japan?

athesits celebrate christmas. they shouldn't, by beleif, as christmas is only a christian (and maybe muslim) celebration.
christmas is when Jesus Christ, worshipped by christians, a prophet for muslims, was born. the second most important celebration in the christian calendar, to easter.
and i know, im a christian

athesits celebrate christmas. they shouldn't, by beleif, as christmas is only a christian (and maybe muslim) celebration.
christmas is when Jesus Christ, worshipped by christians, a prophet for muslims, was born. the second most important celebration in the christian calendar, to easter.
and i know, im a christian

Too bad for you you're wrong.

athesits celebrate christmas. they shouldn't, by beleif, as christmas is only a christian (and maybe muslim) celebration.
christmas is when Jesus Christ, worshipped by christians, a prophet for muslims, was born. the second most important celebration in the christian calendar, to easter.
and i know, im a christian
LOL like Christmas is about Jesus anymore lol

*Laughs.* It is not Christmas, it's Clausmas!

No! It's Exmas!

"You better not breathe, you better not move!
You're better of dead, I'm telling you dude.
Santa Clause is gunning you down!"

Well I believe that everyone's said pretty much what I wanted to say. Especially pointing out how most Chrisitan holidays were in fact originated. I just wanted to mention how I don't understand why the Christians get so upset about this stuff all the time. If these people are your family and friends, don't you want them to spend time with you whether their your religion or not? I mean is it really Christ-like to seclude people like that? We pagans don't normally bitch about you guys taking our holidays unless of course we're challeneged first. <br> Oh yeah and screw St. Patty's day, he was an evil man. Ripping people's intestines out, sick, sick. He killed all the original Irish people, how come they celebrate him?

Too bad for you you're wrong.
LOL like Christmas is about Jesus anymore lol
one, can i ask why i am wrong?
two, christmas IS the celebration of Jesus' birth. i am all in favour of having a winter celebration for all faithes, but christmas should be kept as it is

I know an atheist who celebrates Christmas. He says he doesn't celebrate it religiously, but it's an oppurtunity to give stuff. yeah right, that's BS. The only reason he celebrates Christmas(he probably hasn't even told his parents he's an atheist) is to get that whatchamacallit for his computer. So I guess I'm just wondering, do atheists celebrate Christmas? I don't think they should, I don't think they ought to celebrate Valentine's Day either. Of course I got no place tellin people what to celebrate, but come on, if you're going to denounce God, I don't think you should be taking advantage of his holidays just for the goodies.
I don't celebrate christmas. I celebrate a huge seafood dinner with my family and the exchange of gifts.

one, can i ask why i am wrong?
two, christmas IS the celebration of Jesus' birth. i am all in favour of having a winter celebration for all faithes, but christmas should be kept as it is
Well most Catholics nowadays would not understand a strict observance of a Christmas celebration … got to love Christians attempt at sub serving pagan religions (the incorporation of “Santa”) backfiring and completely taking over their holiday.

Sorry but I don’t think you will be able to separate all the stuff that comes associated with Christmas from the true celebration of Jesus’ birth
Christmas is mostly a pagan holiday so keeping it “as is” is celebrating so much stuff that has nothing to do with Christ already

one, can i ask why i am wrong?
two, christmas IS the celebration of Jesus' birth. i am all in favour of having a winter celebration for all faithes, but christmas should be kept as it is

Christ's birthday wasn't even on December 25th! It was March 1st, according to Google. That is, of course, assuming he actually existed.

There ya go.

There ya go.
Yup it is without question GOOGLE KNOWS ALL!!!!111!!

It's Christmas in Japan! Time to buy jewelery for your girlfriend, order chicken from Kentucky Fried, buy a plush pokemon for the kids, and nail Santa to a cross! Brazilians throw Christmas parties and get arrested because the neighbors have to go to work in the morning! Cleaning crews don't understand why there are so many drunk foreigners passed out on subways! Department stores throw out miles of christmas light decorations and they are scavenged by foreigners and used to decorate their apartment and make the interior look like a kind of bizzare alien hachery! One dark nights the apartment is mistaken for a flying saucer! You walk into the homes of secular Shintoists and see thousand dollar nativity scenes! They politely ask you to leave because you're drunk! You see nativity scenes where the characters are realistic colors instead of aryan white! Japanese people invite you over to eat seaweed and chicken so you won't feel lonely! Ah, Christmas, is there anywhere where you are better than in Japan?

Silly newb gaijin. ;) The most important part of Christmas in Japan is that big Christmas eve date! Book the table at the overpriced (usually hotel) restaurant far in advance and make sure you get to the love hotel early!

they stand around on Christmas morning and sing:
"What a Friend We Have In Jesus!"

Yup it is without question GOOGLE KNOWS ALL!!!!111!!
Yes. I have decided that Google is the god of the internet in my personal religion.

um christmas, well firstly I celebrate is because its a national holiday and a social tradition. As for it being a Christian festival, thats just a load of crap, its a pagan festival the christians hiijacked, frankly i dont care where it came from but its an excuse to have fun.

you know, for christians who celebrate christmas , they should of course spend all day praying and at church, no gifts and reading bibles all day.

EDIT: reading an above post, YES i heard that thing about crucifeing father christmas too!!!!!!

Silly newb gaijin. The most important part of Christmas in Japan is that big Christmas eve date! Book the table at the overpriced (usually hotel) restaurant far in advance and make sure you get to the love hotel early!

You mean Christmas is only about sex in Japan? I wondered why I was the only person glad to see... END OF SENTENCE EDITED OUT TO PROTECT SENSIBILITIES OF THOSE WHO LACK A SENSE OF HUMOR. I HUMBLY APPOLOGISE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.

athesits celebrate christmas. they shouldn't, by beleif, as christmas is only a christian (and maybe muslim) celebration.
christmas is when Jesus Christ, worshipped by christians, a prophet for muslims, was born. the second most important celebration in the christian calendar, to easter.
and i know, im a christian

Prove it?

Did the Romans conduct census polls in December?

Have you found unprecedented evidence, like Jesus' Birth Certificate?

Or, has the date, and even most of the festivites, been stolen from Pagan celebrations... and merely had the 'name' of Christianity added onto it?

You mean Christmas is only about sex in Japan? I wondered why I was the only person glad to see... END OF SENTENCE EDITED OUT TO PROTECT SENSIBILITIES OF THOSE WHO LACK A SENSE OF HUMOR. I HUMBLY APPOLOGISE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.

Yep. And Valentine's day is all about giving chocolate to all the guys you work with (females only). At least Japan comes pretty close on Halloween.

And for the OP and others claiming that Christmas is purely a Christian holiday not to be celebrated by non-Christians: I submit a request that you stop celebrating New Years, as it is one of the largest Shinto holidays here in Japan.

Seriously, why can't you seem to disconnect the historic, social, and cultural significance of Christmas from the religious? If you found an athiest somehow involved in the religious aspects, there would be grounds for complaint. But most of the significant Christmas customs are historic, social, and cultural, in additoion to being secular. I have no idea why you'd want to connect the relgious parts with a secular custom like exchanging gifts.

Prove it?

Did the Romans conduct census polls in December?

Have you found unprecedented evidence, like Jesus' Birth Certificate?

Or, has the date, and even most of the festivites, been stolen from Pagan celebrations... and merely had the 'name' of Christianity added onto it?
Um option b :)

My extended family, (14 atheists, although about three/four/five of us come from religious familys) celebrates Christmas. We also celebrate Festivus, and Easter, thanksgiving in october and november, ect. Why? We like to get together and have fun? Sure!