Can X-mas be a different holiday? A question of the grounds for celebration.
#1
Posted 02 January 2006 - 11:17 PM
To me Christmas is for the idea of Santa Claus and for family, not for Christ. Is it X-mas then, and is it wrong to celebrate it?
#2
Posted 03 January 2006 - 01:17 AM
#3
Posted 03 January 2006 - 01:27 AM
Besides - in being an atheist, can anything be "wrong?" You've nothing to answer to or for, so do what you like. Celebrate whatever holiday you like for the fellowship and fun and generosity and spirit, and who cares where it originated or what it means to some people (and not others).
#4
Posted 03 January 2006 - 05:42 AM
What this has to do with X-mas, you tell me, but either way, I only celebrate because my parents do and its an excuse to free stuff from them.
#5
Posted 03 January 2006 - 01:52 PM
Do not know what to believe, led by these conflictions:
One church group says that Jesus's birthday is in January because of a change in time, which will lead back to December that year.
Another church group says that Jesus's birthday is in late October and recently celebrated in December because of the convenience of holidays, but no change in time.
I have heard to many versions from different churches, which goes towards why they work in groups.
I do believe, that Santa could be the work of merchants who made their way down large chimneys when convenient, to an association of the three wise men:
http://www.snopes.co...elore/santa.asp
But I do think it is disrespectful to put too much of Santa Claus over the space of Jesus, that some people forget about the meaning. For the commercial side, it might not be their guilt if the day was moved. To celebrate Santa Claus and Christmas separately, precisely to date may highlight the meanings to prevent confusion.
This post has been edited by Deepsycher: 03 January 2006 - 02:09 PM
#7
Posted 03 January 2006 - 02:03 PM
Did not think of that, but also meaning "X" for unknown. Unknownmas, to entice people of the unknown gifts they get for Christmas.
#9
Posted 03 January 2006 - 06:36 PM
#10
Posted 03 January 2006 - 08:20 PM
We all have our beliefs and I agree a balance is needed.
On the commercial side, it appears to have taken over in some places, like I do not see as many Jesus Christ films, as there used to be years ago and less church ceremonies on television.
When I see an advert on television, and outside shops, they associate the meaning of Christmas by encouraging shoppers to buy quantities of products cheaply. The quality of most of the products I want are the reasons why I have to search a long way. It could be looked upon as an excuse to market cheap stuff. When rightfully done with consideration of quality, could satisfy and meet the needs of most shoppers. Unless the shoppers do not care or notice.
Not saying it is a bad thing in general, but too much of quantity and too less quality is. I hope that changes one day with enough complaints to shops.
To be fair on the religious side, adverts to encourage people to join religious forces to that day, by practicing in churches.
I believe at this moment, that religions are ways of addressing the same force but in another form. Might change my mind about that, one day when I discover more information.
Also to add, one celebration for Santa Claus and one for Jesus, at different dates to send out a clearer message.
This post has been edited by Deepsycher: 03 January 2006 - 08:33 PM
#11
Posted 04 January 2006 - 02:43 AM
I don't mind a large amalagam of holidays. I do mind people fighting over tickle-me Elmo dolls.
#13
Posted 04 January 2006 - 09:53 AM
I don't mind a large amalagam of holidays. I do mind people fighting over tickle-me Elmo dolls.
Makes sense to me, as for trading the carrots in the form of bartering. Shame it is not practiced much anymore. Other than the story about a town who bartered, did not deal in money, and was taken to court because they did not pay taxes, but the case was thrown out.
Trading unwanted presents for wanted goods at christmas without money, is not so greedy and no excuse to waste.
#14
Posted 04 January 2006 - 11:09 AM
I cannot see how "X" is associated or if it represents the symbol of the cross.
Quote "I do mind people fighting over tickle-me Elmo dolls."
From my experience on some reasons why people fight is partially receiving too much of unnecessary gifts: The stuff brought was wrongfully or unequally allocated to those who asked for it. It is better to ask exactly who wants what, than assume. So mistakes like this are less likely happen. This way they can take the "X" out of unknown and there won't be much surprises followed by "fighting". This could help people know where they stand with gifts instead of promises.
Do not know how many experienced this: Years ago many people stated, selfish behaviour for not making use and criticising the quality of their expensive presents. I generally ask "do not to buy me any presents, or give the receipt so it won't go in waste". As I ask the precise presents they need so they won't be disappointed. Giving free equipment even if not needed, and people from long foreign distances are exceptional.
I have seen a situation on buying too much of unwanted items that does not serve a purpose to an individual, and expecting that individual to make use out of all. They say it is the thought that goes into it, but the wrong type of thought, without asking. Now I call that selfish, if the buyer becomes aggressive by their own sentimental values; when asked for the receipt, or swapping equally with someone who will have better use for it.
This is the society I see around, too many presents and less spiritual activity.
Not sure who shares my point of view here?
This post has been edited by Deepsycher: 04 January 2006 - 11:16 AM