Is Xmas only for christians? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

waichingliu81 · 12-25-2007, 07:57 AM

at this important time of the year, millions of people in the US and around the world are celebrating xmas with our loved ones and friends. the thing is xmas is a christian tradition, which was originally invented by the pagans hundreds of years ago and it was, you could say hijacked by christians.

i understand that christmas is a holiday celebrated by christians, just as diwali is celebrated by muslims, and hanukkah is a jewish holiday celebrated by jewish people. but why do certain people assume that only christians and catholics can celebrate xmas, and not other people, such as the gay community and atheists and people who aren't religious.

i am sure there are many people who see xmas as a period where in which the religious aspect doesn't apply to them, as well as those that do. but for those of us who aren't religious, we should still be allowed to celebrate xmas and see it as a time for us to be with our families

Max Whittaker · 12-25-2007, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waichingliu81

at this important time of the year, millions of people in the US and around the world are celebrating xmas with our loved ones and friends. the thing is xmas is a christian tradition, which was originally invented by the pagans hundreds of years ago and it was, you could say hijacked by christians.

Yes, it was hijacked by the Christians. In turn, the holiday has been hijacked by business and corporations. It is no longer a Christian holiday.

All my life, as far as I could tell, the traditions have never been exclusive to any one denomination. Everybody shops.

I think if people are looking to celebrate their own traditions, they should do so. It all takes place around the same time of year. Money makers have what they want. If they can celebrate in their way, why can't everybody else?

Christmas is not just Christmas.

Hollow · 12-25-2007, 08:50 AM

"and like all of our episodes, this episode has an important moral lesson. the moral of this episode is that EVERYONE, regardless of your religion, should celebrate christmas! because it's the best holiday!" - south park creator

EmoJoe · 12-25-2007, 10:40 AM

i know a lot of Jewish people who love the Christmas season but dont celebrate it. i think anyone can really get in the "spirit" of Christmas.

i also don't think the only true meaning of Christmas is the religious meaning. of course it's a major part of it but i think another big meaning of Christmas is getting away from the everyday world and getting together with your family and spending time together.

TripperFan · 12-25-2007, 11:11 AM

While the basis of the holiday is Christian (or as others have said, was hijacked by Christians), I've never felt it was exclusively "our" holiday. Because so many backgrounds hold holidays at this time of year, I've always felt it's just a time for everyone to come together, and enjoy peace and love for all humanity (I know, I'm sounding sappy now).

Also, I have close friends who are Muslim, but they love the holiday and put up a tree each year.

I also worked for a company who's owner and officers were Jewish. We'd put a tree up in the lobby each year, and combine all sorts of ornaments on it, and even topped it off with a Star of David. It looked great! And one of the most memorable and enjoyable Christmas dinners I ever had was with a Jewish family.

OH Nuts! · 12-25-2007, 02:36 PM

It's hard to be part of any faith and not partake in some aspect of the Christmas Holiday. I'm not Christian, but I am very moved by the holiday nonetheless. The spirit that's in the air, the reflection to step back and respond kindly, to wish all whose work makes the holiday more enjoyable for us all, the religious masses to which I have been a guest.

It's a beautiful beautiful holiday.

The only thing I don't like is how businesses try to milk it for all they can. It's getting appalling to see the ploys businesses now do--my God they start hawking everyone to SPEND SPEND SPEND for XMAS even right after Labor Day. That part disgusts me. There is such a thing as respect and decorum. Yes businesses have to make $--but let us celebrate Thanksgiving first--and then on 12:01 a.m. Black Friday you can pull out all the stops. The idea of 24 hr shop days from Black Friday onward is not a bad one esp. if it ends up being a replacement for the crass commercialism that commences at inappropriate times.

Janice · 12-25-2007, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waichingliu81

but for those of us who aren't religious, we should still be allowed to celebrate xmas and see it as a time for us to be with our families

Go for it. Nobody's stopping anyone from doing anything.

ThomasE · 12-25-2007, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safety pin

"and like all of our episodes, this episode has an important moral lesson. the moral of this episode is that EVERYONE, regardless of your religion, should celebrate christmas! because it's the best holiday!" - south park creator

"and if you would like to know more about reading and literature, please call--"

JUST KIDDING!

ABlairican Pie · 12-25-2007, 04:46 PM

Christmas was actually instituted by the Roman emperor Constantine on around A.D. 313 or 325 when he became the first Christian ruler of Rome. He basically did it to unify the pagans and Christians in the Christianized empire by designating the Feast of Saturnalia, or the day dedicated to the Roman god of light, Mithra, as the "birthday of Christ". Historians do not believe that Christ was actually born on December 25, but was most likely born in mid-October or even spring.

So, pray like a Christian. Party like a pagan.

ThomasE · 12-25-2007, 04:49 PM

That is what I heard as well in regards to the birthday part of your message Tad. The same thing.

TripperFan · 12-25-2007, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABlairican Pie

the "birthday of Christ". Historians do not believe that Christ was actually born on December 25, but was most likely born in mid-October or even spring.

So, pray like a Christian. Party like a pagan.

Interesting! I always thought it was within the first two weeks of January (like Eastern Ortho - January 6th)

AKA · 12-25-2007, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABlairican Pie

Historians do not believe that Christ was actually born on December 25, but was most likely born in mid-October or even spring.

I believe, as do many others, that He was born in April of 6 B.C.

http://news.smh.com.au/theories-stir...1225-1ixv.html

ABlairican Pie · 12-25-2007, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TripperFan

Interesting! I always thought it was within the first two weeks of January (like Eastern Ortho - January 6th)

Yes, as the Roman Empire experienced a schism in the early centuries prior to the millenium, Christianity was divided into two wings, the Roman Catholic Church, based in Rome, and the Eastern Orthodox Church, based in Constantinople, which is modern-day Istanbul, before it fell to the Turks in 1453. Both factions had differences in matters of belief and practice. Eastern Orthodox is actually considered the earliest version of Christianity by some.

Dean Winchester · 12-25-2007, 07:30 PM

I think if you wish to celebrate the holiday without being religious, go for it. What I dislike is all the people who will buy Christmas presents for people, but then bitch at the idea of a "Christmas" tree saying that it's discriminating against their beliefs. Well, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus, if you have a problem with that, don't even participate in the consumer side because you can't take Christ out of Christmas. Nobody would ever bitch about the Jewish faith and Passover

TripperFan · 12-25-2007, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABlairican Pie

Yes, as the Roman Empire experienced a schism in the early centuries prior to the millenium, Christianity was divided into two wings, the Roman Catholic Church, based in Rome, and the Eastern Orthodox Church, based in Constantinople, which is modern-day Istanbul, before it fell to the Turks in 1453. Both factions had differences in matters of belief and practice. Eastern Orthodox is actually considered the earliest version of Christianity by some.

Boy do I feel stupid!! lol

thx

12-25-2007, 07:57 AM	#1
waichingliu81 debbie allen Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 28, 2006 Location: london, england, UK Posts: 4,347	Is Xmas only for christians? at this important time of the year, millions of people in the US and around the world are celebrating xmas with our loved ones and friends. the thing is xmas is a christian tradition, which was originally invented by the pagans hundreds of years ago and it was, you could say hijacked by christians. i understand that christmas is a holiday celebrated by christians, just as diwali is celebrated by muslims, and hanukkah is a jewish holiday celebrated by jewish people. but why do certain people assume that only christians and catholics can celebrate xmas, and not other people, such as the gay community and atheists and people who aren't religious. i am sure there are many people who see xmas as a period where in which the religious aspect doesn't apply to them, as well as those that do. but for those of us who aren't religious, we should still be allowed to celebrate xmas and see it as a time for us to be with our families

12-25-2007, 10:40 AM	#4
EmoJoe Cool cool cool Forum Addict Join Date: Apr 23, 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 71,478	i know a lot of Jewish people who love the Christmas season but dont celebrate it. i think anyone can really get in the "spirit" of Christmas. i also don't think the only true meaning of Christmas is the religious meaning. of course it's a major part of it but i think another big meaning of Christmas is getting away from the everyday world and getting together with your family and spending time together.
	__________________ "I know the difference between TV and reality, Jeff. TV has structure, it makes sense, there are likable leading men. In real life, we have this. We have you." - Abed Nadir, Community www.sitcomsarestupid.blogspot.com

12-25-2007, 11:11 AM	#5
TripperFan In God's Arms Now Forum Star Join Date: Sep 14, 2003 Location: Heartbreak Ridge Posts: 12,086	While the basis of the holiday is Christian (or as others have said, was hijacked by Christians), I've never felt it was exclusively "our" holiday. Because so many backgrounds hold holidays at this time of year, I've always felt it's just a time for everyone to come together, and enjoy peace and love for all humanity (I know, I'm sounding sappy now). Also, I have close friends who are Muslim, but they love the holiday and put up a tree each year. I also worked for a company who's owner and officers were Jewish. We'd put a tree up in the lobby each year, and combine all sorts of ornaments on it, and even topped it off with a Star of David. It looked great! And one of the most memorable and enjoyable Christmas dinners I ever had was with a Jewish family.
	__________________ If I don't see you in this world, I'll meet you in the next one.....don't be late James Marshall Hendrix Voodoo Chile The Forum Legend formerly known as TripperFan "religion is for people who are afraid of hell--spirituality is for people who have been through hell"---anonymous

12-25-2007, 04:46 PM	#9
ABlairican Pie Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 12, 2001 Location: Living where cats reign more Supreme than a pizza. Posts: 31,619	Christmas was actually instituted by the Roman emperor Constantine on around A.D. 313 or 325 when he became the first Christian ruler of Rome. He basically did it to unify the pagans and Christians in the Christianized empire by designating the Feast of Saturnalia, or the day dedicated to the Roman god of light, Mithra, as the "birthday of Christ". Historians do not believe that Christ was actually born on December 25, but was most likely born in mid-October or even spring. So, pray like a Christian. Party like a pagan.
	__________________ Release the kitties. --Nathan Explosion

12-25-2007, 08:50 AM	#3
Hollow Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 16, 2001 Posts: 30,406	"and like all of our episodes, this episode has an important moral lesson. the moral of this episode is that EVERYONE, regardless of your religion, should celebrate christmas! because it's the best holiday!" - south park creator

12-25-2007, 02:36 PM	#6
OH Nuts! Member Forum King Join Date: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 133,383	It's hard to be part of any faith and not partake in some aspect of the Christmas Holiday. I'm not Christian, but I am very moved by the holiday nonetheless. The spirit that's in the air, the reflection to step back and respond kindly, to wish all whose work makes the holiday more enjoyable for us all, the religious masses to which I have been a guest. It's a beautiful beautiful holiday. The only thing I don't like is how businesses try to milk it for all they can. It's getting appalling to see the ploys businesses now do--my God they start hawking everyone to SPEND SPEND SPEND for XMAS even right after Labor Day. That part disgusts me. There is such a thing as respect and decorum. Yes businesses have to make $--but let us celebrate Thanksgiving first--and then on 12:01 a.m. Black Friday you can pull out all the stops. The idea of 24 hr shop days from Black Friday onward is not a bad one esp. if it ends up being a replacement for the crass commercialism that commences at inappropriate times.

12-25-2007, 04:49 PM	#10
ThomasE Member Moderator Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 04, 2000 Location: New York, New York, U.S.A. Posts: 10,857	That is what I heard as well in regards to the birthday part of your message Tad. The same thing.

12-25-2007, 07:30 PM	#14
Dean Winchester Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 14,803	I think if you wish to celebrate the holiday without being religious, go for it. What I dislike is all the people who will buy Christmas presents for people, but then bitch at the idea of a "Christmas" tree saying that it's discriminating against their beliefs. Well, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus, if you have a problem with that, don't even participate in the consumer side because you can't take Christ out of Christmas. Nobody would ever bitch about the Jewish faith and Passover