Would you cancel Christmas?

Retrogamer

I'm just confused to why some Christian groups don't do it as they deem it in breach of one of the 10 commandments, but others do.

Is it a Christian tradition though, or a Pagan tradition that Christians take part in?

Torry_Quine

Retrogamer wrote: »

This is in no way intended to be offensive, but why do Christians put up a tree?

The "Christmas tree" is a Pagan symbol and tradition
Same a lot of other stuff
The evergreen was seen as a special tree as it didn't lose it's colour in winter.
Pagans used to take it indoors to decorate it with bells and other stuff.
They believed that if the tree spirit / god was happy it would jingle to let them know.

One of the 10 commandments is don't worship other gods and some Christians don't put it up due to this, but others do.

I don't know any Christians who see the Christmas tree as a symbol of worship and I suspect most non-Christians don't either. :xmastree:

Saibal

I feel quite strongly that there is so much emphasis on the expectation of Christmas being a time for families and couples that it inevitably has the effect of making people without family near, or a significant other,left out. As a singleton who's only immediate family lives abroad, frankly I am left feeling inadequate in the months-long build-up to it, dreading I will be alone and lonely unless I can latch onto a family unit who will kindly have me for Christmas.

So while cancelling Christmas may be a bit of overkill, the culture (certainly in this country) needs to become a bit more inclusive and not focus relentlessly on images of happy families and children, a bit of sensitivity towards those who don't fit the standard model would be much appreciated.

Any spontaneous desire to bestow gifts and cards tends to be hijacked by the retailers' media screams drowning it out in telling us what we should be buying for others. With the best will in the world, it is difficult not to be influenced and shamed into getting something 'reassuringly expensive' in case one looks like a cheapskate or grinch, or untrendy. I get stressed worrying about putting pressure on my friends to reciprocate my cards and gifts.

And all for the sake of just ONE day in the year! The overblown hype around it just does not make sense.

Pippin12

I'm single and have no family and I'm going to spend christmas alone but I'm really looking forward to it. It's couple of days of eating and drinking and enjoying all the special goodies I don't normally splash out on. Plus it's a time to take stock of the past year, time to relax and recharge and plan for the year ahead. Oh and it's also a good opportunity to veg out in front of the TV with my little cat for a couple of days. No, I wouldn't cancel it, I enjoy all the excitement leading up to it and the opportunity to have a total rest for a couple of days. Bliss.

freyasmum

No indeed I would not.

I have had Christmasses where I haven't had huge vats of money, and I have had Christmasses where I have had lots.

You do not need to spend a fortune to have a lovely time. It's all about spending the time with your family and friends, sharing a (hopefully delicious, well-prepared) meal. If you choose to give gifts, then by all means, do so. But please don't feel pressured to do so.

ringo_24601 wrote: »

It's a shame there isnt a British versions of Thanksgiving; something secular that people can use as an excuse to get together and share a meal with their extended family

It's a shame that most people need to have an excuse to share a meal with their extended family.

alandbailey

The Law of Unintended Consequences works in my favour for a change.
My wife divorced me in 2007 and my two sons do not visit or keep in touch, so I no longer have to pay out for Birthday presents, Xmas presents or cards. My brother lives in Oz. No other family near.
Due to medical reasons, I can eat very little so an Xmas dinner is not an option - BUT - I still enjoy alcohol!!!:D
Being a disabled OAP on low income, all days are the same to me now.:(
I have freecycled all the Xmas decorations, fake tree and lights and think all the radio & tv entertainment is rubbish so I will listen to CDs and drink too much.
Merry Xmas :beer:

MrSmartprice

Yes, I would willingly press the 'Cancel Christmas' button. The whole thing is just a pointless spendfest of gluttony, waste and hypocrisy.

The whole thing is based on celebrating a huge lie which few people care about anyway. Christmas just seems to bring out the worst excesses in people and I am happy to avoid it.

Torry_Quine wrote: »

I don't know any Christians who see the Christmas tree as a symbol of worship and I suspect most non-Christians don't either.

I would suggest the Cash Register is the true symbol of worship at Christmas if we are honest.:D

Avoriaz

We have done.

We are going to Marrakech for the week. :beer:

Torry_Quine

MrSmartprice wrote: »

Yes, I would willingly press the 'Cancel Christmas' button. The whole thing is just a pointless spendfest of gluttony, waste and hypocrisy.

The whole thing is based on celebrating a huge lie which few people care about anyway. Christmas just seems to bring out the worst excesses in people and I am happy to avoid it.



I would suggest the Cash Register is the true symbol of worship at Christmas if we are honest.:D

As I've said before you don't have to eat to excess or spend large amounts. In fact in my opinion the best Christmas is the simple one.

You may 'worship' a cash register but I most certainly don't.:cool:

MrSmartprice

Torry_Quine wrote: »

As I've said before you don't have to eat to excess or spend large amounts. In fact in my opinion the best Christmas is the simple one.

You may 'worship' a cash register but I most certainly don't.:cool:

I do none of that, since I abhor Christmas and the hypocrisy and nonsense that surrounds it all. We shall not be eating to excess, and shall be spending very little.

I think you have totally misunderstood what I've said (as usual;)) about cash registers. I worship nothing, as there is nothing worth being worshipped. Some people just seem to throw money at this pointless celebration of consumerism, but I shall not be one of them. Hence, I would press that button and cancel the whole bloody lot!