How do you atheists celebrate Christmas?

[Winehole23]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GW22sAElpE

[baseline bum]

Its my last final. As soon as I leave that room I'm walking across the street with some friends and hitting up the local bar. I believe by the time tomorow evening rolls around I will be fully drunk and won't have to worry about how bad egg nog tastes or who's traditions I'm celebrating.

No love for line integrals?

[DarrinS]

I think its funny that 2011 Americans still pretend Christmas has anything to do with the birth of Jesus to begin with.

Christmas is a consumer holiday. A means to exploit the buying public before the 4th quarter ends, thereby padding the balance sheets before (or during) fiscal year's end.

I dont see commercials on TV, paid for by large retailers and electronics stores say one word about Christ.

Face it. Christmas was hijacked from Christians long before this year.

For the record, I don't care how/why people celebrate Christmas (or chose not to). Just trying create something to counter the number of whiny atheists and/or anti-Christian threads that have begun to appear with greater frequency as we approach 12/25.

[ChumpDumper]

So you just wanted to make a whiny Christian/anti-atheist thread.

[CuckingFunt]

ew

Raw eggs? Rocky? Or real men?

[Vici]

Face it there are only 12 posters here at ST that keep people visiting the site on a daily basis,
I just happen to be one of them.

There it is. mouse all but admits that he is nothing more than a lonely troll who's only purpose in life is to increase traffic on a website he has nothing to do with.

[scott]

I agree with all but your first statement.

To be fair, there are Christians, me included, that recognize the non-Christian commercialization of Christmas for what it is and, yet, we're still able to honor the birth of our savior during that season...while still participating in the festivities.

So, I disagree, Christmas still has something to do with the birth of Christ, it's just not such a flashy or grandiose part of the season that it gets noticed much, anymore. Particularly with the expansion of the season into to a month and a half.

I still attend Christmas candlelight services at my church. I still follow the advent calendar with my children. I still read the nativity account from the Gospels. In short, I recognize the Christmas holiday exists because Christians decided to declare is a time to honor Christ. That it's been coopted by everyone wanting a day off from work and an excuse to exchange gifts is not the fault of Christians.

It only has absolutely nothing to with the birth of Christ for those who choose not to make that association.

Why not celebrate it during the season in which he was actually born?

[Yonivore]

Why not celebrate it during the season in which he was actually born?

What does it matter? Modern Christmas existed as a celebration of Christ's birth before it was used as an excuse for commercial excess party.

[ChumpDumper]

What does it matter? Modern Christmas existed as a celebration of Christ's birth before it was used as an excuse for commercial excess party.

And before that it was a bunch of pagans dragging trees into their houses. What does it matter?

[scott]

What does it matter? Modern Christmas existed as a celebration of Christ's birth before it was used as an excuse for commercial excess party.

You tell me why it matters, other than to overshadow a pagan holiday?

[ChumpDumper]

You tell me why it matters, other than to overshadow a pagan holiday?

Co-opt might be a better term.

[scott]

For the record, I don't care about this stuff. I find the "War on Christmas" to be as hilariously stupid as atheists getting mad that a government official calls it a "Christmas tree".

[scott]

Co-opt might be a better term.

Good point. Thank you.

[scott]

Personally, I celebrate the 25th as the Feast of the Son of Isis, which was traditionally celebrated with raucous partying, gluttonous eating and drinking, and gift-giving. So basically normal Christmas, plus partying.

[Blake]

Co-opt might be a better term.

God was apparently insecure about how many friends would show up at his Son's party.

[CuckingFunt]

Personally, I celebrate the 25th as the Feast of the Son of Isis, which was traditionally celebrated with raucous partying, gluttonous eating and drinking, and gift-giving. So basically normal Christmas, plus partying.

Add some fighting, screaming, and guilt and it is my normal Christmas.

[Yonivore]

You tell me why it matters, other than to overshadow a pagan holiday?

I'm not sure it does matter but, it's been celebrated on December 25th for some time. I see no reason to move it.

[CuckingFunt]

Add some fighting, screaming, and guilt and it is my normal Christmas.

Oh, and ravioli.

[Yonivore]

Personally, I celebrate the 25th as the Feast of the Son of Isis, which was traditionally celebrated with raucous partying, gluttonous eating and drinking, and gift-giving. So basically normal Christmas, plus partying.

Whatever works for you; far be it from me to deny you your rituals.

[Blake]

I'm not sure it does matter but, it's been celebrated on December 25th for some time. I see no reason to move it.

The church at one point said it was a sin to celebrate it.

Luckily the Church continues to change their minds.

[ploto]

I'm not even sure that any but the most blind Christians would say that the modern celebration of Christmas has much to do with Jesus.

Try dealing with family who get mad because your attending church services for Christmas "conflicts" with attending their entire festivities!

[Winehole23]

miss the party? unforgiveable!

[ploto]

Also, understand, it does not in the least bother me that atheists celebrate Christmas. I will attend FOUR Christmas parties hosted by atheists this year.

I have a Jewish friend whose family puts up a tree every year! I would guess it started when the kids were little and really did not understand why everyone else had a tree. Given that a tree is not a uniquely Christian symbol, I say have at it!

[Winehole23]

I have a Jewish friend whose family puts up a tree every year!

that's not very unusual. nor is the giving of gifts at xmas time.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

oh, and ravioli.

sick