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Should I celebrate Christmas as an atheist?

I know it's completely the wrong time of year, but my brain came across this in the depths of the shower and I couldn't not ask.

Should I be celebrating Christmas as a non-Christian?

I haven't been Christened, but England practises Christianity and my family and friends expect me to practise certain aspects with them. Namely, Christmas. The shops force it upon us, we are expected to give and receive gifts (to the point where it's a competition rather than a luxury). I decorate a Christmas tree, eat a turkey dinner and pull crackers.

What do you think?

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Original post by carrotstar
I know it's completely the wrong time of year, but my brain came across this in the depths of the shower and I couldn't not ask.

Should I be celebrating Christmas as a non-Christian?

I haven't been Christened, but England practises Christianity and my family and friends expect me to practise certain aspects with them. Namely, Christmas. The shops force it upon us, we are expected to give and receive gifts (to the point where it's a competition rather than a luxury). I decorate a Christmas tree, eat a turkey dinner and pull crackers.

What do you think?


It's become tradition in some sense. I have friends who are Sikh and still celebrate Christmas. It's up to you really.
of course you should not. Christmas marks the birthday of Our Saviour. it would be weird for you to join in the celebrations if you do not think He is Real.

smh

also you should not have any coins in your purse. they all bear the inscription DG which refers to God. also the dates on the coins are based on the Birth of Our Saviour.

have a nice day.
Original post by carrotstar
I know it's completely the wrong time of year, but my brain came across this in the depths of the shower and I couldn't not ask.

Should I be celebrating Christmas as a non-Christian?

I haven't been Christened, but England practises Christianity and my family and friends expect me to practise certain aspects with them. Namely, Christmas. The shops force it upon us, we are expected to give and receive gifts (to the point where it's a competition rather than a luxury). I decorate a Christmas tree, eat a turkey dinner and pull crackers.

What do you think?


Are you truly taking THE PISS.
You don't belive in GOD but you wanna celebrate Christmas?
SHAME ON YOU! SHAME!
Original post by the bear
of course you should not. Christmas marks the birthday of Our Saviour.

Wasn't it a pagan festival that was re-purposed?

it would be weird for you to join in the celebrations if you do not think He is Real.

It's a part of British culture rather than a religious event IMO.

also you should not have any coins in your purse. they all bear the inscription DG which refers to God. also the dates on the coins are based on the Birth of Our Saviour.

When is he coming back again?
Reply 5
Original post by Wanderlust96
It's become tradition in some sense. I have friends who are Sikh and still celebrate Christmas. It's up to you really.


Do your friends feel forced to celebrate even though it's not part of their religion?

Original post by the bear
of course you should not. Christmas marks the birthday of Our Saviour. it would be weird for you to join in the celebrations if you do not think He is Real.

smh

also you should not have any coins in your purse. they all bear the inscription DG which refers to God. also the dates on the coins are based on the Birth of Our Saviour.

have a nice day.


What you did there, I see it.

In all seriousness, however, in the same sort of when-you're-trying-to-sleep or when-you're-in-the-shower thoughts, I also wonder whether as a country we should be forcing our religion on visitors as you mentioned above. Obviously religion is ingrained in the way this country works, but should it still be when so many religions live alongside one another, and an increasing number of people are not religious? Is it a sort of war of religions perhaps?

Original post by apeshit007
Are you truly taking THE PISS.
You don't belive in GOD but you wanna celebrate Christmas?
SHAME ON YOU! SHAME!


I could take your piss, but that might mean breaking into your house. Also, I don't really want to touch it. Sorry.

Or is it someone else's?
You can celebrate the commercialised holiday that is Christmas. As someone else has said, people of all religions celebrate the holiday that revolves around getting together with your family, giving them gifts, and having a nice time together.

If we're being completely honest with ourselves, everyone knows there are a vast number of people (religious or not) that celebrate it in that fashion, not for God, and thus you're fine do so as well.
Original post by RogerOxon

When is He coming back again?


the coins do not mention the date of His Glorious Coming... but pretty soon :h:
Original post by Nerry
No of course you shouldn't as it completely contradicts everything you claim to stand for

But you will anyways, cos you atheists are ****ing moronic, hypocritical sell-outs :rofl:

Do you reliase how many other religions have:
1. Gods born to virgins;
2. On the 25th December;
3. Resurrected?

Someone has been copying ..
You can do whatever you like, it doesn't need to have religious undertones. And ignore the judgemental Christians, they're really in no position to talk considering that Christmas originates from the pagan celebration of Winter Solstice.
You're not really an atheist then if you want to celebrate the birth of Christ.
We wish you a merry Christmas and a haaaaaaapy new yeeear

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Original post by yungaheartz
You're not really an atheist then if you want to celebrate the birth of Christ.


But it is being celebrated without the mention of Christ at home (except for the literal word "Christmas"). I don't want to celebrate the birth of Christ because I don't believe he existed. However am I wrong to use Christmas as an excuse to celebrate with friends and family?
Original post by carrotstar
But it is being celebrated without the mention of Christ at home (except for the literal word "Christmas":wink:. I don't want to celebrate the birth of Christ because I don't believe he existed. However am I wrong to use Christmas as an excuse to celebrate with friends and family?


Yes.
Original post by carrotstar
Do your friends feel forced to celebrate even though it's not part of their religion?


Not at all, it's a common celebration in the UK. They approach it as one of the good things about living in England; an opportunity to celebrate and look at sparkly houses. I'm an atheist and I don't feel forced at all. If I went to India I wouldn't spend the whole of Diwali sitting inside while everyone else lit candles and let paper lanterns into the sky. That's not because I feel forced, but because I think it's fun and harmless. Not all of religion is bad, Christmas is one of the good bits.
Original post by the bear
the coins do not mention the date of His Glorious Coming... but pretty soon :h:

How many centuries have Christians been saying that for? Can you define 'soon'?

Got any evidence?

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2010/07/14/jesus-christs-return-to-earth/
By the year 2050, 41% of Americans believe that Jesus Christ definitely (23%) or probably (18%) will have returned to earth

Frankly, if anyone that I was expecting were this late, I'd assume that they weren't coming.
A new proposition: is it worse for me to participate in a celebration I don't believe in, or to disappoint those around me for refusing to participate?
Original post by carrotstar
But it is being celebrated without the mention of Christ at home (except for the literal word "Christmas":wink:. I don't want to celebrate the birth of Christ because I don't believe he existed. However am I wrong to use Christmas as an excuse to celebrate with friends and family?

No, you're not. It's a (nice) British tradition, just as Easter is. Any religious meaning has disappeared for many people IMO.
Original post by Wanderlust96
Not at all, it's a common celebration in the UK. They approach it as one of the good things about living in England; an opportunity to celebrate and look at sparkly houses. I'm an atheist and I don't feel forced at all. If I went to India I wouldn't spend the whole of Diwali sitting inside while everyone else lit candles and let paper lanterns into the sky. That's not because I feel forced, but because I think it's fun and harmless. Not all of religion is bad, Christmas is one of the good bits.


So I guess it can be seen as respectful another religion by taking part and wanting to learn more about their celebrations.
Christmas not really a religious celebration anymore though is it.

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