I've been reading in several Atheism based blogs about Atheists' displeasure with being wished a "Merry Christmas," and I'm not sure I understand that point of view. As an atheist myself, I am quite happy to be wished a "Merry Christmas," and will immediately respond in kind. In fact, I have been known to utter the greeting myself at times, totally unprovoked.
People might ask how, if I don't believe in God, I can participate in what is essentially a Christian Holiday. The answer to that is simple: no man is an island. I am, as much as anything else, a product of my upbringing, and of society at large. I was raised celebrating Christmas. My wife was raised celebrating Christmas. We have raised our son celebrating Christmas. And as much as Christmas - which is essentially an amalgam of several different pagan and early religious celebrations - is today, in name, a Christian holiday, the fact is, in practice, it is a secular holiday as well.
Simply because I reject the alleged "reason for the season," should I also reject forty years worth of family tradition? Tradition, mind you, that I was brought up participating in long before anyone tried to explain the religious aspects of the day. And quite frankly, the underlying message of Christmas, that it is better to give than to receive, is a good lesson to pass along to my child, whether I choose to attach the religious trappings of it or not.
So, when someone wishes me a "Merry Christmas," I don't pause to contemplate whether they are a believer in God or not, or how their belief does or does not affect me. I simply return the sentiment, and heartily, and sincerely wish them and theirs a very, Merry Christmas. In fact...
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night."
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17 comments:
Well said - and my atheist husband agrees with you! - Karen
Well said. Someone else believing in Christmas doesn't change how I feel or believe. If wishing me a Merry Christimas makes them happy, ok. And may you have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, too.
I agree with you. I see Christmas as the spirit of love and giving. I was raised having Christmas and I love it! I'm not allowed to say "Merry Christmas" at the bank unless a customer says it to me first. I have to say, "Happy Holidays." Although I understand there are others who do not celebrate I cannot understand why it would be offensive. I wouldn't feel the least bit offended if someone wished me a Happy Hanukkah. I'd just tell them I wasn't Jewish or say thank you; whatever. Regardless of your religion or lack of it doesn't identify you as a Scrooge.
Merry Christmas to you and your family Paul and I hope it is the happiest ever!!!
Dianna
Ah... your sentiments on the subject are just as I would expect them to be. You are a good man, Paul. And, yes the spirit and kindness and giving that is embodied in the season is the true gift to humanity, no matter ones specific religious/spiritual belief.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, and a Happy Boxing Day and a Happy 2007, too!
be well,
Dawn
ps... You should put this entry in CarnivAOL
I know how you can celebrate Christmas, it isn't christian is why. Religious folks ie catholics put religiousnes into a pagan holiday. True believers know that. Now it is all about material greediness. I really don't think the Lord lilke all the hubbub. It doesn't glorify his son very much, does it.
Hi Paul...Merry Christmas to you and family too. Re: your post, I am not sure that those who don't appreciate a "Merry Christmas" sent to them as they are not celebrating it is a matter of opinion. I think like for you they are following a thread or a tradition or their deep beliefs that they owe to their own history, and for these reasons I think and feel that they do not feel comfortable and surely genuinely. I am not sure it is just superficial opinion or point of view that you could scratch on the surface and see something else undernieth... I know people who do their xmas end of November, others in February... when I don't remember I just wish Happy New Year or Season's Greetings... that does not hurt or goes against who they are, we are still changing year.
Valerie
Well said Paul.....and a merry christmas to you.Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog...much appreciated. Unfortunately I have only written the LYRICS to the song but have a tune that goes with it in my head.... I CANT play an instrument and dont know anyone who does! Thats one of the main reasons I need a musical genius to help me put the damn thing together ! lol
Having said that....the lyrics are excellent, very original and catchy so would be easy for anyone with a little musical talent to put them to very good use. IF you can help in any way to get the song recorded I would be soooo grateful PAUL. Can I leave my blog address for other bloggers who visit your cool site? Maybe one of them might be able to help me out.Thanks again Paul.
http;//journals.aol.co.uk/brownbshaw/a-number-one-hit-song.../
http://journals.aol.co.uk/brownbshaw/a-number-one-hit-song.../
You've hit the nail on the head... Christmas is for everyone who wants to celebrate loving each other, hope, and giving. I actually wrote an entry much like this that I have been republishing, now for the third year. Check it out here: http://adventuresofaneclecticmind.blogspot.com/2006/12/celebrations-of-light-hope.html#links
I think it will fall right in there with your feelings about Christmas!
Happy Winter Holiday of your Choice <g> to you and yours!
Merry Christmas, P-Litty.
For what it's worth, people who take a secular approach to Christmas always give the best gifts. And, they're not wrapped in guilt with a pretty bow of self-loathing on top.
-Dan
http://journals.aol.com/dpoem/TheWisdomofaDistractedMind/
And a very merry Christmas to all the Littles in Little-ville. Wishing you the best in the new year and more cool concerts with your kid. Kiss your wife for me too, eh?
Simon
I still say it, too--MERRY CHRISTMAS, LITTLES!--Cin
It seems you are merely enjoying the season and being kind. Christians don't have a corner on that market. Would other atheists have you ignore all the fun of Easter and the Tradion of Thanksgiving as well?! Me thinks some of them are awfully worried about Someone they think don't exist! The best of everything to you and yours! - Barbara
Umm... I'm pretty sure Jesus is weeping to hear that Canadian atheists don't celebrate Thanksgiving.
-Dan
I say 'Merry Christmas' too Paul and I am at best a sceptical agnostic!
Kate.
http://journals.aol.co.uk/bobandkate/AnAnalysisofLife/
http://journals.aol.co.uk/bobandkate/20062007-journal-index/
I am glad you put this into CarnivAOL. Glad you think my opinion matters at all!
Thanks Paul!!
be well,
Dawn
I was seriously involved with a man who is atheist, but also grew up in the tradition of celebrating Christmas. He gets a tree, celebrates with his children before sending them off for the day with his ex-wife, does most of the secular things related to Christmas. He finds that Jesus is still a great prophet, the tree pagan sources, and personally, I think a ton is the tradition he doesn't wish to give up so he rationalizes it with these other things, but shhh, cuz he won't admit that:)
-- Robin
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