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Christmas or Holidays
I have noticed recently here In California of leaving out out the Traditional word of Christmas or Xmas , and even schools are saying Holidays, I dont see it as Politically incorrect for children to have a Xmas concert at school . the stores are all wishing us Happy holidays and in fact everyone is saying that. I appreciate there is Hannukah , I dont say holidays to any jewish friends, it would be Happy Hannukah to them .What are your views and is it the same in your state or is it only here.
You know that's a complex one. I am a non believer. I use that term instead of "atheist" because "atheist" sounds antagonistic and snotty and people who use the term are pushing lack of belief systems on people the same they accuse people of pushing belief systems on them. But it did bother me that the town I grew up in had a giant nativity scene saying "Keep Christ in Christmas" and in response the Jewish community put up a giant menorah. It was like a battle of the bands. Then there was some common sense and they just had a general holiday theme such as snowflakes and snowmen and the like. Even if someone is religious its not a grandiose statement. Faith is a very personal matter.
But this is the important thing. Its not what you say on the holidays. Its what you do. If someone celebrates the holidays in a deeply religious manner I am not offended but just the same I'd prefer if they not ask me to believe in something I don't. But essentially I have deep respect for people who dedicate Christmas towards helping others but that feeling should embody the way people treat each other all year, not just one day. And most essentially people should respect all backgrounds, its not just Christians and Jews, there are people in my neighborhood who are Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Moslem, etc. And everyone has their own traditions. The one thing that did bother me was when I went to this soup kitchen on the Bowery and they were giving out food to homeless people and regardless of faith, there were so many people there volunteering it seemed like they were there to get rid of their guilt rather than help people. And the homeless people got a sermon before meals which upset me because they may not have been of that background.
But until recovery progresses I am homebound from a physical disability but aside from walks I go out when neccessary and also to help people or participate in advocacy. And last year the agency I am part of participated in a "Toys for Tots" drive. I thought it was good to bring some happiness into people's lives. And I would have had no problem with someone saying "Merry Christmas" and I would have said it back. The point is if someone deeply believes in the meaning of the holiday, its not just gifts, its thinking of others. And I certainly couldn't say I was against that, in fact I'm strongly for it. I just wish people would expand that thinking to days other than one specific holiday.
But this is the important thing. Its not what you say on the holidays. Its what you do. If someone celebrates the holidays in a deeply religious manner I am not offended but just the same I'd prefer if they not ask me to believe in something I don't. But essentially I have deep respect for people who dedicate Christmas towards helping others but that feeling should embody the way people treat each other all year, not just one day. And most essentially people should respect all backgrounds, its not just Christians and Jews, there are people in my neighborhood who are Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Moslem, etc. And everyone has their own traditions. The one thing that did bother me was when I went to this soup kitchen on the Bowery and they were giving out food to homeless people and regardless of faith, there were so many people there volunteering it seemed like they were there to get rid of their guilt rather than help people. And the homeless people got a sermon before meals which upset me because they may not have been of that background.
But until recovery progresses I am homebound from a physical disability but aside from walks I go out when neccessary and also to help people or participate in advocacy. And last year the agency I am part of participated in a "Toys for Tots" drive. I thought it was good to bring some happiness into people's lives. And I would have had no problem with someone saying "Merry Christmas" and I would have said it back. The point is if someone deeply believes in the meaning of the holiday, its not just gifts, its thinking of others. And I certainly couldn't say I was against that, in fact I'm strongly for it. I just wish people would expand that thinking to days other than one specific holiday.
I also wish a Merry Christmas to everyone. I choose to continue to wish those I come in contact with "Merry Christmas." But, when all the water has boiled from the pot it really doesn't matter what you call it., as long as the true reason for the season is not forgotten, and it is not to increase sales and make money.
This is so bull s h it I have no idea since pretty much anyone with a mouth has said it doesn't offend them to say Merry Christmas or any of the other holidays, why it's such a big deal. The fact of the matter IS, that December 25th IS Christmas...So why not call it that? I don't happen to have any religious affiliation and am probably considered agnostic and I celebrate Christmas. Can't I? Of course I can....it means what it means to me and no one can take that from me...The argument about separating church from state is so BULL sh i t too, which seems to be the reason for this stupid trend. Separation ??? Is that why In God We Trust is on money? Is that why we put our hand on the Bible in court? Give me a f - in breaK!!!!!! That has always bothered me, but I still spend money and happily accept it too. Same thing with court....I may not agree on the justice systems cra p all the time, but I abide by the law and if I had to testify, I'd STILL have to put my hand on the Bible....What about that anyway? What about the muslims, jews, buddhists...all the other religions, or non-religious people....what the he!! is it supposed to mean that THOSE people still have to do it and say they swear on it? Come on..... I have no idea whose idea this all really was to stop saying Merry Christmas but it's stupid, illogical, unfounded and unnecessary....MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Sorry I see on the other post its Kwanza , Apologys !
Merry Christmas guys an early one,I am sad that it is so widespread its our Tradition I dont think I am offending any one by using it, and I always wish any jewish friends a Happy Hannukah and I know there is Qaunza and I wish my African American friends a Happy Quanza (Hope I spelt it right) Are ther any others that I have forgotten or dont know about ??
Get this - the bank that I used to work for had us send out "Holiday" cards before Thanksgiving to ensure that we didn't imply that we were Christians - so as not to offend anyone. They actually didn't have red/green anywhere or anything that looked "holiday-ish" - they were more like Thanksgiving cards.
I told them it didn't bother me to be seen as a Christian.
It's amazing... You still see Santa Clause - but no Christmas. I understand different religions (Christian, Jewish, Kwanza) celebrating different versions - but the main thing is that we aren't suppose to offend the non-believers...ok, if they don't believe, why would they be offended????
Merry Christmas!
Rach
I told them it didn't bother me to be seen as a Christian.
It's amazing... You still see Santa Clause - but no Christmas. I understand different religions (Christian, Jewish, Kwanza) celebrating different versions - but the main thing is that we aren't suppose to offend the non-believers...ok, if they don't believe, why would they be offended????
Merry Christmas!
Rach
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