Why We Don't Celebrate Christmas
I have told many people that I do not celebrate Christmas. People have looked at me in non belief. What kind of Christian does not celebrate Christmas? Here is my view on Christmas. Hopefully this gives those of you who have asked some clarity.
What is Christmas?
On December 25th the celebration of the birth of Jesus takes place world wide. Although, the book of Luke suggests that Jesus was born during the warmer months. In any case, Christmas which is the celebration of Jesus has more recently become one of the largest grossing days of the year for many stores and online sites. Jesus was a boy out of Bethlehem who was born in a stable. He grew up to be a teacher who spread the word of God. I'm still not quite sure how Christmas trees, ornaments, Santa and, excessive gift buying became part of the celebration. It must have been a collaboration between Christians and people of other religious or even non religious decent- just a guess, do not quote me on this.
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Growing up, I remember anticipating Christmas morning. The excitement of waking my parents to see what Santa had in store for my sister and I was better than the scariest rollar coaster on the hottest summer day, at least for me it was. At that time I only had one sister. We stood up so late talking about our lists to Santa. Eventually, the late nights talking about Santa turned into opening one present at 12 am. Years later, my sisters and I (there are four of us at this time) just knew that mom would buy everything we asked for. Why would she ask us what we wanted if she couldn't buy us ALL 250 dollar North Face coats in addition to the freshest wardrobe, right? The holidays were about getting the gifts we thought we deserved because somewhere in the world, there were children that were straight out bad, all year long and we did not fall into that category.
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What happens to the child when he/she realizes that their parents were lying to them about the extraordinary characters such as Santa, and the Tooth Fairy?
I'm not quite sure when my anger from being lied to for so long subsided. I'm sure I was lied to with good intentions, but lied to nonetheless. Who was the guy that I waited on ridiculously long lines at the 34th street Macy*s to take pictures with year in and year out? The scenery was magical, but how long were we taking part in the the money draining capitalist ways of Western society?
I still struggle with the fact that Jesus' birthday got thrown into the midst of this "Christ" mas holiday or lack thereof.
December 25th is just another day of the year. Good ole Saint Nick, you know, the non existant one...has nothing to do with this particular day.
As a follower of Christ, it does not resinate with me that a holiday such as Christmas would have such an effect on the human race whereas people are not only buying items they can not afford , but fighting for the popular toys of the year.
What happened to the holidays based family, joy peace and , love?
We're not inundated in the word, seeing or hearing Him during the holiday season.
We are not celebrating the Lord!
We are stressing about buying presents.
Many people do not have food to eat , and here we are buying gifts to put under a tree to say that an old white guy brought because we were well behaved; no offense.
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We do not celebrate Christmas. At least not the way that I see it celebrated all around me.
My kids are the kids that are killing the "Christmas spirit". The ones that parents do not like. I am fine with that because they are vocal about what they are taught as well as what they believe. They will tell someone in a heart beat that Santa is not real. My families' traditions will not include placing emphasis on buying, buying, buying, but earning and more importantly...GIVING to those who do not have. The good news of the Lord should be spread. I am all for loving on the children. I do so ALL year long, not just on a particular day or season. I do so as God leads me to.
Which is why I believe we do not celebrate Christmas.
....and neither do you if your focus was on the buying in addition to what you received.
This holiday season, or maybe next holiday season, consider giving less of your money back to the government and team up with someone to do something important for your community or stand for something much bigger than the idea of "Christmas" such as a cleaner and less violent communities via campaign. Unity and justice for innocent people is so much more than the time and efforts we put forth in celebrating Holidays, but we lose sight of that. What would Jesus be doing if He were amongst us? Whatever that is...I will be aiming to achieve that during the Holidays. We all lose sight of what God and our purpose. Let's enjoy time with our families in peace and harmony while focusing on the reason for the season...God!
My apologies for the rant.
Blessed , Happy and Joy filled Holidays to you all!
Shay Nefeteria