Full Version: are you offended by chrismas
just wondering if any non christans are offended by chrismas and heck i am a non christan by the way
Bah! Hum Bug!
I have nothing against the meaning of christmas in a religous sense, but I am against the commercialisation of the period. It is getting out of hand, not everyone can afford it these days. When people get into debt over what is supposed to be the season of joy and goodwill to all men, it loses it meaning completely.
I have nothing against the meaning of christmas in a religous sense, but I am against the commercialisation of the period. It is getting out of hand, not everyone can afford it these days. When people get into debt over what is supposed to be the season of joy and goodwill to all men, it loses it meaning completely.
i think chrisma period it's a just the period for making cash 
This is like entering the Twilight Zone, when I read the thread title, I could almost hear the theme tune to the twilight zone YIKES!!I entered a thread like this before, and there where a lot of people (mainly asians) that have protested about christmas claiming it offends them, and one guy in particular likes to call Christmas - winter fest!! and said it was offencive that the town where he now lives have offened him by putting up Christmas lights, and they should re-name them 'white lights' and he went on and on as to how all over the UK & Ireland the folks that live there and have always lived there, should ban Christmas for the memebers of the asian community so they don't feel offended.
I like many other disagreed, and stated that everyone who is anyone all have a right to cellebrate what ever they choose to, as it only comes around once a year.
This went on for many pages, and to cheese me off (and after annoying others in the process) he wished me a happy winter fest and added a sarky smilie. I saw he was just being sarky so I responded by being just as sarky and told him he could shove his winter fest and to leave it be. I was soon banned for saying that
So I will not be saying anything in this thread thank you very much....I just placed my vote and now I'm off....ce-ya
QUOTE(Welsh Shaun @ Nov 17 2005, 06:40 AM) [snapback]936125[/snapback]
Bah! Hum Bug!
I have nothing against the meaning of christmas in a religous sense, but I am against the commercialisation of the period. It is getting out of hand, not everyone can afford it these days. When people get into debt over what is supposed to be the season of joy and goodwill to all men, it loses it meaning completely.
I agree with everything Welsh Shaun has said... I have nothing against the religious meaning of Christmas, but having to purchase gifts (and usually expensive ones because of what children are shown on the tellie) makes is less bearable of a season... maybe we'll do the soup kitchen this year, again... it puts things in perspective as to what the true meaning should be.
I can understand Christians being offended by the commercial exploitation of Christmas.
And I'm slightly bemused by the ignorance of many christians as to the true meaning of christmas - which is a celebration of the winter solstice that dates back to thousands of years before the christains decided to usurp it for their own purposes.
But I am offended by any implication that I might be offended by anything
And I'm slightly bemused by the ignorance of many christians as to the true meaning of christmas - which is a celebration of the winter solstice that dates back to thousands of years before the christains decided to usurp it for their own purposes.
But I am offended by any implication that I might be offended by anything
I am not Christian-nor of any other religion to be honest-mostly just spiritual and in tune with nature... however, as I was growing up, I was forced into church (which is why I can't stand going to this day) and celebrated Christmas every year of course. I still have to celebrate Christmas because I have a family... 3 young step-children, so no it does not offend me.
Although, I must agree that Christmas is getting out of hand when people spend soooooo much money for just one day during the year.
Although, I must agree that Christmas is getting out of hand when people spend soooooo much money for just one day during the year.
What offends me is that people can't be strong enough to resist the commercial urge and keep to the true spirit of it. No one is FORCING you to buy more presents than you can afford.
What completly mystifies me is when people get offended by lights and decorations. I really really don't understand how people think a shiny glass ball on a tree is somehow an attack at their spiritual path (or lack thereof).
What completly mystifies me is when people get offended by lights and decorations. I really really don't understand how people think a shiny glass ball on a tree is somehow an attack at their spiritual path (or lack thereof).
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What offends me is that people can't be strong enough to resist the commercial urge and keep to the true spirit of it. No one is FORCING you to buy more presents than you can afford
The pressure is to great, its not that easy. Peer pressure.
people choose to be offended by whatever they want.
Some people seem to go out of their way to be offended by something.
Some people seem to go out of their way to be offended by something.
I picked no. I'm not offended usually, though perhaps I could have chosen maybe. THe pagan roots of Christmas goes against my Christian beliefs, though these days it has been bastardized for a Christian holiday.
That's just me though.
Regards, PA
That's just me though.
Regards, PA
Welsh and Beryth both said it for me.
JMPD1 you hit the nail on the head!
JMPD1 you hit the nail on the head!
Oh I HATE and am very offended by Christmas. I also loathe puppies, rainbows and sunshine and think sex sucks. 
People can get "offended" by the most ridiculous things.
People can get "offended" by the most ridiculous things.
i'm not offended by the meaning of Christmas (i'm agnostic) but i think that it has become another commercialization (sp) 
I wouldn't call it feeling ofended but I hate it for the fact that it's a meaningless sham. I think the real reason here is does it offend Jesus.
I believe very strongly in the origonal meaning of christmas....that being the pagan festival that the church stole to spread their dogma to other people...but anyway...
To me, christmas isn't a religious festival at all, it's a cultural one. It's a tradition that's been going on here for generation after generation, and certainly doesn't "offend" me in the slightest...what does offend me are the people who've lived in the country for five minutes and want us to stop practicing it, and start celebrating ramadan instead.
To me, christmas isn't a religious festival at all, it's a cultural one. It's a tradition that's been going on here for generation after generation, and certainly doesn't "offend" me in the slightest...what does offend me are the people who've lived in the country for five minutes and want us to stop practicing it, and start celebrating ramadan instead.
voted no....joy is the same but prices arent...
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The pagan roots of Christmas goes against my Christian beliefs, though these days it has been bastardized for a Christian holiday.
Why do they go against your beliefs? You aren't worshiping any pagan gods, or any idols. (unless you count Santa
)QUOTE
I think the real reason here is does it offend Jesus.
Personally I think Jesus wouldn't get real angry over it, but he would be dissapointed that it has become so materialistic. I'm not offended by Christmas, although I feel that it has become more corporate than anything else. Sure, I enjoy getting loads of presents but that's not what the holiday is about.
I celebrate Yule and Christmas.
The only thing that offends me about Christmas is the insane commercialism that has been attached to it........every year the campaign starts a little earlier, and usually by December 1, I'm wishing Christmas was over already.
I couldn't care less either way. I think that everyone should celebrate whatever it is they choose to celebrate(or not) just as long as it doesn't infringe on my ability to do what I want to do...
If the guy next door wants to have a lighted christmas scene on his lawn, and the guy next to him wants to have a pagan....lighted...pagan...thingie, then by all means go for it.
I don't care for the commercialized version of christmas, but hey, that is marketing...
If the guy next door wants to have a lighted christmas scene on his lawn, and the guy next to him wants to have a pagan....lighted...pagan...thingie, then by all means go for it.
I don't care for the commercialized version of christmas, but hey, that is marketing...
Course I'm not offened by Christmas. Its a holiday to celebrate winter's halfway done. Its an excuse to see the reletives you haven't seen in ages, be nice to strangers, sings songs, and give children presents which you pretend are from a magical immortal from the north pole. What's offensive about that?
Its not even Christain. Its based on the pagen Winter Soltice. Santa is based on the Pagan Father Winter. Christmas trees come from the Pagan belief of sheltering the tree spirits from the cold. And its celebrated by Athiests, Agnostics, and even the Japanese, who are Buddists.
We need a day like Christmas. Its the one day of the year where humans stop hating each other for a change and enter a festive spirit thats never seen any other time of the year.
Its not even Christain. Its based on the pagen Winter Soltice. Santa is based on the Pagan Father Winter. Christmas trees come from the Pagan belief of sheltering the tree spirits from the cold. And its celebrated by Athiests, Agnostics, and even the Japanese, who are Buddists.
We need a day like Christmas. Its the one day of the year where humans stop hating each other for a change and enter a festive spirit thats never seen any other time of the year.
QUOTE(Fluffybunny @ Nov 17 2005, 03:29 PM) [snapback]936351[/snapback]
I couldn't care less either way. I think that everyone should celebrate whatever it is they choose to celebrate(or not) just as long as it doesn't infringe on my ability to do what I want to do...
If the guy next door wants to have a lighted christmas scene on his lawn, and the guy next to him wants to have a pagan....lighted...pagan...thingie, then by all means go for it.
I don't care for the commercialized version of christmas, but hey, that is marketing...
well said
the person wants to celebrate will do so.
I have a Catholic/Christian family, and years ago I left the church. I still do have to go through this 'under-cover' celebration with them because it's family. I can't say that the outside world point-of-view is anything easier, but it's something I bear with. Working at a restaraunt is one factor that takes it to a certain degree of stress as well.
I always have this 'egg-shell' effect going.
Remember the saying about 'walking on eggshells'?
I invented 'breathing eggshells'.
I always have this 'egg-shell' effect going.
Remember the saying about 'walking on eggshells'?
I invented 'breathing eggshells'.
I'm not offended by Christmas.
I'm not a fan of the commercialization, so I don't even bother to take part in 'gift giving'. It seems every year, everyone tries to 'out do' the next person by who can give the most expensive gift. That's when the meaning of Christmas is lost.
I'm not a fan of the commercialization, so I don't even bother to take part in 'gift giving'. It seems every year, everyone tries to 'out do' the next person by who can give the most expensive gift. That's when the meaning of Christmas is lost.
Christmas=presents, parties (New Year), food, family, and some more food.
Therefore I conclude that Christmas is indeed fantastic.
Therefore I conclude that Christmas is indeed fantastic.
thats true mr ed' thats true
QUOTE(Fluffybunny @ Nov 17 2005, 10:29 AM) [snapback]936351[/snapback]
If the guy next door wants to have a lighted christmas scene on his lawn, and the guy next to him wants to have a pagan....lighted...pagan...thingie, then by all means go for it.
Awesome. Well said.
QUOTE(Talon @ Nov 17 2005, 10:33 AM) [snapback]936357[/snapback]
Santa is based on the Pagan Father Winter.
Talon that is a misconception!
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The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in Patara, a village in what is now Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man.
Santa is/was real.
wow i did`t expected to see this maney replies already keep it up peepes i am glad i started this topic lol i would be supised if it keeps on going in to december 
Chirstmas is about giving however, that has been blown out of proportion.
I give to charity and those in need around the holidays and I always tell my family DONT GET ME ANYTHING! I have all I need to live and so does my family. I can't even go near a mall during November & December it gives me anexity! People have grins on their faces as they push and shove for front row parking (I am blessed to have two legs...I'll walk) All these coorprate companys laughing at us while we empty our wallets spending away. It's the time of year when family should spend more time together and laugh. so...I guess I kinda disagree with X-Mas in some perspective but I do enjoy giving to the less fortante and looking at christmas lights and decorations that always brings a smile to my face.
I give to charity and those in need around the holidays and I always tell my family DONT GET ME ANYTHING! I have all I need to live and so does my family. I can't even go near a mall during November & December it gives me anexity! People have grins on their faces as they push and shove for front row parking (I am blessed to have two legs...I'll walk) All these coorprate companys laughing at us while we empty our wallets spending away. It's the time of year when family should spend more time together and laugh. so...I guess I kinda disagree with X-Mas in some perspective but I do enjoy giving to the less fortante and looking at christmas lights and decorations that always brings a smile to my face.
Christmas the time of year of joy, love and good will... NOT!
Every year people magically throw masks on to the world pretending their way through the entire month, it's sickening to me to watch. I mean if you acted all good and stuff the other 11 months of the year, good for you, but if you change just for a stupid holiday you are an idiot and a fake. But really that is what roughly 98% of people do that go for the x-mas scene are, idiots and fakes.
Oooo.... homeless people... I better give them soup this time of year because they don't eat the other 11 months!
Oooo.... starving children in Africa... I better give them money to go to school, cloth, shelter and get food... because who cares the other 11 months of the year?
Oooo.... I'll make a donation for cancer for goodwill because they only do research and studies that one month of the year!
I could go on with the sickening state of society during this time of year, but I'm sure you get the point.
Every year people magically throw masks on to the world pretending their way through the entire month, it's sickening to me to watch. I mean if you acted all good and stuff the other 11 months of the year, good for you, but if you change just for a stupid holiday you are an idiot and a fake. But really that is what roughly 98% of people do that go for the x-mas scene are, idiots and fakes.
Oooo.... homeless people... I better give them soup this time of year because they don't eat the other 11 months!
Oooo.... starving children in Africa... I better give them money to go to school, cloth, shelter and get food... because who cares the other 11 months of the year?
Oooo.... I'll make a donation for cancer for goodwill because they only do research and studies that one month of the year!
I could go on with the sickening state of society during this time of year, but I'm sure you get the point.
Christmas time has always held a special place in my heart. Yes, it was "magic" and presents when I was a child, but now, I treasure the memories of being with my family. We decorate with our old tree that has been around since 86, buy "token"gifts because no one can afford lavish stuff, and eat off of paper plates. This may sound, poor, lower class and so forth to some, but I wouldnt have it any other way, we realize that no matter what you call the holiday, or how much money you spend on it, it's your family being together that makes it special.
QUOTE(JMPD1 @ Nov 17 2005, 07:07 AM) [snapback]936243[/snapback]
people choose to be offended by whatever they want.
Some people seem to go out of their way to be offended by something.
Completely agree with you there. It does not offend me how others celebrate their holidays, it should offend anyone else how my family does.
Live and let live.
I'm non-Christian and I love Christmas 
It's not about presents to me though...
It's not about presents to me though...
QUOTE(Yelekiah @ Nov 17 2005, 08:15 PM) [snapback]936824[/snapback]
I'm non-Christian and I love Christmas
It's not about presents to me though...
noooooooooo its not LOL so if you woke up christmas morning and you got nothing, you would just humbly carry on with your day?
and if its not about christmas pressies to you, then its not about christmas cards to you either...ok then
*note to self...must cross Yelekiah off my chrissy card list*
LOL
My favorite part of Christmas is the decorations--- lights and garlands and such. I think it's beautiful. 
It doesn't brainwash me into a shopping frenzy or anything, I just think it brightens up a city.
It doesn't brainwash me into a shopping frenzy or anything, I just think it brightens up a city.
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woke up christmas morning and you got nothing, you would just humbly carry on with your day?
Last Christmas I didn't get any presents. Of course I like them. Instead I took my family out to eat. They've always been there for me. It's the jovial feeling in the air at Christmas I like.
QUOTE
*note to self...must cross Yelekiah off my chrissy card list*
Voice of Doom: Nooooo!
QUOTE(Yelekiah @ Nov 17 2005, 08:24 PM) [snapback]936842[/snapback]
Last Christmas I didn't get any presents. Of course I like them. Instead I took my family out to eat. They've always been there for me. It's the jovial feeling in the air at Christmas I like.
Voice of Doom: Nooooo!
@ voice of doom well I meant what I said mr..you is off my list so ner ner Ps that was nice of you to take your family out for dinner at christmas...gee that is something I would like to try myself hmmm whether they will go for that is another thing, but its a nice idea
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QUOTE
Santa is based on the Pagan Father Winter.
Talon that is a misconception!
No it isn't, I'm well aware for St. Nicholas. However, he only lived around 300 AD, well after Christainity had come to Europe. Father Winter was around LONG before that when Europe was still Pagen. I know Christains must find it hard to accept, but you have to learn to deal with it, you're rather new in the history of the human race, so Christainity is obviously going to borrow stories from previous religions. Others example includes you're demons are names of Pagen gods, the virgin Mary is taken from the Virgin cults of ancient Greece and so forth. While St. Nicholas is named in the songs and the one in the movies, the misconception is actually beleiving he is what Santa is based on. Santa is based on Father Winter, who existed in Pagen festivals for a thousand years before him, simply Father Winter has merged with other myths along the way (I mean, for example, who knows where the North Pole came from).
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Various pagan cultures of northern Europe portrayed the spirit of winter solstice broadly as ‘Father Winter’. With the Christianization of these cultures, Father Winter was naturally transformed into Father Christmas, the spirit of Christian generosity and festivity. The North-South polar symbolism of the winter solstice in turn made it only natural to associate Father Christmas with the earth’s own North Pole, so that today the spirit of the North Pole is also the spirit of Christmas.
http://livingheritage.org/pole-spirits.htm
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Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year. It is from this point that the days begin slowly to become longer and longer. The sun is at its most southeastern point over the Tropic of Capricorn in the northern hemisphere and has no apparent northward or southward motion. In the time of the ancient tribes this was a time of celebration, for it meant the turning point of winter and the eventual return of spring. Yule is the time when we honor the Goddess for giving birth to the sun once more. It is the time when the Oak King is victorious over the Holly King. The Holly King represents death and darkness that has ruled since Samhain, and the Oak King represents rebirth and life. The waning (diminishing) sun is overtaken by the waxing (increasing) sun, thus the days become longer after the victory of the Oak King.
Yule is a time when we do Rituals and celebrate the increasing daylight, to renew, and to see the world through the eyes of a child. Spells done at Yule tend to raise our spirits, and bring harmony, peace, and joy.
During Yule we see the wisdom of past experience begin to glimmer. The experiences we yielded over the harvest season of the times gone past begin to be reborn as wisdom, new light, to guide us further down the Paths we have chosen.
It is customary for Witches to decorate the Yule tree, and adorn the house with holly, ivy and pine. It is time when Father Winter, a white bearded chap dress in red, fur trimmed robes, arrives bearing gifts and exchange gifts.
Yule is a time when we do Rituals and celebrate the increasing daylight, to renew, and to see the world through the eyes of a child. Spells done at Yule tend to raise our spirits, and bring harmony, peace, and joy.
During Yule we see the wisdom of past experience begin to glimmer. The experiences we yielded over the harvest season of the times gone past begin to be reborn as wisdom, new light, to guide us further down the Paths we have chosen.
It is customary for Witches to decorate the Yule tree, and adorn the house with holly, ivy and pine. It is time when Father Winter, a white bearded chap dress in red, fur trimmed robes, arrives bearing gifts and exchange gifts.
http://www.geocities.com/lavenderwater37/yule.htm
QUOTE(__Kratos__ @ Nov 17 2005, 07:40 PM) [snapback]936749[/snapback]
Oooo.... homeless people... I better give them soup this time of year because they don't eat the other 11 months!
Oooo.... starving children in Africa... I better give them money to go to school, cloth, shelter and get food... because who cares the other 11 months of the year?
Oooo.... I'll make a donation for cancer for goodwill because they only do research and studies that one month of the year!
You big scrooge, lighten up and wear your Chrimbo hat like everyone else
QUOTE(thebarman @ Nov 18 2005, 11:03 AM) [snapback]937774[/snapback]
You big scrooge, lighten up and wear your Chrimbo hat like everyone else
Very good hee hee... yea lighten up Kratos, ya gotta laugh at this new avatar pic for yuo LMAOI actually have £10 taken from my pay every month for cancer research & the NSPCC, our company has had this charity thing set up for a while and we can donate as much as we like every month, so it comes straight out of your pay, so I care 12 months of the year and not just at christmas.
Krytos, I totally agree with you. I think you're the only other person I met who ever expressed the same opinion. I think the present and over spending aspect of Christmas should be removed and replaced with just the charity aspect of it.
I know people need things the other 11 months but you can't give all the time. I think we should make an effort to do good like we do at Christmas more often, but at Christmas I think we should actually physically do something to help people. I don't mean get people to pay you to shave your hair or lie in a bath tub of baked beans. but go all out to help people because not all of us can do that usually.
I know people need things the other 11 months but you can't give all the time. I think we should make an effort to do good like we do at Christmas more often, but at Christmas I think we should actually physically do something to help people. I don't mean get people to pay you to shave your hair or lie in a bath tub of baked beans. but go all out to help people because not all of us can do that usually.
QUOTE(Chris_com28 @ Nov 18 2005, 06:42 PM) [snapback]938525[/snapback]
Krytos
(I'm not laughing at you, Chris, but I just thought this was funny)
Not really...I'm Catholic...
Xmas Bah!! Humbug!!!! The only thing I like about it, is getting double pay for working it. Aside from that, too much fuss for one day.
QUOTE(thebarman @ Nov 18 2005, 05:03 AM) [snapback]937774[/snapback]
You big scrooge, lighten up and wear your Chrimbo hat like everyone else
That's awesome, I'll wait till December 1st though to put that up. Thanks. Just look around, you'll see plenty of people changing for the holiday.
QUOTE(Beckys_Mom @ Nov 18 2005, 05:22 AM) [snapback]937791[/snapback]
Very good hee hee... yea lighten up Kratos, ya gotta laugh at this new avatar pic for yuo LMAOI actually have £10 taken from my pay every month for cancer research & the NSPCC, our company has had this charity thing set up for a while and we can donate as much as we like every month, so it comes straight out of your pay, so I care 12 months of the year and not just at christmas.
Well... that's good that you do it for a year.
Not many do that. I don't do it every month, but I give more then once a year, already given a couple times towards alzheimer's disease research.QUOTE(Chris_com28 @ Nov 18 2005, 05:42 PM) [snapback]938525[/snapback]
Krytos, I totally agree with you. I think you're the only other person I met who ever expressed the same opinion.
Seems like you'd be the only one as well that agrees to.
QUOTE(frogfish @ Nov 19 2005, 12:16 AM) [snapback]938550[/snapback]
Not really...I'm Catholic...
So am I and I still say
BAH HUMBUG
I'm kidding!
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