OK, philosophical questions for you non-Christians and atheists:

1. Do you celebrate Christmas?

2. If you do, do you find it hypocritical that you do? Why or why not?

1. Yes, of course! Doesn't everyone in America?

2. Not at all. It doesn't mean the same thing to me that it means to you.

No, I don't. But my step dad who was raised Buddhist does.

Pixiesprite - sorry about that. Forgot that JWs don't celebrate the holidays.

This will mess with your mind, Mark. I grew up in Hawaii, thats were my Buddhist step-dad was born and raised, and in Hawaii, because it's such a melting pot of cultures, everyone celebrates everything, seriously.

ahh, Gatto, cat's out of the bag now. Yep, I was raised JW. Since I never have celebrated holidays it seems weird to start now.

Ooops! Sorry again! Didn't realize it was a secret. Sorry!

I'm not a non-Christian or atheist, but why would it be hypocritical? It's not just a Christian holiday, it's a national holiday as well.

I agree with Gatto, on both answers.

Nah, that's okay. I was trying to avoid going there, here, but what the hell!

whats a JW?

-nunz-

I would think it would be more hypocritical if a Christian celebrated a pagan holiday than a non-Christian to celebrate a Christian holiday. For example, I do not celebrate Easter as that is still a traditionally Christian holiday. But Christmas is an American holiday, regardless of its roots.

Jehovah's Witness

nunz <----- ::slaps hand on head:: duh i just had a brain f@rt

Gatto - I believe that you will find that Christmas is a worldwide holiday, not just an American one...

And I believe you will find many Christian's celebrate Halloween, which started as a pagan holiday, but most Christians's don't know it is a pagan holiday, or don't follow the pagan meaning, but just dress up for the free candy. Just as many non-christians exchange present on christmas, without celebrating the true meaning.

Happy - yep, you and I are on the same wavelength about this holiday thing. I think holiday meanings can be found in the soul of the person celebrating them, and that's where the meaning is most important. I celebrate family and loved ones at Christmas; that's what's most important to me.

aawwhhh!

I understand your point, but I guess I always go back to the original reason for Christmas and the true meaning, not whatever meaning people have put on afterwards to fit their beliefs.

You all have your right to share and celebrate the way you wish, I just find it strange. But again, that's why there is chocolate and vanilla.

Oh Gatto, you get a rub behind the ears for that!

ok, hate to bring this up, but Christmas itself is a mixture of Christian and Pagen customs (where do you find Santa Clause, December 25th, or an indoor pine tree with presents under it in the New Testament?) Also different countries, cultures and communites have incorporated their own customs and traditions. So, there are lot's of reasons for either Christians or non-Christians to celebrate it or not to celebrate it. It really comes down to what it means to you personally.

Could you please clarify the "true" meaning of Christmas? At least the way you see it?

Celebrate the Birth of Christ.

True Pixie! The Christians choose to celebrate on December 25th because the pagens already were celebrating the Winter Solstice around the same time of year. Try to get as many converts without upsetting the applecart too much, so to speak.

No matter what your reason to celebrate, it sure is a happy time of year. I wish the good spirits could last all year long.

Very well, did you know the people in your bar are about to lynch you? I saw a lot of unrest there just a moment ago.