Why is it some Christians think everyone needs to kiss their @$$ this time of year?

[draggar]

Disclaimers:
1) I said SOME Christians, not all Christians.
2) I have nothing against Christians, Christianity, or Christmas. Just something against closed minded elitists.


Every December this happens. Some hard-core elitist Christians (please note: I am NOT calling all Christians this - most I know are pretty relaxed and open minded / accepting of other celebrations during Christmas) come out of the wood work and expect everyone to get on their knees and kiss their asses because they are the whole reason why December is important. Everyone needs to bow down to THEIR needs and THEIR demands.

A few facts:

December 25th being Jesus birthday.

This date was chosen since it is 9 months AFTER it is believed that Mary was conceived (spring solstice - March 25th according to the Roman calendar). We all know that many (most?) pregnancies are not exactly nine months long so December 25th being Jesus birthday is a guess based on a guess. Yeah, that's reliable.

Here's something to ponder: It was documented that around 200AD some Egyptians celebrated the Nativity on Pachon 25 (current day May 20). This is only roughly 200 years after he was born - I'm sure they would have better knowledge on when he was born.

Gift giving is a Christian tradition.

Gift giving has been part of the Pagan Yule celebration long before Jesus was born. Plus, Hanukkah pre-dates Jesus and they give gifts, too.

Tree decorating is a Christian tradition.

Wrong again. Tree decorating dates back to ancient Pagan worship of trees (giving life etc..). Christians just adopted and then adapted the modern day version to fit their needs.

Lights are a Christian tradition.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Lights and fire have been used in spiritual and religious ceremonies for almost as long as we could control fire, which was a LONG time before Jesus was born.

Everyone celebrates Christmas.

People who say this are as closed minded as they can come. There are many other holidays in December, Hanukkah, Yule / Solstice, and Kwanzaa just to name a few.

I seriously get tired of this time of year. Yes, people call it the Christmas season but that is because companies want to suit to the largest demographic which is Christians - so cater to them because they're have the most money overall. Decades of this and it becomes one huge COMMERCIAL holiday.

[fab]

Plus, Hanukkah pre-dates Jesus and they give gifts, too.

Actually giving presents on Hanukkah is something relatively new. Children were given money (coins) years ago.

[jasdon11]

Not defending anyone / anything as I don't agree with the 8-week-build-up to Christmas either - just wondering what examples you've got of christians expecting their asses to be kissed over it?

[JMJ]

Disclaimers:


A few facts:

December 25th being Jesus birthday.

This date was chosen since it is 9 months AFTER it is believed that Mary was conceived (spring solstice - March 25th according to the Roman calendar). We all know that many (most?) pregnancies are not exactly nine months long so December 25th being Jesus birthday is a guess based on a guess. Yeah, that's reliable.

Here's something to ponder: It was documented that around 200AD some Egyptians celebrated the Nativity on Pachon 25 (current day May 20). This is only roughly 200 years after he was born - I'm sure they would have better knowledge on when he was born.

December 25th isn't the day Jesus was born. It's the end of the Winter Solstice the day the Sun is born. And the Sun is born again every year. Santa Claus was really a shaman who delivered mushrooms for the celebration of the Solstice. When the homes were snowed in the only way he could get the mushrooms to the home owners was through the chimney.

All religions were/are just made up stories about ancient beliefs and rituals. Every single one of them.

[HarveyJ]

Whilst gift giving father figures may have been because of a Shaman, Santa Claus specifically is Saint Nicholas, from Turkey, who would give good children sweets or money to celebrate Christ Mass. Most likely he would have been wearing a mask or false beard to maintain anonymous charity.
Considering that he was worshipped a saint predominantly in the Netherlands, where he would have been called Sinter Klaus, the English equivalent is "Santa Claus"

Modern "Santa Claus" is actually an invention of the Coca-Cola Company, which is why his colours are red and white. Also probably why he's fat. Ever seen how many calories a single serve of coke actually has?

[JMJ]

There are many symbolisms of ancient history. What I'm referring to is pre-modern religion days. What all modern religions originated from.

pharmacratic inqusition
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...42553983229569

The lecture version is more detailed.

[dmyre]

Not defending anyone / anything as I don't agree with the 8-week-build-up to Christmas either - just wondering what examples you've got of christians expecting their asses to be kissed over it?

I agree. I still don't know exactly what the OP is trying to imply...

[Acro]

Ed, there's always "Christmas in July".

[Donald Aquilano]

I love threads like these.....People who celebrate Christmas don't want anybody to kiss their ass but would like others to understand that the Majority in this country are CHRISTIAN and celebrate the CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY. I am well aware that other holidays are in the month of December and they certainly should be acknowledged and celebrated but just remember there in the minority.

I seriously get tired of this time of year. Yes, people call it the Christmas season but that is because companies want to suit to the largest demographic which is Christians - so cater to them because they're have the most money overall. Decades of this and it becomes one huge COMMERCIAL holiday.

Ed are you serious? Most companies bend over backwards so that they don't offend anybody during the "Holiday Season". This is why most stores carry very little holiday goods with the words "Merry Christmas" on it. Its also why they all use the generic sayings like "Happy Holiday's","Seasons Greetings" and my favorite "Winter Wishes"

If anybody should feel unhappy about how their Holiday is treated by the majority of corporations/govt.entities its Christians.

[Mike Cruz]

Merry Christmas
Happy Hannukah
Happy Kwanza

To everyone, if I missed your holiday, excuse my ignorance and accept a shady "Happy Holidays" from me...

[Acro]

Everybody chill out and read this

[Gee]

well, we celebrate christmas at 7th january

but we have been fighting for tens of years with the egyptian government to have this one day off as national holiday

we finally succeeded , and we are still fighting to have easter dayoff as well

----------------------------

all I want to say that some people underestimate the freedom they are living , this is the month of holiday and celebrations for all especially christmas

if you dont celebrate christmas , go enjoy your vacation somewhere else in your way

you dont have to kiss anyone's a$$

Merry christmas ))))))))))))

[DomainsInc]

I love threads like these.....People who celebrate Christmas don't want anybody to kiss their ass but would like others to understand that the Majority in this country are CHRISTIAN and celebrate the CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY. I am well aware that other holidays are in the month of December and they certainly should be acknowledged and celebrated but just remember there in the minority.

A lot of people celebrate christmas but are not christians. People like myself who are "nothing". We all celebrate christmas as we have all of our lives. It holds no religious bearing for us, simply a time to enjoy family a bit more due to the time off. I couldn't care less what it is called. For the record I do call it christmas though.

[Anthony Ng]

I don't mind anybody (incl. myself) celebrating Christmas, just don't make it sound like Jesus was the son of God and that Mary was a virgin. As someone baptized as an infant, went to a Catholic school (for 11 years) and got married in a church, I still love the man (Jesus) after all these years. Amen ... or Merry Christmas.