Every year at Christmas I strongly consider leaving the Christian world for somewhere the holiday isn’t celebrated.
Christmas is among the lowest points of Christianity in my mind, at least as how it’s practiced in the west. It is all jus too treacly and saccharine and brings out the worst in my kids.
Does anyone else do the same?
2
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
6 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.since i am not christian, christmas is always an unpleasant holiday (and season, getting longer and longer) for me. i don't care if it is commercialized or religious; i just don't want to be anywhere near it. but where did you have in mind to go? i lived for 10 years in japan, NOT exactly a christian nation, but that part of christmas you hate so much is pretty big over there too.
g
genessa
Level 8
Oct 19, 2018
0
Christmas and Christianity isn't the problem - how you approach the holiday is. I didn't go to church - my kids didn't go to church, I didn't fill their heads with BS about Santa and we didn't participate in any of the other rituals associated with the occasion. Except for one - giving without the expectation of getting anything in return. And in the process, remembering people who feel forgotten. That's the real joy behind the holiday and if we need to set aside a couple of dates for that cause - I'm fine with it. We should do these things all the time but it's not always possible and so if setting aside a couple of days gives people something to look forward to - let's do it. It's up to you if you make it about religion.
SLBushway
Level 7
Oct 18, 2018
1
Yeah I am not fond of Christmas but where would one go. I have been to several countries both Christian and non Christian and everywhere there was celebration going on, even in Muslim countries.
Jolanta
Level 9
Oct 17, 2018
0
That surprises me--I always thought a place like Tahiti, Indonesia, or India. But admittedly I haven't done any research about how Christmasy they are regardless.
Has the power of consumerism exceeded even the reach of Christianity? That's something to consider--our real religion is colored green, not white 
@mdinsmore I have been to India and Indonesia, not yet Tahiti but those two celebrate Christmas. There are Christians living all over the world, even in Muslim countries and no the Muslims do not force them to stop their Christian celebrations. That is just something that the media is happy to say.
@Jolanta "no the Muslims do not force them to stop their Christian celebrations"
Fascinating. I sure assumed that they would have, as a matter of principle if nothing else. I'm glad you said so before I booked my trip.
I wonder if the "communist/atheist" countries do, thinking obviously of China and Russia. I guess I'd expect Russia to celebrate Christmas in a big way, even if the old timers don't, still remembering Communism; but I'd be surprised if it's done in China at all.
Then again Indonesia is 87% Islamic, so I'm really surprised to hear you say that they still celebrate. Huh. color me >shocked<
@mdinsmore in Russia they do celebrate Christmas too.but not on the same day as the rest of the world. I think it is in January but you better google it. China has Christians living there too, not a huge following and the government is frowning at any religion, just look at the fallung dong, even though it is not a religion. It’s is forbidden and followers are persecuted severely.
I don't mind the decorations/lights so much, but the obscenely early start to the "season," the compulsory shopping and the exaggerated expectations can make me irritable.
pasha-one-nine
Level 7
Oct 17, 2018
1
The best part is the food. I enjoy cooking the once a year meals. But the whole expectations around a forced festive attitude makes me insane. I can't have a gloomy day for the entire month of December?
My favorite month of the year is October, when we all get to remember our mortality.
@mdinsmore I also have one of those very close to xmas birthdays, which of course means having a birthday that is often overlooked, birthday gifts in xmas paper, and spending birthdays at holiday parties.
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
Share this post
Categories
Agnostic does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any content. Read full disclaimer.