putting the x in xmas

t's safe to say I'm not a deeply religious person. Despite my Southern Baptist raising, I essentially have grown to reject the Bible as a document of myths and propaganda. That's not to say I don't think it's a useful tool in spiritual guidance, but the foundation of institutions of religion and the construction of dogma on the the belief that it's God's word is a bit misguided.

But that's not to say that I'm a-religious. While it personally doesn't do anything for me, I don't begrudge anyone their beliefs. It also doesn't mean that I don't celebrate Christmas. The fact that it has "Christ" in the word doesn't cause me issue as it does for some alternative/non believers. Except for the word, it's not like Christmas has any foundation in Christianity anyway. Jesus wasn't born on this date; it was merely a merging of several major secular solstice celebrations, pagan fertility rituals, and ancient sun god holidays. The early Church just decided that the 25th of December would be as good a date as any.

So all of the "reason for the season" enthusiasts I take with a grain of salt. For me, Christmas is merely a secular holiday. It's a chance to spend time with family and friends. It's a time to reflect on the previous year and the one ahead. It's a chance to revel in the spirit of love, not only for your kin, but for all of mankind. For me, that's what Christmas means.

So to you and yours, whether you celebrate it or not, I wish you a very, Merry Christmas.

11 comments — :

( 11 comments — Leave a comment )

erebrandir

2006-12-25 04:08 pm (UTC)

Merry Christmas to you, too.

You didn't ask for a debate, so I'm not going to bring one.

soopageek

2006-12-25 04:18 pm (UTC)

Hehehe, thank you. It wasn't my intention spark debate. I just wanted the myriad of people who believe, don't believe, and alternatively believe to know the foundation of my Merry Christmas wish. To know where it was coming from. I almost made this entry comment disabled, but thought that I'd rather entertain the possibility of someone trying to start a debate than not give people an opportunity to say hi and merry christmas. :)

wineandsong

2006-12-25 04:22 pm (UTC)

I think you've summed up my reasons for celebrating today in a far more eloquent way than I could ever have thought of. It's been years since I've been to Mass for Christmas, and now it's a day to spend with family, and be glad for all there is in life. I associate this holiday with that feeling more than Thanksgiving... but that's because I've had vastly fewer Thanksgivings than Christmases.

Merry Christmas to you and yours as well. May this day bring you every magical moment possible. xxx

(Deleted comment)

2006-12-25 04:30 pm (UTC)

Hehehe, maybe we're not deeply religious because of our Southern Baptist raising. ;-)

kerouacgirl

2006-12-25 04:55 pm (UTC)

Happy Shopping Season!

bulletsandbones

2006-12-25 05:31 pm (UTC)

My feelings echo yours, a day for family and friends. And with that I wish _you_ a very Merry Christmas

welfy

2006-12-25 05:37 pm (UTC)

Just as long as you don't criticize your religious-nut girlfriend. :^)

kita

2006-12-25 05:42 pm (UTC)

I totally agree and think as long as you think about family & friends, you are keeping the "true" meaning of the holiday, whatever it was originally intended to be.