the thing is than in this day you dont hear about the religious side of it thats why people call it xmass to take away the christ so its a little religious as possible.i do think people should be allowed to celibrate christmass if they belive or not, its a great day and people should be aloud to enjoy it

:)

I was debating about the "religious" aspect as the first post said, that's why I said the tree has no link with the Christian religion. Sorry if we did have a misunderstood, I was talking in terms of religion, not the winter solistice.
I'm not saying atheists must not celebrate it but as the debate was about the religion, in that point, they should not. But if they got their traditions then good for them.

You're right about the french name but that doesn't mean all french people celebrate christmas only for the winter soltice or for being catholic. They are 2 different aspects.

So I think we were debating but in 2 different ways lol If we talk about the religion side, atheists should not (for me indeed). [/quote]

Ok. Well I don't celebrate it religiously but I do understand the Christian aspects, as do I understand other aspects of it now I have learnt about them.

Maybe we should all just be more tolerant, understand that a celebration hurts no one and celebrate whatever the hell we want!

As Tom says, Christmas is a good time, people give presents, give to charity, spend time together, have time off work etc... so there are other reasons to celebrate Christmas for those who are not Christians.

As a final point though Tom, I think 'Xmas' comes from the letter 'X' used to represent Christ which became popular a few hundred years ago though off the top of my head can't remember exactly when...

Remy, you said
"So I think we were debating but in 2 different ways lol If we talk about the religion side, atheists should not (for me indeed)."

Are you saying an Atheist I can not have a point of view about religion and debate it? My view is just as valid as someone who blindly follows a religion due to "faith"

If fact I have used reason to get to my point. 1 + 2 = 3. With religion you have 1 = 3. You have to have faith that the 2 is there in the equation.

Nah you did not understand my point. I was talking only about religion, so the Christian one. I only made the link between Christmas and the Christian Religion and if the atheist should celebrate it on an important day for a religion. I respected what the first post said. So matt & I were in 2 different debates. :wink:

Ok.

Just to put where I stand across.

I celebrate Christmas. But not as a religious festival. Yes it has it's origin in the Christian faith. But I have taken the bits I like and I can apply to me, and I use them. Eating, drinking, gifts, all with family and friends. I don't bother with the whole "God" bit as I don't believe in it. This is no difference to Christians who took what applied to them from the Pegan festival and left the bits they did not want. So I am just as justified to celebrate my Christmas as you are yours.

Hell yea!

Of course you are but if we take the subject on a religious side, it's not fair for us because it's our day.
But on the overall term, you do what you want with the traditions you want of course.

"Of course you are but if we take the subject on a religious side, it's not fair for us because it's our day."

But I won't be taking it on the religious side. I won't be going to church, saying prayers or the like. I don't believe. That is not what my Christmas is about. If it is not fair of me then equally it is not fair of you to the Pegans. You have no divine right over any other group and I find that view quite arrogant.

Don't take it on the religious side then. I'm just answering to the question on the first post. Nothing more, nothing less.
And read my previous posts, it would help because so far, I still don't understand what I am saying, maybe I should try in an other language lol

You're right - I'm convinced I'm going down the wrong route here . . . . NAT!

Trust me, your English is a joy to read compared to some on here.

The first question was:

"Should Atheists Celebrate Holidays e.g. Christmas?"

Well an Atheist won't, by default take the religious side. They are Atheists. I think this point is linked inextricably with the whole conversation.

With regards as to whether a non religious person should join in. This Christmas a local church with the tag line "A Christian church for everyone" came to my local pub to do a carol service. They brought a brass section with them. The pub was full to the brim. They started with their version of Oh come all ye faithful. It went like this.

Oh hum all ye faithful
Doubtful and neglectful
Oh hum ye
Oh hum ye
The words ye don't know
Hum and forget them
Christmas song and sentiments.

And hum it very quietly
And hum it slightly louder
Now hum it out with gusto
The tune bit ye know.


Now, they knew they were preaching to the inconvertible. That did not mater. We all had a good laugh, a few beers and left holding up a drunk vicar. That is how it should be. Or would you think that was unfair and I should not have joined in?

Christmas is about putting up a xmas tree and decorations, buying cards and presents for those who you care about...whether friends or family, it is about making someone happy. If you are an Atheist it makes no difference. It has absolutely nothing to do with xmas, easter or any other religious holiday throughout the year. Almost everyone celebrates it regardless of their religious beliefs.

If somebody chooses not to celebrate a religious holiday then they are just selfish or stupid or mean imo :shocked:

Not everyone celebrates it at all :shocked: In fact far from it. I know a lot of people from other backgrounds and people who aren't Christians who dont celebrate it.

I didnt say everyone, I said <almost> everyone. Plus the question was 'Should Atheists celebrate holidays e.g. xmas' meaning...if a christian or a person from a different background like you suggested wished to celebrate xmas then I dont see a problem. Do you see a problem with freedom of choice :puzzled: even if Atheist

Some of the views in this thread are absurd. Of course atheists should be able to celebrate christmas. It has evolved well beyond just being a religious holiday. Everybody should be allowed make of it what they will.

Im all for people indulging in chocolate and booze. Im all for giving. Im all for human beings being happy , so yes , I am all for atheist christmas!!!