for me, but for so many others Americans it seems they really look forward to this time of "celebration". We are celebrating Christmas aren't we? Which by definition is about the birth of Jesus Christ. How purchasing gifts on a whim and dashing about madly from one relatives home to another is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ I have not quite figured out. Americans seem to think that Christmas is about getting gifts, giving them, etc. but what has happened to the real reason for this Holiday? Seems as though as a society we just are missing the point. Not being a practicing Christian myself it troubles me to attempt to celebrate a holiday in which I find no spiritual basis. Do you think Jesus would want the celebration of his birth to be a "Hallmark" holiday? One where media pumps the viewing public's head with ideas and notions of what they SHOULD want or EXPECT to get for their...um, being good and doing the right actions?
Now overall the message of being "good" and not "naughty" are good messages. However I feel that presenting children with this mindset can only lead to a need or desire to be awarded for doing what was only right in the first place. The mysticism and fantasy of a guy in a red suit going about delivering all the children's wishes just because they weren't bad is just absurd and unrealistic. At least celebrate and teach the true reason for the holiday. If you do not live a Christian lifestyle and adhere to their principles and practices maybe you shouldn't be worshiping their God. And yes it is worshiping the Christian God. The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit according to their religious texts.
Peace be with you.
Christmas was around before Jesus as a pagan celebration and holiday (Saturnalia was a week long celebration between December 17-25). Saturnalia involved drinking, sexual indulgence, singing naked in the streets and even ritual human sacrifice. After the Romans made Christmas a celebration of Jesus's birth in the second century many of the old pagan traditions continued - hence the singing, drinking, and giving gifts. So in a way what you describe in your blog really is the original meaning of Christmas.
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