yes we do - and it's both.
On UKBF I traditionally get hassle when I state that we do not 'do' father christmas.
we have present lists, but we parents give the presents - not some fat bloke in scarlet with an infeasible delivery schedule.
That means the children can be part of choosing presents for others as well as receiving them (as no fat guy is "giving" them).
On UKBF I traditionally get hassle when I state that we do not 'do' father christmas.
we have present lists, but we parents give the presents - not some fat bloke in scarlet with an infeasible delivery schedule.
That means the children can be part of choosing presents for others as well as receiving them (as no fat guy is "giving" them).
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DCE
Consider these questions objectively: Would Jesus approve of a celebration that professes to honor him, yet is steeped in pagan rites and customs?
Would he condone this festive holiday when more murders are committed than at any other time of the year and when non-Christian drunken bouts and lascivious living are an accepted way of life?
Would he sanction a season noted for its depression, neurosis, and suicides?
To true Christians the answer must be obvious, would it not?
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Beachcomber
Yup - we celebrate.
Not for religious reasons.
Not for cultural reasons.
Just because we can. It's fun, we like it and we have fun so there - nothing deeper to it than that.
(plus, if you don't celebrate it your kids will hate you for ever - no matter what they say to your face)
Not for religious reasons.
Not for cultural reasons.
Just because we can. It's fun, we like it and we have fun so there - nothing deeper to it than that.
(plus, if you don't celebrate it your kids will hate you for ever - no matter what they say to your face)
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DCE
As a parent, if your children told you lie's how would you feel, angry, horrified?
Why lie to them about Father Christmas & pretend that we are celebrating Jesus's birthday just to have, what you say a good time.
We should give our children presents all the year round when we can afford it and they are deserving, not at a time, which is dictated by a commercial system of things, who just want's your money.
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Consistency
There is absolutely nothing in the Bible that calls for us to celebrate Christmas. It is full of deception and is kept going by ringing tills. There is no call for us to trade presents with each other, indeed many trade presents while neglecting Jesus Christ.
Christmas was celebrated long before Jesus was born. He was not born on the 25th of December. It is a con which people the worldover have continued partaking as a form of habit.
There are many customs that do not have anything to do with Christianity but the church continues to practice. Many churches are not at all Christian, as they may appear to be. They are part of the lie that makes a mockery of God.
Would Jesus Christ want us to get into debt and be worrying senseless at this unsafe time of year?
We can come out of it. It need not weigh us down. Receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. It is sad there are many who believe that they are celebrating Christmas as part of their love of Jesus. They are misled and indoctrinated. Look for the truth. Save money and save yourself. It is a false idol and the worship of false idols are forbidden. It is never too late to find the truth and break the tradition.
Chritmas may be a religious festival but it is certainly not in any way shape or form a Christian festival.
Christmas was celebrated long before Jesus was born. He was not born on the 25th of December. It is a con which people the worldover have continued partaking as a form of habit.
There are many customs that do not have anything to do with Christianity but the church continues to practice. Many churches are not at all Christian, as they may appear to be. They are part of the lie that makes a mockery of God.
Would Jesus Christ want us to get into debt and be worrying senseless at this unsafe time of year?
We can come out of it. It need not weigh us down. Receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. It is sad there are many who believe that they are celebrating Christmas as part of their love of Jesus. They are misled and indoctrinated. Look for the truth. Save money and save yourself. It is a false idol and the worship of false idols are forbidden. It is never too late to find the truth and break the tradition.
Chritmas may be a religious festival but it is certainly not in any way shape or form a Christian festival.
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Consistency
I do not disrespect anyone who does celebrate Christmas, it is done for many reasons.
For those who celebrate it for tradition - you do not have to be blind and part of a herd. Tradition is not always right and because our ancestors did it and did not know why, we can remove their blindfold that we have continued to wear. The Christmas fever is everywhere but it is not what it seems. I think it is a good idea to at least think why we do what we do.
For those that celebrate for religion - religion is exactly what that is. Religion can be of any faith and is of a following nature but does not always know what it is following. Religion is not Christianity and Christianity is not religion.
For those that celebrate for fun - stay safe and do unto others no harm!!
For those who celebrate it for tradition - you do not have to be blind and part of a herd. Tradition is not always right and because our ancestors did it and did not know why, we can remove their blindfold that we have continued to wear. The Christmas fever is everywhere but it is not what it seems. I think it is a good idea to at least think why we do what we do.
For those that celebrate for religion - religion is exactly what that is. Religion can be of any faith and is of a following nature but does not always know what it is following. Religion is not Christianity and Christianity is not religion.
For those that celebrate for fun - stay safe and do unto others no harm!!
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DCE
What did December 25 originally celebrate?
For some time before the coming of Christianity, December 25 was a time of pagan celebration.
The pagans knew that at this point in their calendar the shortest day and longest night had passed, that little by little the sun would rise higher and remain longer in the sky, bringing with it the promise of spring.
Prior to this day occurred the week-long Roman feast called Saturnalia (December 17-24), held in honor of the deity Saturn.
This festival brought hopes for peace, happiness, and goodness that supposedly occurred during Saturn's reign.
Emperor Aurelian (A.D. 270-275) quickly capitalized upon the heathen worship of the sun and, in the year A.D. 274, officially declared December 25 as the birthday of the Unconquered Sun (dies natalis solis invicti).
Do we know, what really Christmas is based on?
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I've never understood the fuss behind christmas tbh...I always though jesus was born around summer not december 25th. I'm not heavily religious but I do have various beliefs and I do think xmas is sort of 'paganistic' and is all commercialised. All christmas is really associated now is mince pies/presents/santa/getting drunk/etc. I've always 'celebrated' it as my family have always done, but its more about family fun than anything else. Thinking about it, its weird as although I wouldn't say i'm christian, I tend to have a lot of christian beliefs, mix with a few christians, and read the bible when I have a chance...man I even got invited to church a few weeks ago (and I went 
).
).
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Dawg
Cough, ahem. This is a Business forum. You know, commercial concerns, business, transaction, taking peoples money and all that malarky that makes the world go round, gives us a lifestyle slightly improved from that of peasants in rough coats ruled by a noble caste of priests.
Whatever hooks you put on it Christmas is the winter solstice and will be celebrated andd enjoyed according to the customs of our time. I see no bigger problem in pretending that Father Christmas is a fat, jolly old man in Coca Cola colours than to pretend it's all about a particular group's sky fairy. It's all bollox. Pick 'n' mix: enjoy the Santa bits, enjoy Handel's Messiah, enjoy seeing friends and family.
Just try to avoid being a sour faced miserablist, full of humbuggery.
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For me Christmas is about family and a traditional family celebration. Its a chance to not think about business for a fortnight, and to play on the magic of Christmas for the kids
As DCE correctly pointed out, it was originally a pagan festival and the whole Santa Claus thing comes from Sinterklaas feast, a Nordic tradition... Coca Cola and Christians hijacked a perfectly good winter festival and p!ss up to get rich / control
As DCE correctly pointed out, it was originally a pagan festival and the whole Santa Claus thing comes from Sinterklaas feast, a Nordic tradition... Coca Cola and Christians hijacked a perfectly good winter festival and p!ss up to get rich / control
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Its much the same as telling children Jesus is the son of God, and all based on a work of fiction which is the Bible.
There is also the Tooth Fairy, I've never met her ever... Then there is the Easter Bunny... I've not met him... Then we have Halloween.. I've not seen any real ghosts ever.
Celebration and Entertainment is the name of the game, and what the hell, its a short life, so why not make the most of it.
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Beachcomber
Because it's fun, the kids love it and it can give them cherished memories of a happy childhood to cling to when the crappy realities of the real world start to infringe on their lives. It can also provide a catalyst for family gatherings (when everyone can make it as they all have time off)
Thats one sure fire way to raise spoilt brats. Yes, the 'system' wants your money, thats kind of how it works and I don't really think anyone with an IQ over 75 is really under any illusion it is any different.
What next? Campaign against bonfire night as its a festival based on terrorism?
Now your talking!
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dagr
"Winterval" - rubbish name. Need something a bit more snazzy.
We don't celebrate it, but we do all the usual stuff, mainly for the kids. It's just an excuse to get together and have some fun, with no attached meaning to the festive period. The present buying is a bit tedious, specially if you can't see what to get someone.
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Consistency
Guess what..I Don't Celebrate Christmas
I see it as a waste of valuable business building time personally but there we go..guess i'm just a Scrooge
Whatever people may think in regards to us being Scrooges, we at least think of why we do not follow like sheep to the slaughter and our decision on not to take part in this fraud is one we have made with thought and realised it is not for us. Every respect to you.
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dagr
Why fraud? What have been people been telling you?
I wasn't too happy when I found out Santa Claus didn't really exist either (or rather, he didn't exist as someone with super-natural powers), but I'm not sure if it's fraud as I didn't get ripped off by believing in him. I mean, "he" promised things that actually turned up! (unlike some other imaginary beings).
I admit to only doing the Christmas thing for the kids, and if they weren't around we would probably restrict it to meeting up with family and friends and having a good nosh. Such a heinous crime, meeting up with loved ones. You're well out of it. Save your soul.
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Consistency
The fraud of this is simple -
There are many who believe they need to celebrate this festival of greed and trading of gifts and where there really is less and less good will each year, as it is some kind of duty or honour to God. They believe this because they have been led to believe this, not least by schools and churches.
They have been lied to and people are being ripped off by this belief as they get themselves into debt and worry when there is really no need.
There are many who believe they need to celebrate this festival of greed and trading of gifts and where there really is less and less good will each year, as it is some kind of duty or honour to God. They believe this because they have been led to believe this, not least by schools and churches.
They have been lied to and people are being ripped off by this belief as they get themselves into debt and worry when there is really no need.
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Dawg
How many are you talking here? Are you talking about mentally incompetent people, or are you talking about people who are mature, independent adults, but whose lifestyle you disapprove of?
Me, I'd guess you were talking about the second group: people who should live their lives according to what you think. That these horrid people might actually enjoy a few baubles, chose how they want to pay for them, and chose when to celebrate life with friends and family seems to really annoy you.
Thankfully this sort of mindset is often confined to politicians who seem to think they have all the answers, as with Sir Stafford "there but for the grace of God, goes God" Cripps. Resonate?
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DCE
No matter how good the intentions, men cannot make a pagan holiday and pagan customs Christian by whitewashing them with Christ's name, for the Scriptural principle is clear: "What partnership do righteousness and lawlessness have?
Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
Christ is not in Christmas. And even if the celebration was changed from the pagan December 25 to an October date; even if the Santa Clause myth was completely discarded; even if the celebration saw no more gluttons and drunkards; even if crass immorality and crime did not ravage Christmas; even if the pagan practice of exchanging presents was abandoned; even if the churches instead of the department stores moved into the limelight; yes, even if all this took place, and there is not even a remote possibility of its happening, Christ could not be "put back" into Christmas, since never, at any time, has he ever been in Christmas!
How unreasonable, how preposterous, then, for any professed Christian, clergyman or otherwise, to think that humans can put Christ into Christmas, the whole principle of which is contrary to the Scriptures!
That is why true Christians shun Christmas, thus obeying the Bible command: "Quit touching the unclean thing."2Cor. 6:17.
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Consistency
It is not for me to disapprove of anyones decision or lifestyle. I am not their judge. All I ask is that for those who celebrate it to think of why they do what they do and if they are unsure to think about it.
The many people are of all kinds and mentalities. The people who celebrate it are not horrible poeple at all for having a few baubles and it does not annoy me. They make their own choices and more often or not they are meaning well but just do not know.
We are all learning all of the time.
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Beachcomber
Who said anything about getting depressed? If this is the effect christmas celebrations have on you then I'd join DCE's lot and have done with it.
Greed????
Feasting and gathering of kin have been a staple of any celebration our most primitive times - only sanctimonious, guilt ridden religious types condemn it as 'greed'
Or should we re-name the harvest festival as the 'festival of agricultural over-production and waste?
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a case of thinking too deeply here perhaps and also a tad patronising?! A chance to have some time off work, be with friends, eat and drink lots and enjoy seeing excited children does it for me
Its a tradition, whats wrong with that - does it need analysing?
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DCE
Would Jesus approve of a celebration that professes to honor him, yet is steeped in pagan rites and customs?
Jesus would certainly not.
Jesus wanted us to celebrate his death not his birth.
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I take it that was rhetorical and you dont want an answer??
No I dont celebrate Christmas, but do celebrate Chanukah, something dear Jesus did celebrate as well - so we do have some stuff in common!!
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