I was raised by atheist parents in a mainly Christian country. We celebrated Christmas as an excuse to gather family, have a fantastic meal, give and receive small gifts. As kids, the big event was to be allowed to decorate the Christmas tree. It had no connection at all to religion. When my parents weren't there anymore, I continued to celebrate Christmas with a group of friends, all non-catholics (one russian orthodox, one jew, the others being atheists) for the same reasons: good food, good wines, funny (but cheap) gifts and a lot of laughter. And I take the day off. The office is closed anyway.
I would keep my (dog)cat. When I adopted her I took the responsibility of her life and happiness. I couldn't explain to her why I abandon her. My lover should understand that we still can have a loving relationship even if we live in separate homes.
Being a "good person" doesn't need to be teached by god. Atheists have a conscious and know the difference between good and bad. If your misdeeds outwiegh your good deeds, I wouldn't like to meet you, you scare me! As everyone, I did some mistakes in my life, but so far I can say I am not ashamed of myself.
I agree Trish, the Christmas period became a business feast. But it is possible to have a good day with family and loved ones without getting into massive debt! A small cheap gift and a shared-costs spaghetti is enough to have a lot of fun. And, honestly, I prefer to go shopping (try to find a different gift every year for a man at max.5 euros! You have to like him very much to survive this) than to be obliged to go to midnight mass.
Both my parents were raised in a religion and had to struggle to free their minds. I was indeed lucky that they never brainwashed me and did give me freedom of choice. Now for Christmas gift, with my friends, we always put a maximum amount of 5 euros BUT the gift has to be nicely wraped up, with a colourfull string and a huge knot. We all have different ways to rank our priorities in life, don't we?
I do indeed consider the Christmas tree as a pagan decoration, full of colours and lights when days are cold and dark. Christmas does mean something to me because I live in a christian country. But if I lived in a Unconquered Sun country, I probably be very happy to participate to the festival if it is full of fun ... and sun.
I was raised by atheist parents but we celebrated Christmas as an excuse to gather family, have a fantastic meal, give and receive small gifts. As kids, the big event was to be allowed to decorate the Christmas tree. It had no connection at all to religion. When my parents weren't there anymore, I continued to celebrate Christmas with a group of friends, all non-catholics (one russian orthodox, one jew, the others being atheists) for the same reasons: good food, good wines, funny gifts and a lot of laughter.
How do you feel when someone wishes you a Merry Christmas even when knowing you are not Christian? What do you reply? "You too" or are you persistent in telling people that you do not celebrate Christmas?
No, you didn't answer my question: Does it mean she's stronger than your god's will?
How come you never answer straight to precise questions? All you do is insulting, threatening, being rude and using nasty words. Where did you learn that?
Yes, she is. She still lives on her own in her small flat. It's difficult for her to walk, so she reads a lot. She is an amazing lady with a lot of humour.
gabrielle95 Forum Posts (1,726)
RE: Atheists and Christmas
I was raised by atheist parents in a mainly Christian country. We celebrated Christmas as an excuse to gather family, have a fantastic meal, give and receive small gifts. As kids, the big event was to be allowed to decorate the Christmas tree. It had no connection at all to religion.When my parents weren't there anymore, I continued to celebrate Christmas with a group of friends, all non-catholics (one russian orthodox, one jew, the others being atheists) for the same reasons: good food, good wines, funny (but cheap) gifts and a lot of laughter.
And I take the day off. The office is closed anyway.