HannahGo Posted December 16, 2004 Posted December 16, 2004 I was brought up Catholic but have been a strong atheist for the past 7 years. I have not wanted to celebrate Christmas this entire time, for the simple reason that I do not believe in what it stands for (the birth of Christ). Infuriatingly, however, I always end up exchanging cards and gifts with family and friends, and attending numerous Christmas functions and gatherings. I am forced to celebrate Christmas out of peer pressure - you can't really refuse to accept cards or gifts, so I always feel obliged to return the favour (even though I write something like 'happy holidays' rather than 'merry xmas'). My friends and family know I don't believe in Christmas but I feel like I have to go with the flow anyway, or else be seen as someone who is bitter or cheap, who 'doesn't want to get into the spirit'. I just had a major argument with my mother, who got upset when I said I was going to work on Christmas day instead of spending time with the family. She then accused me of being petty and tight, saying I just didn't want to get anyone presents. This is ridiculous - I buy presents for birthdays, special celebrations, mothers and fathers day - a Jewish person wouldn't expect to get a Hannukah present from a non-Jew, would they?! I am sick and tired of having to defend my atheism. Do you think it is unreasonable that I don't want to celebrate Christmas? Maybe I should just give up and follow the crowd...
moimeme Posted December 16, 2004 Posted December 16, 2004 Nice rationale, but plenty of non-religious people celebrate Christmas as a reason to get together with family and share good times. or else be seen as someone who is bitter or cheap, who 'doesn't want to get into the spirit'. Yep. Everybody does it because everbody does it. Society has picked this occasion to use to gather families around and since there aren't a whole lot of other occasions to do so, it's grinchy to go against it. You could always use the occasion to make donations to charities or something and buy small gifts but at least spend time with people who want to spend time with you.
dyermaker Posted December 16, 2004 Posted December 16, 2004 Yeah, I think it's somewhat unreasonable. The religious celebration is entirely seperate from the commercial one.
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