Shhh, don't tell them that... They might decide to stop it!
I actively dislike the consumerism that controls it now, but I do approve of the good feelings/spirit of giving/Dickensian side o' things. For me, the religious side of it has never been anything more than a distant attachment, usually in the form of hearing about others going to church, or a verse or three on a Christmas card.
I did write a fairly caustic poem - intended for our card that year, but never used - about anti-consumerism, and mentioned something like 'give a gift to the birthday boy.' Another year, I did a fairly saccharine piece that did make it onto a Christmas card, where Santa was witnessed praying and wishing people paid more attention to Christ. It's definitely a hijacked holiday, but I can accept that because I feel the core message is still good.
Of course, I also feel that core message - love - is ignored by those who allegedly profess to be Christians.
Then again, I have been accused by the Jehovah's Witnesses of 'seeing good in everything' and by the Boston Church of Christ as 'not having enough sin,' so what do I know.
"Christmas" has always been a rather Pagan affair - which is why the Puritans banned it. And if you think it's over-done now, back when Cromwell banned it, the partying tended to go on until mid February!
Actually, in Scotland, it wasn't actually a public holiday until recently - factories, shops, offices etc stayed open when I was a child. New Year was the big celebration.
Dunno if the noise has made it all the way across the pond, but some of the Falwells and clones have been kicking up a fuss about official store greeters offering "happy holidays" rather than "merry Christmas" as insincere mouthings at the Gates of Hell (AKA Walmart)....
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2005-12-03 06:11 am (UTC)I actively dislike the consumerism that controls it now, but I do approve of the good feelings/spirit of giving/Dickensian side o' things. For me, the religious side of it has never been anything more than a distant attachment, usually in the form of hearing about others going to church, or a verse or three on a Christmas card.
I did write a fairly caustic poem - intended for our card that year, but never used - about anti-consumerism, and mentioned something like 'give a gift to the birthday boy.' Another year, I did a fairly saccharine piece that did make it onto a Christmas card, where Santa was witnessed praying and wishing people paid more attention to Christ. It's definitely a hijacked holiday, but I can accept that because I feel the core message is still good.
Of course, I also feel that core message - love - is ignored by those who allegedly profess to be Christians.
Then again, I have been accused by the Jehovah's Witnesses of 'seeing good in everything' and by the Boston Church of Christ as 'not having enough sin,' so what do I know.
no subject
Date: 2005-12-03 10:26 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-12-03 03:50 pm (UTC)"Christmas" has always been a rather Pagan affair - which is why the Puritans banned it. And if you think it's over-done now, back when Cromwell banned it, the partying tended to go on until mid February!
Actually, in Scotland, it wasn't actually a public holiday until recently - factories, shops, offices etc stayed open when I was a child. New Year was the big celebration.
no subject
Date: 2005-12-03 06:54 pm (UTC)My Mennonite ancestors ignored the day.