Poll for atheists - Do you still celebrate Christmas and why?

[Minimalist]

My wife and I exchange gifts, have a meal, and never mention any of this jesus shit.

Fuck it.

[Alexander The Great]

I'm forced to go to Chruch, I'm forced to lead fucking prayers because I'm the youngest one in family and because they know I'm an atheist.
Atheists in my country are percieved as naive fools, so yeah, that tells you everything.
But tbh I love christmas because the whole family is together, super meals are being made, I get free shit and people in general seem far more connected to each other.
That's like the only positive thing I can think of when religion is mentioned.

[emjay]

I do. The religious side of it - the carols, nativities etc - just brings back purely happy nostalgic memories of my childhood Christmases so it's about the only time I positively welcome Christian influence, because without it it wouldn't be the same.

[Thumpalumpacus]

I've always got room in my schedule for a day about peace on Earth, good will towards men ... then I go back to the news about bombs dropping everywhere and shitposting online.

[Arkilogue]

I didn't think Christians were supposed to celebrate Christmas...

Jeremiah 10:2 Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

[InsaneDane]

Yes, I celebrate Christmas.

Though in Denmark (And most of Scandinavia) it's known as "Jul" - from the old Jól that the Norse Pagans celebrated.
It's still VERY Christian though, with Christian songs, Christian decorations, dancing around a christmas tree and some people go to church.

While I don't go to church, dance around a christmas tree nor sing Christian songs, I can appreciate the atmosphere of christmas, with it's decorations, gifts and amazing food.

And in honor of the Norse fore-fathers get a tiny bit shitfaced.

[Firefighter01]

Yes, my whole family are atheists and we celebrate Santa and the spirit of giving.  Love the decorations and don't even mind most of the carols. No Jesus required.

---

I've always got room in my schedule for a day about peace on Earth, good will towards men ... then I go back to the news about bombs dropping everywhere and shitposting online.

Hi Thump,
I just joined the forum. I read a few months back that hackneyed phrase “Peace on earth and goodwill to all men” is actually a mistranslation!  

Luke 2:14 English Standard Version (ESV)

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

and KJV changed it to ;
Luke 2:14King James Version (KJV)

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

[Arkilogue]

Yes, my whole family are atheists and we celebrate Santa and the spirit of giving.  Love the decorations and don't even mind most of the carols. No Jesus required.

---

I've always got room in my schedule for a day about peace on Earth, good will towards men ... then I go back to the news about bombs dropping everywhere and shitposting online.

Hi Thump,
I just joined the forum. I read a few months back that hackneyed phrase “Peace on earth and goodwill to all men” is actually a mistranslation!  

Luke 2:14 English Standard Version (ESV)

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

and KJV changed it to ;
Luke 2:14King James Version (KJV)

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Ain't that a bitch....

Good research and welcome!

[Firefighter01]

Yes, my whole family are atheists and we celebrate Santa and the spirit of giving.  Love the decorations and don't even mind most of the carols. No Jesus required.

---

Hi Thump,
I just joined the forum. I read a few months back that hackneyed phrase “Peace on earth and goodwill to all men” is actually a mistranslation!  

Luke 2:14 English Standard Version (ESV)

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

and KJV changed it to ;
Luke 2:14King James Version (KJV)

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Ain't that a bitch....

Good research and welcome!

Thanks mate! Enjoying having a look around!

[Thumpalumpacus]

I've always got room in my schedule for a day about peace on Earth, good will towards men ... then I go back to the news about bombs dropping everywhere and shitposting online.

Hi Thump,
I just joined the forum. I read a few months back that hackneyed phrase “Peace on earth and goodwill to all men” is actually a mistranslation!  

Luke 2:14 English Standard Version (ESV)

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

and KJV changed it to ;
Luke 2:14King James Version (KJV)

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

That's cool, I don't really care about its provenance one way or another -- it's the thought that counts to me.

Former firefighter here, USAF variety, 1989-1993. Welcome to the forum.