10 best things about being an atheist on Christmas

[vorlon13]

Joseph had dangerous sperm buildup because Mary was out boinking god and got herself in trouble.

Smells like opportunity to me.

[Dystopia]

I share the same view as my former political science professor - Christmas obviously has a religious connotation but it has become somewhat a tradition that most people adhere to in the western world - Including atheists, agnostics, deists and people with other religious affiliations - The whole economy and calendar are set up according to Christmas and Eastern, few people refuse to celebrate them even if they aren't Christians - I'm not a big fan of Christmas, but I do enjoy it because I have more laid back time to be with my family and I like offering people gifts - There's a lot of happiness during Christmas for everyone. Currently, given that my mum is now an atheist too no one in my house (not counting my 14 year old sister) is religious and we are still going to celebrate Christmas - There's no reason not to. Christmas still bears a religious meaning but it is now mostly a tradition, just like atheist Jews take part into Jewish rituals even if they are atheists, it's just a cultural thing.

I don't enjoy Christmas as much as I used to be because I've grown from receiving expensive gifts like iPods, videogames and consoles to being the one who offers those gifts, but being the giver sure has it's advantages, it's wonderful to see people's joy when I offer them a gift - And also because Christmas is not holiday time but rather time to study hard for January exams.

[abaris]

Joseph had dangerous sperm buildup because Mary was out boinking god and got herself in trouble.

Smells like opportunity to me.

Still scary. He's always depicted as an old fart with serious hygene issues.

[vorlon13]

and your point ?

[Kitty Galore]

I celebrate the "holidays". Whether Christian or not, families come together, people are off work (mostly), kids are out of school. I like to have meals and give presents. Do activities. Hot buttered rum and apple cider. It has nothing to do with religion for me. Just custom and fun.

I would rather have that during this dreary time of year (where I live) than to go through it without holiday.

[polar bear]

I like not worrying if sky daddy might get mad at me for spending too much money on my wife and kids and not on him. It really feels good to NOT give this year. I am not a stingy bastard I have given plenty to non religious places, just not the guy who begs for money on sunday.

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

What I like about secular/atheistic Christmas:

-I never, EVER feel bad about not dropping money in a Salvation Army kettle. There are plenty of charities more deserving of my donations.

-I never have to do that phony 'Oh, whatever you get me is fine - it's the thought that counts.' What a load. I want cool shit, and lots of it.

-I don't have to mail out Jesus-themed Christmas cards. Year before last, my wife had some cards made that read 'Happy Christmas' and on the inside was a pop-up wang with the caption '...from our staff'. Have to be careful who you mail those to, though.

-I never feel obligated to watch the vomit inducing films of the season: 'Miracle on 34th Street', 'It's A Wonderful Life', etc, ad nauseum.

Boru

[FreeTony]

No prayers before eating.

Praying before eating is a ridiculous act.

Don't thank the farmer.
Don't thank the farm workers on minimum wage.
Don't thank the person that bought the food
Don't thank the person that prepared the food.

No, thank the one thing that has absolutly fuck all to do with it - the invisible man in the sky.

And if somehow this man in the sky were real, then why are you thanking it for creating a body that can starve, and putting it onto a planet where food is difficult to obtain such that one must be thankful for being fed. Bizare.

[Alex K]

Die Hard is our christmas movie de rigeur

[downbeatplumb]

Alcohol and guilt free sex.

So you never drink and.... you know.