Merry Christmahanukwanzakah

[eggwards]

Can't anyone just celebrate a nice, non-contentious little-"c" christmas anymore?

You know, when I was growing up, I had a household that was vaguely Christian, but we didn't push it. My parents did make me go to church, Methodist church, but I'll admit, somewhere around the time I was in confirmation classes, I was realizing that not only was church boring, but the stuff wasn't really sticking. No offense to those with faith, that's cool, but for me, I believe in a higher power, I'm just not so sure about the whole divinity of Jesus thing.

So that makes me Agnostic, right? Actually, I believe that there was a real Jesus who walked the Earth, and he became a big celebrity, much like Alexander and Caesar and several other historical figures. I find it interesting that both Time and Newsweek magazines this week have stories looking at the uncertainty surrounding the gospels of the Christmas story. Time requires a subscription, Newsweek is kind enough to allow you to read it online.

I promise, I'm not trying to convert anyone. In fact, I believe your faith should be stronger when you see all views. Those who remain ignorant on purpose deserve little from me. (sorry, I know that was arrogant, but that's my opinion)

It's not that I want to be anti-christian, the actual teachings of Christ are beautiful, and when followed, could truly change lives and the world, but unfortunately we see time and time again that we get division and contention. And here's were we get the Christmas problem.

Listening to radio as I was coming home from Dallas earlier this week, as I often do, the radio talkshow host kept going on how Christmas (with a big "C") was being ruined, because groups like school administrators were taking it out of the schools. In some cases the schools were having more inclusive "winter festivals" but in some they were just removing everything, because the problems of trying to include others had become so great, that they couldn't do any of them.

One example was that parents in one school contended that Kwanzaa was made up and wouldn't support it. I guess they had had so many problems with trying to create that Virgin mobile Christmahanukwanzakah, that they chucked the whole thing, and went with a "Patriotic" celebration. No Holiday music, just charging cannons and camo. Happy Solstice!

Of course I will ask that everyone please call radio talk show host Glen Beck a moron for announcing Ramadan should be celebrated as well, showing his ignorance that the Islamic moth of ramadan had already passed more than 3 weeks ago.

You know, I could handle seeing nativity scenes without getting angry, why can't others? Do some people really get upset seeing a menorah next to a Christmas tree, and why do some people get so upset when you tell them that that evergreen tree was a symbol of pagan fertility way before it was attributed to the Christ child?

To be silly, "Why can't we all just get along?"

What happened to a nice, easy going going holiday season, that actually celebrated the happiness of the season, no matter what your beliefs, or lack there of. All I want is the happiness, the light and the hope of these times, for everyone, and not to be assaulted with the messages that so and so is the reason for the season, or that my belief is better than yours, and should be exalted in excelsis deo.

I'm going to go on record to say I'd like to contribute to an idea of John's (jkusters) for a billboard next year that would read: "Many Faiths, Many Traditions, One Message: Peace on Earth, Goodwill Towards All."

Comments

[dedos.livejournal.com]

I have a confession to make: I was a teenage (and early-to-mid 20's) Grinch! But lately I must be getting soft in my old age. I actually look forward to the feelings of goodwill in the air (Christmas music, though, is another story). Sure, it doesn't last, and if you're cynical, it feels contrived. But sometimes the illusion is nice. Yay for a little-c christmas holiday! :)

[randomcub.livejournal.com]

I hear ya.

[redcub.livejournal.com]

Agnosticism is the belief that the truth may or may not be out there, but it remains undiscoverable by the limited means of mankind. There may be a God/dess, there may not, there may have been a Jesus, not sure...it's the spiritual equivilant of shrugging your shoulders and muttering, "I dunno," but its not to be confused with not caring about such issues.

Agnostics can and do feel a great reverence for life and the possibilities of spirituality, but many feel that the "Truth" is not so simple as has been laid out in Sunday School, and often intellectually suspect people who claim otherwise.

That work for you?

[metaljunkie.livejournal.com]

I hope this doesn't get understood in the wrong way, but isn't Christmas the celebration of Jesus birth? Why do people who are not Christian or do not believe in Jesus celebrate it? because it's a pretty holiday?

I totally respect everybody's beliefs and agree that it doesn't matter what you believe in because at the end you are always trying to be a better person. It's just that sometimes i don't get why people who say that they do not believe in Jesus celebrate Christmas.

[dedos.livejournal.com]

Because the winter solstice celebration has been going on a lot longer than Christianity. It was the Church's decision to conveniently place their holidays over the existing ones to ease conversion. But noone around town calls it The Solstice Celebration anymore, it's just Christmas, even if you don't believe in Christ, I guess. Calendars have it marked, you get time off from work... heck, why wouldn't you celebrate?

[metaljunkie.livejournal.com]

That makes sense, but why do you say that it was the Church's decision to conveniently place their holidays over the existing ones? wasn't Jesus born on the 25? I mean, it was a coincidence that he was bron during those dates, or am i missing something and you are saying that Jesus was born some other day and church told people it was on dec 25?

[randomcub.livejournal.com]

Jesus' actual date of birth is unknown. The Western Church and the cultures around them choose to celebrate it on Dec. 25. The Eastern ORthodox church follows a different calendar and their Christmas is on January 6 or 7. The date is less important than the meaning.

[metaljunkie.livejournal.com]

ohhh...i didn't know that. thanks for the info dude

[dedos.livejournal.com]

Doing a quick Google search will lead you to many possibilities. Several are mentioned in the Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas#Theories_regarding_the_origin_of_the_date_of_Christmas) about Christmas. The Bible never states when Jesus was born, or when he died. They weren't even using the same calendar. The Church decided to pick a date that people were already celebrating in order to overpower the pagan celebrations and stamp out heretical thoughts.

[polomex.livejournal.com]

What happened to a nice, easy going going holiday season, that actually celebrated the happiness of the season, no matter what your beliefs, or lack there of.

Wait... one actually existed?

Sincerely,
Professional Cynic

[zvuv.livejournal.com]

hi. i randomly came across your journal and i hope you don't mind if i respond.

the reason why some people find placing the Menorah next to the Christmas tree offensive is because HANUKKAH HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH CHRISTMAS. it's not the Jewish version of Christmas. it rarely falls within even the same week (today is the third day of Hanukkah, and it's still 12/10). it's a totally different (minor) holiday with a different purpose and traditions. and it's annoying to see it lumped together with Christmas, just so the Jews wouldn't get left out. well, we still do feel left out, and that's just a way it is. that's a whole other can of worms.

i'm not saying YOU believe Hanukkah is the Jewish version of Christmas. but it does seem to be the prevalent attitude. because so far, no one has wished me a happy Hanukkah, but wait until the week of Christmas. (not that i'm religious. i'm just as much Jewish as you're Christian.)

[dedos.livejournal.com]

It doesn't help that Adam Sandler made a whole song dedicated to comparing Hanukkah to Christmas. Where else are we supposed to learn about these things? XD

[cajuncountry.livejournal.com]

Great post! Mind if I stay on board?

[imondo.livejournal.com]

Amen brother!!!!

And from our home you to yours, have a very merry christmas, chanukka, kawanzaa solstice!

P.S. Somebody will have to explain me what kawanzaa is like, coz it soulds like fun!

[dfwteddybear.livejournal.com]

THANK YOU! I'm glad someone put it in a context i can work with. I can and will quote you, if that's ok. :)

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Redcub (Alan) is pretty smart about such things.

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

I'll never say all of these posts are gems, but you're more than welcome to stick around!

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Well, I've never celebrated Kwanzaa, since it's primarily an African-American celebration. It's a reflection on their culture, and supposed to resemble the harvest period of Africa. It last for seven nights, from Christmas, to New Years Eve. Some contend that it's based on old cultures, but many attribute it to a professor who either revived or created it in the 1970's.

To me, it sounds a little like Chanukkah, since it goes on for several nights, each night there's different messages and gifts, and there's food each night.

[dfwteddybear.livejournal.com]

Well, being Agnostic, I was finding words to describe it to people in a way they would understand kinda difficult. Now, I can!

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

You're right, I don't call myself Christian, or Jewish, though I grew up in the Judeo-Christian traditions. Strangely, I am aware that it is the third day of Chanukkah, probably because I really love the Jewish traditions in a sort of non-religious sort of way. I'm weird like that.

and no, I don't mind, welcome to the debate. It's fun to have visitors.


I know, People do think it's the Jewish Christmas, and that's the whole ignorance of it. In general, many want to be inclusive, and this is the best they can do. Those that don't will rail against anything they can, to you just can't please anyone, dang it.

So instead of creating one blended tradition, which would never work, you end up with this crazy quilt that never quite does it. We raise a minor holiday to the level of a major. Still, I thought Easter was always supposed to be the bigger Christian celebration, but people don't like giving gifts for a crucifixion.

So, I do want to wish you peace, and light, no matter how much of a jew you are, and hope you'll enjoy the season too!

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

I'd say that that is a pretty good definition. Something to the effect of "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" with the extra caveat of, "and we may never know".

I think the answers are not simple, and the faith that i see others easily come by is foreign to me. I am constantly skeptical. Always the Sculley to Fox mulder's "The Truth is out There", perhaps?

Still, I guess I share Mulder's "I want to believe" ideal. Just what I've seen so far is unconvincing, besides the fact that there is beauty in this earth, and there is love. those things are what convinces me that there must be something...

That works for me. I may not be exactly to what your definition states, but I don't know a better word for my current state of spirituality - or lack thereof Thanks Alan

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Awww, Matt

I could just hug you.

...but then you'd think I'd have a motive.

[cajuncountry.livejournal.com]

Well the first one that's not a "gem" and I swear I'll drop ya.

No pressure. :)

Now go be interesting.

[polomex.livejournal.com]

LOL...

[handlebear.livejournal.com]

Try doing the ChristmahanukwanzakahSoltice thing. It's like the LGBTQQ.

[redcub.livejournal.com]

It's absolutely fine to use this as you see fit. Thank you for being sweet and asking.

[redcub.livejournal.com]

Aw shucks...

Nah, I don't think I'm all that smart, actually I probably just have a tiny bit more experiance in trying to come up with the meanings behind the labels.

Tough being married to a BA in Philosphy, semeniarian candidate for 14 years and not pick up a few bits here and there.