Originally posted by Ushgarak
Christmas is a lot of things, Tex. People talk a lot about 'yuletide'. Care to tell me what that has to do with Christianity? Nothing at all. But it was there long before the Christians 'hijacked' it.The celebration at the end of December was originally a pagan festival about rebirth. Then it evolved into a Christian fesitval about the birth of Christ. Now it is evolving into something different. What is wrong with that?
There are many people who celebrate at this time of year to whom which the whole Christian message means nothing at all. But the sentiments they express are still valid. It's called 'Christmas' out of tradition, but that's just a name. I don;t see why they should feel in any way obligated to bring religion into it if they don't want to.
Christmas is a time about togetherness, family, friends, and the happy exchange of gifts. Many of my fondest memories are at Christmas. It's an important time for me. And this is the same for many people.
Things move on. Things change. Christmas does not HAVE to be religious any more.