Atheist on holidays?

Question

I have noticed on some of the topics lately that there a quite a few atheists on this app. I respect everyone's beliefs and believe everyone has the right to their own opinion. With Christmas coming up, I was wondering, do atheists still participate in primarily Christian holidays? Even though they don't believe in God/Jesus, Christmas is very commercialized and is often celebrated not for it's original purpose. So, do atheists celebrate holidays such as Christmas and Easter?

Answer

What's it's original purpose? I am an atheist and I don't see it as a Christian holiday, as it originally wasn't...but it is a time for families to come together in love and joy. You don't need to be religious for that.

Answer

Since these 'Christian Holidays' are actually solstice celebrated by most civilizations since man took notice of the passage of time, ie seasons, why wouldn't everyone participate? The Christian establishment took the sacred days celebrated by the pagans to absorb them into the church. That's where the Christmas tree, the Easter bunny, the May pole, etc come from.

Answer

I grew up with a New Years tree, as in customary in Russian culture. I also grew up celebrating Hannukah and lighting the chanukiah. My husband grew up celebrating Christmas. We are both non believers, but still do traditional "holiday" things. We have a tree, give presents, and have the turkey dinner. I don't go to mass, and I don't decorate my home with Angels and statues of baby Jesus.

Answer

Christians stole these PAGAN HOLIDAYSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

So yes. Its more than alright to celebrate ^_^

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I do, but I avoid the "religious" aspects of it. Christmas, and most holidays for that matter are more about spending time with family for me (and maybe most people?) Most of my family are believers and probably don't really know my beliefs, but I let them do their thing and it's ok unless it gets excessive and annoying, then I might leave the room lol. I definitely avoid religious conversations, especially with people who try to tell me my souls is damned, etc lol.  I don't however appreciate when certain family members take it upon themselves to "teach" my son their beliefs.

Answer

My "Christmas" celebration is spending time off school/work with family and giving them gifts I know they'll love and appreciate. There's nothing religious about that except the name of the holiday.

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My husband and I do not believe in God. We have our own views and beliefs on thing but still celebrate Christmas as a family for the togetherness of the holiday. We will have our children know about Santa and the easter bunny because its fun and enjoyable for kids. However we do not celebrate the religious aspect of the holidays. Our families are both very religious so we do say the "family prayer" before eating out of respect for our families though.

Answer

I've answered yes to this question soooo many times. Yes I do. Not because I have religion but because it's a tradition that started with my great-grandmother and I will continue it with my daughter.

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I'm not atheist, but I consider myself a spiritual but not religious person.  This time of year for me has always been about spending time with family, and I know plenty of people who technically are religious but still have a secular angle when it comes to celebrating.

Answer

I do! I love the music. The religious songs. The trees. The lights. Shit. I even go to the Rosario's the old school lady's do with the baby Jesus and the manger. Why? Because it reminds me of family. And unity. And a that not everything in this world sucks. I'm not religious but I do love Christmas.