Christmas

On the Twitternet, I’m amazed by how many Christians are not just angry, but FURIOUS that atheists celebrate Christmas. They think that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birth, and that as such, non believers shouldn’t be allowed to celebrate on the same day. Let’s break this down, shall we?

First, I am a member of a small group of people that do not  think Jesus actually existed. I think it’s convenient that his body disappeared into heaven. No physical proof. Assuming, however, that he did exist, there is no evidence linking his birth to December 25th.  In fact, biblical scholars can’t even agree on what year he was born, let alone when in the year.

Next, let’s look at the traditions of Christmas. First, is the tree. What does this have to do with Jesus? Nothing. It started as a pagan tradition to celebrate eternal life. Pagans especially worshiped trees. Then when they converted to Christianity (at pain of death), they kept the tradition but lost the meaning.

What about Santa Clause? There was a Saint Nicholas who was known for giving gifts. This story got merged with the god Odin, to create Sinterklaas, who flew across roof tops on a flying horse. He had helpers listen at chimney tops who would tell Sinterklaas who had been naughty and who had been nice. Again, once the Germanic people were “converted” certain parts of the old traditions were merged with the Christian beliefs. And more to the point, none of this had anything whatsoever to do with Jesus’ birth.

Stockings full of gifts? That came from an Italian goddess named Pasqua Epiphania, who later would become Mrs. Claus, after people who worshiped St. Nicholas, moved his body to one of Pasqua Epiphania’s shrines where they worshiped him. That’s right. A Catholic bishop, had a cult.

Now, what about the overall idea of Christmas? Coming together with friends and family. Reuniting with those you haven’t seen in a while. Exchanging gifts after a nice dinner. Those are all things that all people (including atheists) enjoy. That’s why we celebrate Christmas. That’s how we celebrate Christmas.

Besides, our Christmas traditions are horrible ways to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Look at the above picture. All that extravagance. Is that the appropriate way to celebrate the life of someone who was born in a manger and advocated giving away all of your earthly goods? How much money do we spend on Christmas gifts? How many people die on Black Friday when everyone is rushing to get a good deal and they literally stampede over other people. Jesus is the “reason for the season”? Are you high? That would be like people celebrating Darwin’s birthday by murdering rare species of animals.

The truth is that every religion has holidays that they celebrate throughout the year. Many of them during the winter. However, while Christians were conquering the known world… Err… I mean “converting”… it, people were forced to give up their beliefs. So as a compromise, they took their existing traditions, and molded them to fit their new circumstances. Jesus’ birth has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas, except for the name. In truth, that’s where “Happy Holidays” came from. It turns out, that there are religions other than Christianity out there. They all celebrate in the winter time. It has less to do with liberals “stealing” Christmas, and more to do with smart people recognizing that all of your bat shit crazy religions are the same, so why prefer one over the others?

I really don’t care if someone says “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”. I don’t care if they have a nativity scene in front of the church. I don’t care because it’s all made up. These are traditions that have been around since before Jesus was supposedly born. I don’t celebrate holidays, because they are all made up. Don’t let ignorant Christians bully you or try to sway you with the “reason for the season” nonsense. They are wrong. Like they always are. Santa and Jesus are the same person. That is, they are made up.

So go to your loved ones, enjoy their company, eat, drink, and be merry. Merry Christmas.