Why do non-Christians hate Christmas?
930079
Hello,\nI'm a Pagan. I study Wicca and Buddhism. But I don't hate Christmas, either. I'm sorry that you got so many hateful responses to this. Most true followers of Wicca practice tolerance. I still get upset when people print stories about not being able to say "Merry Christmas". This is not about the Wiccans. I belong to a group of about 30 people and we all say "Merry Christmas" to others. Among ourselves we will wish a "Happy Yule". I've never been insulted that people put up Christmas Trees, or Mistletoe. I see it as an affirmation of what I believe as well. I will say that I regard the switch to Plastic Trees a very positive thing, because I am put off by the killing of a tree for decoration, but I can deal with those that do it.\nPeople, ALL people, should be free to worship they way that they see fit. The only time that I get upset about Christian Tradition is when it is forced upon me. When Bush tries to push for laws that are Pro-Christian and Anti-Pagan (Pagan simply meaning Non-Christian) then it is bad for the country. \nAll people have the right to do what they believe is right, that is what this country was based on. Freedom of Religion. Unfortunately, too many people want to think that their way is the ONLY way, and this is just not the case. \nLove And Peace to you,\nBlessed Be,\nAnd MERRY CHRISTMAS!
763916
They know Christmas is pagan but just do not care. They do not realize what a slap in the face to God and Jesus these celebrations are. They are mixing true worship with pagan worship.\n\nDo you think that Jesus Christ would consider it an honor to have his name attached to a “pagan holiday, partly Christianized”? How could this be so when his faithful disciples recognized that there should be no mixing of the darkness of paganism with the light of Christianity? The apostle Paul, for example, reminded fellow Christians at Corinth: “What sharing does light have with darkness? Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what portion does a faithful person have with an unbeliever? And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? . . . ‘Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing.’”—2 Cor. 6:14-17. \n\nWhen Moses came down from the mountain and found the people worshipping the golden calf, they told him it represented God.  They were celebrating to this statue.\nDid Moses say "good idea, lets party". No! but God destroyed over 2,000 people that day for daring to celebrate to an idol.  Just like people do today. Since these holidays are so insulting to God, you can bet Satan has a hand in it.  He will make sure that people keep celebrating these holidays.
764033
I fell into the trap around 8 to 10 years ago while working at a large corporation and because of diversity issues I was afraid of offending someone.  Not any longer, I have gone back to wishing people a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  My reasoning is that when you go into most public places, including department stores, they are decorated, and people are working for the Christmas Season!  Therefore I have taken back my right to wish people a Merry Christmas but,  I premise it by saying "May I Wish You A Merry Christmas" 98% of the time people are grateful that I have said Merry Christmas.  Like myself, people are getting tired of offending others by extending our Holiday Greetings in a way that it was meant to be.  If someone wished me a Happy Hanuka, I would graciously say Thank You and be grateful for their wishes.  \n\nSecondly,  Yes, I do not appreciate people writing XMAS,  it is the CHRIST  MAS Season and people are being sucked into the delusion that this is not what it is about.  If people are non believers, than do not participate. I won't be offended.  I am not a religious nut by any means, but I feel stripped of my right to celebrate one of the most important events in our History (as Christians).  \n\nMERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND HAVE A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR.
1165148
in my opinion its because most Christians cant think for themselves and wont accept any other religion as valid. and i hate how the first Christians adapted many pagan traditions just so they could convert them easier
245081
My understanding of the question wasn't "Why don't non-Muslims respect Muslims?" or even "Islam respects other religions; why don't other religions respect Islam?"\n\nRather, my interpretation was "Why do non-Muslims disrespect religious figures, blaspheming both deities and supposed representatives of deities? Don't you feel uncomfortable speaking in such a manner?"\n\nPersonally speaking, I feel that there is nothing wrong with speaking one's mind. The fact that we have the freedom to speak ill of religious figures is VITAL to freedom. You only have to look at the Taliban to see what happens when people aren't allowed to express their religious stance.\n\nAs for people blaspheming a god or gods, it would depend on the person doing it, as to whether they felt "funny" when they did it. An atheist has nothing to fear when s/he blasphemes, so why would s/he feel funny? People who don't believe in your god or religion aren't going to feel afraid or uncomfortable when saying things that you find offensive because it isn't of spiritual significance to them like it is to you.\n\nIn the west, there are millions of children that believe in Santa Claus. Their belief in Santa Claus does not change the fact that there are millions of people who DON'T believe in Santa Claus. People who DON'T believe in Santa aren't going to worry about saying something bad about Santa, Mrs Claus, or any of Santa's elves or reindeer because to them, it doesn't matter.\n\nYou perceive the way people speak of religious figures and "God" as something terrible, because it matters to YOU.\n\nIt is simply a value judgement. People who believe in a deity will respect it; those who don't believe won't feel fear when using blasphemy.
815477
No, no. I was just thinking about this today actually! I really dislike this holiday. Thanksgiving, I can take. Christmas, I hate Christmas. I hate sappy Christmas music played up until Christmas Day --and then sometimes afterward as well!! It's like Chinese water torture all the way up until Christmas Day. I was in Borders, Old Navy, Barnes and Noble, and Atlanta Bread Co. today, I could not escape the Christmas music!! And it's still November. I hate when crossing the street people nearly mow you over in their SUVs, with a fancy little wreath attached to the grill!! I hate how people sack the stores searching for gifts for people they would otherwise ignore the rest of the year. I especially dislike how people decide that Christmas is the one time to buy people they love meaningful gifts. Love and meaning should infuse everyday of one's life. Not just one day out of the year. If I see a coat or a scarf or a toy that I know a member of my family would love, I buy it then and give it to them. I don't horde it for weeks or months and then shove it in some wrapping and slap it under a tree. :( But that's me!
912674
I don't celebrate Christmas.\nI'm Jewish!\nHappy Hanukkah!!!!\n(December 15 - 23)
19103
I am an Atheist and have no problem at all with "Merry Christmas" or "Christmas Tree" or anything simular.  If a store wants to display signs that say Merry Christmas than I think thats great.  If they want to have Happy Holidays instead, I see no problem with that either.\n\nFor me, December 25th is Christmas Day.  Its not Holiday Day or Solstice Day... its Christmas Day.  \nOf course the word Christmas may have more meaning to some people than to others.  I dont celebrate the birth of Christ and most Theists dont either.  Maybe one day we will have an ATHEIST DAY and damn to hell if I would let some Jesus Freak make me change it!
310178
Because religion gives people a chance to still have a Santa Claus figure in adulthood without feeling too ridiculous, by renaming it 'god', and thus trying to make it sound like a more grown-up idea.  It's simply a character flaw in people who don't want to accept reality.
713828
I'd call those hypocrites out. They must be very insecure about their beliefs if they are threatened by Santa. They harp on and on about believing in this higher being, that no one has seen. I'm talking about God, not Jesus (most Christians of late seem to think that they are one and the same, which they are not.) Jesus did walk on this Earth. These same people try to say that Santa is dead. My understanding is that Santa Claus, is a saint; Saint Nicholas. \n\nI grew up in a Christian home, but we also believed in Santa. \nSanta wants you to be good so that you can be rewarded on Christmas morning. You can't see him. I think those ideals gave us the outline of what is expected of us from God. The bible outlines the many rules we must adhere to, or face the dire consequences of the failure to do so. \nSanta just focuses on the positive reinforcement of those biblical bylaws. If we are good all year, get a reward. Nothing wrong with that.
4545
Well, some people do not know the real christmas, Chistians celebrate the birth of christ, but non-christians do also know that is the birth of christ, but they celebrate it getting drunk, big parties, fireworks, gifts. It's not bad to give gifts and fireworks, christmas trees, lights , but getting drunk i think is not good. The real christmas whick a lot of people have forgotten it is Christ, whether we get gifts, fireworks or not, those things shouldn't take away the spirit of christmas.
1015196
Why do you believe so many people hate your god?  Or does not believing in him = hating him?  Because I love Santa Claus (ok, so he bribes me with presents), but I don't believe in him.  Even you say you've never come into contact with a person who hates the lord.  So where are you getting the idea that there are all these haters out there?
749011
Because they're uninformed people who don't understand that Christmas was never even started for the birth of Jesus. His b-day was in a completely different season, and the Christians took the holiday from Pagans and gave it their own meaning and name. You probably know that, that's just for people who think Christmas actually has anything to do with Christ.
620636
The negativity associated with the Craft is historical and passed down through generations like any other social conception.  I don't let it bother me because I will let my actions and kindness speak what words can't.  Not every religions holidays are 'recognized' and personally I'd rather not see ours that way.. they would end up becoming commercialized with Hallmark cards like the rest of them.\n\nI don't mind being told Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and the rest.  I will not think of people being cynical first and foremost...I think people are merely being pleasant and I will be pleasant back.\n\nI do not nor have I ever hid that I am a Wiccan and that I practice the Craft.  Some have harassed me because of it; but I have found a lot of acceptance not only in my own family but in the community at large.\n\nBlessed Be.
12170
Well, if you're talking about the vast majority of people that don'tattend achurch service on Christmas, there are a variety of reasons for that, each pertinent to the people themselves. Some people would rather spend time with family, others choose not to allign themselves with the Christian religion, others choose not to align themselves with a church. You could also simply mean why is it so hard to get to Church on Christmas, that's because church attenmdance in the U.S. is highest on Christmas and Easter.
928294
WoW! It's unbelievable how some get so angry over this question.! I don't actually care what it's called; winterval or otherwise. I know it's not popular, but...here goes anyway.....\nDecember 25th, according to the Bible, (which is the ultimate and true word, on this subject and all others,) This date, has Pagan origins, and was declared to be Christ's birthday, by humans. The truth, which as Christians, we should be seeking, is that Christ was actually born in the Fall of the year, (Feast of Trumpets and Feast of Tabernacles Holy Days, are the time of the year when Christ was actually born.) Dec. 25th is the date that Mary was Immaculately conceived, BTW)\nMost people dont want to hear this; it's too hard to change some beliefs. BUT God does tell us to worship in Spirit and in Truth...soooo.... I guess it will be offensive to some! That's the way the Christmas cookie crumbles!\nThese facts about Jesus' real birthday have absolutely nothing to do with being politically correct...They were Biblical and true, before all this nonsense about stuff like that. \nAnyone who seeks the truth about Jesus' birthday, can read it in the Bible; those of us who know that December 25th is not His birthday, have already proved it to ourselves, and find comfort in knowing the truth that Christ has allowed us to know. \nIt's not about taking away a "religious" holiday....It's fine with me if people celebrate Dec 25th, no matter what it's called...but....in reality, since it's not Christ's birthday, it's just a tradition, a fun one perhaps, once you get thru all the hassles involved with shopping, the greed of the merchants, the expectations of what you're going to receive, the stress, not to mention the bills and the cookies that didn't turn out, and the commercialism! \nSo...call it anything...doesn't matter anyway...and I hate to be a party pooper..but Christ doesn't belong in it to begin with...\nWhy not just call it a WinterFest, and be done with it ? That's all it is, anyway!!!
598537
I don't hate Christians I just believe something different. Not what say, the bible would say litrally. At the end of the day know one really knows. And I also hate loud mouth athiests who wish too offend others for the sake of it.