This will be my first Christmas as an atheist; how can I make it that it still holds some meaning for me?
965585
its a winter holiday for me.
712067
Remember the meaning and origin of Christmas! It's Jesus Christ's birthday. If you are a Christian I encourage you to make an effort to make Jesus Christ this year's theme in your decoration! Merrry Christmas!!!! :)
751671
If you're religious, have faith.  If you're not religious still have faith that something will come through.  You deserve something special for all the things you've done for your family.  Keep hunting for jobs because that is all that you can do and eventually someone will recognize your contributions.  Hang in there.
1109361
That's sooooooo been done.  Don't even bother.  Fortunately, Santa Claus, Inc., its trademarks, titles, and everything having to do with "Santa Claus" is covered under the "religious" protection under the Constitution.  If you believe in Santa Claus, then you can sue him---or his corporation.  If you do not believe in Santa Claus, then you have no grounds for a lawsuit because you are of a different "faith/belief."\n\nAs you know, though-----there is no Santa Claus; the parents put the presents under the tree.  If you can find a Muslim who is really worried about it-----please take the bombs off his vest, sit him down, and you guys can talk about Santa.\n\nIf you can find a Hebrew person who is concerned about Santa, then ask him to put down his Torah, and sit down and talk to him about it.\n\nIf you can find a Buddhist who is concerned about Santa, then you can certainly Hmmmmmmmmmm your way into a conversation.\n\nIf you can find an atheist who is concerned about Santa, then they would have to believe in a giving, loving, spirit.  Sorry, that would make them something other than atheist.\n\nNow, if you're this concerned over Santa Claus, I suggest you contact your County Mental Health Department.  I'm sure you can find a counselor there who would be interested in sitting down and talking to you about it.\n\nOh, and----------HO HO HO....MERRY CHRISTMAS.
133359
Chin up.....buy yourself something nice.   Get out and meet ppl.  don't just dwell on something you can't change. Once when I was in simular situation my grandma told me "sometimes God must close a door to force us thru the one he has opened for us, and if he has a door opened for us then it has to be  a good one. we just can't see the future like he can." So just try and believe that that  there is a better day coming for you.
753251
You can't have it both ways.  Convert to Islam, and still celebrate Christmas.  \n\nWhen it comes the time to face Jesus Christ on judgment day, I hope you have a good answer to tell  Him why you denied him.\nGood Luck to you, and Merry Christmas.
1047449
Hello bc_munkee.. :)\n\nI used to be an atheist..so I can understand where you are coming from..\n\nThere was a time I used to feel and think the same way..but ever since Jesus came into my life..I want to help others..feed the hungry..clothe the needy..visit the sick and also those in prison..\n\nWe all should care about others and if that seems wrong to some..then so be it..For I am happy knowing that if I can help, even if it is in just some small way..\n\nIt does not matter what faith someone may be, even if they have none..My hearts desire is just want to help to try and stop poverty, suffering, hatred, hunger, greed..\n\nIs it so wrong, to bring a ray of sunshine into someones life.. :)\n\nIn Jesus Most Precious Name..\nWith Love..In Christ..
322402
You can just ask what Easter means for them, and then tell them what it means for you (take and give). They might be more opened if they see you are really interested in what they say.
1132925
The best advice I will give is to live your Christian life openly. Don't be judgemental or intolerant. As my youth pastor used to say "you may be the only Bible some people ever read." So keep that in mind as you go about your day. Stay focused on practicing your religion. Take the time to listen to your family members about what they believe and how they experience God. Just listen. There is a great value to listening, so many people forget that. A lot of people have more respect for people who take the time to listen and get to know what they believe. If you don't understand something they are saying, it is okay to ask for clarification, but don't judge or put down their beliefs. Just listen. Keep doing this. Eventually they'll start to ask you what you believe if they're curious. If they've been watching you and how you live and go about your life, they may start to get curious. When beginning to start to tell them what you believe (when they ask...remember no one likes to have someone tell them information they haven't asked for) make sure you make it clear that this is what you believe. What I mean is, don't make references to what they believe. Just state what you believe. This keeps you from showing signs of intolerance, disrespect, or that you are judgemental. Continue to take the time to listen to them. Ask them about their beliefs, why they believe it. Ask them about their spiritual experiences. That sounds odd, but all of us have them in some form or another. Sometimes we can explain them through our religion, and sometimes we cannot. You are getting personal with them and building trust between them and yourself. Be willing to answer questions about yourself, but never feel like you have to defend your believes or offend others. If all goes well, they will start to inquire more and more, they may start to go to church with you, they may want to read the Bible and that will open even more questions for you to answer from them. Don't always be so quick to answer questions. Sometimes you'll be asked questions that if you answer right away you might later regret answering the way you did. If you feel like you need more time to ponder a question, be honest and let them know that you'd like to think of how to give the best possible answer to their question. Most people will be understanding. DO NOT GET INTO RELIGIOUS ARGUMENTS. I can't stress this enough. Most religious arguments are not actually about spirituality, they are about ego. Be strong enough to step away from them.\n\nThis is my advice to you as a former Christian missionary turned Hindu (coincidently). What I have told you I have found to be much more effective at helping people in their spiritual life and helping them look more closely at what they actually believe. As a Christian I'll admit that I did get into trouble with my church who was more interested in gaining more members for revenue than it was about truly helping people spiritually (I took the words of a pastor there to heart when he said that "a hospital is a place where people go when their physical bodies are sick to get treatment, a church is a place where people go when their spiritual bodies are sick to get treatment.") I also still am friends with a great many Christians. They are all very tolerant and respectful of other people's beliefs. It is not that they do not want to 'save' people, they just have realized that being judgement, intolerant, and condemning people or even trying to provoke fear in them doesn't really seem to very effective. Respect, patience, and tolerance seem to work a lot better (remember tolerance means that you acknowledge their religious beliefs, it does not mean that you accept them).\n\nAnd most importantly, pray for your family. Be thankful for them, but also ask Christ to help you. Take time to not just pray in the sense that you do all the talking, but also take time to sit
402183
How thoughtful and selfless of you!...Actually, tradition has it that the godparents would present a gift to the child; usually something to commemorate and encourage your walk with Christ.  Maybe some holy water or oil that's been blessed-so that they too may receive blessings as they have blessed you, especially during this season of spiritual growth for you.  It should be something in keeping with the occasion.  May the Lord help you to select a gift from your heart and may He bless you on your new path! May you always feel His divine love and mercy.
328361
Christmas tells us the meaning of life - the meaning of Christmas doesn't lie in having a lot of presents or enjoying fine food. The meaning of Christmas, instead, lies in being generous. In the eyes of faith, the meaning of life lies in being generous with one another because God is generous with us. At Christmas we discover again in Jesus that God is infinite generosity; and in God's generosity to us and our generosity to one another, we discover again the meaning of life.
742097
Every child deserves to get a nice gift for Christmas.  To whom much is given, much is expected - those of us who are more fortunate have a responsibility to help the less fortunate.  The poor are always with us and we can make a difference.  If you want to use a Biblical reference use, "As long as you do to the least of my brethren ..."   What is a small matter to most of us can bring light and hope to an otherwise sad life.  You can refer to the movie "Pay It Forward".  Many people remember kindnesses, and pass it on later in their lives.  Many people believe that the act of giving brings with it good karma.  If each of us gave and shared a little, there would be far fewer needy people.   Most people give at Christmas - it is important to remember to give all year.  It is a good feeling to know we have brought a smile to the face of a child.\n\nPresent yourself in your speech as enthusiastic and sincere.  \n\nI hope these thoughts help.  These links may also be of some assistance.  Good luck with your speech.
740242
I understand your way of thinking but in no way must we change the name "Christmas".  Its up to us to keep the real reason we celebrate Christmas alive and ensure our children learn about it. As for those who are not religious, I cant speak for them, they will enjoy the christmas period in their own way. I am not a practicing christian, I just dont want it to get lost among all the present buying and the rest.  Children who celebrate this time also enjoy the nativy at school  and carol singing and we must remind them of it, not  destroy it
176979
Consider it a blessing. it's easy to have faith and believe in something when no one disagrees with you or makes it uncomfortable to do so. now you can say you have faced adversity and STILL went to church and still upheld your belief. it's not the same as risking being fed to the lions, but hopefully you get the point, sometimes you have to stand up for your beliefs with more than words. have courage.
768728
Atheist are just like anyone else in American, Christmas is a time for family gifts and fun. \n\nIt doesn't have to be religous.
679218
I was going to say something symbolic, like my children. It's true, they are the best gifts. Also, my husband because he is just amazing to me, and he's given me so much love and respect-- Something I never had before him. And he's taught me to love and respect myself, which is an incredible feeling. Anyhoo...\n\nMaterial things:\n\nA Tiffany cross. He gave it to me last Christmas. I love Tiffany, of course, but it's the fact that I'm sort of on this difficult journey to accept Jesus, and it's been really hard for me in so many ways. The cross kind of told me not to give up, even though I am struggling.
792885
As we live in a Christian Society I'm afraid like the rest of us Atheists you only have two choices.\n1 Go but sit quietly when prayers are said, and dont sing the hymns.(Most people wont notice if you sit and stand when they do) You support them by showing respect for their beliefs.\n2 Dont go to the church but attend the reception or party afterwards. If they are friends then they should respect your beliefs too.\nAs a teacher you could try approaching the Head-master. Most schools nowadays dont use Religion in Assemblies or make provision for pupils whose beliefs may conflict. You could perhaps supervise those pupils. If you must attend do as I suggest for a church service.\nDevout is usually not used as people tend to think of it in religious terms. It actually means devoted to your belief so is grammatically correct but most WONT see it that way!\nOnly you can choose how you will behave!