Why do Christmas if you don't believe?

[Mrspotter12]

Really not wanting to start a bun fight, but it you aren't religious and don't believe in Father Christmas - to the point of not wanting to "lie" to your DC and so asking what to tell them, then why do it? Why have Christmas at all?

Christmas is about family. It is about spending time with the ones you love and giving kids a bit of magic. It is not just for those who believe in supernatural explanations.

Communities have always had a midwinter celebration. Look how close Xmas Day is to the midwinter solstice. It's a celebration of longer days to come and greater food supplies.
We call it Christmas now but it would have been celebeated long before the tradition of Christmas.

It's not compulsory madhammer

That's the beauty of it. Day off, feet up, whatever you fancy on TV and some nice food and drink sounds good to me. You don't need to celebrate it...just enjoy a day off.

Our family see each other regularly (in small doses ha ha!), so Christmas is nothing special in that regard. We are not hypocrites that meet once a year and air kiss and have forced jollity.

I think Christmas can be very painful for many, lost loved ones, not getting on with X and Y but having to put a brave face on it etc. It's not all Cadbury Roses for many either.

There is a lot of pressure to conform with the ideal. Most people, if shoved together for a day or two or more.... will be delighted to get home to their nest.

The dream is not always the reality either for a lot of people, but it can be expected.

Because it makes me happy? Nothing can beat Christmas Day for me

Apologies I guess I just mean that Christianity has been the religion of choice going back generations and therefore it has embedded into our society, more so than say, Muslim or Jewish, that's why we still have many customs that are quite 'christian' even if we don't class ourselves as religions individually.

Haven't read whole thread but like most people, I do Christmas because I have a week, compulsory leave, off work and winter is horrible so what's not to like about good food, drink, games and company and a chance to see friends and family.

Non-Religious people do the pagan and Roman stuff - decorations, trees, carolling, feasting, gifts etc. The religious element is just the story of Jesus which was added on.

Oh that James Cooke video is perfection

We find it hard to not have Dad, Mum, Sis, and other relatives at the big table anymore.

Those empty chairs are harrowing for many of us. Have a heart.

But we try. Forced jollity is blx when all we want to do is holler tears of grief. And it is much more pronounced at Christmas because we are SUPPOSED to be so happy. Doesn't always work that way.

I cannot be the only one can I?

I'm pagan, so I celebrate Yule and the Winter Solstice. My DP and I were both raised in typical CofE houses, so we have the culture of celebrating Christmas.
Also, the lights, smells and generally loveliness of Christmas is a good enough reason to keep it, even if we don't go to church or follow the teachings of Christ (which has very little do to with modern Christmas)

all this Fake bullshit excuses for celebrating what we KNOW is the season of Christmas ..

just admit it..

YOU LOVE CHRISTMAS... like the rest of us

And you can squeak about culture/Yule as much you like, they're still hypocrites.

Mmmm, hypocrite or believer in flying spaghetti monster. I know what I'd choose.

No offence intended of course...

To be fair, some people find it difficult for many reasons.

The fact that those reasons are just thrown aside is not really Christmassy is it!

Have a heart and let it go.

What a ridiculous question with an obvious answer.
1- it's fun/enjoyable
2- it's not traditionally a religious celebration and does not need a religious element or a made up gift giver to still be magical

FKN hate the forced jollity and the consumerism. But I will live by my principles and enjoy the day, but not the two months before either! I can really forget all the ads, and that.

I could happily skip the whole thing but like others said, it's hard to avoid & now DC are used to it & would feel put out.

Most years I'd like to spend the entire week in a public soup kitchen.

I think the fact that it is EXPECTED to be happy is the issue.

No one should feel that. Many feel Christmas is very sad for the loss of loved ones. I am one of them. But still join in for a while.

I play the happy game, but am happy to get home too.

I would NEVER stay over with anyone at Christmas (sorry now). But will at some other time. Sorted.

I didn’t do Christmas before I had kids, but when i finally settled down I found i enjoy decorating the house and love buying and making stuff for the kids.

Sorry for the delay in replying- have only just got home!

I do really appreciate all the replies - didn't realise it was an "annual" question - wasn't really on MN last year.
I do believe in Father Christmas ! And am Christian but am not uneducated so I know the holiday has been appropriated from pre Christian times. I just got confused by people asking what they tell their children when they don't believe (in Jesus or FC)!

I do believe in Father Christmas ! ... but am not uneducated

Okaaaay then.

I bet people who don't believe quite gladly take off the bank holidays that Christmas and Easter afford though

I don't, I celebrate Yule, the turning of the year. My dh however celebrates Christmas my dds don't give a shit if there's food and presents

@Mrspotter12

"Really not wanting to start a bun fight, but"

That's a good one. 🤣