Christmas and what it means to you?

[LsUnV2]

I personally dont like christmas. For one it has become a consumer holiday with no regard for that actual reasons we should be celebrating. Two, I am an atheist and dont believe in god or the devil therefore nor do i believe in the " son of god ". Historically there is enough evidence that jesus did exist but none that he is the son of god or what not. But Faith aside, who really profits from christmas?? Sure we all get some great gifts and better yet, we feel really good seeing our children open up gifts. Their faces are priceless!. but corporate america in all their glory is looking down from the 80th story or so smiling and loving everyminute of our spending, I believe i read somewhere that retailers do about 80 % of their business at christmastime. The exploitation of this holiday and the exploitation of peoples hearts around the world disgusts me. I hate christmas for those reasons but at the same time it would be hard to take it away from my daughter. I seriously considered not celebrating this year but her big brown eyes just wouldnt let that happen. !!! what are your thoughts??

 

[rooster1969]

The holiday season does help some people find temporary work. It might not be much, but to those that need it, and are willing,...they might just feel better about everything. But, personally I can`t stand all of the commercialism.

 

[Joeychgo]

I wouldnt mind the commercialism, if it wasnt so bad.

Especially in bad economic times, it can be difficult. Not only is it a drain on families economically, but some people cant afford to give back. So you give them a gift, they feel bad because they cant afford to recipocrate, and maybe you feel bad that you didnt get a gift in return.

Thats not the purpose of the holiday.

Gift cards also have further added to the commercialism. Now you cant always go out and find a gift you think someone will like, instead, you get them a card. People dont spend as much time looking for the right gift. Its not a thought, its an obligation.

Friends and family. That is what Christmas should be about. Not money, gift cards and obligation.

Just my .02

 

[LsUnV2]

I wouldnt mind the commercialism, if it wasnt so bad.

Especially in bad economic times, it can be difficult. Not only is it a drain on families economically, but some people cant afford to give back. So you give them a gift, they feel bad because they cant afford to recipocrate, and maybe you feel bad that you didnt get a gift in return.

Thats not the purpose of the holiday.

Gift cards also have further added to the commercialism. Now you cant always go out and find a gift you think someone will like, instead, you get them a card. People dont spend as much time looking for the right gift. Its not a thought, its an obligation.

Friends and family. That is what Christmas should be about. Not money, gift cards and obligation.

Just my .02

well said. me and my woman just opened our gifts and i genuinely loved what she got, I make alot more moneythan she does so when she got alot more than what i got from her she actually cried. she doesnt understand that money isnt the object. she got me a pimpin sweet pingpong table and that was great. people shouldnt feel bad because they cant afford to "match" the money that was spent on them as you said. Further, as i was shopping i found myself thinking to myself wondering if the gifts i was buying were coming off as cheap. thoughtful gifts at christmas time seem cheap when most people male and female want the latest 400.00 gadget

 

[Gilby959798]

i like the idea of christmas but hate commercialism, i like spending time with my family but every year it seems to get more and more stressful we have to go here then there and back to here and then another place i personally like to relax this time of year but i guess if it keeps family happy then i will continue to do this

 

[KD00LS]

It was never a religious holiday for me or anyone in my family, but it always meant time for family and friends. It's always a feeling of a fresh start this time of year.

 

[fossten]

I personally dont like christmas. For one it has become a consumer holiday with no regard for that actual reasons we should be celebrating. Two, I am an atheist and dont believe in god or the devil therefore nor do i believe in the " son of god ". Historically there is enough evidence that jesus did exist but none that he is the son of god or what not. But Faith aside, who really profits from christmas?? Sure we all get some great gifts and better yet, we feel really good seeing our children open up gifts. Their faces are priceless!. but corporate america in all their glory is looking down from the 80th story or so smiling and loving everyminute of our spending, I believe i read somewhere that retailers do about 80 % of their business at christmastime. The exploitation of this holiday and the exploitation of peoples hearts around the world disgusts me. I hate christmas for those reasons but at the same time it would be hard to take it away from my daughter. I seriously considered not celebrating this year but her big brown eyes just wouldnt let that happen. !!! what are your thoughts??

Hmm. You're an atheist, you hate Christmas because of people who profit, so you might be a closet Marxist as well, and you actually considered not celebrating it.

My thoughts are that I pity your children.

 

[MsM8tress]

Why did you even start this thread? You are going on about something you have no concern with, no part of....., but you "pimp" the holiday yourself. Please do not take that as a confrontation, it is only an observation of the initial post.... which is drastically different from your second...which, makes me smile....cause Christmas is slowly etching at you already .

Give your wife a 400.00 present everyday, and your daughter too....do you think they will have that same excitement after a few weeks of daily showering of "stuff".

Christmas is a celebration of the birth of the Savour. Which was a gift to us from God, for God knew that his only Son would die for us, for our sins. We should live as generous, giving wholly, every day, not just at Christmas.

The precious gifts of love, caring, togetherness, should be "re-gifted" every day.

I will pray daily for you and your family, that Christ comes into your life in such a way that it will bring you to your knees in belief. You are so blessed, your wife and child, you think YOU brought them into your life.....?

I wasn't going to run this morning, it's pretty cold out, but now, I have a lot to think about, my life and all that is in it to be thankful for, and a lot to pray on to keep me warm and moving.

Merry Christmas to you all, and do yourself a favor, re-gift the love you got today - it will come back to you, He promises!!!!

God blesses always!!!

SMOOCHES HOTTIES!!!

Debi

 

[foxpaws]

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Faith, love, family, friends, Merry Christmas.

 

[Roadboss]

Egg nogg is terrific!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bob Hubbard]

I think we all forget WHO'S birthday this is.
Buying outlandish prresents for one another is out and out STUPID.
Today our thooughts and deeds should be directed at Jesus.
After all, it is HIS birthday, not your's.
Whould you expect a gift on someone else's birthday? I think not.
The idea of gift giving apparently started with the three wise men bearing gifts to Jesus at his birth.
How did that evolve to mega corporations raking in millions during Christmas?
The original gifts were simple, and given with love and admiration for what had taken place.
How does giving a plasma tv, or some other gift, relate to giving Jesus gifts at his birth?
As a kid from a large family, I shared in the excitement of Christmas merely because I would be getting some gifts.
Today, a hell of a lot older, and hopefully a lot smarter, my Christmas is filled with thoughts and admiration for the one this day is all about.
For the past 15 years , on Christmas eve,I have lit a candle in my house, and let it burn for 24 hours, next to a picture of Jesus.
This is my way of celebrating his remarkable birth.
I feel my life has been truly blessed by his presence in my life, and what better time to memoralize his birth .
If noting else, this day should be a day of celebration, and reflection.
Somehow we mortals lost our way when it comes to Christmas.
The TRUE intent of the birth of Jesus has given way too super commercialisim, and that is a shame and disgrace to the reason we should be holding this day as very special.
How many of you started your day today by saying "Happy Birthday Jesus"?
I did.
Bob.

 

[BAD97LSC]

when i was little i loved christmas, family, friends and presents, now, most of the family is dead or 1300 miles away, i wouldnt have even woken up early this morning if it wasnt for my kids, other than that its just another day for me, every holiday is, i have nothing against jesus christ or god , but to me, its just another day, i dont care about it, nor new years, or any other holiday, sorry i am a year round scroodge and will be till the day i die. i am a misserable person, born that way, will die that way. i had mcdonalds today for dinner, thats how crappy this christmas was. first time we didnt have dinner or go somewhere for dinner, no one in the family had the money.

 

[lslove]

being with family and gifts...sry but thats just the athiest in me, and I dont mean to start a religous war thread to each his own and I would never look differantly at soemoen because of their belief....but Merry x-mas to all

 

[fossten]

Why did you even start this thread? You are going on about something you have no concern with, no part of....., but you "pimp" the holiday yourself. Please do not take that as a confrontation, it is only an observation of the initial post.... which is drastically different from your second...which, makes me smile....cause Christmas is slowly etching at you already .

Give your wife a 400.00 present everyday, and your daughter too....do you think they will have that same excitement after a few weeks of daily showering of "stuff".

Christmas is a celebration of the birth of the Savour. Which was a gift to us from God, for God knew that his only Son would die for us, for our sins. We should live as generous, giving wholly, every day, not just at Christmas.

The precious gifts of love, caring, togetherness, should be "re-gifted" every day.

I will pray daily for you and your family, that Christ comes into your life in such a way that it will bring you to your knees in belief. You are so blessed, your wife and child, you think YOU brought them into your life.....?

I wasn't going to run this morning, it's pretty cold out, but now, I have a lot to think about, my life and all that is in it to be thankful for, and a lot to pray on to keep me warm and moving.

Merry Christmas to you all, and do yourself a favor, re-gift the love you got today - it will come back to you, He promises!!!!

God blesses always!!!

SMOOCHES HOTTIES!!!

Debi

Excellent post, Debi.

being with family and gifts...sry but thats just the athiest in me, and I dont mean to start a religous war thread to each his own and I would never look differantly at soemoen because of their belief....but Merry x-mas to all

Merry Christ-X to your family...

 

[Speed Demon]

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

 

[MsM8tress]

I think we all forget WHO'S birthday this is..

"All"?, no not all Bob.

As a kid from a large family, I shared in the excitement of Christmas merely because I would be getting some gifts.

As a kid from a large family also, we looked forward to the local Lions club or our church, one year it was the Eagles chapter, donating gifts to our mom for us.

Even though mom did all she could, raising 5 kids alone is not easy, and don't even begin to judge her and her circumstance. Mom did a great job, we had food most of the time, and clothes, usually donated too, but clothes none the less. Mom raised us to good to others no matter what, to help others no matter what, and love our Lord Jesus Christ, in every matter.

Mom would buy a loaf of bread, and a lb of bologna and take us to the park for birthday picnics. We learned very young that stuff, was stuff, and stuff don't get you thru life. I know many who didn't even have the mom with the bologna, I was blessed.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our savior. Funny that we don't celebrate his birthday like we do our own, by giving gifts to the one that was born, not everyone BUT the one that was born.

Bob, your candle memorial is shared by many. Our job is to light that candle everyday, in what we do, how we treat others, and how we chose to love our Lord.

So Bob, have faith, some of us know what Christmas really means, and I am sure I am not the only person in LVC that was not raised with a silver spoon, or a spoon at all.

How many of you started your day today by saying "Happy Birthday Jesus"? I did. Bob.

I did too Bob, and tomorrow I will wake up and say "Thank You Jesus!, Good Morning!" just like I do everyday.

I have yet to master devoting a specific time every day for my daily pray time with God, but I am getting better, I have been able to at least get in every other day. lol, thank God, God is not the slacker I am!

Bob, I am making it my New Years resolution, to set aside 10 minutes at 5:00am every day to spend time with my Lord in prayer. If you have mastered your devotional time, maybe you could give me some guidance, if not, maybe you could make it your New Years resolution also and we could get each other on track!

Share your faith Bob, people take to that much more than pointing out what you feel is the lack of it in them.

Love and Merry Christmas !

Debi

 

[MsM8tress]

Very Respectfully Appreciated fossten.

Debi

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Debi, I make it a point(and have for many years now) to "talk" with the Lord everynight just before I close my eyes in sleep.
I havn't missed one night in fifteen years.
As I said in my post above, I am truly blessed, and giving thanks to the Lord, and Jesus Christ is as much a part of my day as breathing.
Everyone has a right to their belief, and I would never chastize anyone for their belief, even though I may not agree with it.
I can only express my blessed life, and why I feel it was devine intervention that put me where I am in life today.
Once a year, many take that one day (thanksgiving) to express their thanks.
For me, Thanksgiving is, and will always be, everyday.
Christmas day is the day I set aside to honor my Jesus, and I know without a doubt, He is aware of my efforts.
To re-iterate on this last statement, I honor Him each and every day, but this day in particular, I get to say Happy Birthday Jesus.
Bob.

 

[MsM8tress]

I am working toward what you have acheived, thank you for sharing that.

My deepest apologizies if the below (from your post) was derived from a comment I made.

Everyone has a right to their belief, and I would never chastize...." .

I do not feel as though you would chastise anyone. I did not intend for anything I posted to imply that.
AMEN! and well worth a Tri-iteration:

To re-iterate on this last statement, I honor Him each and every day, but this day in particular, I get to say Happy Birthday Jesus. Bob.

Smooches
Debi

 

[LsUnV2]

Hmm. You're an atheist, you hate Christmas because of people who profit, so you might be a closet Marxist as well, and you actually considered not celebrating it.

My thoughts are that I pity your children.

as bob said it is supposed to be about jesus. although i dont care about christmas in that respect, i do care about the being with family part. the thing that gets me is that this is the day jesus was born and the believers seem to have forgotten that and turned it into a selfish thing. I dont mean to generalize but it is what it is. Being a non believer does not make me a bad person or evil or whatever it is that you think. Im a person just like you. My main reason for posting this debi was to see what other people thought about the way christmas has become such a joke. For those who believe that have forgotten its true meaning is sad to me. Even being an atheist it does sadden me. No body asks about jesus anymore, just this mythical Santa guy and lists of wants in the form of superficial possesions rather than asking for something selfless. I do understand that for some people its not this way but how many tiny tims are really out there

Merry ????

 

[BAD97LSC]

oh well its done and over with , another year gone by yippie!

 

[JWerner2]

My wife and kids!

Im not religious either but I make it a point to put that aside. I dont celebrate the worship that comes with X-Mass, I really haven't celebrated X-Mass much for a while till we had our first little girl 2 years ago. Now I do what I can to make sure they are happy. I buy them toys to share since they are so young and cloths for individual presents since I have a boy and a girl.

Its funny, a week ago me and my wife almost got into it cause for the past 3 years we have been going to see her family and spend the night. Well I said no this time, maybe just a short visit. She almost went of and her rant was "why? You barley care about X-Mass" and I said "well now that our kids are getting a bit older and can actually say X-Mass its about time I do!"

It actually felt good spending the better half of the day at home!


The only mistake was buying a 1 year old and a 2 year old a 4 piece My First Metal Mini Drum set:shifty: !

 

[LsUnV2]

My wife and kids!

Im not religious either but I make it a point to put that aside. I dont celebrate the worship that comes with X-Mass, I really haven't celebrated X-Mass much for a while till we had our first little girl 2 years ago. Now I do what I can to make sure they are happy. I buy them toys to share since they are so young and cloths for individual presents since I have a boy and a girl.

Its funny, a week ago me and my wife almost got into it cause for the past 3 years we have been going to see her family and spend the night. Well I said no this time, maybe just a short visit. She almost went of and her rant was "why? You barley care about X-Mass" and I said "well now that our kids are getting a bit older and can actually say X-Mass its about time I do!"

It actually felt good spending the better half of the day at home!

The only mistake was buying a 1 year old and a 2 year old a 4 piece My First Metal Mini Drum set:shifty: !

SOUNDS like a bad idea lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i spent the day with the womans family as well but we played wii for about 5 hours !!!!it was a lot of fun playing the sports game that came with it...

 

[The omen]

I think people go way overboard for just one day of the year. Its not about money or how much stuff you got,its about being with your loved ones and celebrating the birth of christ. I am not a holy roller and I believe everyone has different beliefs. Yes, it is nice to see children opening their gifts but some adults act like like little kids if they don't get a certain amount?? I like christmas but I am so glad its over. I it wasn't for my niece and nephew, I would have stayed in bed(just like jamie said) Now things can return to normal!!!

 

[JWerner2]

I dont mind staying with them, I just wanted a day or a holiday I should say to ourselves for once.