It makes me angry when every year I hear how some band of people be it Atheists, Muslims, or any other group is protesting yet another Christmas related thing going on. Not too long ago I heard on the news that a school had to cancel its toy drive because an Atheist group threatened to sue them on religious grounds. This group to me, was intolerant and being a bully. Just because you can do something or say something, doesn't mean you should.
Yes, this time of year there's a holiday called christmas that christians use to celebrate the birth of christ. But for the vast majority of us it's a cultural holiday that allows us to spend time with family, open presents and spend time talking to one another over a big meal. This is a tradition for I would say, 80% of us...not a faith based religious holiday.
Let's say for a second that all those against being greeted in stores with a "Merry Christmas" or seeing signs that say, "Christmas Tree's" and get mad when schools hold "Christmas Toy Drives"..set aside all the religious angles, and just accept that this is a holiday where kids deserve to get toys, warm clothes and food. Sure those charities that are holding the toy drives might hand out religious pamphlets or say things like "Praise the lord" but all a kid really cares about is that they have something to open come Christmas morning.
I'm not a big holiday person, in fact I'll let you in on a little secret...I'm Agnostic. But I'm not going to let that spoil the fun for my daughter, husband and grandson. I'm not going to sit around all humbug and tell them they can't decorate or celebrate Christmas because Mommy is Agnostic and really doesn't like all this Christmas stuff. That would make me an utterly insufferable intolerable bitch to push my beliefs onto my family or anyone else. But people are doing this everyday and if I were them I would hide my face because I wouldn't want anyone to know what a bully-ish intolerant ass I was. If you don't want to celebrate this holiday, then don't. But don't spoil the fun for those that do.
To all those who have a problem with the religious basis of the holiday or toy drives...why don't you just start your own and raise money, food, toys, or whatever it is that you think would benefit whoever it is that you want to help. This doesn't even have to be around December..do some good the other months of the year. But don't stop others from trying to give toys, clothes, shoes, food and school supplies during this time of year to those who need them. That's just being a big meanie. Get over it. Whether or not you agree with what they are doing, they are helping others so you standing in their way is just not right and it will hurt people.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
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We don't have this sort of thing in New Zealand, thank goodness. Not for Christmas at any rate. I find it a bit sad.
ReplyDeleteShelley, I find it sad too and a bit frustrating.
ReplyDeleteIt is incredibly frustrating Mary! I know I've mentioned before but I'm Christian and I celebrate all the holidays from that stand point but I don't push that part of it on people. Just like being a vegetarian. It's my personal belief and it's okay if it's not yours. Ya know?
ReplyDeleteI saw an image on FB the other day and darn I wish I'd saved it. But it was a diagram and at the top it was your religious stance/what holidays relate to your ethnicity. Then little lines from each to their greeting... Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, etc. Then a bit on accepting it for what it meant to the person. That they care about you, wish you well and took a it of time to let you know. It's not an attack but a good thing and that it was okay to return the comment with your own version of whatever greeting. (It of course said it better than I just did) but damn wouldn't it be nice if people remembered things like that and didn't get their dander up and cause trouble when it's not intended?
Anna, I've seen that and I agree with you..that would really be nice. I think some people try to do that but there are others who it seems make it their goal in life to make drama and trouble for others when the problem really doesn't exist. I just don't get it.
ReplyDeletesome people are just jerks because they don't know better i guess. Sad to hear that a fundraiser was cancelled because of some douchebags.
ReplyDeleteMary I agree with you 100%!!! I am not religious at all, but I love Christmastime. I'm in no way offended when someone wishes me Merry Christmas. Geez some people need to get a life.
ReplyDeleteSome people need to shut the hell up. If they don't like it, go pound sand. If they are offended, go pound sand. They choose to live where they live and believe what they believe and others should do the same.
ReplyDeleteBeing religious, or being agnostic, or being atheist is one thing.
ReplyDeleteNot being able to see others happy and in celebration is another.
By the way, lest I forget next week, Marry XMas to you and your family.
George, I agree. It's sad that some people just have nothing better to do with their time.
ReplyDeleteKeith, I know you do. I never get offended by someone wishing me Merry Christmas either.
Pat, Agreed!
KK, Thank you. :)
Well said. I am of the belief that, unless it is harmful to someone, then all religions should have the freedom to express their beliefs (or lack thereof), and this means that they each have to learn to be respectful of the other groups, just as they want for themselves. And I must say that, at times, there is more harm done by so-called "Christians" than atheists. But who's keeping count? The point is, I don't see how the words "Merry Christmas" hurt anyone. I don't see how the display of a nativity scene or a festivus pole hurt anyone. But the arguing and bickering over it do, indeed, cause damage to our nation as a whole. Simply because all this effort toward the trivial prevents larger issues being resolved. And that's nothing to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteAmy, Very well said.
ReplyDelete