Merry Christmas????

[Angel]

Christmas used to be my FAVORITE holiday. I used to love it. Since I have been deconverted from the Christian teachings and way of life, I have really been thinking about it.

 

The oh so familiar christian songs of christmas are pounded into our heads no matter where we go.... Silent Night, Away in a Manger, O Holy Night, Joy to the World, etc. All the songs that I grew up with have suddenly made me ill to listen to? I NEVER realized it before.... it is really crammed down people's throat. How is it ok for the religious stuff to be pushed on the public that way? Stores, television, radio stations, everywhere! Is it just me? Am I losing my marbles? It really irritates me! What makes it worse is sometimes I find myself singing along with the songs (out of habit) and that REALLY irritates me! lol Do I have a bad case of the humbugs or what?

[pandora]

LOL Nope... makes me sick too... some of the music is beautiful, I can't help but appreciate it... but then the lyrics get to my head and get very annoyed. Christmas is a fun time but also trying. It is nice to be free of the religious part of it, but then only to have yourself reminded of it everytime you walk into a store. *rollseyes*

[Chad3232132]

I just say Happy Holidays and send out cards saying Happy Holidays rather than Merry X-Mas. It's my contribution to the destruction of X-Mas and it really pisses off Christians- a double reward.

[Fweethawt]

Screw the music!

 

Enjoy the holiday as best as you can

with whomever you have to share it with.

 

THAT, is the reason for the season.

[spamandham]

My first year as an apostate anything religious really got on my nerves. But now I'm on year 3, and I'm starting to enjoy it again. My religious bitterness has been mostly set asside and although I'm now an outsider, I sort of appreciate the cultural aspects of it nonetheless.

 

I mean come on, it's fun!

[LadyFeline]

Screw the music!

 

Enjoy the holiday as best as you can

with whomever you have to share it with.

 

THAT, is the reason for the season.

 

Hear, hear. Words of wisdom from the mouse-man himself.

 

If you don't like the religious trappings of the holiday, ignore them. It's not like Wal-Mart or Target have huge nativity scenes set up out front or use blatant religious iconography in their displays, so I fail to see how the religious aspects are "rubbed in your face every time you walk into a store". The commercialism is rubbed in your face, but you can't fault them for that. They're only trying to get as much money out of their holiday stuff as possible, and you can't really blame that on Christianity.

 

Seriously. Get over it. Don't celebrate it if you don't like it, but don't whine about how much it "sucks".

 

As for the people who are seriously trying to use "Happy Holidays" to "destroy Christmas and piss off Christians"? Yeah. Grow up. It's because of people like you that the whole lot of us get painted as slavering holiday-haters who hate any and all things even remotely Christian. You're the Jerry Falwells and Pat Robertsons of the atheists/agnostics - you're few in number, but you're so shrill and hateful that everyone focuses on you to the point of thinking that you represent all non-believers - and that's not a good thing. If you want to say "Happy Holidays", nobody's stopping you - but it's immature and ignorant to say that you're doing it just to "piss Christians off".

 

For fuck's sake, this is supposed to be a season of love, warmth, and goodwill. Way to suck that right out, folks, and perpetuate one of the biggest, most detrimental stereotypes that Christians have about us. Grow the fuck up, seriously. We should be projecting an image to rival Christianity's facade, to prove that we're just as good if not better - not one that makes us look worse. Jesus fucking Christ, people, it's no wonder that they think we're evil, vile, despicable people, if you are our public face.

 

Instead of bitching and whining about how "horrible" the Christmas season is, why don't you get off your asses and work on improving the image of non-believers, instead of consistently stereotyping us? Volunteer to help the homeless, donate some toys, fucking do something good instead of harping about the "evils" of Christmas.

 

If you had half a brain in your heads, you'd realize that Christmas isn't even a "Christian" holiday to begin with. Christ...

[saxyroze]

Christmas used to be my FAVORITE holiday. I used to love it. Since I have been deconverted from the Christian teachings and way of life, I have really been thinking about it.

 

The oh so familiar christian songs of christmas are pounded into our heads no matter where we go.... Silent Night, Away in a Manger, O Holy Night, Joy to the World, etc. All the songs that I grew up with have suddenly made me ill to listen to? I NEVER realized it before.... it is really crammed down people's throat. How is it ok for the religious stuff to be pushed on the public that way? Stores, television, radio stations, everywhere! Is it just me? Am I losing my marbles? It really irritates me! What makes it worse is sometimes I find myself singing along with the songs (out of habit) and that REALLY irritates me! lol Do I have a bad case of the humbugs or what?

 

 

I have never celebrated Christmas fully on the Christian intent. No, Christmas was always about being with my family, eating yummy traditional foods, sledding and opening presents. Nothing, for us, was about Jesus. Some of the songs I still listen to because they truly are beautiful, like O Holy Night. But if it’s the Christian songs are bumming you out, listen to different Christmas music that doesn’t have a religious tilt to it. Like Diana Krall just came out with a Christmas album, which I’m dying to get, and she doesn’t sing about Jesus.

[Angel]

Screw the music!

 

Enjoy the holiday as best as you can

with whomever you have to share it with.

 

THAT, is the reason for the season.

 

 

 

Hear, hear. Words of wisdom from the mouse-man himself.

 

If you don't like the religious trappings of the holiday, ignore them. It's not like Wal-Mart or Target have huge nativity scenes set up out front or use blatant religious iconography in their displays, so I fail to see how the religious aspects are "rubbed in your face every time you walk into a store". The commercialism is rubbed in your face, but you can't fault them for that. They're only trying to get as much money out of their holiday stuff as possible, and you can't really blame that on Christianity.

 

I was just referring to the music that is played at stores, radios, etc, that is all.

 

Seriously. Get over it. Don't celebrate it if you don't like it, but don't whine about how much it "sucks".

I never once said that it sucks. Part of posting this in the first place was to "get over it" but excuse me for doing so.

 

 

For fuck's sake, this is supposed to be a season of love, warmth, and goodwill. Way to suck that right out, folks, and perpetuate one of the biggest, most detrimental stereotypes that Christians have about us. Grow the fuck up, seriously. We should be projecting an image to rival Christianity's facade, to prove that we're just as good if not better - not one that makes us look worse. Jesus fucking Christ, people, it's no wonder that they think we're evil, vile, despicable people, if you are our public face.

 

Instead of bitching and whining about how "horrible" the Christmas season is, why don't you get off your asses and work on improving the image of non-believers, instead of consistently stereotyping us? Volunteer to help the homeless, donate some toys, fucking do something good instead of harping about the "evils" of Christmas. If you had half a brain in your heads, you'd realize that Christmas isn't even a "Christian" holiday to begin with. Christ...

 

First, never did I mention how horrible it was.... I was just making a point that seems like no matter where you go, the baby jesus is sung about. I am sure that any other time of the year if places played christian worship songs, it would annoy people. Why is it ok this time of year? Kinda a double standard to me is all? Did I say we should go and make a stink and stop it? NO, I was just saying that it was irritating me.

This is my first christmas as a full deconvert, sue me. I was saying that I never noticed how much the religious songs of christmas were actually played, (for that matter how many there are) gives you the feeling of it being down your throat. Whether some of us want to admit it or not, when you FIRST step away from religion, some things that we once celebrated, like christmas, something is different, something has changed.

If I knew that this was going to piss someone off, I would not have posted. Gee whiz, excuse the fuck outta me for venting here, did not think that it was going to cause this type of attitude. Thought this was a place to encourage ex-christians, not insult them or bite their heads off. Thanks for showing that love, warmth and goodwill. I will be sure to use your good example.

 

(Fweethawt @ Nov 29 2005, 01:33 AM)

 

Screw the music!

 

Enjoy the holiday as best as you can

with whomever you have to share it with.

 

THAT, is the reason for the season.

 

Thanks for at least being nice about it. Will try to enjoy it. Hope you have a good holiday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have never celebrated Christmas fully on the Christian intent. No, Christmas was always about being with my family, eating yummy traditional foods, sledding and opening presents. Nothing, for us, was about Jesus. Some of the songs I still listen to because they truly are beautiful, like O Holy Night. But if it’s the Christian songs are bumming you out, listen to different Christmas music that doesn’t have a religious tilt to it. Like Diana Krall just came out with a Christmas album, which I’m dying to get, and she doesn’t sing about Jesus.

 

Yes, I have to admit that some of the songs are pretty...especially the one you have mentioned. It is just different for me this year as a fully deconverted person. Things stand out to you more when you are new to it. Thanks for the idea though

[Bodhi-in-Training]

I have never celebrated Christmas fully on the Christian intent. No, Christmas was always about being with my family, eating yummy traditional foods, sledding and opening presents. Nothing, for us, was about Jesus. Some of the songs I still listen to because they truly are beautiful, like O Holy Night. But if it’s the Christian songs are bumming you out, listen to different Christmas music that doesn’t have a religious tilt to it. Like Diana Krall just came out with a Christmas album, which I’m dying to get, and she doesn’t sing about Jesus.

 

Same here, it's all about celebrating friends and family for me. Love Diana Krall...may have to hunt down that album

 

Angel, you said it's your first holiday as a convert, so it's certainly understandable that things like the lyrics are going to stand out like a sore thumb for you. Even I find myself going every now and again. In the stores there is no escaping it so we must practice a little patient acceptance for that 3 1/2 minutes. There are still plenty of beautiful Holiday songs that don't deal with the Christian aspect of it (Grown Up Christmas List comes to mind...always makes me misty eyed) that we can enjoy at home and get us into the festive mood!

 

Hang in there, each passing year will get easier.

[♦ nivek ♦]

Angel,

 

The mean_old_man's only advise is this:

 

Make your own traditions starting this year. Do what you want to do, let the fluff and pagentry of the other things happen, as you can't change them, but do the important things for you and yours.

 

Adapting to the decnverted life doesn't mean you toss off all the things you once had, you get to enjoy what you wish to out of what happens all around you.

 

kevinL

[Vigile]

THAT, is the reason for the season.

 

Nope, you're wrong, this is the reason for the season:

 

 

 

Sorry, I had to do that.

[queenie]

Thought this was a place to encourage ex-christians, not insult them or bite their heads off.

 

 

And it is, but honestly, I find the negative attitude of things that are almost more cultural than religious (because, really, isn't that what Christmas is anymore? A cultural holiday?) to be a bit overwhelming here sometimes. And, sorry to say, your original post hit me that way as well.

 

However, knowing it's your first year out, the pain it all can cause can also be overwhelming. It's like every time you walk out of your home, you're reminded of what used to be. For me, it made me start asking all sorts of questions again. Questions I thought I had answers to.

 

So, the bitterness? I get. But in time, those things won't grate on you so much and you'll be able to filter out what you don't like and soak in what you do.

 

The good thing is, you only have one Christmas to go through as "your first".

[Megistias]

On the first day of Mithras, my true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree...

 

Have a Merry Merry Mithras ...

 

All I want for Mithras is my two front teeth, ...

 

I'll be home for Mithras

You can count on me

Please have snow and mistletoe

and presents on the tree

 

 

'Twas the night before Mithras, when all through the house ...

 

 

 

Angel, just keep it about Santa Claus, sharing, a mug of coffee with a little something extra, and the beginning of a New Year. That's what it was really all about anyway.

[Angel]

Thought this was a place to encourage ex-christians, not insult them or bite their heads off.

 

 

And it is, but honestly, I find the negative attitude of things that are almost more cultural than religious (because, really, isn't that what Christmas is anymore? A cultural holiday?) to be a bit overwhelming here sometimes. And, sorry to say, your original post hit me that way as well.

 

However, knowing it's your first year out, the pain it all can cause can also be overwhelming. It's like every time you walk out of your home, you're reminded of what used to be. For me, it made me start asking all sorts of questions again. Questions I thought I had answers to.

 

So, the bitterness? I get. But in time, those things won't grate on you so much and you'll be able to filter out what you don't like and soak in what you do.

 

The good thing is, you only have one Christmas to go through as "your first".

 

Hi there,

 

Believe me, I do not want to come off as some sort of prick cause I am really not like that. Yes, I hate to admitt, there is bitterness there but I am looking forward to it getting better so that everything is not sticking out like a sore thumb.

Sorry if I upset anyone here, I honestly was not trying to.

[queenie]

No worries - once I saw that this was the first one, I understood more.

 

It's painful - the whole process is painful. I don't even want to think about how bitter and ugly I was...and I didn't know about this place to come vent. My poor family had to put up with me.

 

Good thing they did!

[FirstInTheDance]

Lady Feline, why the attack? Angel isn't proposing that the EVIL ATHEIST SOCIETY outlaw Christmas, for pete's sake. Nor is she denigrating Christmas on a Christian forum. She is finding her first Christmas season as an Ex, with the carols and in-your-face Christianity, a bit difficult to deal with. I did too. In fact, it took me several years to really enjoy Christmas again after I left. ExChristian is a site to support people at various stages of deconversion. If she can't post here, on a forum expressly for this purpose, where CAN she talk to people who understand where she is coming from?

 

Angel, it gets easier with time. How long it takes depends on the individual. For me, Christmas is the spirit of giving. It's a time to enjoy friends and family. I love the parties, the Christmas tree, stockings, lights, and Santa. Take comfort in the fact that Jesus was NEVER the "reason for the season" - the spirit of Christmas existed before Jesus ever did.

[Amethyst]

The oh so familiar christian songs of christmas are pounded into our heads no matter where we go.... Silent Night, Away in a Manger, O Holy Night, Joy to the World, etc. All the songs that I grew up with have suddenly made me ill to listen to? I NEVER realized it before.... it is really crammed down people's throat. How is it ok for the religious stuff to be pushed on the public that way? Stores, television, radio stations, everywhere! Is it just me? Am I losing my marbles? It really irritates me! What makes it worse is sometimes I find myself singing along with the songs (out of habit) and that REALLY irritates me! lol Do I have a bad case of the humbugs or what?

 

You're not the only one. I was in the local Hallmark store looking for cards, and they were playing "Jesus loves me" and other religious songs. I found some non-religious cards and got out of there as fast as I could.

 

Even the Best Buy was playing religious Christmas songs. I mean, honestly. How would they like it if every store in existence played Scientology songs, or Wiccan songs, or Islamic hymns, or Buddhist chants, or something? I bet the fundies would scream bloody murder and "OMG it's discrimination!!111!" if another religious culture besides Christianity got their music played as frequently as Christian music is played during the holidays.

 

And they even started it in November. Ugh. It wouldn't be so bad if they only played the music the last couple of weeks of December, but to have to go more than a month of it is just ridiculous. I didn't like religious music all that much even when I was religious.

 

And if anyone thinks I'm teH Ev1L!!!!1! because I find religious music being rammed down my throat annoying, then I guess that's their problem. I'm sure it will pass with time, but for the time being, I can't really help it. This is also my first Christmas as a full deconvert.

[pandora]

This isn't my first Christmas as an ex-c, and I still find many parts of it hard to deal with. It is my husband's first Christmas as an official ex-c, so maybe I am just dealing with these things again because of him. It is very difficult to learn how to celebrate a holiday in a totally different mindset... especially with all the memory-triggers out there. The fact that there are all the same symbols, songs, customs, rituals, etc... for this time of year make it even more difficult to assign new meaning to them. AND the in-laws don't make it easy to transition, either.

 

I guess it takes a few years...

 

I am not for banning Christmas or anything like that, but I do say Happy Holidays and such because now I am more sensitive to those that may not be Christian.

[Asimov]

Christmas used to be my FAVORITE holiday. I used to love it. Since I have been deconverted from the Christian teachings and way of life, I have really been thinking about it.

 

The oh so familiar christian songs of christmas are pounded into our heads no matter where we go.... Silent Night, Away in a Manger, O Holy Night, Joy to the World, etc. All the songs that I grew up with have suddenly made me ill to listen to? I NEVER realized it before.... it is really crammed down people's throat. How is it ok for the religious stuff to be pushed on the public that way? Stores, television, radio stations, everywhere! Is it just me? Am I losing my marbles? It really irritates me! What makes it worse is sometimes I find myself singing along with the songs (out of habit) and that REALLY irritates me! lol Do I have a bad case of the humbugs or what?

 

Hey Angel, I can understand where you're coming from, having worked at a grocery store for 3 years where they start playing Christmas music November 1st.

 

You really just gotta do your best to tolerate it, or ignore it, because it's not gonna change. South Park has some good parodies of Christmas songs and some new ones. Try out Cartman singing "O Holy Night", and Mr Hankey's "The Most Offensive Song Ever", and Mr. Hanky the Christmas Poo song. Those are pretty funny and will help you lighten your mood.

 

Lady Feline, why the attack?

 

Because nobody is allowed to rant here with "Big Bitch with a giant bug up her ass" around.

 

[Guest Challenger]

Screw the music!

 

Enjoy the holiday as best as you can

with whomever you have to share it with.

 

THAT, is the reason for the season.

 

Wise words, Fwee.

 

We always enjoy sharing during the holiday.

 

Say, send me your address, and Charlize and I will send you a nice cheese gift basket.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

 

[JeffXL]

Eh, doesn't bother me. The Xtians stole their holiday from the Romans and other ancient Europeans.

 

I do love it when some fundy reminds me to remember the reason for the season. I always respond, "Sure, Saturn, Roman god of agriculture culminatining in the birth of the Invincible Sun."

 

While I'm venting-- those fundies who keep bleating "Put Christ back in Christmas!" should be asked, "Really? Don't forget the Mass, then!" Those idiot bastards.

 

I like the Xmas music. I like statues and stories of old gods, too.

 

Of course, our different experiences, depending on which human-hating Christian franchise we were in, will cause us to react differently. I really wretch whenever another useless prayer is offered up to imaginary Jesus.

[Fweethawt]

THAT, is the reason for the season.

 

Nope, you're wrong, this is the reason for the season:

 

 

 

Sorry, I had to do that.

 

At least you showed no shame in sharing YOUR autographed copy of that picture.

 

 

 

 

We always enjoy sharing during the holiday.

 

Say, send me your address, and Charlize and I will send you a nice cheese gift basket.

 

Challenger---> <--- Fwee's hand

 

Merry Christmas!

You too!

[Guest Challenger]

(Challenger)

We always enjoy sharing during the holiday.

 

Say, send me your address, and Charlize and I will send you a nice cheese gift basket.

 

Challenger---> <--- Fwee's hand

 

Merry Christmas! You too!

 

 

OK, we know what YOUR hand is doing this holiday season.

 

My hand, of course, is holding a sprig of mistletoe. . .over a lovely blonde head. . .her eyes are closed. . .she just turned one ankle. . .three guesses. . .but I KNOW you're only gonna need one. . .

[Fweethawt]

FOAD, CHALLENGER!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okay, I feel much better now.

 

[Guest Challenger]

FOAD, CHALLENGER!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okay, I feel much better now.

 

 

I'll tell Charlize we'd better make that two gift baskets, then. Hickory Farms sound OK to you?