On The Third Hand
A Proud member of the Brigade of Bellicose WomenThe liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. — Samuel Adams
| On The Third HandA Proud member of the Brigade of Bellicose WomenThe liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. — Samuel Adams |
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24 December, 2001: "The Spirit of Secular Christmas"By Kathy Kinsley Many Christians bemoan the "secular" Christmas, and urge people to get back to the original "meaning" of Christmas. I sympathise with the viewpoint that the birth of Jesus is important... but Christmas was originally created to give an alternative to (and override) pagan mid-winter celebrations. Biblical scholars figure that the birth of Jesus was probably in April, not December. There is a secular "spirit of Christmas" which has partly come out of the old pagan celebrations, and partly out of the entirely human urge to connect with family and friends, and to show appreciation to them. The best Christmas I ever had was in Thailand, a Buddhist county (that is the official national religion, although they guarantee--and enforce-- religious freedom, much like the UK). They understand that Christians are celebrating the birth of "their god"; yet many Thais have taken to celebrating Christmas, not because they are Christian, but because they like to gather around a feast and exchange presents with those they care about. I found their take on Christmas charming. I also know Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Wiccans, and atheists who celebrate the "secular" side of Christmas. There is something about the idea of Christmas that seems to warm the hearts of people everywhere. I think that is a good thing. Those who don't might consider moving their birthday celebration to the month in which Christ was born.
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