The Real Meaning Of Christmas.

[Georgiesmum]

Do you think a lot of people have forgotten the real meaning of Christmas now? Theres a lot of chat about presents, but when did you last see a Nativity scene in anyones front window? Im not religious particularly but Ive noticed religious Christmas cards in the shops seem to be few and far between now too.

[Mamyalynne]

I wouldn't dare speak for a lot of other people but I haven't forgotten, maybe my upbringing as a Catholic and having 4 school age children at RC Schools in the family makes a difference.

I have also sent a few religious cards to those I know will appreciate them. They aren't hard to source.

If you spend the period being kind to others that's fine by me.

[cupid04]

I still manage to buy religious cards too. I like those with bible texts. I'm lucky to have a shop near me that still sells them.

[jno]

it started out as a pagan midwinter festival; now it's largely a commercial one aimed at getting you to buy things. But people do have a few days off work to spend with their families, so that's good.

You can't expect non-believers to bother about cribs or religious cards, though.

[Ann]

I'm like Cupid amd Mamya. I like to send cards with christmas story scenes on and some with a bible text inside. They are easy to source from various charities and christian organisations like Tear Fund. As a Christian who attends church twice on a Sunday I find it really sad that the real meaning of Christmas is being pushed out especially by some town councils who insist on taking the Christ out of Christmas and calling it a Winter Festival etc.

[SIRandyraven]

I think religion spoils Christmas.
Christmas is a time of peace and love and religion brings neither in my opinion to the world.

[Mamyalynne]

I'd hate it if ours did that.

[Mamyalynne]

My reply was to Ann.

[baza]

No Christmas cards then.

[Mamyalynne]

Everyone is entitled to celebrate what they want to call it , remove the 'Christ' and the 'Mas(s)' and just call it jolly December.

[ummmm]

What town councils call it 'winter festival' ??

We have Merry Christmas lights from one side of the street to other...

You haven't fell for what you've read have you, Ann?

[1ozzy]

I thought Christmas meant.

Spend too much money.
Buy gifts and cards for those you don't really like anyway.
Eat way too much.
Get totally smashed.
Fall off a kids toy and injure your self.
Fight with at least one relative.
Then agree it was a wonderful day and vow to do it again next year.

Or is that just an Ozzy tradition ;-/

[Answerprancer]

Yep, it's Yule, the winter solstice celebrated long before christians came along and mucked it all up. Thanks for bringing this up :-) Blessed be.

[mikey4444]

I was brought up a Catholic in the 50's and 60's, but realised that all religion was bunk in my mid to late teens.

Its sad reality but Christianity just isn't relevant any more for an increasingly larger amount of British people.

Mammon took over from Jesus a long time ago, and I can't see that situation changing any time soon.

[murraymints]

it's MINTY DAY !!!! ..have I mentioned.......

[douglas9401]

First confusion of the day, Mikey. If you know all religion is bunk why do you find it sad that Christianity is no longer relevant?

[Baldric]

Never let Religion (Fairy Stories) get in the way of a good time.

[mikey4444]

Not meant to be confusing Dougie....I am just sympathising with Georgiesmum. For a lot of religious people, Xmas isn't the same as it used to be.

Even for atheists like me, I can see the simple charm and attraction of the Nativity.....I was only describing the other day about my part in a school nativity play in the 1950's.

But religion just isn't relevant to most peoples lives anymore, and that is a fact, and for some, it will be a sad fact.

[Cloverjo]

I'm not religious. I celebrate Christmas as a time to be with my family - most of whom I don't see throughout the rest of the year. I think a lot of people are the same. I don't think about the birth of Christ at all.

I haven't bought loads of presents. Everyone is getting wine, whisky, money or vouchers. I can't bear the thought of driving up the motorway, sitting in a queue to get in, sitting in a queue for a parking space and then traipsing round the shops buying something that no one wants.

[SIRandyraven]

Lucky that Harry Potter books were not written 2,000 years ago or we would be celebrating PotterMass :-)