December 10, 2010

Holidays, ...Meh

I was considering doing a post about this subject, then I read over at Triablogue, who asked the question "Why December 25?"

So, this is my perspective.

A good tree will bear good fruit. Is Christmas good fruit? You decide, because I certainly have.

I know our President wants Christmas to be a large part of America. Many don't know the true origins.

So, let the bridges I burn light my way. To truth.

Colossians 2:16-17 is clear, you make choices for your own families.

One verse says it all, Romans 14:5 "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind."

In my home we do not celebrate Christmas. Like a friend said, "we celebrate Christ's birth every single day" Over commercialization, covetous children to objects, lying to children, worshiping false idols are not good fruit to me. I also hold a strong refusal to go into debt for anyone, especially for holidays.

Now, we can debate how Christmas started. Do the 12 Christmas myths debunked, even. Whether in 336 it was the RCC that chose to honor the birthday of the Christ since it was already a well loved holiday because in 274, December 25th, the Winter Solstice was celebrated because Aurelian [a Roman emperor] instituted the cult of Sol Invictus and thus a major feast day throughout the Roman Empire.

[Update: As Pvblivs pointed out, we can even debate who actually wrote the 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' poem in the 1800's]

Also, we can discuss that the current image of Santa, that we have grown to love, was merely marketing for Coca-Cola. Coke commissioned Haddon Sundblom to make images for their ads starting in 1931. That's right, people kill, commit suicide, and fall over each other going for that "bargain" item, for an advertising and marketing ploy. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and even Macy's parade all geared to get you to spend your cash for Christmas. It's that simple.

My Mom always said not to wait until her funeral to give her flowers. I thought that was great advice. Why wait for holidays either, like Mother's day, Father's day, or any other holiday. If we want to say "I love you" to each other, we don't wait for a couple times a year, we do it right then. Certainly don't need holidays to express our love. We are more spontaneous that way also. Good fruit. If we want to get something, like a Kindle, we get it. No sneaking, no hiding, nothing that is behind the back. Out front, open, and honest. No lines, ...no hassle.

I also go to office parties, other social get-togethers and dinners, and "Christmas tree lane" to view lights during that time, but that will be about it. Many are very surprised that we do not celebrate holidays. Maybe this post will alleviate that explaining. :7)

My kids may want to celebrate Christmas in their own homes. That would be fine with me.  I will say that our kids are thankful for us not lying to them about anything (Santa, Tooth Fairy) so they don't have to question me to see if I am lying about other things, like about God.

That is the most important part of this discussion though. At what point do the kids think that you are not lying to them? "He lied to me about Santa, did he lie about God also?" are possible questions in a kid's head. (Bite your tongues Atheists) Then, I have to explain that I lie about some things and not others, all the while God says all liars will have their part in the lake of fire, and on and on. It confuses them and shows I actually condone lying under "certain" circumstances.

No nation, culture pressure, or soft drink company will get me to lie to my own kids for anything. To me that is horrible, and rotten, fruit. We should strive to do all things that glorifies God. (1 Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 86:12)

Holidays, ...meh.







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