Is Christmas about Jesus, Santa or money?

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   JRScarbroughposted 10 years ago

   Is Christmas about Jesus, Santa or money?
   
   Any more, I'm not sure if everyone is celebrating the same holiday or if the world is so confused they serve 3 masters at once. Is Christmas even a Godly celebration or is it ok with God to lie to your children for their amusement? Is it about giving or getting? It seems the one begets the other. Not being a jerk, I seriously ponder the legitimacy of Christmas as a virtuous celebration.
   
   

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2. 91

   LongTimeMotherposted 10 years ago

   Christmas is about whatever you choose to promote and focus on. 
   
   Given the horrific statistics of child sexual abuse courtesy of the Catholic Church, for instance, right now I'd consider that ugly face and demeanour to be more appropriate dressed in black, not red. Our news is currently filled with damning evidence of Catholic priests who presumably 'thought it was okay with God to lie to children for their own amusement'.
   
   In my home, Santa has always delivered my children increased self esteem ... so Christmas is more about Santa than Jesus or money.
   
   If you're interested in reading my thoughts on the value of Santa, here's a link. http://longtimemother.hubpages.com/hub/ … From-Santa
   
   And here's some Christmas reading to explain why I certainly don't feel compelled to link such a happy time for children with any church or talk of 'Godly celebration'.
   
   http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/d … s-walk-out 
   
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Cath … by_country
   
   http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/03/s … o-priests/
   
   http://www.smh.com.au/national/abuse_inquiry
   
   Okay, I wouldn't have raised the subject, but you asked ... and posted the ugly photo. I seriously ponder the legitimacy of Christmas as a virtuous celebration as well. I guess that makes two of us.

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      JRScarbroughposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Merely to incite discussion. This place seems to prefer controversy. I'm really much more lovable. Great answer!

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      LongTimeMotherposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Well, the discussion has begun. Let's see who else can stomach the ugly Santa photo long enough to reply ...

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3. 84

   tsmogposted 10 years ago

   I agree with LongTimeMother's first line. After that I am not sure. However, Christmas today and centered in the USA  Christmas day is a socio-economic government sanctioned calendar holiday. Commerce regards Christmas by business climate to business climate. Just because toy sales go up does not mean the car gets fixed on time. The economy goes into flux primarily between urgent needs and immediate needs.
   
   As for the season of Christmas I tend to have a hunch that is based upon the social function of family more than anything else. Community has a base on family, however is varied. Again family tradition for that holiday and any meanings for the season that surrounds it will be be the primary functioning of both family at socio-economic means.

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      JRScarbroughposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Very thorough answer. I agree, Christmas has many facets.

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4. 89

   mtkomoriposted 10 years ago

   That's a good question. Here in Japan,I'd have to say it is more money and Santa than Jesus. Nobody I know consciously associates Christmas with Jesus, unless you were a Christian and attended a service during Christmas. As for Santa, he is often seen in preschools and daycares providing entertainment.  Other than that, it's all about eating Christmas cakes (strawberry whipped cream cake), putting up fake Christmas trees, and the Christmas lights in malls. Some people buy gifts but it isn't a requirement and not as crazy as it was in Canada where people were rushing to the stores. Christmas day isn't a holiday here, but December 23rd, two days before Christmas is a holiday because it's the Emperor's birthday!

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      JRScarbroughposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      TY for the answer from Japan. I never was conscious of whether it was celebrated there at all. I’d have to say it is money just about everywhere now. Just about everything is though. TY again!

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