16 December 2012
Some Christians argue that atheists, not believing in God and by extension Jesus, should work on Christmas Day and not celebrate it. They also ask why we would call Christmas, Christmas. Very good questions and bizarre points of view.
Firstly the 'some' and 'they' I mentioned are being a tad short sighted. Let me explain why:
Tuesday - named for a God of War and Law. Not the Christian god. Wednesday - Named after another god. And still not their god. Thursday - Named after yet another god. Thor. He had a hammer. Friday - Guess what?. Yes, named after another god, and still not the Christian god.
An atheist recognising Christmas is not being hypocritical. After all, we all can't go one week without recognising some other god.
My favourite day is Thursday, named for Thor, son of Odin and Freya who both have a weekday named for them too (Wednesday and Friday respectively).
Christmas these days though is nothing like it used to be. I am willing to bet that several millions of Christians have Coca Cola adverts dotted around their homes and that they will be telling their children that the same man depicted on those decorations will be visiting their home on Christmas Eve. Who is being a hypocrite now?.
Christmas to atheists is pretty much the same as it is for Christians. We eat loads of food, we drink too much, we sing carols, we remember loved ones who are no longer with us and we give gifts to each other. Sounds familiar doesn't it?. Simple as that. We just believe in one less god than they do. That is all there is to it.
Why do we call this period Christmas if we do not acknowledge Christ?. The same reason we call Ramadan by its name and the same reason that the fourth day of the week is Thursday. It's a name.
This year, December 25th falls on a Tuesday so it may be more appropriate for me to wish you all a Happy Tīw's Day rather than a Merry Christmas or a Happy Hanukkah.
What ever your belief is, it doesn't matter, as long as you treat this day as you would any other, be kind, helpful, open minded and just be excellent to each other and you will find that the world will follow suit.
Blog About Xmas • Opuss № I