Hi y'all - I chose the word "observe" deliberately to mean that, participating in the rituals - taking time off work (even if mandatory without protest) - finding excuses to "celebrate," are all methods of observing what is entirely a religious holiday. I accept Ornamentalmind's statement that he/she tries to make it a normal day as coming close to my own mini protest. If I participated in any way I couldn't live with myself. I even have difficulty forcing myself to attend the official MFA Winter Solstice Celebration as it is close to "the reason for the season" and could be construed as participation.
On Aug 30, 11:04 am, Taylor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > <<How many atheists OBSERVE this religious vacation? >> > > In theory, I like Christmas. Snowmen, Santa Claus, Christmas > decorations, cheerful music, trying to surprise others with the > perfect gift. Over the years, however, it's become ruined for me by > the believers. My family focuses so much on the social obligations of > giving gifts and attending functions that it takes any pleasure out of > the holiday. And they force me to provide a list of things I want so > they don't have to shop, making Christmas a merchandise acquisition > event. > > What compounds the problem are those who try to get us to refocus on > the "reason for the season", which just emphases what I consider the > most unimportant element of the holiday. > > So, I think if I had a different family, I would still enjoy and > celebrate Christmas by emphasizing the things I approve of and > ignoring those that I don't. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Memphis Freethought Alliance" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/memphisfreethoughtalliance?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
