Such a pity that bloggers (and not only) still distill in some way a certain prejudice against other religions when such celebrations as Christmas arrive. If you aware you will see people from certain religions or paths wishing Happy --- to others of their own believes, forgetting that part of the world is celebrating Christmas and probably many other different celebrations. I always tried to leave a word to everyone. Along the time I am into blogging I have seen people begging to their readers to do not wish them a Merry Christmas, like if it would hurt them and tarnish their images or self esteems, or in the last chance like if it could embarrass them,to be associated to another religion. Can't you understand that one of the easiest ways that across the History leaded to wars was hate, "shame" and religion, as people hardly accept each others believes.
I have grown up under Catholicism. Portugal is one of the most catholic countries in Europe. Almost one hundred percent of the population believes in Jesus teachings and the presence of His father. I went through ten years of apprenticeship and am baptized, I can tell you probably most of the prayers a Christian must learn and I went through all of this not because I desired, but because many people here still make sure you become a Christian first then you get a personal opinion, when you can't choose, when you can't decide if you are a believer or not, because if you were born and your parents are Christians you will become one as well. I'm not angry about that. I am not a believer. I conceive god as Nature. That's the only way I understand God, but this religion is part of my culture. We always are able to take the best out of our traditions even if we don't follow them for true belief and/or faith. Christmas is seen by myself as the celebration of love, people gather together, share, help each other.
People who celebrate Christmas do not wish it to other people who don't celebrate it (in our personal way) because we want to annoy you or mistreat you and your believes. We want to wish you a good moment. It's as simple as that. Whatever you are celebrating I wish you a Merry Christmas, translate it into your own believes and it will taste better if you want. Merry Christmas means Peace, Love, Union and Respect, it would never be to upset you. Merry Christmas world!
8 opinions:
this is something that i never really think about when i say Merry Christmas, and that's probably cause the finnish word for christmas comes from the word Yule (Christmas in finnish is Joulu) and thatfor, it doesn't have the Christ in it, and doesn't automatically mean the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Finland is not a ver openly religious country, but most people are christian and celebrate christmas in a religious sense of it. But for me it's always been that time of year where you can take some time for yourself and your family, a time that we are all reminded that we need to be good to each other, take care of each other and love each other. thanks for this wonderful post and Merry Christmas to you too!
I couldn't agree more.
Nicely put:)
Merry Christmas, my dear!
(I am not religious at all but I always say Merry Christmas, I think it's a really warm and positive wish. It may not mean that much to many people but being actually offended by Christmas sounds quite problematic to me...) Well, I wish you a lot of warmth, love and adventure!
-Vita
Normalmente, desejo Boas Festas para que ninguém fique chateado.
Não acreditanto em Deus, como tu, celebro o Natal da mesma forma: com muito amor. :)
Espero que o teu Natal tenha sido cheio dele.
You put this into the nicest words. I always try to wish people happy holidays in case I don't know their religious believes but still - as you said, when I say merry Christmas, I don't want to offend anyone - it's as if I said - have a nice day (now one would be mad at me right?) I am not catholic, though I was born as one, and still I celebrate Christmas. I truly believe that there is no need to be religious to have a nice time with people you love.
hugs
Finally someone that considers a world outside catholicism and Christmas... I've always been an outsider, for being an atheist and coming from a jewish family... I get together with my family anyway, just to be with them and be thankful for a loving family, that's beyond ANY religion and that's what matters the most. Merry Xmas for those who celebrate and Happy New Year.
Merry Christmas Dear Joana!
I love your post. I'm Christian and a believer and I really wouldn't get hurt if someone would wish me happy something else than Christmas! I would just be happy of her or him remembering me.
Lots of hugs!
Post a Comment