According to a Dutch newspaper, the christmass lights -symbol for the sunlight that we miss so much in the dark days of christmas, shining out their message of peace- in Germany alone, will use the same amount of energy as a large airport uses during a whole year! I hardly dare think about the total energy use of all those countless lights that will burn around the globe this year...
Some have reacted offended by the message in the newspaper. After all, after a long year filled with burdens and sorrow, we do have a right to burn a few extra lights during the dark nights at christmas, don't we? I could agree with that, if it really was about just a few lights. However, like with economy, what you have is never enough. Far more important than what you have is to have more next year. And is it really any longer about a symbol for sunlight (oh aye, in some places it is almost as strong as sunlight!), or about a message of peace anyway? Hardly, I think. It is sometimes more a symbol of wealth. The wealthiest people and cities show off with ever growing numbers of lights, all at the cost of our climate and -in case of where they are placed in public places- the taxes we pay.
The total thoughtless carelessness with which we use such excessive amounts of energy during these few days is worrying. More efficient lightbulbs for daily use, as well as other electric equipment are saving a lot energy during the 'normal days' of the year, only to be burnt up during christmas again.
Personally I am not religious and don't care much anyway for the devouring feast of gifts, food and energy that christmas has become in the past few decades. If I feel like I could use some extra coziness and warmth, I will just burn my candles and oil lamps (the ones that I burn almost every night). I do not expect all of Germany, or the whole world for that matter, to follow that example. But I think we could all do with much less lights, without losing the "true spirit" of crhistmas any more than we already did. Maybe there is even true progress in taking a step back..
I like the way you are thinking on this. I have strong faith, but I object to the Christmas commercialism. I won't get into any religious discussions here, but I agree that Christmas has turned into more of a symbol of what you have and what you can get than anything else. Religious or not, why not give up the thousands of $$ we spend on decorations, lights, gifts for people who don't need gifts, etc., etc., and spend that $$ on someone who is in need? We could save lots of trees, energy, $$, etc., and we could be the light that shines!!
I agree with both of you on the commercial aspects of Christmas. They have truly inflated to grotesque proportions. Those who do believe - stop and think if this gross display is in line with the teachings of your religion. Those who don't - be grateful for what you have and consider those who have not, especially in this cold and dark time of year.
My wife is out of town this holiday so my holiday will be celebrated snowshoeing in the Wasatch mountains, followed by a cosy evening of watching videos in the fine company of my dogs and cats and some good food. No made-in-China-by-oppressed-labor lights on my house, and no trees slowly dying in my living room. My annual charity donations will go out today.
Guy
Posted by David Weber on December 1, 2006 at 10:20 AM
I too am a person of faith and I also find the commercialism and glitz of this holiday season to be excessive and wasteful. I agree with Alice's comment. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and concern, Arthur.
Posted by Kent Mearig on December 1, 2006 at 1:38 PM
I want to agree totally with what's been said so far, and I want to say that I will do no decorating or tree killing or other "wasteful" things. I have two problems though, and the first is that my wife will not be out of town this Christmas season. That was meant to be a little joke, but in all honesty, Christmas traditions are very important to my wife and rightly so. For people who view Christmas as a religious holiday, it is a time of celebration. It is a more important celebration than the ones that honor sports teams, victorious politicians, or birthdays of other historical figures. If I make a big deal out of any time in the year, it should be Christmas.
That said, you have all encouraged me to be more careful with the ways I celebrate this year. I'm happy with the plans I've already made to make this Christmas a time for giving to people with extreme needs instead of shallow needs. Guy is right that we should make sure our Christmas display is in line with what we are celebrating whether it is a display of excess or of simple joy. I hope you all have a very joyfull Christmas season.
Posted by Roger Rouch on December 3, 2006 at 9:33 PM
My only Holiday decoration is a fresh wreath on my door to show that I believe in the spirit of the season. Aside from a person's religious leanings, there is a nice message behind the Christmas season that meets us up with old friends, renews a spirit of giving, and helps to brighten up the short winter days. It's too bad so much of this is lost in the commercial nature of things. Maybe the more folks that resist the commercialism the more we can get back to the real value of the Holiday.
A lot of the Christmas traditions we have here and there are things that reinforce the good times we spent with family and friends. I can remember my dad cutting and painting plywood Santas and snowmen to display in flood light in the front yard trimmed with 60 watt incandescent bulbs on the house eves. Gosh, the utilities meter must have spun! Dad's gone now, but I can't help but think of the excitement we kids had watching those lights come on every night. Times are different now, but dang if I can't get just a little of that excitement and memories back seeing some nicely lit homes. Traditions do have a good side. It's easy to be resentful of the folks who shop 'til they drop and blow breakers with home decorations. But I think the very basic meaning Christmas and religions generally is that we give love. Even to the person with the most obnoxious brightly illuminated yard in the world.
So, Merry Christmas!
Posted by Becky Wolfe on December 6, 2006 at 12:16 PM
Well, I'd like to lean slightly to the other side of this discussion. Almost everything about the holiday season brings me JOY! And I love Christmas for both aspects, religious & commercial. I put up lights on my house because they bring me joy. Just a string along the roof line. I don't hang them for extra light or to show peace or to show off to the neighbourhood. (I have some in my neighbourhood that could put Clark Griswold to shame) I love the colors & the soft glow they give to my house.
I also have a fresh tree, cut from a Christmas Tree farm. Trees grown just for Christmas, no other purpose. I love the smell, love the color & love the memories & traditions it represents. I love decorating it with my husband.
I love that Christmas events bring a lot of families & friends together. (not in every family of course) and that there is an air of happiness in people you meet as Christmas gets closer. A lot of people will say "Merry Christmas" to complete strangers.
Being a Christian I honor & respect Christmas as a day to celebrate the birth of Christ. I read the nativity story & believe the traditional Christmas carols. We support Samartin's Purse in order to give a little to some children who wouldn't otherwise have a gift. We also buy gifts for our loved ones. Not exessively but giving gifts is part of our traditions.
I don't feel that commercialism vs religion at Christmas have to contradict eachother. I find the whole season joyful and anticipate it every year. I guess I'm just saying that everyone has their own traditions & things that bring them joy. I have no problems with people who don't celebrate for Christmas I just don't think the ones that do, in whatever way they do, should be judged so harshly.
My two cents.
Posted by Kim Kaiser on December 6, 2006 at 3:45 PM
Ditto,, Becky,, couldnt have said it better,, especially
" don't feel that commercialism vs religion at Christmas have to contradict each other. I find the whole season joyful and anticipate it every year. I guess I'm just saying that everyone has their own traditions & things that bring them joy. I have no problems with people who don't celebrate for Christmas I just don't think the ones that do, in whatever way they do, should be judged so harshly. "
Measuring the value of traditions by the pleasure it brings to a given individual is a pretty hedonistic attitude. An enlightened society should learn to adapt with the times. Any number of traditions have been eliminated over the years when we have grown to acknowledge their immoral nature - slavery, child labor, animal abuse, women's suffrage, arranged marriages (for the most part), witch hunting etc. - all fine traditions in their day.
Not that Christmas traditions have the same impact but the point is we need to learn to change our ways once it becomes evident that established traditions are not as benign as we have been conditioned to believe. Tradition and personal benefit should not not trump responsible social behavior.
Guy
Posted by Kim Kaiser on December 6, 2006 at 5:43 PM
i guess i would rather burn a few lights, and get together with family and friends all under the tradition of christmas than I would live under this edict,,,
dont try to make people who acutally enjoy the season feel guilty about enjoying the season,,,,if they want to burn a few lights,, let em burn a few lights,,and sit with there families,,which doestn happen a lot lately, with the hectic world we live in,,,,would you rather them sit in a room and whine and bitch, beat there kids and be derpessed?? From my part of the world,, the people who enjoy the season are the ones least capable of the financial burdens, but they need that feeling of giving and togehterness with there families,Just like anything, sure there is a group that always overdoes the lights and some who do like Art and sit in dark and burn lites,, in my opinion,, neither is wrong,,,its just part of being human and part of society,,, for the most part, i would suspect the center of the bell curve is made up of people who want to just enjoy the season!!!! ,Most people just dont have the time,, money, to bug off to quiet mountains, deserts, or wooded areas every two weeks and meditate ,,,and if a couple of weeks gives people that feeling of good and togetherness,, then more poiwer to them,,at least they try , i would guess if someone did not practise a religion or belief, then they wouldnt understand the feeling,,,
everyone does everything to make themselves feel good,,, some photograph to feel good,, some workout to feel good,, others hike to feel good,,,,would that be considered hedonistic behaviour,,making gobs of money, deal after deal makes some people feel good,,,,, Guy,, dont you write to feel good,, promote your ideas,,, photogrpah to feel good, make points about the beauties of envriontments makes you feel good,, would that be considered hedonistic,,i know you dont have the passions you do about things natural becuase you hate doing it!!!,,i guess one could consider waiting on the fall colors a TRADITION,,as such, for some its a ritual to go to each year,,would that not be a tradition,,, and the joy of it and photographing it as hedonistic,,,,some may consider it a social hazard for so many people to see such a site,,,or photogrpahers to decend on jasper and yellowstone to witness the elk rut,,most of us know its not a social hazard,,,but some may argue it is and could be interefereing with their rights and be heading us on a road of more slavery, i dont really know how, but there is always someone somewhere who simply doesnt appreciate it and offends them in some way..
if i am not mistaken, there are some contributors to this site are publishied through Out door Photogarpher,, now i looked at the magazine, page by page, and did not see a paper used is recyclable(doestn mean its not there,,i just didnt see it),, so if one is writing for this mag,, and they use trees for this mag,, then wouldnt one be contributing to irresponisble social and environmental behaviour for personal gain????
,.. does anyone wear cotton?? then a plant died,,, do you read books,,newspapaers, magazines,,,then trees die,,,,,many trees now come from farms,,,just like textiles come from farms,,,,maybe to make the air fresh and feel chrismasy,, we should use the spray that smells like trees,, so whati s better,, a spray that chemically stinks up the air or a farmed tree,,,,,,,
the whole point is one can point to extreme beliefs for anything one wants to believe,,,as in any issue,,moderate thinking is key to it,,,,,, but I personally think it is unfair to those who like the season of giving to be chastised and considered hedonist,,,,just because others dont like it and/or dont want to particiapte in it,,,,let people give and feel good about themselves occasionally,,,,
Kim, you're right. I was making a general statement and not referring to any one practice and certainly not to any one individual. I was pointing out that "I do it because it feels good" is not always a good enough reason to do anything, regardless of whether it is anchored in tradition or not.
I'm also a great believer in leading by example. I lead a vegan lifestyle, I recycle, I donate to charities that work hard to reduce human impact on the planet, I adopted 6 animals from rescue shelters, I exercise and keep myself healthy to the extent possible so I'm not a burden to the healthcare system, and I chose to not have children since I strongly believe unchecked population growth is the single biggest threat to our lifestyle and ecosystem.
Sure, I indulge in any number of activities that have a negative impact as well. In fact I think it is silly to think one can live without consuming resources and/or negatively impacting some things. Still, I make sure my decisions are informed and balanced out by my other activities.
I don't go around preaching my lifestyle to anyone, but I do try to encourage people to examine their own decisions objectively and to be aware of the consequences of their actions. If such knowledge and responsibility detracts from the joy of doing something then I would say it's self-damning evidence that something is wrong and deserves consideration. As adult members of a society we should all understand and weigh the consequences of our personal actions and choices.
Guy
Posted by Kim Kaiser on December 6, 2006 at 8:18 PM
"I chose to not have children since I strongly believe unchecked population growth is the single biggest threat to our lifestyle and ecosystem. "
Guy, I strongly agree with you there, and i have chosen not to participate in the be fruitful and mutlipy theory as well,,,
and when you put the last comments in those terms, it is much more in a tone that i can appreciate,,,,
regardless of your beliefs,,,,,hope you have a pleasant holiday season!!
Posted by Terry Sohl on December 6, 2006 at 10:02 PM
"As adult members of a society we should all understand and weigh the consequences of our personal actions and choices."
I completely understand the consequences of my personal choices. I chose to have a child. It's pretty dang hard to look into my son's eyes and feel too guilty about unchecked population growth because of this decision, although I completely agree that is the largest single problem facing the human race.
I recycle. Nearly every bulb in my house is an energy-saving compact fluorescent. I'm the king of letters to the editor, about half of which deal with environmental matters. I've devoted my professional career to the study of land use change, and the resultant impacts on the carbon cycle and climate, while my twin brother chose a career paying easily 4 times as much as a chemical engineer. We have a Cocker Spaniel from a local rescue group. I donate to one charity, and one charity only...the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as my son was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes on his first birthday.
I've been married 13 years, and despite my wife's pleas, I have never put up Christmas lights...until this year. My son, now 3 years old, loves Christmas lights. Do I try to minimize my impact on the planet? Yes. But as my experiences with my son have taught me, life is short, and must be enjoyed while we are here. I place no value above the happiness of my son and my family. In this case, tradition and the happiness of my family are frankly much more important than the extremely tiny impact of stringing up a few strands of lights.
Posted by Don Miller on December 10, 2006 at 12:37 PM
Where I live, electricity is all nuclear in winter. So it's debatable if my neighbors are wasting energy with Christmas lights.
Last week in a sermon a minister pointed out that maybe commercialism of Christmas has got to the point where it becomes background noise. Anyway, its always up to the individual, family, and community to determine how the holidays are experienced.
Posted by Leann Greene on December 11, 2006 at 10:07 PM
Interesting topic and responses!
I just plain and simple like celebrating Christmas,reflecting on the almost dire circumstances of the situation of Jesus's birth( I was uncomfortable delivering in a hospital!) and acknowledgeing how much kinder we all can be to each other -all while I sit with my children next an obscurly decorated tree-done by a first grader I switched from incandescent light bulbs to the long life 3 for $8.00 bulbs and try to plan trips to town to be multi multi tasked to use less gas. I think that if we intentionaly changed just one habit each- a big difference would be made-i'm keeping the christmas lights tho.
Posted by Rick Dunn on December 20, 2006 at 10:06 PM
The energy we consume to charge our camera batteries and power our computers to process our images each year is on par with - or likely exceeds - the power consumed by a modest display of Christmas lights. We very likely consume more fuel than the average person by driving to and from the locations where we shoot. The chemicals used to process film and make prints....yikes.
It seems a little silly - and hypocritical - to judge people for their specific indulgences when we all have our own indulgences that are likely to be offensive to others of a different mindset.
I eat meat, but don't care for hunting; I recycle, but I drive a truck that gets crummy gas mileage. I love putting up Christmas lights, but have chosen to not have children for reasons already mentioned by others. I'd be shocked to come across anyone who isn't a bit hypocritical - or maybe just "complex" is a nicer way to think of it - with respect to the choices they make in their daily lives.
I agree with the spirit of the message, just not the content.
Posted by Arthur Lund on January 21, 2007 at 12:27 AM
We get to exercised over how others celebrate the Christmas Holiday.
Christmas is diversity at its fullest.
There are literally dozens of ancient winter festivals centered around the Winter Soltice.
There is yuletide
There is Father Christmas
Various religions around the world celebrate various events in their faith. One of which is
the birth of Jesus of Nazareth in the Christian religion.
Just for grins, look up "Christmas" on wikipedial.com and see how diverse the holiday really is.
Discussion
16 repliesSome have reacted offended by the message in the newspaper. After all, after a long year filled with burdens and sorrow, we do have a right to burn a few extra lights during the dark nights at christmas, don't we? I could agree with that, if it really was about just a few lights. However, like with economy, what you have is never enough. Far more important than what you have is to have more next year. And is it really any longer about a symbol for sunlight (oh aye, in some places it is almost as strong as sunlight!), or about a message of peace anyway? Hardly, I think. It is sometimes more a symbol of wealth. The wealthiest people and cities show off with ever growing numbers of lights, all at the cost of our climate and -in case of where they are placed in public places- the taxes we pay.
The total thoughtless carelessness with which we use such excessive amounts of energy during these few days is worrying. More efficient lightbulbs for daily use, as well as other electric equipment are saving a lot energy during the 'normal days' of the year, only to be burnt up during christmas again.
Personally I am not religious and don't care much anyway for the devouring feast of gifts, food and energy that christmas has become in the past few decades. If I feel like I could use some extra coziness and warmth, I will just burn my candles and oil lamps (the ones that I burn almost every night). I do not expect all of Germany, or the whole world for that matter, to follow that example. But I think we could all do with much less lights, without losing the "true spirit" of crhistmas any more than we already did. Maybe there is even true progress in taking a step back..
My wife is out of town this holiday so my holiday will be celebrated snowshoeing in the Wasatch mountains, followed by a cosy evening of watching videos in the fine company of my dogs and cats and some good food. No made-in-China-by-oppressed-labor lights on my house, and no trees slowly dying in my living room. My annual charity donations will go out today.
Guy
That said, you have all encouraged me to be more careful with the ways I celebrate this year. I'm happy with the plans I've already made to make this Christmas a time for giving to people with extreme needs instead of shallow needs. Guy is right that we should make sure our Christmas display is in line with what we are celebrating whether it is a display of excess or of simple joy. I hope you all have a very joyfull Christmas season.
A lot of the Christmas traditions we have here and there are things that reinforce the good times we spent with family and friends. I can remember my dad cutting and painting plywood Santas and snowmen to display in flood light in the front yard trimmed with 60 watt incandescent bulbs on the house eves. Gosh, the utilities meter must have spun! Dad's gone now, but I can't help but think of the excitement we kids had watching those lights come on every night. Times are different now, but dang if I can't get just a little of that excitement and memories back seeing some nicely lit homes. Traditions do have a good side. It's easy to be resentful of the folks who shop 'til they drop and blow breakers with home decorations. But I think the very basic meaning Christmas and religions generally is that we give love. Even to the person with the most obnoxious brightly illuminated yard in the world.
So, Merry Christmas!
I also have a fresh tree, cut from a Christmas Tree farm. Trees grown just for Christmas, no other purpose. I love the smell, love the color & love the memories & traditions it represents. I love decorating it with my husband.
I love that Christmas events bring a lot of families & friends together. (not in every family of course) and that there is an air of happiness in people you meet as Christmas gets closer. A lot of people will say "Merry Christmas" to complete strangers.
Being a Christian I honor & respect Christmas as a day to celebrate the birth of Christ. I read the nativity story & believe the traditional Christmas carols. We support Samartin's Purse in order to give a little to some children who wouldn't otherwise have a gift. We also buy gifts for our loved ones. Not exessively but giving gifts is part of our traditions.
I don't feel that commercialism vs religion at Christmas have to contradict eachother. I find the whole season joyful and anticipate it every year. I guess I'm just saying that everyone has their own traditions & things that bring them joy. I have no problems with people who don't celebrate for Christmas I just don't think the ones that do, in whatever way they do, should be judged so harshly.
My two cents.
" don't feel that commercialism vs religion at Christmas have to contradict each other. I find the whole season joyful and anticipate it every year. I guess I'm just saying that everyone has their own traditions & things that bring them joy. I have no problems with people who don't celebrate for Christmas I just don't think the ones that do, in whatever way they do, should be judged so harshly. "
Not that Christmas traditions have the same impact but the point is we need to learn to change our ways once it becomes evident that established traditions are not as benign as we have been conditioned to believe. Tradition and personal benefit should not not trump responsible social behavior.
Guy
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,234817,00.html?sPage=fnc.world/africa
dont try to make people who acutally enjoy the season feel guilty about enjoying the season,,,,if they want to burn a few lights,, let em burn a few lights,,and sit with there families,,which doestn happen a lot lately, with the hectic world we live in,,,,would you rather them sit in a room and whine and bitch, beat there kids and be derpessed?? From my part of the world,, the people who enjoy the season are the ones least capable of the financial burdens, but they need that feeling of giving and togehterness with there families,Just like anything, sure there is a group that always overdoes the lights and some who do like Art and sit in dark and burn lites,, in my opinion,, neither is wrong,,,its just part of being human and part of society,,, for the most part, i would suspect the center of the bell curve is made up of people who want to just enjoy the season!!!! ,Most people just dont have the time,, money, to bug off to quiet mountains, deserts, or wooded areas every two weeks and meditate ,,,and if a couple of weeks gives people that feeling of good and togetherness,, then more poiwer to them,,at least they try , i would guess if someone did not practise a religion or belief, then they wouldnt understand the feeling,,,
everyone does everything to make themselves feel good,,, some photograph to feel good,, some workout to feel good,, others hike to feel good,,,,would that be considered hedonistic behaviour,,making gobs of money, deal after deal makes some people feel good,,,,, Guy,, dont you write to feel good,, promote your ideas,,, photogrpah to feel good, make points about the beauties of envriontments makes you feel good,, would that be considered hedonistic,,i know you dont have the passions you do about things natural becuase you hate doing it!!!,,i guess one could consider waiting on the fall colors a TRADITION,,as such, for some its a ritual to go to each year,,would that not be a tradition,,, and the joy of it and photographing it as hedonistic,,,,some may consider it a social hazard for so many people to see such a site,,,or photogrpahers to decend on jasper and yellowstone to witness the elk rut,,most of us know its not a social hazard,,,but some may argue it is and could be interefereing with their rights and be heading us on a road of more slavery, i dont really know how, but there is always someone somewhere who simply doesnt appreciate it and offends them in some way..
if i am not mistaken, there are some contributors to this site are publishied through Out door Photogarpher,, now i looked at the magazine, page by page, and did not see a paper used is recyclable(doestn mean its not there,,i just didnt see it),, so if one is writing for this mag,, and they use trees for this mag,, then wouldnt one be contributing to irresponisble social and environmental behaviour for personal gain????
,.. does anyone wear cotton?? then a plant died,,, do you read books,,newspapaers, magazines,,,then trees die,,,,,many trees now come from farms,,,just like textiles come from farms,,,,maybe to make the air fresh and feel chrismasy,, we should use the spray that smells like trees,, so whati s better,, a spray that chemically stinks up the air or a farmed tree,,,,,,,
the whole point is one can point to extreme beliefs for anything one wants to believe,,,as in any issue,,moderate thinking is key to it,,,,,, but I personally think it is unfair to those who like the season of giving to be chastised and considered hedonist,,,,just because others dont like it and/or dont want to particiapte in it,,,,let people give and feel good about themselves occasionally,,,,
I'm also a great believer in leading by example. I lead a vegan lifestyle, I recycle, I donate to charities that work hard to reduce human impact on the planet, I adopted 6 animals from rescue shelters, I exercise and keep myself healthy to the extent possible so I'm not a burden to the healthcare system, and I chose to not have children since I strongly believe unchecked population growth is the single biggest threat to our lifestyle and ecosystem.
Sure, I indulge in any number of activities that have a negative impact as well. In fact I think it is silly to think one can live without consuming resources and/or negatively impacting some things. Still, I make sure my decisions are informed and balanced out by my other activities.
I don't go around preaching my lifestyle to anyone, but I do try to encourage people to examine their own decisions objectively and to be aware of the consequences of their actions. If such knowledge and responsibility detracts from the joy of doing something then I would say it's self-damning evidence that something is wrong and deserves consideration. As adult members of a society we should all understand and weigh the consequences of our personal actions and choices.
Guy
Guy, I strongly agree with you there, and i have chosen not to participate in the be fruitful and mutlipy theory as well,,,
and when you put the last comments in those terms, it is much more in a tone that i can appreciate,,,,
regardless of your beliefs,,,,,hope you have a pleasant holiday season!!
I completely understand the consequences of my personal choices. I chose to have a child. It's pretty dang hard to look into my son's eyes and feel too guilty about unchecked population growth because of this decision, although I completely agree that is the largest single problem facing the human race.
I recycle. Nearly every bulb in my house is an energy-saving compact fluorescent. I'm the king of letters to the editor, about half of which deal with environmental matters. I've devoted my professional career to the study of land use change, and the resultant impacts on the carbon cycle and climate, while my twin brother chose a career paying easily 4 times as much as a chemical engineer. We have a Cocker Spaniel from a local rescue group. I donate to one charity, and one charity only...the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as my son was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes on his first birthday.
I've been married 13 years, and despite my wife's pleas, I have never put up Christmas lights...until this year. My son, now 3 years old, loves Christmas lights. Do I try to minimize my impact on the planet? Yes. But as my experiences with my son have taught me, life is short, and must be enjoyed while we are here. I place no value above the happiness of my son and my family. In this case, tradition and the happiness of my family are frankly much more important than the extremely tiny impact of stringing up a few strands of lights.
Last week in a sermon a minister pointed out that maybe commercialism of Christmas has got to the point where it becomes background noise. Anyway, its always up to the individual, family, and community to determine how the holidays are experienced.
I just plain and simple like celebrating Christmas,reflecting on the almost dire circumstances of the situation of Jesus's birth( I was uncomfortable delivering in a hospital!) and acknowledgeing how much kinder we all can be to each other -all while I sit with my children next an obscurly decorated tree-done by a first grader
It seems a little silly - and hypocritical - to judge people for their specific indulgences when we all have our own indulgences that are likely to be offensive to others of a different mindset.
I eat meat, but don't care for hunting; I recycle, but I drive a truck that gets crummy gas mileage. I love putting up Christmas lights, but have chosen to not have children for reasons already mentioned by others. I'd be shocked to come across anyone who isn't a bit hypocritical - or maybe just "complex" is a nicer way to think of it - with respect to the choices they make in their daily lives.
I agree with the spirit of the message, just not the content.
Christmas is diversity at its fullest.
There are literally dozens of ancient winter festivals centered around the Winter Soltice.
There is yuletide
There is Father Christmas
Various religions around the world celebrate various events in their faith. One of which is
the birth of Jesus of Nazareth in the Christian religion.
Just for grins, look up "Christmas" on wikipedial.com and see how diverse the holiday really is.
Art L.