The Meaning of Christmas

[JBKlyde]

What is the meaning of Christmas? Admiral Nichols White Beard who over sees the North Atlantic Polar Regions is quoted as Saying. That Christ Must Prevail. Dose it really make sense to lie to children about Santa and Elves just for the sake of presents and holiday Cheer.

[Griff]

I was thinking on this today as we have been celebrating winter holidays with the shorties over the last two weeks. We did Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanza. We talked about the similarities, family, food, presents, candles etc... As someone who no longer participates in religion, I can still see the value of a winter celebration of lights. I don't think its necessary to root for Muhammad over Jesus or Moses over Vishnu or whatever. Lying to kids about Santa Claus seems less despicable than other made up stuff we tell kids, so I say let humanity prevail.

[Lamplighter]

What did Christmas and Santa Claus teach kids 50 years ago ?
Don't trust anyone over thirty.




Peace

[jimhelm]

In my experience, there comes a point where the kids figure it out and start pretending to believe. It maui be that you have to live it to understand, but the people that get all high and mighty about the santa charade just come off as buzz kills.

It's fun to believe in santa. That's enough for me.

[Flint]

Originally Posted by JBKlyde

What is the meaning of Christmas?

An age old pagan holiday that was co-opted to popularize aggressively expansionist monotheism. Has nothing to do with Jesus. I'm sure you don't want to know this, don't want to hear this, because you're clinging to the illusion of the infallability of organized religion as a means of compensating for your own perceived shortcomings. Wake up--you're human, and none of us are perfect. Lying to yourself about something which will never be able to fulfill the purpose you cling to it for.


And you want to complain about lying to children about Santa Claus. The difference is that nobody takes that "lie" as seriously as the bigger lie you subscribe to.

I still think the "religious" stuff is your craziest-seeming behavior. it's like you need to sober up and come back to Earth. You can't have your feet on the ground if your head is in the clouds.

[infinite monkey]

Originally Posted by jimhelm

In my experience, there comes a point where the kids figure it out and start pretending to believe. It maui be that you have to live it to understand, but the people that get all high and mighty about the santa charade just come off as buzz kills.

It's fun to believe in santa. That's enough for me.

My brother surprised all of us last weekend by showing up at mom and dad's dressed, surprising well except he's thin, as Santa. He knocked on the window from outside and the girls screamed and jumped around. Apparently the oldest one still believes, but I bet she's gettign to the doubting point.

It's magical kid stuff. They have plenty of time to grow up and be disillusioned. Let them have their magic, while they can.

You know, JBK, you remind me of that scene from Uncle Buck, where John Candy is visiting the principal from his young niece's school.

Buck Russell: I don't think I want to know a six-year-old who isn't a dreamer, or a sillyheart. And I sure don't want to know one who takes their student career seriously. I don't have a college degree. I don't even have a job. But I know a good kid when I see one. Because they're ALL good kids, until dried-out, brain-dead skags like you drag them down and convince them they're no good. You so much as scowl at my niece, or any other kid in this school, and I hear about it, and I'm coming looking for you!
[of Anita's mole]
Buck Russell: Take this quarter, go downtown, and have a rat gnaw that thing off your face! Good day to you, madam.

In other words, lighten up Francis. You make baby jesus cry. I don't want to know a god who would stomp on childrens' flights of fancy.

[fargon]

Christmas is the birthday of Jesus, it just happens at the winter solstice. Santa Claus and Elves are just part of the fun. Merry Christmas Terry & Rebecca

[classicman]

Buck Russell: Take this quarter, go downtown, and have a rat
gnaw that thing off your face! Good day to you, madam.

One of my favorite movie quotes of all time. (Made me smile.)
Perhaps because I had to deal with a woman like that when my kids were young
and I so desperately wanted to say something like that to her.

[infinite monkey]

I know. I love that movie. John Candy at his finest.

I didn't realize until the other day that the oldest girl was this woman (in the link.) When I saw it, I could see it, but even I never put the two together. Really just a great cast all 'round.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0446465/

[jimhelm]

[infinite monkey]

And of course there's this famous little gem of a scene:



Sorry I messed up your block santa party, JB.

[classicman]

Jim FTW!

[JBKlyde]

when I found out there was no such thing as Santa clause I lied to my parents and said I did... I dunno there are things that happen that you can't explain so really I do believe in Santa clause just not in the way of fat man coming down a chiminey... Santa Cause to me represents the love of Christ being fulfilled in a way that is unique to teach Children the value of Family, Giving and Love. And it also teaches us how Believe... IF you do it the right way and teach your children morals and values when the child grows up he will have an understanding of a real belief system.

[DanaC]

And Figgy Pudding. Don't forget the importance of Figgy Pudding.

[HungLikeJesus]

So you're saying that Jesus is just Santa for adults?