when will you put up your Christmas decorations?

[astral276]

And yes.....I do not like XMAS either. It shows a lack of respect for something that has had a tremendous effect on the lives of millions.

Considering that most of what we associate with Xmas has nothing to do with Christ at all there seems little point in bringing the two together. The actual festival of Christmas was most likely created by the Christians to compete with and replace far older pagan New Year celebrations. Most of our Christmas traditions were taken from far earlier ceremonies.

[patticakebbq]

I do it whenever I can get my family motivated to help. Usually after I've thrown a tantrum and threaten to cancel Christmas it the tree isn't up and decorated. LOL Not sure how its going to go this year, none of us are in a place to really celebrate.

[cepher0]

well there seems to one or two who can see the funny side ? may I ask how many of you think that ... Christmas , Birdays , weddings.. new baby ..anniversary ( who wnts reminded of that ) .. in fact all those days that require a card...were invented by a joint decision of shop keepers and card makers....to get us to spend our money ( no chance )..
..Oh I am in great fettle to night....papa.

I like your style papa...

Unfortunately all those special days were not invented by the shop keepers and card makers at all, they already existed, but 'people' decided they couldn't be bothered to make those cards themselves any more and 'Demanded' they be able to buy them

Millions upon Millions of £££;s worth of these cards came on the market and 'people' bought them, and the rest is History !!!

Sad isn't it papa !!!

Hugs, Arline xxx

[JerseyDevil]

Considering that most of what we associate with Xmas has nothing to do with Christ at all there seems little point in bringing the two together. The actual festival of Christmas was most likely created by the Christians to compete with and replace far older pagan New Year celebrations. Most of our Christmas traditions were taken from far earlier ceremonies.

Almost right. The celebration of December 25th was created to compete with Mithraism in around the 4th century. Mithraism was the leading 'cult' in the Empire at the time. Many concepts initiated by this cult were adopted by early Christians. Including the Mass and Eucharist.
But Mithraism failed in the long run while Christianity thrived and tho' I am not a big fan of the dark side of Christian history it is simply the respect that I have for the good works done by those who call themselves Christians that I give the proper nod to Christmas.
I do much the same for Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Atheists, Agnostics, Druids, Witches et al.
It's never the 'label' that concerns me but the things you do.

[ruth900]

what a wonderful mix of responses, including papa pretending to be just a grumpy old man - too late papa, we know you're lovely really!
Umm, think I have to agree with the dislike of the word Xmas, although I'm not quite sure why, I just don't like abbreviations very much but even as I type I just know someone will come back with a shortened word that I'm all for.
We had a cat that used to shred the tree if it got the chance and I never thought of "decorating" it for her for a few days... now it's been said it makes perfect sense doesn't it.
I've been out in the garden eyeing up various bushes/trees for small branches that will look pretty sprayed silver or gold but it was absolutely freezing here in Kent today. One of those lovely days to go out so long as you wrapped up warm. Bright blue skies, sunshine and only a light breeze.
Happy Christmas to everyone who celebrates it, and Happy Wishes to those of you who don't no matter what the reason.

[kengillam]

At the risk of being controversial, just like the fake Rolex's and Gucci bags, there are unfortunately not enough genuine Christians, but a lot of fake labels. Always look for the genuine article. Lets hope the spirit of Peace and Goodwill to ALL men can prevail this year.

[JerseyDevil]

At the risk of being controversial, just like the fake Rolex's and Gucci bags, there are unfortunately not enough genuine Christians, but a lot of fake labels. Always look for the genuine article. Lets hope the spirit of Peace and Goodwill to ALL men can prevail this year.

Far from controversial.
My wife is an Atheist ( yes with a capital A ) but the way that she has conducted her life over 60 years one would think she was the 13th Apostle.
Labels are meaningless. Actions are everything.

[astral276]

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/astral.project/xmas.htm

[VandTnut]

At the risk of being controversial, just like the fake Rolex's and Gucci bags, there are unfortunately not enough genuine Christians, but a lot of fake labels. Always look for the genuine article. Lets hope the spirit of Peace and Goodwill to ALL men can prevail this year.

A sentiment that I am sure we ALL can support and agree with (and for those so inclined pray for).
May the blessings of the season be yours to claim
ED

[razamakaz]

I don't put up decorations - just throw some glitter in the cobwebs!

Just have a small tree.