Easter and atheist MIL?

[Anonymous]

So first of all, celebrating the resurrection is totally separate from the Easter bunny. You can do one, or the other, or both. OPs MIL doesn’t want to do ANY of it- even the secular stuff- she wants to do her own secular stuff , and for OPs family to skip church. Maybe she’s a pagan too and that’s fine! But OP and her kid aren’t pagans, and they aren’t going to skip church , and it’s Wierd that her MIL won’t just join her after church, which makes me think it’s a control issue not a religious issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So first of all, celebrating the resurrection is totally separate from the Easter bunny. You can do one, or the other, or both. OPs MIL doesn’t want to do ANY of it- even the secular stuff- she wants to do her own secular stuff , and for OPs family to skip church. Maybe she’s a pagan too and that’s fine! But OP and her kid aren’t pagans, and they aren’t going to skip church , and it’s Wierd that her MIL won’t just join her after church, which makes me think it’s a control issue not a religious issue.

Totally a control issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand. Easter isn't a holiday to her so it's nothing to give.

If you were Jewish and celebrating for Passover or Muslim and celebrating Eid no one in their right mind would ask you to give it up for a secular good old time with them. Explain that this is your tradition for your holiday and again, she is welcome, but you will have to get together another time. Re-invite her, if she says no propose a new time, and be done with it. Your DH should be handling this.

Easter is a holiday for anyone. Everyone can hunt for eggs, eat chocolate bunnies, and have ham and deviled eggs.

This is a power play and the MIL wants to manipulate and control.

I realize this. We "celebrate" with baskets and a meal but are not religious. It sounds like it means nothing to her and she doesn't celebrate at all.

Or OP, does she celebrate in a secular way?

Sounds like you don’t celebrate either. You’re just doing cultural appropriation so your atheist self doesn’t feel left out.

You know you guys appropriated this from the pagans, right? Just checking.

It’s not appropriating when it was the same people. Those same people added older elements from spring celebrations THEY WERE ENGAGING IN to their new holiday of Easter. Cultural appropriation is a different concept.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand. Easter isn't a holiday to her so it's nothing to give.

If you were Jewish and celebrating for Passover or Muslim and celebrating Eid no one in their right mind would ask you to give it up for a secular good old time with them. Explain that this is your tradition for your holiday and again, she is welcome, but you will have to get together another time. Re-invite her, if she says no propose a new time, and be done with it. Your DH should be handling this.

Easter is a holiday for anyone. Everyone can hunt for eggs, eat chocolate bunnies, and have ham and deviled eggs.

This is a power play and the MIL wants to manipulate and control.

I realize this. We "celebrate" with baskets and a meal but are not religious. It sounds like it means nothing to her and she doesn't celebrate at all.

Or OP, does she celebrate in a secular way?

Sounds like you don’t celebrate either. You’re just doing cultural appropriation so your atheist self doesn’t feel left out.

You know you guys appropriated this from the pagans, right? Just checking.

It’s not appropriating when it was the same people. Those same people added older elements from spring celebrations THEY WERE ENGAGING IN to their new holiday of Easter. Cultural appropriation is a different concept.

She does this on any thread that mentions Christmas too, just ignore

[Anonymous]

I'm an atheist and I've been to various church services for friends and family. Churches don't make me uncomfortable, I hope they don't make my kids uncomfortable either one day so they can attend a wedding or funeral or bat mitzvah without squirming in their skin like my DH does. He's extremely uncomfortable in any church and it's frustrating that he can't just participate as a friend or family member, but I chalk it up to poor past experiences or lack of exposure? Regardless, this isn't about you and you can continue to invite and include your MIL and she can choose to participate however she's comfortable and that might be only after church.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does she want to do for Easter? Many atheists celebrate by painting eggs and making certain meals, it's common in many countries as a cultural tradition. The ones who say it's a religious holiday -- it was a holiday long before, it's to celebrate spring equinox and rebirth. You know the eggs and rabbits? They stand for procreation. You'd have a hard time connecting an egg and a rabbit to a Christ Also Christmas was a holiday long before -- Yule, the winter equinox, nothing to do with "Christ". The first Yule tree celebrations were done by burning them down, as evergreens were the only trees green in the winter. Summer solstice is still celebrated in the north, the only holiday which the religious fanatics didn't manage to steal, because there's no summer solstice (when the sun never sets) in Rome or the Middle East.

OP already answered this. Her MiL wants to give an Easter basket. Which is sweet. OP invited her along for the entire day it sounds like but MIL wanted to celebrate it differently- purely secular. And OPs family celebrates it in accordance with the Bible. You’re not going to just skip church services on the most important religious holiday of the year to celebrate the secular side of the holiday with someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus. That’s ridiculous.

Seems like it’d be better to celebrate with family than randos at some church.

But I guess if that’s why the sky daddy tells you to do then you do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does she want to do for Easter? Many atheists celebrate by painting eggs and making certain meals, it's common in many countries as a cultural tradition. The ones who say it's a religious holiday -- it was a holiday long before, it's to celebrate spring equinox and rebirth. You know the eggs and rabbits? They stand for procreation. You'd have a hard time connecting an egg and a rabbit to a Christ Also Christmas was a holiday long before -- Yule, the winter equinox, nothing to do with "Christ". The first Yule tree celebrations were done by burning them down, as evergreens were the only trees green in the winter. Summer solstice is still celebrated in the north, the only holiday which the religious fanatics didn't manage to steal, because there's no summer solstice (when the sun never sets) in Rome or the Middle East.

OP already answered this. Her MiL wants to give an Easter basket. Which is sweet. OP invited her along for the entire day it sounds like but MIL wanted to celebrate it differently- purely secular. And OPs family celebrates it in accordance with the Bible. You’re not going to just skip church services on the most important religious holiday of the year to celebrate the secular side of the holiday with someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus. That’s ridiculous.

Seems like it’d be better to celebrate with family than randos at some church.

But I guess if that’s why the sky daddy tells you to do then you do it.

Keep your anti religious tirades to your bigoted self.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does she want to do for Easter? Many atheists celebrate by painting eggs and making certain meals, it's common in many countries as a cultural tradition. The ones who say it's a religious holiday -- it was a holiday long before, it's to celebrate spring equinox and rebirth. You know the eggs and rabbits? They stand for procreation. You'd have a hard time connecting an egg and a rabbit to a Christ Also Christmas was a holiday long before -- Yule, the winter equinox, nothing to do with "Christ". The first Yule tree celebrations were done by burning them down, as evergreens were the only trees green in the winter. Summer solstice is still celebrated in the north, the only holiday which the religious fanatics didn't manage to steal, because there's no summer solstice (when the sun never sets) in Rome or the Middle East.

OP already answered this. Her MiL wants to give an Easter basket. Which is sweet. OP invited her along for the entire day it sounds like but MIL wanted to celebrate it differently- purely secular. And OPs family celebrates it in accordance with the Bible. You’re not going to just skip church services on the most important religious holiday of the year to celebrate the secular side of the holiday with someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus. That’s ridiculous.

Seems like it’d be better to celebrate with family than randos at some church.

But I guess if that’s why the sky daddy tells you to do then you do it.

Do you spit hateful things at other religions or just Christianity? Like I’m curious what you say to Jews who say they’re lighting the menorah. Would it be something that sounds anti semitic? Would you be uncomfortable saying it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does she want to do for Easter? Many atheists celebrate by painting eggs and making certain meals, it's common in many countries as a cultural tradition. The ones who say it's a religious holiday -- it was a holiday long before, it's to celebrate spring equinox and rebirth. You know the eggs and rabbits? They stand for procreation. You'd have a hard time connecting an egg and a rabbit to a Christ Also Christmas was a holiday long before -- Yule, the winter equinox, nothing to do with "Christ". The first Yule tree celebrations were done by burning them down, as evergreens were the only trees green in the winter. Summer solstice is still celebrated in the north, the only holiday which the religious fanatics didn't manage to steal, because there's no summer solstice (when the sun never sets) in Rome or the Middle East.

OP already answered this. Her MiL wants to give an Easter basket. Which is sweet. OP invited her along for the entire day it sounds like but MIL wanted to celebrate it differently- purely secular. And OPs family celebrates it in accordance with the Bible. You’re not going to just skip church services on the most important religious holiday of the year to celebrate the secular side of the holiday with someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus. That’s ridiculous.

Seems like it’d be better to celebrate with family than randos at some church.

But I guess if that’s why the sky daddy tells you to do then you do it.

I think the point is that MIL is not actually celebrating the resurrection which is what OP and family are celebrating. Like if someone said they wanted to throw you a bar mitzvah but wanted you to skip the entire portion where you read from the Torah and have the ceremony at the synagogue , and just have a party afterwords. And be like “what, it’s just a thirteenth birthday party, the whole religious thing is fake, I can’t believe you won’t let me throw you this alternative party and skip the stupid religious thing”. It would be odd, and really disrespectful. Same with demanding OP and her family skip church services and just come and get an Easter basket at MILs house instead because what’s the difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does she want to do for Easter? Many atheists celebrate by painting eggs and making certain meals, it's common in many countries as a cultural tradition. The ones who say it's a religious holiday -- it was a holiday long before, it's to celebrate spring equinox and rebirth. You know the eggs and rabbits? They stand for procreation. You'd have a hard time connecting an egg and a rabbit to a Christ Also Christmas was a holiday long before -- Yule, the winter equinox, nothing to do with "Christ". The first Yule tree celebrations were done by burning them down, as evergreens were the only trees green in the winter. Summer solstice is still celebrated in the north, the only holiday which the religious fanatics didn't manage to steal, because there's no summer solstice (when the sun never sets) in Rome or the Middle East.

OP already answered this. Her MiL wants to give an Easter basket. Which is sweet. OP invited her along for the entire day it sounds like but MIL wanted to celebrate it differently- purely secular. And OPs family celebrates it in accordance with the Bible. You’re not going to just skip church services on the most important religious holiday of the year to celebrate the secular side of the holiday with someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus. That’s ridiculous.

Seems like it’d be better to celebrate with family than randos at some church.

But I guess if that’s why the sky daddy tells you to do then you do it.

Keep your anti religious tirades to your bigoted self.

In your case, it's more likely that your family doesn't want to spend time with you so no worries about heading to church. Bye!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does she want to do for Easter? Many atheists celebrate by painting eggs and making certain meals, it's common in many countries as a cultural tradition. The ones who say it's a religious holiday -- it was a holiday long before, it's to celebrate spring equinox and rebirth. You know the eggs and rabbits? They stand for procreation. You'd have a hard time connecting an egg and a rabbit to a Christ Also Christmas was a holiday long before -- Yule, the winter equinox, nothing to do with "Christ". The first Yule tree celebrations were done by burning them down, as evergreens were the only trees green in the winter. Summer solstice is still celebrated in the north, the only holiday which the religious fanatics didn't manage to steal, because there's no summer solstice (when the sun never sets) in Rome or the Middle East.

OP already answered this. Her MiL wants to give an Easter basket. Which is sweet. OP invited her along for the entire day it sounds like but MIL wanted to celebrate it differently- purely secular. And OPs family celebrates it in accordance with the Bible. You’re not going to just skip church services on the most important religious holiday of the year to celebrate the secular side of the holiday with someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus. That’s ridiculous.

Seems like it’d be better to celebrate with family than randos at some church.

But I guess if that’s why the sky daddy tells you to do then you do it.

Do you spit hateful things at other religions or just Christianity? Like I’m curious what you say to Jews who say they’re lighting the menorah. Would it be something that sounds anti semitic? Would you be uncomfortable saying it?

I have no issue with Judaism.

Just the fckers who are pushing their religion down my throat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does she want to do for Easter? Many atheists celebrate by painting eggs and making certain meals, it's common in many countries as a cultural tradition. The ones who say it's a religious holiday -- it was a holiday long before, it's to celebrate spring equinox and rebirth. You know the eggs and rabbits? They stand for procreation. You'd have a hard time connecting an egg and a rabbit to a Christ Also Christmas was a holiday long before -- Yule, the winter equinox, nothing to do with "Christ". The first Yule tree celebrations were done by burning them down, as evergreens were the only trees green in the winter. Summer solstice is still celebrated in the north, the only holiday which the religious fanatics didn't manage to steal, because there's no summer solstice (when the sun never sets) in Rome or the Middle East.

OP already answered this. Her MiL wants to give an Easter basket. Which is sweet. OP invited her along for the entire day it sounds like but MIL wanted to celebrate it differently- purely secular. And OPs family celebrates it in accordance with the Bible. You’re not going to just skip church services on the most important religious holiday of the year to celebrate the secular side of the holiday with someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus. That’s ridiculous.

Seems like it’d be better to celebrate with family than randos at some church.

But I guess if that’s why the sky daddy tells you to do then you do it.

I think the point is that MIL is not actually celebrating the resurrection which is what OP and family are celebrating. Like if someone said they wanted to throw you a bar mitzvah but wanted you to skip the entire portion where you read from the Torah and have the ceremony at the synagogue , and just have a party afterwords. And be like “what, it’s just a thirteenth birthday party, the whole religious thing is fake, I can’t believe you won’t let me throw you this alternative party and skip the stupid religious thing”. It would be odd, and really disrespectful. Same with demanding OP and her family skip church services and just come and get an Easter basket at MILs house instead because what’s the difference.

No, the OP is celebrating the secular aspects of Easter. Egg hunts, dinner, games, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does she want to do for Easter? Many atheists celebrate by painting eggs and making certain meals, it's common in many countries as a cultural tradition. The ones who say it's a religious holiday -- it was a holiday long before, it's to celebrate spring equinox and rebirth. You know the eggs and rabbits? They stand for procreation. You'd have a hard time connecting an egg and a rabbit to a Christ Also Christmas was a holiday long before -- Yule, the winter equinox, nothing to do with "Christ". The first Yule tree celebrations were done by burning them down, as evergreens were the only trees green in the winter. Summer solstice is still celebrated in the north, the only holiday which the religious fanatics didn't manage to steal, because there's no summer solstice (when the sun never sets) in Rome or the Middle East.

OP already answered this. Her MiL wants to give an Easter basket. Which is sweet. OP invited her along for the entire day it sounds like but MIL wanted to celebrate it differently- purely secular. And OPs family celebrates it in accordance with the Bible. You’re not going to just skip church services on the most important religious holiday of the year to celebrate the secular side of the holiday with someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus. That’s ridiculous.

Seems like it’d be better to celebrate with family than randos at some church.

But I guess if that’s why the sky daddy tells you to do then you do it.

I think the point is that MIL is not actually celebrating the resurrection which is what OP and family are celebrating. Like if someone said they wanted to throw you a bar mitzvah but wanted you to skip the entire portion where you read from the Torah and have the ceremony at the synagogue , and just have a party afterwords. And be like “what, it’s just a thirteenth birthday party, the whole religious thing is fake, I can’t believe you won’t let me throw you this alternative party and skip the stupid religious thing”. It would be odd, and really disrespectful. Same with demanding OP and her family skip church services and just come and get an Easter basket at MILs house instead because what’s the difference.

No, the OP is celebrating the secular aspects of Easter. Egg hunts, dinner, games, etc.

And the MIL can skip the church and come to the egg hunt, dinner, and games, but she’s choosing not to, and then is complaining about being excluded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does she want to do for Easter? Many atheists celebrate by painting eggs and making certain meals, it's common in many countries as a cultural tradition. The ones who say it's a religious holiday -- it was a holiday long before, it's to celebrate spring equinox and rebirth. You know the eggs and rabbits? They stand for procreation. You'd have a hard time connecting an egg and a rabbit to a Christ Also Christmas was a holiday long before -- Yule, the winter equinox, nothing to do with "Christ". The first Yule tree celebrations were done by burning them down, as evergreens were the only trees green in the winter. Summer solstice is still celebrated in the north, the only holiday which the religious fanatics didn't manage to steal, because there's no summer solstice (when the sun never sets) in Rome or the Middle East.

OP already answered this. Her MiL wants to give an Easter basket. Which is sweet. OP invited her along for the entire day it sounds like but MIL wanted to celebrate it differently- purely secular. And OPs family celebrates it in accordance with the Bible. You’re not going to just skip church services on the most important religious holiday of the year to celebrate the secular side of the holiday with someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus. That’s ridiculous.

Seems like it’d be better to celebrate with family than randos at some church.

But I guess if that’s why the sky daddy tells you to do then you do it.

Do you spit hateful things at other religions or just Christianity? Like I’m curious what you say to Jews who say they’re lighting the menorah. Would it be something that sounds anti semitic? Would you be uncomfortable saying it?

I have no issue with Judaism.

Just the fckers who are pushing their religion down my throat.

I’m sure you weren’t complaining when you had Friday off from work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am Christian and my family celebrates Easter in a big way. My nieces and nephews all have spring break that falls over Easter so they come in to town, and everyone spends the day together in a big way. My DH is completely on board. This is our second year since having a baby, and now MIL (FIL is deceased) wants us/me to change our/my plans to accommodate her. The thing is, we have invited her to spend the day with my family. We attend church and then after there is an egg hunt, which our DC will enjoy for the first time this year, and then we go back to our house and have dinner, play games, etc. MIL refuses to come along because she’s atheist, and says it makes her uncomfortable. She’s very vocal about being anti-religion. She’s very upset we won’t “give” her this Easter with DC since we had last year. The offer stood last year and it stands this year. She’s currently guilt tripping DH in a major way right now and we both wonder what to do.

These posts are always seem odd. I am not religious but would certainly attend Church and do Easter Egg hunts with grandkids. I would do this the same way that I would respect the customs of another country when I go to visit. It's my view that most atheist aren't anti-religion as long as said religion stays in its lane. Your MIL is seems selfish to try to make the day into "her" day vs. your child and family traditions.