Kids want a Christmas tree; we are not Christian

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can call it a holiday tree, it's american

Thanks for calling Jews, and people of other faiths (or no faith) who don't participate in the historically Christian holiday of Christmas. Un-American. Are you voting for trump?

She didn't say that and you are being a jerk.

It is a secular American tradition, right up there with tailgate parties and halloween trick or treating.

Quit being so sensitive and try enjoying yourself a little.

New poster here. It is definitely not a secular American tradition. We're Jewish (not very observant, but Jewish) and don't have a Christmas tree because we don't celebrate Christmas because we're not Christian. That's what we tell our kids.

Fine -- but other people can and do tell their kids something else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Suggestions? We are Hindus. We've decided to play up the Hindu holidays a lot, decorated the house for Diwali, had a big party, etc. Do the same for a lot of the other holidays.
Kids have never even noticed Christmas till now. The older one is 6.

Hinduism actually allows you to celebrate and even practice other religions, and yet still be a Hindu. For me, this is one of the most important aspects of Hinduism, and why I am proud to call myself a Hindu.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here, again. I just realized there is a similar thread about Hanukkah, sorry if a lot of the same thoughts are being covered on this thread. But here is what makes it different - many of the Hindu festivals we celebrate (Ganesh Chathurthi, Krishna Jayanthi, Navrathri, Dusshera, Diwali) are not this time of year (they are late July to early Nov), unlike Xmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza, etc. And basically NONE of these holidays are about gifts, whatsoever. we get new clothes for Diwali, but otherwise the holidays are a time of faith, family, food...lots of food. and fireworks during Diwali. its fun. we're happy to celebrate them all.

Back to the Christmas tree. Whether or not it was coopted by the Christian faith some years ago is not relevant to me - now I view it as a symbol of Christianity. We have plenty of Christian friends, we go to their houses for Christmas parties, we make xmas parties with neighbors, we exchange gifts with friends, we usually find carolers to listen to, and sometimes we go to midnight mass even because we think its beautiful. I can appreciate the beauty of this faith without having a tree, wreath, or cross in my house. Same with Judaism; every year we are invited to our good friends' large gatherings for Passover, High holidays etc. we even know some of the songs now, and my older daughter knows how to make a latke. We think its beautiful but we're not going to have a Menorah in our house.

I hope this makes sense. We are not a very organized religion, and we tend to get overlooked by other 'stronger' faiths (i.e. monotheistic) which is why I DON'T want to do a xmas tree. I know my daughter will understand years from now, but right now its difficult.

In other words it's a highly specialized personal choice. You can god to midnight mass and not feel christian. You can exchange christmas gifts with Christians and not feel Crhistian, but someting about that originally pagan Christmas tre makes you feel Christian. Fine -- don't have one, but keep in mind your kids might not feel exactly the way you do and might feel a little sad to not be allowed to enjoy the part of a holiday that really appeals to them. But it's Your call -- you're the boss.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here, again. I just realized there is a similar thread about Hanukkah, sorry if a lot of the same thoughts are being covered on this thread. But here is what makes it different - many of the Hindu festivals we celebrate (Ganesh Chathurthi, Krishna Jayanthi, Navrathri, Dusshera, Diwali) are not this time of year (they are late July to early Nov), unlike Xmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza, etc. And basically NONE of these holidays are about gifts, whatsoever. we get new clothes for Diwali, but otherwise the holidays are a time of faith, family, food...lots of food. and fireworks during Diwali. its fun. we're happy to celebrate them all.

Back to the Christmas tree. Whether or not it was coopted by the Christian faith some years ago is not relevant to me - now I view it as a symbol of Christianity. We have plenty of Christian friends, we go to their houses for Christmas parties, we make xmas parties with neighbors, we exchange gifts with friends, we usually find carolers to listen to, and sometimes we go to midnight mass even because we think its beautiful. I can appreciate the beauty of this faith without having a tree, wreath, or cross in my house. Same with Judaism; every year we are invited to our good friends' large gatherings for Passover, High holidays etc. we even know some of the songs now, and my older daughter knows how to make a latke. We think its beautiful but we're not going to have a Menorah in our house.

I hope this makes sense. We are not a very organized religion, and we tend to get overlooked by other 'stronger' faiths (i.e. monotheistic) which is why I DON'T want to do a xmas tree. I know my daughter will understand years from now, but right now its difficult.

Hindus have their own culture and holidays. But, as I understand it, when it comes to religious aspects, there is no "us" and "them." Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc., all have the same god-spirit within them that you do, as we are all aspects of the same divine being. So I think it's really a question about whether you think having a Christmas tree will interfere with your ability to celebrate Hindu culture, rather than whether it will actually interfere with your ability to practice your religion. Personally, I've never seen celebrating other cultures and their holidays to interfere with my own celebrations. Rather, it's just another excuse to celebrate and have a good time!

[Anonymous]

You have to what is comfortable for you. I teach MS and find that most of the Hindu and Buddhist families treat Christmas as a secular American holiday. One mom brought us delicious silver gilded Diwali sweets a few weeks ago and then returned with homemade Christmas cookies yesterday. But if you feel Christmas is strictly religious, I can understand abstaining. Plenty of other fun winter traditions that are completely unassociated with the Christian religion or any faith at all. Embrace those and make them your own. Our neighbors have invented Squirrel Day when they think they have spotted the last songbird and fill the feeders with seeds and nuts for the squirrels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here, again. I just realized there is a similar thread about Hanukkah, sorry if a lot of the same thoughts are being covered on this thread. But here is what makes it different - many of the Hindu festivals we celebrate (Ganesh Chathurthi, Krishna Jayanthi, Navrathri, Dusshera, Diwali) are not this time of year (they are late July to early Nov), unlike Xmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza, etc. And basically NONE of these holidays are about gifts, whatsoever. we get new clothes for Diwali, but otherwise the holidays are a time of faith, family, food...lots of food. and fireworks during Diwali. its fun. we're happy to celebrate them all.

Back to the Christmas tree. Whether or not it was coopted by the Christian faith some years ago is not relevant to me - now I view it as a symbol of Christianity. We have plenty of Christian friends, we go to their houses for Christmas parties, we make xmas parties with neighbors, we exchange gifts with friends, we usually find carolers to listen to, and sometimes we go to midnight mass even because we think its beautiful. I can appreciate the beauty of this faith without having a tree, wreath, or cross in my house. Same with Judaism; every year we are invited to our good friends' large gatherings for Passover, High holidays etc. we even know some of the songs now, and my older daughter knows how to make a latke. We think its beautiful but we're not going to have a Menorah in our house.

I hope this makes sense. We are not a very organized religion, and we tend to get overlooked by other 'stronger' faiths (i.e. monotheistic) which is why I DON'T want to do a xmas tree. I know my daughter will understand years from now, but right now its difficult.

Kwanzaa isn't religious. Feel free to celebrate it without guilt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are Christians, but my kids have been asking about some of the other holidays like Hanukkah and Kwaanza. In an effort to nurture their curiosity and respect for all religions, we have put a Menorah up in our home and some Kwanzaa decorations. Perhaps this is the approach you could take?

OP here. That is very nice! We actually do already celebrate Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Hanukkah with our best friends here who are Jewish, but I like the idea of Kwanzaa decorations....thanks.

Skip the red, green, and black decorations. Teach your kids the meaning of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and try to practice each during the week of 12/26 to 1/1.
--OP of the Kwanzaa AMA

[Anonymous]

Op here, again. I just realized there is a similar thread about Hanukkah, sorry if a lot of the same thoughts are being covered on this thread. But here is what makes it different - many of the Hindu festivals we celebrate (Ganesh Chathurthi, Krishna Jayanthi, Navrathri, Dusshera, Diwali) are not this time of year (they are late July to early Nov), unlike Xmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza, etc. And basically NONE of these holidays are about gifts, whatsoever. we get new clothes for Diwali, but otherwise the holidays are a time of faith, family, food...lots of food. and fireworks during Diwali. its fun. we're happy to celebrate them all.

Back to the Christmas tree. Whether or not it was coopted by the Christian faith some years ago is not relevant to me - now I view it as a symbol of Christianity. We have plenty of Christian friends, we go to their houses for Christmas parties, we make xmas parties with neighbors, we exchange gifts with friends, we usually find carolers to listen to, and sometimes we go to midnight mass even because we think its beautiful. I can appreciate the beauty of this faith without having a tree, wreath, or cross in my house. Same with Judaism; every year we are invited to our good friends' large gatherings for Passover, High holidays etc. we even know some of the songs now, and my older daughter knows how to make a latke. We think its beautiful but we're not going to have a Menorah in our house.

I hope this makes sense. We are not a very organized religion, and we tend to get overlooked by other 'stronger' faiths (i.e. monotheistic) which is why I DON'T want to do a xmas tree. I know my daughter will understand years from now, but right now its difficult.

Then don't have a Christmas tree. No one is forcing you, and your kids are young--you're the boss.

[Anonymous]

I don't think monotheistic faiths are "stronger." Hinduism is an extremely strong religion, which is one of the reasons why it has existed for such a long time. Honestly, OP, it sounds like you might be a bit insecure regarding your own understanding of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"A Christmas tree is something people who celebrate Christmas sometimes have, and our family doesn't so we don't have a tree." Then acknowledge Christmas trees are pretty and looking at ornaments can be fun. Enjoy seeing your friends' and neighbors' trees.

I'm Jewish and don;t like the approach of making Hanukkah a substitute for Christmas or equating them. I wouldn't suggest playing up a Hindu holiday to "make up for" not celebrating another religion's holiday, but pointing out there are some things your family does that others don't is just fine.

I'm not reading this whole thread, which will likely get ugly, but I agree with this. It's not your holiday, and that's fine. Appreciate with with friends who celebrate and leave it there.

It's ok for kids to not have everything they ask for. It's ok for them to be different. It's ok for them to be disappointed until they grow up and begin to appreciate their own uniqueness. It's ok for them to not follow the crowd. These are all life lessons that they will one day appreciate and teach to their kids.

[Anonymous]

OP, let your kids enjoy the non-religious (lights/tree) aspects of a major American holiday! They will still cherish the memories of your Hindu traditions.
Why deprive them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can call it a holiday tree, it's american

Thanks for calling Jews, and people of other faiths (or no faith) who don't participate in the historically Christian holiday of Christmas. Un-American. Are you voting for trump?

She didn't say that and you are being a jerk.

It is a secular American tradition, right up there with tailgate parties and halloween trick or treating.

Quit being so sensitive and try enjoying yourself a little.

New poster here. It is definitely not a secular American tradition. We're Jewish (not very observant, but Jewish) and don't have a Christmas tree because we don't celebrate Christmas because we're not Christian. That's what we tell our kids.

Many atheists who are not Christian, UUs who are also not Christian, some Jews, some muslims, some Hindus, etc all have Christmas trees, not because they are Christian but because Christmas trees are a beautiful and fun part of a secular American tradition. The nativity scene in my house, prayers, lessons and carols, and advent wreaths are all religious Christian things that are not "American" traditions. They are Christian/Catholic traditions.

The tree, gaudy lights, nutcrackers, snowflakes, jingle bells, reindeer and Santa are all secular American traditions.

Just hecause some people do not celebrate Christmas in this country does not diminish that it is an American tradition, including being the one religious holiday that is also an American national holiday. Christmas is a part of this country's fabric and secular culture, beyond being a religious holiday for the majority religion in this country. Christmas drives a significant portion of our economy. It monopolizes stores, restaurants and two-three months of our calendar each year. It has inspired countless American movies, songs, books, traditions and mini industries, including very constant and profitable fashions such as PJs, sweaters, Christmas party dresses and mens and womens accessories. Christmas is the theme behind the majority of advertising from Halloween through the New Year on TV and print. Christmas is one of the reason's why America's favorite dance group the Rockettes has remained so popular for many years, provides classical ballet companies with their largest audiences and most popular and profitable tradition of the Nutcracker (a Christmas tradition for many families), and inspires the biggest parade in our country, Macy's Thanksgiving Parade whose purpose is to welcome Santa Claus to America.

All of these things and Christmas traditions consume the majority of American culture for around 15-20% of the year, and not one of them is religious. To say that Christmas is not an American cultural tradition is incorrect, and acknowleging that it is does not diminish those who do not celebrate this American cultural holiday.

[Anonymous]

Another Hindu who loves Christmas. It was always the biggest holiday in our family and among our cousins in the 80s. Also agnostic or atheist, but think Jesus sounds like a great man. I like the principles of Christianity but lack belief. I enjoy Hindu rituals. I like that our religion, if you can call it that, is so open ended. In a way it defies definition. But in some ways i resent religion because it's what divides us and there are radicals in any religion who undermine humanity in the name of "God." I choose to experience religion as culture and ideas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can call it a holiday tree, it's american

Thanks for calling Jews, and people of other faiths (or no faith) who don't participate in the historically Christian holiday of Christmas. Un-American. Are you voting for trump?

She didn't say that and you are being a jerk.

It is a secular American tradition, right up there with tailgate parties and halloween trick or treating.

Quit being so sensitive and try enjoying yourself a little.

New poster here. It is definitely not a secular American tradition. We're Jewish (not very observant, but Jewish) and don't have a Christmas tree because we don't celebrate Christmas because we're not Christian. That's what we tell our kids.

Sam here.

Hi Sam!

[Anonymous]

To say that Christmas is not an American cultural tradition is incorrect, and acknowleging that it is does not diminish those who do not celebrate this American cultural holiday.

+1