Reply to Kids want a Christmas tree; we are not Christian

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]
The Christmas tree is absolutely NOT a Christian tradition.  It's a pagan tradition in celebration of the Winter Solstice.  It was coopted by the Christian church when they were trying to assert Christinity over pagan holidays.  [b]The Christians MOVED the celebration of Christ's birth to December to near the Winter Solstice and coopted a number of pagan traditions including an evergreen tree[/b] (a symbol of eternal life and health because it doesn't wither in the winter) and the giving of gifts because these were some of the popular symbols and customs of the pagan traditions.

And saying that a holiday tree or solstice tree is American does not imply at all that someone who does not have one is not American or un-American.  People who don't like baseball, Apple Pie or fireworks are still American despite those being some of the biggest American traditions.  Inclusiveness is not the same as exclusivity.

OP can choose to have a soltice tree or not.  But the tree is not a Christian symbol or tradition.  The navitity, the crucifix, attending Christmas services, carolling, the Christmas star are all symbols of Christianity.  The tree, Santa Claus, giving of gifts (another pagan tradition coopted in the 19th and 20th centuries and tied to the giving of gifts by the Magi), holly, poinsettas, mistletoe, ornaments, reindeer, elves, snowmen are all definitely not Christian in origin but have become American seasonal traditions.  [/quote] It IS a Christian tradition.  Because the Christians coopted it.  Yes, it was started by the pagans but the Christians took it and made it theirs.  I am a nonchristian (atheist) who celebrates it in a cultural way, but please stop with saying the tree is not Christian. [b] It used to not be Christian, but now it is.[/b][/quote]

Again, inclusion does not equate with exclusivity.  Just because the Christians coopted it as a tradition does not mean that it is no longer a pagan tradition.  Just coopting it does not make it exclusively a Christian tradition.  It is a general tradition adopted by Christians.  Having a holiday tree does not mean one is practicing or supporting Christmas or Christianity which was the original contention.[/quote]

Except it isn't. Otherwise how do you explain away the millions of non Christians who have Christmas trees? Your attempt at logic defies logic. [/quote]

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