The most popular Christmas activity is exchanging gifts, and it doesn't have to be abandoned to have a secular Christmas. One of the most common myths is that ALL Christmas songs, carols or hymns are in the public domainand don’t require licensing or permission. While the birth of Jesus Christ is a primary aspect of Christmas for practicing Christians, many of the traditions associated with the holiday -- including the Christmas tree -- are not rooted in Christian religious practices, and a rising number of Americans will have secular celebrations. There's nothing about Christmas presents which is inherently religious or Christian. Many historians believe Christmas tree traditions were adapted by Christians to convert pagans. There’s no rulebook that makes cookie-frosting or movie-watching in pajamas religious, so take new leaps into secular Christmas traditions that wouldn’t be if it weren’t for the pandemic in place. There's plenty to choose from, though the Christian Right would have people believe that there is only one "definitive" set of traditions which represent a "real" Christmas. So I say “Merry Christmas!” Or “Happy Christmas Holidays” is okay; but definitely, you won’t hear me say “Happy Holidays” while standing in front of a nativity scene or a Christmas tree. Everyone has traditions which are more meaningful than others, and most create some of their own "traditions." But here in America, where 76% of the country is Christian, non-Christians have adopted the most secular elements of Christmas, like Santa, Christmas trees, snowmen, stockings, etc. But, before they were attached to the religious holiday, it was traditional in Germany to give a home to an evergreen during the Christmas season. Waves like this have broken on us before, and will again. Gifts are just little (or big) tokens of appreciation for partnerships that have lasted the test of time, or as a sign of respect. My Christmas primarily means family. What Do Atheists Do During Christmas Holidays? No one celebrates every possible aspect of Christmas: some hang mistletoe, some don't; some drink eggnog, some don't; some have a creche, some don't. Every household celebrates Christmas (if at all) differently, so it’s important to note that, although religion might be the foundation of the holiday, Jesus is not always the reason for the season. If you're looking for an excuse to have a party, this is as as good as any. Thankfully, Quebec seems to have secured a deal with COVID-19 to cut its incubation period by half at Christmas time. But, like gift-giving, food is not a Christian tradition. I never stopped loving Christmas, though. You don’t necessarily have to label the Christmas tree as religious; find creative ways to decorate your evergreen to your own style or even to your own culture and put it on display. Well-wishing has no religious ties. There’s nothing that puts a smile on our face like a stuffed-to-the-brim stocking with little trinkets or a neatly wrapped gift box housing a wishlist favourite we’ve had our eye on. Although Christmas has largely been observed as a Christian religious holiday, that has changed dramatically over the years. In fact, “X” is the Greek letter, Chi–which, in the olden days, was often … You don't have to be religious to celebrate the holidays, and you most certainly don't have to be religious to be a … History of American Religion:1600 to 2017. Add garlands to the tree, such as ones made of tinsel, popcorn, or cranberries, by wrapping them around and around the tree. Given the prevalence of Christian culture in much of the West, it is hard for Christians to understand the argument for declaring Christmas to be a secular rather than a religious observation.

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