If you don't celebrate Christmas, can you help me with my research project?
By thyst07
@thyst07 (2079)
United States
December 14, 2008 7:37pm CST
I posted a previous discussion asking about people who don't celebrate Christmas, and the responses that I got inspired me to use the topic for my sociology research paper. I want to learn about why and how people arrive at the decision to not celebrate Christmas, and how they experience being "different" in a culture where celebrating Christmas is the norm. If you are a person who lives in the United States who does not celebrate Christmas, either for religious or non-religious reasons, I could use your input for my research. I will post some questions here, and if you would like to help me out you can either post your responses here, or if you would like more privacy you can e-mail them to me at saira7@gmail.com. I would highly suggest the e-mail method, due to unfriendly responses you may unfortunately receive here on myLot. Your participation is completely voluntary, and I will not include your name or contact information in the presentation of the research. There are no known risks to participating in this research, and I will not judge you or harass you for your decision to not celebrate Christmas, since I also do not celebrate it myself. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance, and I hope you enjoy the season no matter which holiday you celebrate or don't celebrate.
*Note: this is posted for research purposes, to gain knowledge about a certain group of people. If you are a person who celebrates Christmas, please do not post any judgements or hateful responses here. I will report and/or rate negatively anyone who posts this type of response. Thank you.
Here are the questions that I would like to receive input on. You may answer all of them, or you may choose which ones you would like to answer.
What year were you born?
What is your gender?
What, if any, is your religion/faith?
When did you make the decision not to celebrate Christmas?
What reasons do you personally have for not celebrating Christmas? How did you reach your decision?
What kind of family structure did you have growing up? What kind of family are you a part of now? How does your family situation influence your decision not to celebrate Christmas?
If your family celebrates Christmas, how do they feel about your decision not to celebrate it?
What do you think Christmas is really "about" for those that do celebrate it (i.e. why is it important to them)? Why is it important to our society? How does this influence your decision not to celebrate Christmas?
How well off would you consider yourself to be financially? Did/does this contribute to your decision about whether to celebrate Christmas? Why or why not?
Does it bother you during the holiday season that Christmas is so widely represented in our society in stores, restaurants, and other public places? What kind of feelings do you experience as a person who does not celebrate this public holiday?
What kind of reactions do you get from people when they find out that you don't celebrate Christmas? Would you say that in general, they are more accepting or more judgmental?
That's all! If you have any additional comments about your experiences that are not covered in the questions I came up with, please feel free to share them. Thanks again to anyone who decides to participate!
3 responses
@Christinelle (396)
• Greece
26 Dec 10
1990
Female
Agnostic
It's not really a decision, I don't have the time because I work during the holidays. My family usually visits some relatives and if I can make it, I join too. I think Christmas is great if you're a child or if you're getting presents. So far I have received one gift and I will buy one in return to my friend. Maybe I'll get a few presents for my father, brother and 2 other friends.
We used to celebrate Christmas with the family as I was growing up and the only part I liked was the food and the presents. My mom was very religious and my dad...well, I think he's an atheist, even though he goes to the church sometimes just for the music and experience.
I think that most people enjoy the decorations and the whole festive mood of Christmas, but I can do that any time of the year I want. I sometimes feel bad about working when everyone else is having fun but someone has to.
Financially I am OK...I don't make a lot and can't afford all the luxuries I'd like but I'm happy (at least most of the time, because I'm on commission). I certainly can afford to celebrate Christmas but I wouldn't miss (probably)the most profitable work day of the year for this.
@KeithRichards (2)
•
25 Dec 10
I was born in 1980,
I am male,
I am one of Jehovahs Witnesses,
I made the decision not to celebrate xmas when i was 5 after considering my beliefs and the facts about the celebration, however i had never celebrated it before that either.
I do not celebrate xmas for various reasons, but primarily because its origin is pagan and it is not a celebration that is backed up by the Bible. The origin of Xmas lies with the pagan celebration of sun worship on 25th December. Jesus was not born anywhere near then and that is a fact that many historians back up.
I reached this decision by looking at secular historians and their findings. Also, by doing bible research.
My family structure growing up was very good, i had a close family with 1 brother and 1 sister. My parents were both very supportive of us all and we enjoyed spending time together. None of the extended family were Jehovahs Witnesses.
I am unfortunately now living alone, having been through a divorce and i regularly see my family and my daughter.
My family situation does not affect my decisions as they all have the same belief.
I think those that celebrate xmas nowadays, do so simply because its what people do. Its not religiously based or for any main purpose other than to give presents and get presents. Putting up decorations and trees is just for show and who has the best. mainly for the childrens benefit. I dont think it is important to anyone, simply something that people do at that time of year.
It is only important to society because without it, we would probably be in a permanant recession. The retail world stands to gain the most from xmas.
This does not contribute towards my views at all.
I consider myself to be considerably well off financially, as i do not have any debt or outstanding finance. I purchase things comfortably as they are required.
Financial matters has nothing at all to do with my decisions.
Even if i had all the money in the world, i still would not celebrate xmas.
Basically put, my daughter has everything she wants, if there is something i think she needs or wants then i get it for her, she regularly receives gifts from friends and family. If she would rather only get presents at xmas and birthdays, then that is her choice, but she does not.
It does bother me a lot, the way that xmas takes over everything, especialy radio and store music systems.
I do not really have any strong feelings as someone who does not celebrate xmas. It is just another december to me. It passes like any other month. I get a bit annoyed at the music but thats it. I do tend to take advantage of the way prices of items go crazy around xmas and new year. So in a way i do look forward to the sales.
When people find out that i do not celebrate xmas, they generally ask more about my beliefs and what i base them on. It always ends in a good conversation.
People are very accepting these days, they would give up xmas too if they could, however not for religious reasons, simply because it would save them a fortune in debt.
@KeithRichards (2)
•
25 Dec 10
I was born in 1980,
I am male,
I am one of Jehovahs Witnesses,
I made the decision not to celebrate xmas when i was 5 after considering my beliefs and the facts about the celebration, however i had never celebrated it before that either.
I do not celebrate xmas for various reasons, but primarily because its origin is pagan and it is not a celebration that is backed up by the Bible. The origin of Xmas lies with the pagan celebration of sun worship on 25th December. Jesus was not born anywhere near then and that is a fact that many historians back up.
I reached this decision by looking at secular historians and their findings. Also, by doing bible research.
My family structure growing up was very good, i had a close family with 1 brother and 1 sister. My parents were both very supportive of us all and we enjoyed spending time together. None of the extended family were Jehovahs Witnesses.
I am unfortunately now living alone, having been through a divorce and i regularly see my family and my daughter.
My family situation does not affect my decisions as they all have the same belief.
I think those that celebrate xmas nowadays, do so simply because its what people do. Its not religiously based or for any main purpose other than to give presents and get presents. Putting up decorations and trees is just for show and who has the best. mainly for the childrens benefit. I dont think it is important to anyone, simply something that people do at that time of year.
It is only important to society because without it, we would probably be in a permanant recession. The retail world stands to gain the most from xmas.
This does not contribute towards my views at all.
I consider myself to be considerably well off financially, as i do not have any debt or outstanding finance. I purchase things comfortably as they are required.
Financial matters has nothing at all to do with my decisions.
Even if i had all the money in the world, i still would not celebrate xmas.
Basically put, my daughter has everything she wants, if there is something i think she needs or wants then i get it for her, she regularly receives gifts from friends and family. If she would rather only get presents at xmas and birthdays, then that is her choice, but she does not.
It does bother me a lot, the way that xmas takes over everything, especialy radio and store music systems.
I do not really have any strong feelings as someone who does not celebrate xmas. It is just another december to me. It passes like any other month. I get a bit annoyed at the music but thats it. I do tend to take advantage of the way prices of items go crazy around xmas and new year. So in a way i do look forward to the sales.
When people find out that i do not celebrate xmas, they generally ask more about my beliefs and what i base them on. It always ends in a good conversation.
People are very accepting these days, they would give up xmas too if they could, however not for religious reasons, simply because it would save them a fortune in debt.
