Santa Vs. Jesus

As far as Christmas... Who wins?

I know this topic will mean nothing to alot of people. I know many people do not celebrate Christmas at all. And I totaly respect that. But, for those of us that do...

What do you emphasize more on the holidays... The birth of Christ? Or The Jolly Fat Man (Santa). Do you try to do a little of both?

My parents tried to bring me up as a Christian. But, apon expanding my mind, I found it easiest to avoid religion and just become a spiritual, free thinker.

Since I know that Christmas, as it applys to the birth of Jesus, isn't really factual. I tend to not stress it. I dont avoid it. I'd like my kids to understand why people are singing "Away in the manger" or "Silent Night". But, I think the idea of Santa finding his way into our homes, and dropping of items that we've been waiting for all year.... Seems ever so much more appealing.

So, what about you? Is it Christmas stockings? Or Nativity Scenes?

Hm. Well in my opinion, I'd have to say (As an atheist, talking from the viewpoint of a christian) that Parents try and worm the idea of Santa into their childrens minds. However, The whole holiday was invented just to celebrate the birth of Christ, through giving gifts. Nowadays, I'd say the almost all of the whole Idea to kids is Santa, but a while ago, during the great depression and whatnot, it was about family and the birth of Christ.

christ...it's christmas not santamas. besides the very reason why santa came to be is because of christ since the real santa is a saint. people these seemed to forget tradition and respect for the holidays and seemingly try to cover the truth these days.

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Originally Posted by rematche

christ...it's christmas not santamas. besides the very reason why santa came to be is because of christ since the real santa is a saint. people these seemed to forget tradition and respect for the holidays and seemingly try to cover the truth these days.

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Exactly my point. Couldn't've put it better myself, Rematche.:hattip:

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Originally Posted by Forte

Exactly my point. Couldn't've put it better myself, Rematche.:hattip:

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right on, forte! besides it doesn't really matter as long everyone is having fun both jesus, santa, and us.

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Originally Posted by rematche

right on, forte! besides it doesn't really matter as long everyone is having fun both jesus, santa, and us.

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Again, you speak the truth. Christmas Is about love, and giving to those less fortunate than us. And fun.

Hmmm.. well as much as I'd like to give a bunch of kudos back and forth. My main goal with this was to see who people centered their holiday around and WHY. And also, exactly who knew what about the origins of the christmas.

Infact... there was a holiday celebrated in the winter, with the gift giving. was PRE-CHRISTIAN. The Winter Solstice. Christians used December 25th to celebrate the birth of Christ, so that they could convert the masses without everyone feeling as though they had to give up their winter holiday.

Christ was not actually born On Christmas. And by the time the wise men came bearing gifts... he would have been a toddler.

St. Nicholas was not originally thought of as who we now call Santa. He wasn't even associated with christmas until much later. He was originally just loved as a secret gift giver.

One of the first icons for the actual Santa, was "Father Christmas", But he was better known for the celebrating (drunkeness) and not so much gift giving. Which is why there is Santa... Inspired by St. Nicholas.

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Originally Posted by rematche

right on, forte! besides it doesn't really matter as long everyone is having fun both jesus, santa, and us.

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And If you do not feel the topic matters... Why post?

Though I might religious, nor care about when christmas first started...

It's santa all the way baby XD. I believe in the existance of a santa more than I believe in the existance of god, that's just my belief and opinion.

I wasn't raised with a religion, but my parents gave me every chance to learn religion
( had to sit through it at school >_>)

Christmas, for my family has a totally different meaning than from a religious view-point. It's the only time of the year when I see some of my family, infact it's the only time of the year when I can chill out even with my immediate family. So thats what chirstmas is about for us.

If I had it my way, I would scrap the whole present thing, it's just commercialised media crap imo. But, it's not fair on the little ones, nor does it seem morally right when some one gives you presents year after year and you give them nothing (guilt trip anyone?)