Happy Holidays


Here is a question: is it not really like Christian to say "respect other people" or "other peoples' religion"?  Does it not take courage to say "we care"?

There are people who are narrowly stuck with the idea that forcing others to celebrate their religious holidays is a show of their righteousness.  But, if you look at someone that can force it but yet say "Happy Holidays", would it not rather sounds more like forgiving, tolerant, and mature?

The Christian tradition came from Germanic people's feast called yule, which is a celebration held among local folks in winter.  The celebration was for their goddess, and the youngest member of the family played the role in the ceremony.  Santa Claus was a symbol of a gnome clothed in red.  It was a celebration in the midst of winter, so they symbolized the source of heat like trees or logs (Bûche de Noël). 

So the traditional celebration of Christmas was not coming from nowhere.  All the decorative trees and the figures, the foods and ceremonies are based upon the ancient tradition of yule of the Germane people. 

It is not out of coincidence that the the Christmas day was set on 25th of December, either.  The date was set in 4th century or onward, which indeed coincides with the religious holiday of Mitra, another religion popular at that time.  Natalis Solis Invicti was celebrated on 25th of December. 

It is more fitting for Christmas to think of oppressed people in poverty than pressing others your idea or images of God(s)/Goddess(es).  Think of those who can not speak freely under oppression.  Thank God for the freedom we cherish; Happy Holidays.