No where in scripture does is say to celebrate Christmas.

[Ezra]

I have been contemplating how seriously we should take our own salvation.

I have often thought that we have a running tally of how much time is spent doing certain things.

112 hr a week sleeping.
40 hr a week working.
28 hr a week watching tv.
14hr a week commuting.
10.5 hr a week eating.
3 hr a week in church
30 min in prayer.

You know something along those lines.

Point being for most people we spend very little time putting effort or our time into devotion towards God. In service to him. In thought of his ways.

We are distracted.

Christmas has become a distraction that same way in my mind.

1 hour teaching about the true meaning of Christmas and the other 2 months building up Santa and presents.

I just wonder how much better should we be? How much better do we need to be at dedicating our life's to God to make it to the celestial kingdom? To be part of the few?

I would love to see this Christmas be about Christ.

My family and I will not be celebrating Santa this year and every year from now on.
We will be celebrating our savior. And trying to be in his service by giving the least of these the gifts that he would give himself to the best of our knowledge.

Who wants to join me in this?
And if you already do this please tell me what you do for your Christmas family traditions to focus only on our savior. And not on the things of the world.

[creator]

Oh yeah, what about Jeremiah 10: 2-4:
"Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen .. for the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest .. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."

;)

[creator]

..Christmas has become a distraction that same way in my mind. .. I would love to see this Christmas be about Christ. .. My family and I will not be celebrating Santa this year and every year from now on

I decided years ago that I would not lie to my children about Santa Clause and have always taught them the truth, even if we have still participated in some of the usual cultural activities related to Christmas.

[kennyhs]

I think we can do both. Celebrate His birth by exchanging gifts and help the needy. We should be cognizant of the needy all year long, not just at Christmas. Besides, I don't want to be on Santa's naughty list. Maybe you're getting coal, but I'm not. ;)

[Kitkat]

I know a lot of people love the jolly red gift giver, but I never could perpetuate the Santa tradition. This year we are doing "experiences" instead of things for Christmas. We are going to spend our money doing things together, rather than on gifts like toys. We will see how it goes...

[kennyhs]

I know a lot of people love the jolly red gift giver, but I never could perpetuate the Santa tradition. This year we are doing "experiences" instead of things for Christmas. We are going to spend our money doing things together, rather than on gifts like toys. We will see how it goes...

That's a good idea! Making memories.

[marc]

Oh yeah, what about Jeremiah 10: 2-4:
"Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen .. for the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest .. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."

;)

Yup. Pagans practiced this during each winter solstice thousands of years before Christ and Romans later did as well during their Saturnalia, which festival celebrated merrymaking. They decorated such trees with silver and gold and replicas of Bacchus, also known as Dionysus, the god of wine/grape harvest/ritual madness/fertility. Decorating trees and celebrating merry making during this time have been a ritual ever since.

[Ezra]

Oh yeah, what about Jeremiah 10: 2-4:
"Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen .. for the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest .. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."

;)

Yup. Pagans practiced this during each winter solstice thousands of years before Christ and Romans later did as well during their Saturnalia, which festival celebrated merrymaking. They decorated such trees with silver and gold and replicas of Bacchus, also known as Dionysus, the god of wine/grape harvest/ritual madness/fertility. Decorating trees and celebrating merry making during this time have been a ritual ever since.

That's part of my reason I decided not to do the Santa/ heathen tree celebration.

I don't want the distraction. I want my time to be dedicated to Jesus and him alone.

[Robert Sinclair]

Traditions like birthdays and anniversaries, are for the enjoyment of the family.

The traditions started by a young boy, of a village called Patara in a former Greek area of the southern coast of Turkey, who had been raised by his parents to be a devout Christian, and had both his wealthy parents die in an epidemic, is truly something to learn about. For he obeyed Jesus Christ's words to sell what you own and give the money to the poor; this boy's name was Nicholas.♡

See-

http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/w ... -nicholas/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

To have begun a tradition which remembers the birth of Jesus Christ and of giving, I believe is a good thing promoting goodwill and peace on earth, at least once each year.♡

Kind of like "Pioneer Day" a family tradition to remember the early pioneers who sacrificed, or even the tradition of "Thanksgiving Day", to remember our creator and our blessings, and to give thanks to him for those things, and to spend time together with family and friends, enjoying one anothers company.♡

[Ezra]

I think we can do both. Celebrate His birth by exchanging gifts and help the needy. We should be cognizant of the needy all year long, not just at Christmas. Besides, I don't want to be on Santa's naughty list. Maybe you're getting coal, but I'm not. ;)

What about Christs naughty list for lying?

[Robert Sinclair]

Tell the truth about a young boy named Nicholas, who obeyed Jesus Christ's words to sell what you have and distribute it to the poor.♡

Again please look and see-----

http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/w ... -nicholas/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And tell the truth and enjoy.♡

[marc]

Oh yeah, what about Jeremiah 10: 2-4:
"Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen .. for the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest .. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."

;)

Yup. Pagans practiced this during each winter solstice thousands of years before Christ and Romans later did as well during their Saturnalia, which festival celebrated merrymaking. They decorated such trees with silver and gold and replicas of Bacchus, also known as Dionysus, the god of wine/grape harvest/ritual madness/fertility. Decorating trees and celebrating merry making during this time have been a ritual ever since.

That's part of my reason I decided not to do the Santa/ heathen tree celebration.

I don't want the distraction. I want my time to be dedicated to Jesus and him alone.

I'm right there with ya.

[skmo]

What about Christs naughty list for lying?

Believe me, I made the list for things a LOT worse than lying.

I have always liked Christmas season. I cherish the memories of decorating a tree with mom, going out with my wife to find a tree, and I truly believe the sentiment it's better to give than to receive. I LOVE giving gifts to others. My wife's family decided since there were so many of us and it would be too much of a financial burden, we'd just pick random names and give that one family a gift. I never followed that, I gave gifts to all: Kids, parents, grandparents. Of course, since they all decided to abandon me when I was in need (or be complicit in my betrayal) they'd only get a present from me made of things my dogs left in the yard. However, I'm remembering I have a lot of friends who have been a magnificent part of my life, I'm going to start the giving tradition again.

The St. Nick story is great. I have no problem with passing on traditions of love, service, gifts, and the merriment this season has. I can't ever remember a time when I believed in Santa Claus, and I would never have passed on the "Santa" story told to little kids, but this time of year has special sentiment to me. I especially love my new tradition, going to see Michael McLean's The Forgotten Carols which has a good story and some wonderful music I really love.

Since we know this isn't when Christ was born, I don't worry about getting too serious into debate about the subject and I just enjoy the light-hearted joy in this tradition.

[Dash jones]

It's absolutely correct, it does not say anywhere that we are to celebrate Christmas, or even the Lord's birth.

The question is, are the two the same thing? We tend to focus on the "reason for the season" at Christmas, but is it really just a reason to celebrate, or is it really a focus on celebrating the Birth of the Lord?

Why can't it be both? We know that the birth of the Lord was most likely NOT on the date of Christmas. I think most Catholics who study religion and history know this, and I'd imagine most Mormons know this as well.

What we know as Christmas was typically a celebration of harvest and perhaps of a fertility deity. This happened to be a Woman. The myth goes that some Catholic priests saw it might be easier to convert Heathens if they also talked about Mary in regards to this celebration and the Savior.

In that sense, we are actually perpetuating a heathen celebration of harvest...with the added focus of the birth of our Lord.

This particular time has always been a day of giving, thanks and celebration, even during the heathen days before the Catholic Church. Those celebrations and traditions did not end simply because the Catholic Church incorporated it into their religious holidays as a time to celebrate the Holy Birth.

I think one can do both, as it is traditional to be a time of family and giving (and plus, I know kids love to get presents whether its birthday, Easter, or Christmas...and I have to say...so do I), as well as time to remember that it has now been dedicated as a Christian time to remember our Lord and his birth and sacrifice in a most holy way.

[kennyhs]

I think we can do both. Celebrate His birth by exchanging gifts and help the needy. We should be cognizant of the needy all year long, not just at Christmas. Besides, I don't want to be on Santa's naughty list. Maybe you're getting coal, but I'm not. ;)

What about Christs naughty list for lying?

I think you just made the naughty list, that wasn't very nice. To me it's a tradition, I love the lights and our family loves getting a tree.

[Ezra]

I think we can do both. Celebrate His birth by exchanging gifts and help the needy. We should be cognizant of the needy all year long, not just at Christmas. Besides, I don't want to be on Santa's naughty list. Maybe you're getting coal, but I'm not. ;)

What about Christs naughty list for lying?

I think you just made the naughty list, that wasn't very nice. To me it's a tradition, I love the lights and our family loves getting a tree.

2 nephi 28: 8 & 28

8 And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.

28 And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.

I wasn't the one who said not to lie.

[David13]

Scripture doesn't say don't celebrate Christmas either, does it.
So why not both. In fact, I definitely think the Christmas celebration is like an outreach. Just like music in the church. It brings in people who wouldn't otherwise even think of Christ, or his love, or charity.
Certainly getting a tree and giving presents adds to the 'reason for the season', as I see it, and does not detract from it.
dc

[kennyhs]

I think we can do both. Celebrate His birth by exchanging gifts and help the needy. We should be cognizant of the needy all year long, not just at Christmas. Besides, I don't want to be on Santa's naughty list. Maybe you're getting coal, but I'm not. ;)

What about Christs naughty list for lying?

I think you just made the naughty list, that wasn't very nice. To me it's a tradition, I love the lights and our family loves getting a tree.

2 nephi 28: 8 & 28



8 And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.

28 And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.

I wasn't the one who said not to lie.

Of course we shouldn't judge either,.

I'm not worried about a Christmas tradition, my children always knew the truth,.

[Ezra]

I think you just made the naughty list, that wasn't very nice. To me it's a tradition, I love the lights and our family loves getting a tree.

2 nephi 28: 8 & 28



8 And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.

28 And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.

I wasn't the one who said not to lie.

Of course we shouldn't judge either,.

I'm not worried about a Christmas tradition, my children always knew the truth,.

They always new it was a lie? Or did you not lie?
Or did you let others teach the lie and you just went along tell they figured it out then told the truth?
If there is a way to teach satan claws without lying I'm all ears.

[Robert Sinclair]

Poor St Nicholas, I am sure his deeds were never meant to have him be called "satan claws", just following the words of Jesus Christ to sell what he had and distribute it to the poor. ♡

[kennyhs]

Dude, no need to take this so persoonal. Sorry if I offended you.

[rewcox]

I tell my g-kids I'm Santa. It's true, I don't lie!

But Christmas is in the scriptures. The BOM comes through again!

3N1:12 And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:

13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

[Ezra]

Dude, no need to take this so persoonal. Sorry if I offended you.

I have a dry sence of humor. I like to give people a hard time and them do the same in return.

So no hard feelings here. Only things that I take personally are threats to my fam. I'm giggling inside most of the time I post on here when I know it might cut a little.

[rewcox]

Do you reject the Atonement? I hope not.

The free gift, immortality. The conditional gift, Eternal Life. Don't be naughty.

[Ezra]

I tell my g-kids I'm Santa. It's true, I don't lie!

But Christmas is in the scriptures. The BOM comes through again!

3N1:12 And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:

13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

You will have to post a pic.im guessing it's the belly. I can't see you as a beard guy.