> > > I no longer celebrate pagan rituals like the Festival of
> > > Santa Claus. Dead or plastic trees with glitter on them
> > > represent the extreme of the pagan idolatry.
> >
> >
> > - and what about the presents?
>
> Well, it is difficult not to accept anything..
> I personally told my family that I have everything I need
> and I appreciate their kindness, but I don't want any
> presents at Christmas.
>
> Of course, I received much help and support (financial)
> from them before. That was MY PRESENT for that I was VERY
> thankful.
>
> In my opinion presents are ok, a symbol of good feelings
> towards you, but NOT at a special time, as a habit or as
> a tradition, business whatever. I try to make present
> whenever I FEEL that I want to give a present to one of
> my friends, relatives or to my parents.
>
> Only giving stuff, because "you have to" is not ok, for
> me.
>
> In my opinion the festival of celebrating Christ and his
> birth has become BIG business. It is not anymore
> associated (in common) with thoughts about his original
> message (Christ) but with overeating, present-'trade' and
> drinking.
>
> Isn't it a fact, that people act nicer in these period of
> the year than any other? "Because it's Christmas.." Why
> don't we act like it was Christmas all year?