modern Christmas actually pretty good combo of Pagan and Christian traditions

[Multicolored Lemur]

So, we have —

pink flamingos with red stocking caps,

movies both serious and funny,

traditional Christian services for people who want to go this way.

the poem . . . “ ’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
“Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;”

We have from the Gospel of Luke with the angel telling the shepherds, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, . . . ”

—————

A lot of tradition.

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

And here’s a dog sweater in seasonal colors

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

a mainstream Protestant church here in Houston.

And it looks like they embrace the season both religious and secular. And I think that’s the norm.

 

[AgnosticBoy]

A big Merry Christmas to everyone..

Maybe a big part that benefits both cultural and religious reasons for Christmas is the spirit of giving. A lot more people give to the homeless and less fortunate on this day.

Although I'm not a Christian, but I personally like the Christmas movies and all of the other positive things associated with it. I would imagine that atheists enjoy it as well although I wonder how they'd deal with what they see as the make believe stuff, like Santa and possibly even the Nativity story.

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

And why is the polar bear being used as a cutesy animal by an established company such as Coca~Cola ? ! ?

The polar bear will actively stalk and hunt a human being. With a grizzly bear, it’s much more of an accidental thing. [ personally, I also think coyotes are dangerous, mainly to children ]

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

I personally like the Christmas movies and all of the other positive things associated with it

I’m sure we both realize some people have a depressive Christmas, right?

 

[AgnosticBoy]

I’m sure we both realize some people have a depressive Christmas, right?

I'm sure it's not all positive for everyone. Some are homeless, some are sick and dying and their family is worried about them.

And I think the spirit of giving i brought up helps with that as well. Christmas nowadays is not just about what you receive but also about bringing that spirit to others.