So is everyone ready to celebrate the birth of baby jeebus? Despite him being born in march ofcourse.
As an atheist people often get confused as to why I even bother with Christmas but frankly i love it. It somehow makes the dreadful weather of the season seem kind of nice.
Even though its dark by 3pm and you cant see your hand in front of your face due to blizzard, it illicits a kind of emotional response because you connect that horrible weather with something nice and warm and fuzzy.
I think Britain has almost avoided the mass commercialisation of Christmas since its still about family and stuff for us. We have no religion to cloud the issue (Alot of british people will say 'Jedi' when pushed about their religion) and we dont have thanksgiving to steal christmas' thunder.
So all in all im pro-Christmas despite not believing in the divinity of Christ.
Hooray for the winter solstice!
Thoughts on Christmas anyone?
I enjoy Christmas aswell. Although it's called Jul or Joulu where I'm from so there's no real Christian connotation in the name. I love Christmas because it gives me an excuse to visit all my relatives and give them gifts.
..Shit! I gotta go buy gifts!
I smell a religion debate/explosion...
Christmas for me was, as a child, all about receiving lots of toys. As an adult it's about being with family. While I still like receiving gifts (who doesn't) for me the joy of the season is in giving them to others.
I don't hold to the religious significance of it anymore (as you said Christ was born in March) but more the sentiment of family and friends and the whole "good will" stuff.
Calin you always got to diss Christian's all the time.
Where I am. Nobody celebrates Christmas really so doesn't really bother me
Nobody can afford presents either. But who cares I have sun shine ;D
Where you guys are in a blizzard ;D
Ha ha, no dont misunderstand me. This isnt about religion. Just Christmas.
I just wondered how important christmas was to people around the world since we have such a diverse community here.
QuoteSo is everyone ready to celebrate the birth of baby jeebus?
Really. This isnt about religion. Just Christmas.
;D
It's an unfortunate chain of events that Christmas ended up with Christ in it's name. It's about food and family, and rubbish music... The religious thing is kind of a subplot for anybody who cares.
I've actually felt quite in the Xmas spirit this year, despite being a right Scrooge for the past few years... I think partly because I've made friends with a lot of the Japanese exchange students and they're all quite excited about the concept of a proper British Christmas. I guess some of the excitement has rubbed of on me...
QuoteThis isnt about religion. Just Christmas.
Well, as far as a lot of people are concerned, Christmas is based on the birth of Christ. So you're, which should have been expected, going to get people who take it offensively, Calin, when you say what Danman has quoted.
I myself, I love Christmas. To me, like you, it has absolutely nothing to do with celebrating baby Jeebus. For me it's all about sharing time together around the tree and watching the people you love open gifts (especially the ones you got them). Like you've mentioned, no matter how miserable it is outside, something about all those decorations and multicolored lights, lighted trees, etc; give that fuzzy warm feeling you speak of.
It's also a great time where you can get together and forget about all the shit that the fan of life has sprayed on us. Even if it is just for a moment.
what is there to get offended about?
I said i liked their holiday.
I'll celebrate whoevers birthday they like providing they dont change all the pagany bits.
The actual christianity part of christmas is irrelevant. I was more interested in the other side the christmas.
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Fri 18/12/2009 14:13:48Despite him being born in march ofcourse.
And by that you mean September of course (at least that is what most scholars agree upon; which would also fit the close-to-new-year-tradition).
QuoteThoughts on Christmas anyone?
[Disgruntled Mode]Christmas...personally I hate (or at least really dislike) it. I consider it one of the most annoying festivities the year has to offer...christmas and the world-championship soccer stuff. The only thing good about christmas in my opinion is the days off that I get. Other than that, the less I'm bothered with it, the better.
[Sarcasm]Maybe it's because my life actually doesn't suck, so I don't need a forced date (christmas) to feel special, warm and fuzzy (which I really never felt at christmas...on may other days, but not on christmas).[/Sarcasm][/i]
[/Disgruntled Mode]Anyway, in a less disgruntled tone: christmas just isn't my festivity. I can't remember ever having any warm feelings towards it, and in recent years I've grown even less affectionate. Just about every aspect of the holiday feels cheap and fake to me; the music, the lights, the movies (although I the Hebrew Hammer (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0393685/) and Santa's Slay (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0393685/) did have their moments...at times), the whole forced christmas-feeling just isn't me.
Ps. my apologies if I offended anyone with my dislike towards this particular festivity. I'm just more of a 'doe maar gewoon dan doe je al gek genoeg'-kind-of-guy [rough translation: just act normal, then you're already acting silly/crazy enough].
Quote from: Misj' on Fri 18/12/2009 15:27:05
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Fri 18/12/2009 14:13:48Despite him being born in march ofcourse.
And by that you mean September of course (at least that is what most scholars agree upon; which would also fit the close-to-new-year-tradition).
Actually it seems most scholars agree on April. I thought it was march, i Apologise.
Quote from: Misj' on Fri 18/12/2009 15:27:05
[Sarcasm]Maybe it's because my life actually doesn't suck, so I don't need a forced date (christmas) to feel special, warm and fuzzy (which I really never felt at christmas...on may other days, but not on christmas).[/Sarcasm][/i]
This idea of 'forced fun' is pretty common with people who dislike Christmas.
I prefer to think of it as a meeting stone in time :p Everyone will be off work at that time of year (except me.. im working this christmas) so it encourages alot of people to get together.
Thats simply not possible at any other time of the year.
Also i feel that christmas encourages solidarity. Its something to rally behind.
I used to dislike christmas. I remember my former neighbours christmas light-decorations that had the charm of a brothel in Las Vegas. I've no idead how brothels in Las Vegas really look, but the all the blinking was very annoying.
But it starts getting better. It's one of the few times in the year when your friends meet again in your hometown and that's what I appreciate about christmas.
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Fri 18/12/2009 15:34:32
Quote from: Misj' on Fri 18/12/2009 15:27:05
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Fri 18/12/2009 14:13:48Despite him being born in march ofcourse.
And by that you mean September of course (at least that is what most scholars agree upon; which would also fit the close-to-new-year-tradition).
Actually it seems most scholars agree on April. I thought it was march, i Apologise.
Let's agree to disagree which scholars we trust (and how we count 'most' in this case). But March/April normally bases its calculation on Nisan (the first month) being new year, while September bases it on the Jewish (religious) NewYear (Rosh Hashanah) which is in Tishri (the 7th month), and commonly falls in September (or early October). On a sidenote, this incidentally also fits the idea of Jesus being 33.5 years old when he died close to passover (which itself falls in the month Nisan); although I don't consider the latter very solid proof.
Quote from: Misj' on Fri 18/12/2009 15:27:05
I prefer to think of it as a meeting stone in time :p Everyone will be off work at that time of year (except me..I'm working this christmas) so it encourages alot of people to get together.
While I understand that point of view, I always preferred other days for that; days that are significant to me (or my family) and my life, rather than some date that is forced upon you. And yes, I also consider valentine's day the least romantic day of the year ;)
QuoteAlso i feel that christmas encourages solidarity. Its something to rally behind.
While I agree that solidarity - up to a certain point - should be rallied behind, the idea of having one day for it is weird to me. It kinda feels like: I'm only kind to my pet on world's animal day. I know I over-exaggerate it here, and I know you don't mean to imply that people should only rally behind solidarity on this specific given day...but I just don't need a special (and forced) day for that.
Anyway, that's my feeling towards christmas. There's little to 'discuss', and I don't want to convince you that christmas sucks or anything. If you like the holiday that's great...it's just not for me.
Quotewhat is there to get offended about?
When you believe in such things, it's usually taken very seriously. So someone calling Jesus,
Jeebus, would naturally be taken offensively, eventhough not meant that way.
One night my wife was working late. This was back early last year when I was working on
Castle of Fire (you know, the game that three people played?). So she get's home and sees something on my desktop background and says, "What the hell is
that?!"
It was a picture of a statue of Jesus Christ standing there with a huge stupid grin on his face with a big "thumbs up". I thought it was great so I set it as my background image.
We got into a minor argument which ended in me setting something else as my desktop background.
I thought it was funny because the only time you see the guy is when he's hanging on the cross in agony. It was good to see him smiling ;) She comes from a very religious family, which I do not. She believes in God, I lean more towards not. Despite our religious beliefs/disbeliefs, we get along perfectly.
Anyway, the point is, I can see why Danman (or anyone) would be offended, that's all.
lol but YOU referred to him as Jeebus.
How come you can but i cant?
incidentally I have great respect for Christ. He seemed like a good guy.
lol, because I'm a hypocrite ;)
\\--EDIT--\\
I too have respect for religion as a whole. I find it very interesting. Whenever we are visiting my wife's family I go to church (Catholic, which I am, I was told :P) with them (for the holidays). I don't mock it or put a sour face on. I enjoy it. I like to listen. But do I believe everything that's being spoken? Not any of it. But I am intrigued, I guess is the word. Would I go every Sunday? Blargh, only for my wife whom wants to start going with our daughter.
I respect Christ :p Not religion.
I'd like to sit down with Jesus and tell him about the catholic church and its palaces.It would be fascinating to know what Jesus thinks about modern christianity.
If i could bring back any historical figure from the dead i think Jesus is competing for the number 1 spot with jeff buckley and nick drake.
Edit: Anyway... Christmas remember :p not religion.
QuoteIt would be fascinating to know what Jesus thinks about modern christianity.
Agreed.
QuoteAnyway, the point is, I can see why Danman (or anyone) would be offended, that's all.
Yo snake I wasn't offended. I was just trying to innocently cause an argument.
I myself am not religious cause I believe people just believe in religion coz
their scared to die to be honest. I don't have anything against
religion I just don't believe in it that's all.
Edit: I think we all don't know what else to talk about with Xmas so we talk about religion.
Ahh...Christmas. A time to paint little Santa hats on our forum pics.
Quote from: LimpingFish on Fri 18/12/2009 20:05:45
Ahh...Christmas. A time to paint little Santa hats on our forum pics.
Right ;D
Quote from: LimpingFish on Fri 18/12/2009 20:05:45Ahh...Christmas. A time to paint little Santa hats on our forum pics.
Whatever are you talking about??
Ha! Finally little Darthy isn't so grumpy looking. Excellent. 'Tis the Season.
Personally, I LOVE this time of year. Blinking lights, a plastic tree next to the sofa, an ipod filled with festive music, and (as has been pointed out), everyone's avatars get in the spirit.
What's not to love?
Merry Christmas, everyone!
- Ponch
--------------
p.s. Calin, get a Santa hat on that avatar ASAP. All the cool kids are doing it!
Anyone up for some eggnog!? P0onch! Show us your teats!!1
If anyone can figure out how to get a hat on mine, I'd be grateful. :P
wonkyth, like I said, 'tis the season!
(http://www.bryvis.com/entertainment/other/avatars/wonkyth_xmas.png)
copied slightly from snake's colors and design (it's a shared gift) haha
You better at least pretend you're happy for this present this year--last year your attitude was terrible! :-* ;D
I love how there are scholars who regularly debate the birth of a fictional character. :)
Im fairly sure Jesus wasnt fictional. There's alot of evidence to suggest he did actually exist.
I'll be honest im a touch skeptical about the whole water into wine, walking on water thing...
Jesus bloody christ, I just realised I've spent a whole 100€ on gifts for my brothers and sisters and my girlfriend :O You'll never appreciate all the gifts you get until you have to give them yourself, it's all bloody expensive!
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Fri 18/12/2009 15:34:32
Actually it seems most scholars agree on April. I thought it was march, i Apologise.
Actually, I think most scholars agree (http://www.bib-arch.org/e-features/christmas.asp#note02) that we really have no idea, and that Jesus may have been born at just about any time of year.
Quote from: Misj' on Fri 18/12/2009 15:53:58
Let's agree to disagree which scholars we trust (and how we count 'most' in this case). But March/April normally bases its calculation on Nisan (the first month) being new year, while September bases it on the Jewish (religious) NewYear (Rosh Hashanah) which is in Tishri (the 7th month), and commonly falls in September (or early October). On a sidenote, this incidentally also fits the idea of Jesus being 33.5 years old when he died close to passover (which itself falls in the month Nisan); although I don't consider the latter very solid proof.
But what's the basis for assuming Jesus was born on/near the new year, whenever you place that?
As far as I understand it, Jesus' actual birth-date was completely forgotten in time.
I have heard several explanations as to why 25 December was selected but the one that makes the most sense to me is:
The Roman emperor Constantine made Christianity the law (yes law) in the Roman Empire after his "victory by god" at the battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. Then his new church set out to decide what stories were acceptable for inclusion in Christianity (I love this often over-looked fact, "hey, let's pick what we like and just disregard the rest"). They selected 25 December (the approximate time of the winter solstice) to compete with Roman/Pagan holidays that took place around the winter solstice.
The lesson here? If you have no idea, just make something up that is the most convenient for your cause!
I remember hearing somewhere he was supposedly born 6 years before 0BC. So would that make him -6 years old, or our dates 6 years out of sync? If that was so, the 2012 magnetic-alignment-apocalypse will actually happen in 2018. Sorry scientists, but you're six years out.
Ya Jesus was definitely born before 0BC probably more like 7BC
As i understand it the 25th was chosen to coincide with Sol Invictus which was the Roman winter feast.
It also coincides with Saturnalia which ran from the 17th to the 25th i think.
Christians didnt celebrate christmas until hundreds of years later since celebrating birthdays was a pagan thing and thus not allowed for Christians.. which i find nicely ironic.
Quote from: LimpingFish on Fri 18/12/2009 20:05:45
Ahh...Christmas. A time to paint little Santa hats on our forum pics.
You're absolutely right!
Hey Leon, we have matching hats! You got yours from the pound shop like me, didn't you?
Quote from: Snake on Sat 19/12/2009 02:02:35
Anyone up for some eggnog!? P0onch! Show us your teats!!1
Now hold on there, buddy. Bessie isn't that kind of cow.
And Ryan, fantastic work on Wonkyth's avatar. Mysterious and festive.
Quote from: AtelierGames on Sat 19/12/2009 19:12:07
Hey Leon, we have matching hats! You got yours from the pound shop like me, didn't you?
Yep, now you mention it. I actually didn't look. Ripped the first one I saw from the shelf and was surprised by the prize (can you be in a pound shop? ;D) . And this one was a one size fits all (probably why you got it as well ;)) Since my head tolerates less and less (even hair seems to have a problem :-\) I was happy with this model!
QuoteAnd Ryan, fantastic work on Wonkyth's avatar. Mysterious and festive.
I couldn't refuse the challenge and Wonkyth's avatar, for as long as I've known has been a broken image. It just felt right.
Quote from: PinchNow hold on there, buddy. Bessie isn't that kind of cow.
I don't know, man, where I come from, cow's don't dance like that unless they're lookin' for a little somethin' somethin'.
Quote from: Ry0ncopied slightly from snake's colors and design (it's a shared gift) haha
Shared gift?? Haha? When was
I gonna' be let in on this?
I always like those forum santa hats we all paint on our avatars. Some really go wild and nice with their avatars. Nice one Darth and Ryan!
Hmm, wasn't broken last time I looked...
Will fix.
EDIT: I've fixed it, and it should work. It does for me, anyway.
And I wear crimson cap all time o'year, you loosers :P ;D
j/k
Still can't see it wonkyth. :-[ It's probably definitely my end.
Quote from: AtelierGames on Mon 21/12/2009 11:13:32
Still can't see it wonkyth. :-[ It's probably definitely my end.
Me too.
That sucks.
I'll try something new...
Hey, wonkamayer, I'll host your avatar on my site if you want. HOHOHO!!1!
wonkyth, you have an extra backspace in the url to your avatar.
(http://forum.caravelgames.com/avatars/4093/evileye.jpg)
Is that your avatar?
Cause I could be wrong, but this looks like your avatar now. :P
(http://www.bryvis.com/entertainment/other/avatars/wonkyth_evileye_xmas.png)
Yeah you messed up the URL.
I think some versions of IE ignores the extra forward slash but Firefox doesnt.
Christmas, yay! F*** X-Factor! Hooray Bill Bailey on Buzzcocks tonight but sadness that Frankie Boyle is leaving Mock The Week Tonight. I've got loads of xmas beer, a fair amount of xmas cheer - so merry christmas one and all at the AGS community, wishing you a happy christmas and a grand new year :)
Same to you, in poem form too!
Haha, I could never see Wonkyth's Avatar either... but now I can.
But now, funnily enough, I can't see your's anymore AG!
lol stupot, your avatar is broken too.
What is going on with the internet these days? :)
Really?!?
Dang! Has it always been like that? :(
I can see mine still, and yours. Who has brought this upon us? :'(
Edit: Ahh, I think this is karma for nicking my hat from Poundland. I'll send a quid in the post tomorrow to HQ, then things will return to normal. Sorry everybody.
Poundland forgives you and would like you to note that they do not accept refunds and do accept liability for any fire related injuries.
On another note it's 2am Christmas day here in the UK.
Merry Christmas everyone!
PS: Santa just left and he said that Chris Jones was on the naughty list?!
Yay thankee Ryan!
Merry Christmas All! :P
although... being Canadian, half of you are already asleep and awaiting boxing day. (oh sweet boxing day. how I love my half-off sales) :P
Merry Christmas To All!!!!!!!!!!!!1111111!!!!!!!11111!
No gifts from me though.
Happy Christmas! I'm sure lots of people have had a Merry one. ;) Not me I'm a monk so I don't touch the stuff. Perhaps I touched some of Brother Lucius' raspberry wine behind the rectory but nothing more! Plus a cuddle in the cloister with Sister Marge.
Happy (insert denominational holiday name here)! \o/
Ahh, it was shit. But let's do it all again next year. :=
Ah, Christmas at AGS. I always love bringing up "dollard" this time of year. :=