For new Buddhists, traditional holidays like Christmas can bring on a bit of confusion, both spiritually and emotionally. Do I celebrate Christmas even if I want to be a Buddhist? Do I give Christmas gifts or send Christmas cards? And what do I do when I’m invited to Christmas parties?
The answers to questions such as these are, of course, personal preference. But a little information might make the transition to Buddhism smoother, especially once it becomes clear that Buddhism can peacefully coexist in a person’s life with another religion. Welcoming Buddhism into your life does not mean it is necessary to denounce your other religious connections; in fact, Buddhism may help enhance connections to another religion.
Should I still celebrate Christmas?
Consider the origins of Christmas. While many worship the birth of Christ at Christmastime, the original holiday was in honor of the winter solstice. The Christmas tree, though the actual origin is not precisely known, is believed to be of pagan origin, essentially “Christianized” through the conversion of various societies to Christianity.
Modern Christmas, at least in the U.S., is largely commercial, with children screaming over the year's top toys and other desires, then crying and throwing fits when their demands are not met on Christmas morning. Black Friday and other huge sales tell people that it’s important to buy, buy, buy, give, give, give.
While some do maintain their traditional Christian practices, to many it’s not just that. Interestingly, the Japanese are primarily Buddhist, Shinto, and usually a combination of the two, yet they celebrate Christmas in the form of small gift-giving, Christmas Eve parties with friends, Christmas Cake, caroling, and a Western-style meal such as pizza or Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Buddhist Teachings at Christmastime
The decision to celebrate Christmas is up to each individual. If wishing to add a Buddhist influence to the holiday celebrations, perhaps find Buddhist lessons in Christmas stories, such as the Gift of the Magi or A Christmas Carol. Opt for an artificial tree instead of a traditional live Christmas tree, which isn’t really “live” but in the process of dying since it has been cut down. Avoid over-indulgence, but don’t suffer needlessly; enjoy the holiday meals and foods, but don’t gorge yourself. And perhaps, if possible, try to make the gift-giving less about the “stuff”; Buddhism, after all, teaches that we should be content with what we have for when we long for things we don’t or cannot have, we suffer.
Comments
Thank you very much for this, its good to write on because there are a lot of questions on this subject this time of year and I answer them so many times! Nameh
Excellent article! Namaste
why would u even ask...can i celebrate xmas because I'm a Buddhist? Do what you do...be who you are...
Enjoy life and maintain the noble Eightfold path as much as you can. Xmas is a time of joy and offering peace and compassion - what could be wrong with that? Maybe we take ourselves too seriously and want too much analysis and direction..oh s this wrong or is that right?
Live and be happy.
Yes, some people can think as you do, but for many people who are new to Buddhism this is a common (and fair) question, especially if they have a history or upbringing in a Christian religion.
Although Christmas has strong non-Christian roots that many Christians aren't aware of, the overall impression of Christmas is one of a Christian holiday and that can cause some confusion.
If the question were asked by someone converting to Judaism or Islam instead of Buddhism, for example, the question may seem more understandable to you. The question may also come from those wondering if it's bad in a Christian sense to label oneself a Buddhist then turn around and partake in a Christian celebration.
My aim with the article was to help relieve some anxiety and/or stress for those who may experience this and encourage such thinking to spread to other situations in which someone may wonder "is it okay if..." Everyone adjusts at their own pace and Buddhism accommodates this without unnecessary pressure... it takes some longer than others to grow comfortable with it.
As Buddhists, it's important to remain compassionate toward all and I'm a firm believer that Buddhism questions should always be asked, and answers sought, to help us all progress in our given paths.
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