Why Christmas Instead of Easter?

[SanFranciscan]

It seems to me that Easter would be the more important holiday to Christianity. So how did Christmas become the bigger holiday in a predominately Christian nation? It seems to me that gift exchanges could just as easily have taken place on Easter as on Christmas if that were the issue.

 

[ConcKahuna]

It seems to me that Easter would be the more important holiday to Christianity. So how did Christmas become the bigger holiday in a predominately Christian nation? It seems to me that gift exchanges could just as easily have taken place on Easter as on Christmas if that were the issue.

Christmas coincides with Yule, the pagan celebration of the Solstice. When the Catholic church began sending missionaries into the pagan areas such as Germany and Brittain, they adopted many of the Yule traditions and merged them into Christmas (such as decorating the tree, hanging lights, burning a yule log, etc).

Since the 2 solstices are the biggest of the pagan holidays, Christmas became one of the most celebrated by the converted pagans

 

[Kathi OD]

There is also the whole idea of gift-giving for Jesus' birthday. I don't know too many cultures that exchange gifts at the death of a loved one.

BTW...Easter is definitely the more important day, at least religiously speaking.

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

When Jesus was born, the Three Kings brought him gifts - Gold, Incense and Myhr. Easter he rose from the dead - just the gift of himself to us all.

 

[ead79]

It seems to me that Easter would be the more important holiday to Christianity. So how did Christmas become the bigger holiday in a predominately Christian nation? It seems to me that gift exchanges could just as easily have taken place on Easter as on Christmas if that were the issue.

From a religious perspective, Easter, celebrating Jesus' resurrection, is probably a bigger holiday. Of course, if Jesus had not been born, he could not have risen from the dead, so it does make some sense to celebrate His birth as well.

The gift exchange at Christmas is meant to represent the gifts the magi brought to Jesus after His birth and also the gift God gave us in sending His Son to earth for our salvation. So that's why the gift exchange happens at Christmas instead of Easter.

 

[HelenePA]

easter is another christmas at our home. this is also how it was done when I was growing up... Yes more presents to buy in 4 little months. Usually the kids get "outside" toys then. Bikes, Scooters ect because you cant use those in the middle of winter in PA. The kids are already talking about what the easter bunny is going to bring them.. and I really do wish I was kidding.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

It seems to me that Easter would be the more important holiday to Christianity. So how did Christmas become the bigger holiday in a predominately Christian nation? It seems to me that gift exchanges could just as easily have taken place on Easter as on Christmas if that were the issue.

Easter is about death and resurrection. Generally not a gift giving scenario in our culture.

Christmas is "new baby" which is a celebration that you give gifts.

Oh I see others posted the same thing.

 

[Galahad]

From a religious perspective, Easter, celebrating Jesus' resurrection, is probably a bigger holiday.

Unquestionably - the most important day and most important event.

 

[chell]

It seems to me that Easter would be the more important holiday to Christianity. So how did Christmas become the bigger holiday in a predominately Christian nation? It seems to me that gift exchanges could just as easily have taken place on Easter as on Christmas if that were the issue.

I've wondered the same. People seem to celebrate Christmas with more flare than they do Easter. Easter is much more low-key. I've always thought Easter should be celebrated more.

My opinion is that since we as human beings have a selfish side that is why we celebrate Christmas more because it is a time we receive gifts. I'm sure die-hard Christians do give more importance to Easter.

 

[monkeyboy]

Easter is a much BIGGER holiday but X-mas is more commercial

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

easter is another christmas at our home. this is also how it was done when I was growing up... Yes more presents to buy in 4 little months. Usually the kids get "outside" toys then. Bikes, Scooters ect because you cant use those in the middle of winter in PA. The kids are already talking about what the easter bunny is going to bring them.. and I really do wish I was kidding.

I thought this was just a tradition in our family! When I would wake up on Easter morning I'd have a big basket and then a bunch of wrapped presents as well. It was when I got my summer clothes mostly, and summer toys since I was a fall birthday and often was outgrowing last year's summer clothes already.

When I told my husband my family gives gifts on Easter (and I still get Easter gifts from my mom!) he looked at me like I had a second head lol. So I thought we were the only ones!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Unquestionably - the most important day and most important event.

Definitely so in our Catholic church!

 

[What the Heck]

Easter is a much BIGGER holiday but X-mas is more commercial

Actually, originally Christmas was banned in the US. It didn't become a federal holiday until US Grant was president.

The commercialization makes Christmas appear to be a bigger holiday. I believe even those who do not believe can celebrate the giving of gifts with family and friends. It's kind of a feel good thing, like others have said.

 

[GeorgeG]

We know that Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus and that is was adopted from the Pagans to do so. Many biblical scholars agree that Jesus was actually born during the Spring, possibly around April. There are some who say the three wise men did not appear at Jesus' doorstep until he about two years old (so much for the traditional nativity scene).

My guess it that the Christians simply adopted the Winter solstace so that they would have some dominence over both times of the year and that the Pagans would be displaced from their old beliefs.

In a biblical sense, Christmas, taken as a celebration of the birth of Jesus as a savior, seems equally important as Easter is taken as that savior resurected. All that is, of course, based on faith in the teachings of one's church of choice.

My take is that Easter is, or should be, the more solemn of the two even though Christians rejoice at the resurection part. Christmas, while deep in religious tradition, is more of a joyful celebration and gift giving seems to be part of biblical history. From there, the entire concept has been commercialized to pay homage to a host of manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. They are getting a decent grip on Easter, too.

Most of you know me as an atheist, but I do try to learn about such things. I haven't found anything yet that will change my way of thinking, but I do find the commercialism of Christmas a travesty to the fundamental beliefs of Christians.

 

[luvsJack]

Some Christian churches do not celebrate Christmas. Dh has a friend who is Jehovah's Witness and they do not celebrate Christmas at all. They only celebrate Easter.

In our church, Easter is celebrated as much as Christmas but it is a much more solemn celebration than Christmas. Our children have several activities and programs in the weeks leading up to Easter. Easter Sunday is basically a full day of worship in the church with Sunrise services, early am sermon and regular service time that is all music. In our home we also do gifts for the children, new clothes and a big family dinner, we just keep the non-religious parts of the day very low key.

 

[rie'smom]

Christmas is joyful.
Easter, while joyful, is preceded by the solemnity of the Crucifixion.

 

[Mr Man]

In the words of Joe Dirt's erstwhile Father,

"How exactly does the posi-trac rear end on a Plymouth work? It just does!"

I am cool with presents on Christmas & chocolate Easter Bunnies on Easter.

Neither distract me from the significance of these holy days.

Life is a Garden, Dig it!

 

[HelenePA]

since we are talking about easter.. anyone know why a BUNNY brings eggs? maybe I should just google it..

 

[Mr Man]

since we are talking about easter.. anyone know why a BUNNY brings eggs? maybe I should just google it..

I was kinda hoping the Da Vinci Code was going to 'splain this too......

 

[HelenePA]

Found this if you wanna know about the easter bunny and how it started..

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-the-Easter-Bunny-Got-His-Start&id=83822

How the Easter bunny got his start:

Easter has many symbols to share,so many of which we have even forgotten their origins. Take the bunny and egg symbols….how did we get from the sacrifice and rebirth of Jesus to a fluffy
bunny delivering eggs?? Well, I had that same question. So after a little searching I found some information I’d like to share with you. Well eggs have symbolized life and rebirth for centuries and they were adopted as a gift to give at Easter time between the royalty hundreds of years ago. They use to be crafted from gold and silver though not chocolate, personally I prefer the chocolate, yummy. Great detail was crafted on to those eggs and now they are worth a fortune to own. The egg giving was a symbol of Jesus sacrifice of his life. The rabbit or bunny has symbolized life,fertility and has been thought to bring spring by many cultures. Then long ago in a tale began of women who hide Easter treats for her children outside one
Easter Eve and when the next morning children went looking they saw a bunny next to their treats in what looked to them as a nest. Thus spread the tale of the Easter bunny delivering the eggs. It was later adopted by to add to our Easter celebrations. It’s amazing to me how that wonderfully fun bunny is packed with a message of springs’ rebirth and the sacrifices made to bring us all a new beginning.