The x-mas conundrumFollow

Just because some incredibly obscure fact out of nowhere doesn't mean that people are interpretting it differently.

People DO use Xmas as an abbreviation, people DO use it disrespectfully, people DO use it as a means to remove "Christ" from "Christmas" as most people DO NOT know ancient Greek. It is not the semantics that is of question, it is the motivation behind it.

The "fu[b][/b]cktards" are the ones who assume that people act denotatively.

You're kidding right? This is no comparison what-so-ever. ****** is not an abbreviation for black people.

Besides, my argument remains and you haven't addressed it. Do you hear people actually say "x-mas" - I don't. I only see it in writing which, to me, says it's just an abbreviation.

It is only an example of how people take words and twist them from thier real orginal meanings to use them how they wish. I will see if I can dig up some info such as this on Xmas. I know for a fact there was a case at a school that the school was calling it Christmas and there was a mother in rage saying it should be called Xmas because of seperation of church and state.

No it actually doesn't. I was ignorant to the orginal meaning of Xmas. I had only heard it used in regards to what I mentioned above. I only replied with this because I was trying to prove a point that words do stray from thier orginal meanings.



Edited, Mon Nov 21 12:03:36 2005 by Proroc

I don't celebrate Christmas, really.
I don't put decorations up in my house, or listen to christmas music, or get a tree, or put up lights, or wear both red and green at the same time...

Typically, i hate traditions.
I think that doing something because thats what always has been done is kind of a weak reason to do something. I've just never understood tradition. I'd rather do something different.

-However-. The family christmas gathering is one of only a few big traditions i do partake in. I love buying presents for my family and friends, I like getting presents as well. I love all the tasty desserts and food that shows up that time of year. I like seeing so much of my family all at once, and I like seeing them all look happy, which they always do this time of year.

I'm not a christian. I was raised as such, but had what you may call a "crisis of faith" or whatever at a certain point, and basically left the church... i'd elaborate, but it's a tangent and is not important.

As far as i'm concerned, Christmas is just a time of year to be giving, to reconnect with family, and eat more than necessary.

The bottom line is that I kind of celebrate it because that's what my family does that time of year, so I guess it's tradition.

Because Lord knows, you can't address a group of people. You have to address everyone.


B/c the difference between "can" and "can't" is important.

Edited, Mon Nov 21 12:54:18 2005 by NephthysWanderer

I mean, a pagan holiday that was co-opted by christianity that's basically gone back to being a pagan holiday, how cool is that?

He is clearly directing his comment at those who are "not willing to call it Christmas", not for abbreviations sake, but those who are taking "Christ" out and inserting and X for secular sake.

His statement can still be valid either way, his target just became smaller due to things outside of his understanding.

I would put money on the fact that 99% of the people who use Xmas have no freakin clue that it is technically an appropriate abbreviation. Anyone willing to put money on a made-up statistic that will never be researched? Huh?

That's what I thought.

Many people celebrate Christmas without Christ in it, but still call it Christmas.

Just how does one even pronounce x-mas? Is it 'ex-mass' or 'zzeh-mass'(kinda like the x sound in xylophone)?

If Christmas for non christians is going to undergo an evolutionary name change we ought to step in right now and change it to something a bit more meaningful or at least something with a nicer sound to it.

I suggest "Race Day".

(now you ask "what race"?)

The Human Race of course.

Same here. I thought everyone who used XMas knew that that's a valid way of saying it

Unliterate? That's unpossible!