NOT celebrating birthdays/holidays? - Page 2

[Mama Poot]

Well, if you don't follow a specific religion and aren't into the secular side of holidays then there's really no reason to celebrate them. Birthdays imo are overrated and celebrated the wrong way. Why should everyone make a big deal because I turned a year older? If anything, birthdays should be a celebration of your mother who gave birth to you (and in some cultures that IS how they are celebrated. ) We do have a birthday party for our boys, but since their birth days are so close together we just have one get-together for the family. Its really the grandparents and aunts that just like getting together and seeing our kids-otherwise we probably would not "celebrate" birthdays.

[mamazee]

I understand not needing a specific religion, but to do something as part of a religious community and in a religious community surrounded by others who have the same pracitices is easier than her feeling like the only person whose birthday isn't recognized. The parents have rights to choose to do things how they want, but doesn't the child have rights to have things how they want too? Personally, if there isn't a religious community this is done as a part of, I'd keep on eye on the child's feelings as she grows and try to find compromise where possible. Like maybe a small recognition at home but no parties would work for both parents *and* child if she's sad about not having birthdays and holidays. And then on the other hand, maybe the child will grow to want the same thing and there won't be a need for compromise.

Anyway, personally, I'd keep my eyes open and try to remain flexible and see how everyone is affected.

[Sage.Naissance]

If I may be so frank, I was always horrified by the fact that JWs dont celebrate. I am fairly non-judgemental about religions but I cannot imagine not celebrating. You dont have to celebrate particular religious holidays or traditional holidays that you dont believe in but I think celebration is EXTREMELY important! It is showing a reverence for something. Birth is one of those things that should ABSOLUTELY be celebrated! A birthday is a reason for everyone to get together and say 'wow, i am so glad you are alive' sure we can show this to them every day but the people we love warrant celebration. If you believe in jesus and love him then why not celebrate him? Celebrate spring, celebrate womanhood, celebrate the wonderful things in life. I just cannot understand how anyone would not want to sit back and appreciate the beautiful and meaningful things in their lives. It doesnt mean you have to celebrate things the way everyone else does, it doesnt mean being consumerist.
This is one of the things I absolutely love about Judiaism. There is so much celebration and reverence, time for rest, pause, reflection(shabbos), and holidays for such beautiful things.
I think it would be truly sad to grow up without celebrating. Some of my fondest moments from my childhood are from celebration and tradition. I cannot imagine not celebrating my children's birthdays.
I dont mean to offend anyone but I think this is one of the saddest things about the secularization of society(note that I am non religious) and I especially dont get it for religious reasons. How can you be religious and not celebrate? Scary.
I think its a sad world where we dont all get together and say 'wow isnt this beautiful, lets celebrate'.

[Learning_Mum]

I was never under the impression that witnesses don't celebrate, they just don't celebrate the big christian holidays because they believe that were created by someone else to bring pagans and christians together (which really they were - most christian holidays co-incide with pagan festivities). I can't remember the reason behind not celebrating birthdays (though it seems we have some witness Mamas here who can explain!).