When you don't celebrate Christmas it can be more than a little awkward to get "Merry Christmas" wishes multiple times a day. How can we best handle these sentiments? What are ways we can speak truth in a brief exchange at the checkout counter? How can we share our faith with coworkers and neighbors without jumping on the soapbox and having their defenses go up?
Many of you asked how I respond when someone says this to me. This is certainly not an exhaustive list of ideas, just a few things I find myself repeating at this time of year. Remind yourself that if someone wishes you a merry Christmas, or asks about your plans for the holiday, they probably sincerely mean well. You can respond with kindness without reverting to their words or even a "you too!" as you slip out the door.
Simple phrases to respond with:
"Have a good day/weekend/vacation!"
"Thank you for your kind wishes."
"I hope you have a nice time with your family."
"That's so kind of you to say! I actually don't celebrate Christmas but I appreciate the thought."
"I haven't celebrated Christmas for a few years now, so I don't really have any plans for the day. It's nice to not have the stress of shopping for gifts!"
"We decided to start celebrating the Biblical holidays in place of the cultural, so we haven't participated in Christmas activities for several years."
"I have felt God calling me to step back from the manmade holiday of Christmas. It's been an interesting journey and I'd love to tell you more about it sometime if you're interested."
"I don't celebrate Christmas anymore. I used to and totally get why you do. It's been quite a change but I feel like my faith has really grown because of it."
Of course, these are just ideas and phrases I use and you can customize them to fit your circumstances. It's not uncommon for me to use a couple at a time either. Usually I try to keep the tone of the conversation pretty upbeat. That's one reason I like to mention something that I enjoy about not celebrating Christmas - that my faith has grown or that I'm free from the stress of the holiday season.
I'd also encourage you to be honest and real with whoever you're talking to. Admitting that stepping away from Christmas was difficult can go a long way with the people who put their tree up in October and don't take it down until February. Hearing that you had conviction - and acted on that past the point of convenience and comfort - definitely gives the people in your life something to think about. It's nice to have a little more time to talk when you delve into this perspective, but that said you can certainly quickly convey the idea of "It has been hard, but it's really been worth it!"
Sharing sentiments like these is an invitation for the hearer to evaluate their own actions, and the concept of Christmas in general. Many people truly do not realize that Christmas is not a Biblical holiday, and won't unless someone can give them a gentle nudge. Remember that it's not your job to explain all the details or to convince someone that Christmas isn't YHWH's best for them. It's our job to plant seeds, and sharing our faith like this is one way we can do that.
More on Christmas:
Five Things Every Believer Should Know About Christmas
Quitting Christmas
The Christmas Question
The Hebrew's Guide to Getting Through December
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