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General Buddhism => General Buddhism => Topic started by: Jessie Fong on December 21, 2013, 12:29:38 PM
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Daniel Scharpenburg (wrote in The Elephant Journal) was asked if he celebrates Christmas.
So as a Buddhist, do you celebrate Xmas. It is just a few days away and soon the world will be celebrating Xmas, but do you have to be a Christian to celebrate Xmas?
I have always told my friends that as long as it is a holiday, I will celebrate. Why be selective? Join in the festivities. Celebrate with friends, neighbours, loved ones.
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I am sure different Buddhists will view Christmas differently. I don't think there is a wrong or right though i would imagine that hardcore Buddhists may think that any kind of celebration is samsaric and hence to be avoided and frowned upon.
Being far from hardcore, I will be celebrating because to me, Christmas is about being together with families and friends. It is the season to celebrate giving and forgiving. It is a time to celebrate loving and living. Christmas is not really about Christianity though it had been adopted by Christians as their main celebration - many may not know that it was originally a pagan festival. Although Christmas was central to Christianity, it has since become a celebration with a wide appeal - and people of all religions celebrate it today. So though i am Buddhist, i have always loved Christmas and for sure, I will celebrate Christmas with my family in my own way.
Merry Christmas everyone!
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As a Buddhist, I celebrate Xmas even though it is a Christian holiday. This is because Christmas is not just a religious holiday, not anymore. Now, it is more of a holiday to celebrate togetherness and family. Christmas is for everyone.
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Lots of Buddhist celebrates X Mas nowadays. It is not so much of a Christian celebration as it is celebrated throughout the world as a holiday. Every one loves XMas. It's a time for families to get together too. Celebrating XMas doesn't makes one less Buddhist. Merry Christmas to all!
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I celebrate Christmas, as it is a holiday in my country! ?
I celebrate Christmas, as it is a time to get together with my family members, a time to celebrate loving, generosity and forgiving and not so much as a religious holiday. It is also the time that we think of the kindness of people around us, such as our Guru, our parents, our family and be grateful to them. I would recite mantras and dedicate the merits to them.
Merry Christmas to all and may all have a joyous, peaceful, loving Christmas with your loved ones!
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I am not a Christian but in a way, I do celebrate Xmas. Although I do not attend the church to the Christmas mass and have a massive baking and cooking ritual, I will meet with some family members and friends. In a way, it is a celebration of not rushing to go work, but to go through the day on a more relaxed mood. Due to the fact that it is a holiday, I hope everyone would be able to spend some time off work spend some time with their loved ones.
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As a Buddhist we don't celebrate Christmas like the Christian do, but somehow or rather with the world becoming smaller with the Christmas promotion are everywhere it somehow get to you to ride on the spirit of Christmas which is to care and share. So, no harm done if we join in the fun and spirits of the season of joy and continue practicing Dharma and transform to be a better Buddhist.
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Although I am not a Christian but that does not mean that I am not allowed nor cant celebrate Xmas. I have family and friends who celebrate Xmas and I do so every year. It doesnt matter where you are or what celebrations, we all have to respect other people's traditions and believe. Its not such a big deal after all. And plus, we get to enjoy the holidays and the snow! ;D
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You can celebrate Christmas and still be a Buddhist as it shares the common thread of peace, love, caring and kindness to others.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and peace and joy for the holiday season.
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Of all the festivals Christmas is my favourite ! I love the decor put up everywhere , I love the music , I love the merry and fun atmosphere it has . I am not celebrating a particular person's birth or death ; but just celebrating that its coming to an end of a year and all around you people are mostly on holiday, feel relaxed and want to make efforts to spend time with their loved ones . When there is so much joy and generosity in the air its just contagious and want to make you happy too . Love this sharing !
Happy holidays everyone !
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No. I don't celebrate Christmas but since it is a holiday in my country, I used to watch Christmas cartoons when I was younger. Now it has just become another off day for me. Sad to say many holidays have become so commercialized. I feel that practicing to forgive and remember the kindness must be done every day, not just one day of one year. For us lay people our whole year is so much consumed with work and the free time is used for leisure only. What is the meaning of living?
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For many people who are new to Buddhism this is a common question,especially if they have a history upbringing in a Christian religion.
Everyone adjust at their own pace and Buddhism accommodates this without unnecessary pressure,it takes some longer than others to grow comfortable with it.
As Buddhist,it's important to remain compassionate towards all.The best way to find respect to my beliefs is showing respect for other people's beliefs.Any day is a good day for remembering the perfection of giving.
Merry Christmas everyone!
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I celebrate Christmas for sure! I was raised in a Christian family and although I do not attend church anymore since turning Buddhist, I still feel the excitement when the holiday comes around every year. It’s a time to see loved ones and friends, to get together and relax, a way to mark the end of the year together in style (although not as alcohol fuelled as I used to celebrate it!)
I have a friend who's parents immigrated to England before he was born, he is Buddhist. He celebrates Christmas too, but not the religious aspects. His extended family used to get together when they could to meet up and be together whenever they could. One of these times was obviously during the Christmas Holidays. As time went on and he attended school, he would hear the stories of decorated trees and presents, something he recounted to his parents furiously. His parents then decided to follow the tradition of decorations and presents and the good food soon followed. Now his family celebrated Christmas bigger in style and grander than most Christians I know!!! Lol. Christmas is more than a Christian holidays these days. In fact most of the Christians I know don’t even go to church or really talk about the birth of Christ during Christmas.
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I find December to be one of the best times of the year. The many religions that share holidays in December (including Buddhism) often share the common thread of peace, love, caring for others, and kindness to one another. That’s something we can all celebrate.
So what can you, as a Buddhist, do on Christmas? More than you can think! Since Buddhism focuses on the end of suffering (both physical and mental), it’s only natural we help each other while we are here on earth together.
Here are some things you can do as a Buddhist during Christmas:
Give a Thoughtful Gift. While Buddhists strive for non-attachment to material things, we also believe in practicing kindness. A truly thoughtful gift which shows you have paid to attention to someones needs and feelings is much more important than a meaningless stocking stuffer. Do you have a deeply religious Christian friend? A gift that shows you respect their faith and shows love and kindness is always appreciated. Do you have a friend that seems to be down during the holiday season? A gift of being there for them and asking if they would like to talk shows that you have taken the time to see them in their time of need. If you are getting a gift for a Buddhist friend, read this.
Help a Person in Need. We all know someone who needs our help, whether they are a family member, close friend, or even a homeless person on the street asking for spare change. Everyone has a different need, but we can help as much as we can. Buddhists frequently give money when asked by someone in need (such as a homeless person), or helping someone during a difficult time if only being there to listen. You may find that buying a few grocery gift cards from the supermarket and giving them to people in need will mean more than any electronic gadget ever will. Jesus said “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” (Matt. 19:21)
Plant Seeds of Kindness. Buddhists plant seeds of kindness by doing the most basic things such as holding the door open for a person with their hands full, paying for the coffee of the next five people in line behind you, or just giving a hug. There is no reciprocation needed or expected! Just the act of being kind will benefit you both in ways you cannot imagine.
Help an Animal. Often forgotten, animals also feel cold, pain, hunger, and fear like every living creature. I often carry around a bag of cat, dog, and bird food in my car to share with an animal in need such as a hungry homeless kitty on a cold night. You many also do what Americans are wonderful at, donating to charities and there are many wonderful ones that support animals such as the Humane Society, ASPCA, your local shelter where you can volunteer, etc. Oh, and a little toy to your own furry companion will make them happy (yes, sometimes it is the little things). Catholics may know of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, who preached sermons to animals during his lifetime.
Practice Loving-Kindness Meditation. Sometimes the gift we should give to help others starts with us. Loving-Kindness meditation allows you to create positive change within you of Friendliness (metta), Compassion (karuna), Appreciative Joy (mudita), and Equanimity (upekkha). What a wonderful thing! This meditation focuses on sending loving thoughts to a respected person (such as a teacher, so many Buddhists include the Buddha), a loved one (such as a family member or close friend), a neutral person (perhaps a cashier you don’t know), and a hostile person (someone you are having difficulty with). Sharing the practice of loving-kindness with children helps them understand more about compassion and love for others, and not just about material things (Buddhanet has a great page about it).
But why stop during the holiday season? Practice the above at all times of the year!
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I have come across Budhdist who are anti Christmas because it is associated with God and Jesus Christ and I have for sure come across Christians who would never celebrate Wesak because it is associated with Buddha.
What does celebrating something really means? If I'm a non Christian I decidd to hold a party on Christmas because it's a public holiday and I have some general Christmas decoration, etc, or I attend other Christmas party, does that mean I'm celebrating Christmas? In my opinion you do not! You simply celebrating something but happens to concede with Christmas Day only from the perspective of date.
I don't think buddhist really celebrate Christmas per say as in Buddhists do not celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and his purpose in life.
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:-* I love Christmas. And I celebrate as a Buddhist. It is a time to be Jolly and Merry. I love Christmas carols. 8) There is something about Xmas that uplifts my spirit. There is no logical explanation for this and I don't need any to celebrate togetherness and love.
Merry Xmas and Happy 2014!
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I am sure different Buddhists will view Christmas differently. I don't think there is a wrong or right though i would imagine that hardcore Buddhists may think that any kind of celebration is samsaric and hence to be avoided and frowned upon.
Being far from hardcore, I will be celebrating because to me, Christmas is about being together with families and friends. It is the season to celebrate giving and forgiving. It is a time to celebrate loving and living. Christmas is not really about Christianity though it had been adopted by Christians as their main celebration - many may not know that it was originally a pagan festival. Although Christmas was central to Christianity, it has since become a celebration with a wide appeal - and people of all religions celebrate it today. So though i am Buddhist, i have always loved Christmas and for sure, I will celebrate Christmas with my family in my own way.
Merry Christmas everyone!
I agree with WisdomBeing. Christmas is about giving and forgiving. This is what we should do anyway on a daily basis if we are truly practising the dharma. I join in the celebrations of Christmas with my friends who celebrate it because of their religion. As a dharma practitioner, interfaith harmony is very important.
So for me to celebrate with my friends who do celebrate is a gesture of love, kindness, respect and compassion. Just like HHDL visited a church to prayed in front of Jesus.
(http://[url=http://wp.patheos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/blogs/americanbuddhist/files/2013/06/dalai-lama-meditating-before-Jesus.jpg]http://wp.patheos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/blogs/americanbuddhist/files/2013/06/dalai-lama-meditating-before-Jesus.jpg[/url])
Interfaith harmony is the key.
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Christmas is really not a religious celebration and I think there's not a problem if Buddhists partake in its celebration. Buddhism has always been accepting of other faiths because it sees the world as a means to practice Dharma. I believe there are some lamas like Lama Yeshe which has turned the whole Christmas celebration and the reason for its celebration into a powerful and excellent teaching.
The Spirit of Christmas: SILENT MIND, HOLY MIND
December 2006 / January 2007 Issue
By Lama Thubten Yeshe
Dateline: December 1970s: Kathmandu. Absorbed in their Tibetan lamas’ teachings on Buddhist meditation, some Western students don’t know quite what to do about their tradition of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ – and the inevitable gift-giving impulses of Christmas.
Lama Thubten Yeshe makes it easy for them.
Mandala presents an excerpt from a series of Lama Yeshe’s Christmas teachings originally published by Wisdom Publications in 1978 under the title Silent Mind, Holy Mind.
This is the week of Holy Jesus’ birth, and I suggest that in honor of this special event we make some sort of celebration. But we should try to make it meaningful. It should not be some sort of physical sensation, bringing only more confusion and superstition to our minds.
For a Christmas celebration to be a good one, it must be of a truly religious nature. Jesus came to this Earth and presented his teachings, but worldly beings completely disregard this fact. For them, Christmas means – first and foremost – spending money, buying presents, and creating confusion. Such confusion is entirely of our own making. We have the power to make Christmas meaningful, peaceful, and truly religious, but instead of using this power we succumb to worldly negative energy. We go shopping to buy presents, but this is not done with anything even resembling a loving attitude. We think, “I really must buy something for my sister, because if I don’t give her anything, maybe she won’t like me anymore. Maybe she won’t give me anything either.” Or, “I better not get my friend a cheap present, or I might not get anything valuable back from him next year.” Such thoughts are extremely negative, leading to nothing but dissatisfaction. They are totally involved with egotistic and immature notions about what true happiness is. They have nothing whatsoever to do with religion.
True religion brings peace and satisfaction to the mind. Actions that arouse only confusion serve no religious function at all. They stem instead from a political mind that thinks, “If I give this, I’ll get that in return.” Such a mind is extremely immature. It delights when many presents are received, and is depressed when expectations go unfulfilled. What difference, then, is there between such a mind and that of a small child? We consider ourselves to be grown up, but our actions and attitudes show us to be little different from our children. They exaggerate the importance of receiving gifts, and so do we. In fact, their exaggerated expectation of their minds of confusion and dissatisfaction are mainly developed by watching us. If we were to act in a consistently mature and meaningful way, our children would also become peaceful. We sometimes think that they are naturally berserk, and that we are something special but this is not so. Check up and see exactly what happens when a holiday approaches. We are the ones who create the commotion. The first thing that happens at the beginning of a holiday is that husband and wife, brother and sister and so forth begin to fight with one another. Be honest, and investigate the truth of this. I am not trying to be excessively negative; just check up and see if this is true or not. Holiday bickering has so much jealousy in it, “Let me see, what did you get? What did you get?” Such a dualistic mind is totally submerged in selfishness and wrong conceptions.
This deluded behavior is not common only to one type of culture. It can be found everywhere. Similarly, the antidote to this confusion is not taught merely in Buddhism. All religions strive to counter unsatisfactory, confused attitudes and bring us peace of mind.
It is characteristic of materialistic people that they believe their happiness and frustration to be totally dependent on internal phenomena and possessions. If they do not receive enough ice cream and cake they are despondent: “I feel so empty. This Christmas has been such a flop I could die!” For them, the success or failure of a religious holiday depends entirely on material things. They cannot discover peace and happiness within their own consciousness, depending instead on some external, physical sign of “love.” It does not matter how much they might profess to be spiritual; their minds are completely obsessed by the gross, material level of reality.
The investigation of such matters is Dharma, the true religious pursuit. Dharma study does not mean something coming out of the sky from another world. It deals directly with such questions as our motivation, what we are thinking and feeling right now in the midst of our everyday life.
If we don’t not make an attempt to control the negative, confused mind, then there is no such thing as Christianity, there is no Buddhism, no Mahayana. There is nothing worthwhile! We must recognize the negative mind for what it is, and then slowly begin to find a solution for the pain it causes ourselves and others. In this way our mind can be brought to a state of everlastingly peaceful realization. If we do nothing to correct our motivation and distorted ways of thinking, then Christmas exists merely for the ego. Although supposedly making a celebration for Jesus, what we are actually doing is completely degenerate.
Therefore, if you want to come to this Christmas celebration and bring a present, the best present you can bring is a peaceful mind. If you can make such an offering with true love for one another, that is enough. There is no need for too much physical activity.
Many Westerners have come to the East to study with gurus and lamas after becoming dissatisfied with the religions they found in their native countries. There then arises the great danger that when they return to the West they will speak harshly of those religions. This is useless activity; it is extremely harmful to oneself. From a psychological point of view, such discriminations and angry criticisms are a sign of mental illness. Why? Because the source of all our problems is our own mental projections. In the entire Earth there is no such thing as self-existent, permanent “problem.” Therefore, since difficulties arise only because of the deluded way we view things, our emotional criticism of another religious tradition is completely misguided, and psychologically unsound. It is egomaniacal to deny our own responsibilities, and place blame on a completely inappropriate object.
Furthermore, Buddha himself set, as one commitment upon receiving an empowerment to practice his most powerful tantric teachings, the vow not to disparage with hostility any philosophical or religious doctrine whatsoever.
He knew that receiving such special initiations and teachings could lead to arrogance, and established this precept specifically to counter it. For these reasons, then we should guard ourselves against all sectarian thought.
It is our habit to make constant comparisons between things. Our thoughts run to partisanship very readily. Whatever we identify as our own automatically becomes “the best,” and we feel it is our duty to fight with anyone who holds a contrary opinion. Our false feeling of superiority compels us to look down on anything we feel to be opposed to our beliefs. As a result, we often end up criticizing something, merely because we do not understand it. This is nothing but a sign of ignorance.
For example, in the Bible it says that God created everything. Many of us might rebel at such a statement, but perhaps it is only because we cannot grasp its psychological importance. Maybe it would be better for us if we could learn to interpret things less literally and be more flexible in our approach. In this way realizations would have a chance to grow. We should understand that Westerners have such a strong desire to be free and independent. “I want to take care of myself.” “I want to do my own thing.” “I, I, I, I, I.” Even if someone offers us help, we reject it: Such a selfish misinterpretation of freedom is the cause of so many problems that it would be extremely beneficial to correct it somehow. Therefore, the teachings that say that God created everything, including ourselves, can be a very effective antidote to our false pride. Our self-attachment lessens as respect for something greater than ourselves grows. This presents us with an alternative to respecting only ourselves, and taking refuge only in our own petty ego.
We here have great respect for Jesus, and since so many of my students are from the West, we have decided to hold this Christmas festival. But we must try to make it meaningful. From the time we were born up until now, how many festivals have we attended. How did we behave during them? How did they affect our minds? Check up. Because of materialistic concerns, troubles came, didn’t they? For instance, when shopping for food, presents and the like, we argued over the price: “How much did you say that was? That That’s much too much. Don’t try to cheat me!” In such ways Christmas has brought us nothing but confusion. This is not a criticism of Christmas; I have great respect for Lord Jesus. It is we ourselves who are confused and are therefore responsible for Christmas’ confusion. Jesus brought teachings to show us how to be peaceful. Out of respect for him, his birth festival should also be peaceful. If it is not, this clearly shows that we have not understood what he taught at all. We may think that a proper show of respect, a true festival, depends on how much physical preparation we make. But only an advanced and controlled mind can deal with external materials without attachment. Ordinary minds quickly become involved in petty, selfish ego concerns.
Similarly, we think that the sign of a true religious teaching is that a large number of people profess to follow it. But it is not necessary for a true teaching to attract a large number of people. Again, it is just the materialistic, political, confused mind that thinks the highest truth must have a big congregation, great temples or churches, many monks and nuns, and so forth. No! These things in themselves are a sign of nothing. They do not determine the purity and quality of what a particular religion teaches. If such external criteria are used as guidelines, there will be no way to discover the treasure of everlasting peace existing within the mind, of all sentient beings.
When Jesus was living on this Earth, there were no churches and such. His religion was not divided up into many groups and societies with people saying, “I’m a member of this sect; what denomination are you?” Things had not yet tightened up to the point where the religious follower felt compelled to choose one path or another. In this respect, at least, the people were much more liberated than we are today. Whatever they did in terms of their religion was done honestly and sincerely. Nowadays when you ask someone why he follows a particular religious tradition, he is likely to say, “Because my father did,” or “Because that church is near my house.” It is ridiculous to follow a particular set of teachings for these reasons. Others belong to a certain religion because it has the largest congregation in town. This also has nothing whatsoever to do with the true spirit journey.
One solitary being sincerely actualizing the everlasting peaceful path to liberation is more precious than a whole host of confused beings shouting. “This is my religion!” Such people may easily criticize the sincere seeker, despising him for holding beliefs contrary to those of the multitudes. Sheer numbers count for nothing in spiritual terms. It does not matter how many people are engaged in building a church, temple, or monastery; if they lack true religious feeling, their actions mean nothing.
I am not against religion. I like all religions. But our religion must be meaningful, and for this to happen we must transform ourselves inwardly. We do not become more religious by constructing more buildings, wearing beautifully adorned robes, or even by escaping into a mountain retreat. Without understanding, these actions are meaningless.
An individual’s religion is the wisdom he has integrated into his consciousness. It is this, and not the external trappings, that is the true mark of religion. Religious art, for instance, is not religion. An image of Jesus or Buddha is not religion. Religion is understanding. It is a completely internal matter.
Therefore, if our Christmas celebration is to be truly religious, it is important to remember who Jesus was, what he did and what he stood for. In this way we can understand how he benefited so many sentient beings and why he has been such a positive force, not merely in his own time, but throughout the last 2000 years, and up to the present day.
Jesus had exceptionally great compassion. It is very good to check up on this fact, and consider it deeply.
If the thought comes to our mind, “I must gain his realizations and become as compassionate as he was,” then this is the most perfect basis on which to have a celebration of his birth. With this feeling in our hearts, a Christmas festival can be very meaningful and worthwhile.
[Silent Mind, Holy Mind is currently out of print but available as a spiral bound paper copy from the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive www.lamayeshe.com/acatalog/smhm.html (http://www.lamayeshe.com/acatalog/smhm.html)]
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Christmas, New Year, Wesak, Prophet Muhammad birth's etc... this is all the day devotees will celebrate. Why not ask it from another angle? Does Christians celebrate Wesak? That's easy to answer. For me, i think it is only natural that everyone in the world would celebrate Christmas Day even for a Buddhist as it is not entirely about celebrating Christ being born on the day but it is about people getting together to have fun and mingle around. Through the years and centuries, i feel celebrations such as Christmas Day actually brings people together. I was a born Christian but now a Buddhist but i still celebrate Christmas and join in Christmas and New Year parties as well.
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I guess it all boils down to HOW we celebrate Christmas is it not? Christmas like most festive occasions have become somewhat of a lackluster religious celebration. Take for example:
Christians celebrate the birth of Christ on “Christmas” which is December 25th each year. Why? Because before the conversion to Christianity, the Romans loved their popular holiday on the Southern Solstice (called bruma), which was celebrated on December 25th (it’s also where the “gift giving” comes from). Fast forward to today, and it is widely believed that December 25th is the true date of the birth of Jesus, yet every scholar admits nobody knows the true date of the birth of Jesus.
And not admittedly, its become a buying spree of gifts, etc when in fact it should really reflect the birth of a holy being... and where did the Christmas tree come about? Jesus was born in a manger in the holy land and NOT in the alpine mountains...
My point. whatever religion one is, it really does not matter as long as we "celebrate" the acceptance of each other's difference and rejoice in each other's realizations and wisdom. Let us not get caught up with lables!
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Most people are of the opinion that you do not need to be a Christian to celebrate Xmas. And rightly so. Xmas is a season of giving, and anyone and everyone is capable of that. And does not all religions subscribe to the practice of Giving? And the celebration brings the people together in the spirit of Xmas.
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Personally yes but not as a Christian because I am Buddhist. I do not decorate my home and have a Christmas tree and things like that. Christmas is just a holiday where many friends celebrate and we just join in; even in the gift giving albeit only to children. I think we can practice generosity with the Christmas as a "reason". Why not? Turn every opportunity to practice the Dharma.
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No. Buddhist does not celebrate Christmas because it is a Christian celebration, not a Buddhist one. Yes, some buddhist do because we live is a world where there are Christian friends, as we join in the celebrations. Just another holidays for some. Also, Christmas is perhaps the most secular religious celebration there is and is very well marketed.
For me, I think Jesus Christ was a Boddhisattva because he advocated compassion, forgivingness and generosity. It is the most successful religion in the world today.
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Does it matter so much to label whether a person needs to be a Christian in order to celebrate Christmas? Christmas is just a label that is named to celebrate togetherness, forgiveness, celebration of joy, giving, generosity, kindness, team work, hard work done etc.
Christmas is such a beautiful festive celebrated all around the world to celebrate being together as a human kind to ANYONE who does NOT have to be Christian at all.
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Everyone can celebrate the spirit of Christmas which is the act of giving like i do. Its a day where people who knows about christmas think of anyone you've loved/love, anyone who you wish to pay gratitude to. I dont celebrate christmas but got gifts for people i am closed with.
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No doubt Christmas has been hyped up by the Americans and the Entertainment industry to be very commercialised, it is still a season of giving and sharing. So, I do celebrate Christmas with family and friends. As a Buddhist, we are encouraged to give to others. What a better time to give and share the joy than to celebrate with our Christian friends.
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Most of the Buddhist i know do celebrate Christmas together with their Christian friends. Its a time for getting together to make the friendship bond stronger. No matter what your religion ,everyone are still very nice people. Good friends stick around when we needed help and lend a shoulder when we are down. During Buddhist or Christian festivals friens and everyone should get together to celebrate and enjoy because its a happy occasion .. It's a sign of Peace and Harmony.
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Personally yes but not as a Christian because I am Buddhist. I do not decorate my home and have a Christmas tree and things like that. Christmas is just a holiday where many friends celebrate and we just join in; even in the gift giving albeit only to children. I think we can practice generosity with the Christmas as a "reason". Why not? Turn every opportunity to practice the Dharma.
Decorating the home during Christmas and having a Christmas tree is NOT being Christian at all. On the contrary it is furthest from the truth. Certain decorative elements do have Christian connotations like the Nativity scene, the Star of David on the tree or perhaps even Christian ornaments on the tree like crosses or "angels" (even this one is debatable as not only Christians believe in angels!)
However, going to Church for Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of Jesus is being Christian! Even the gift giving is not exclusively for Christians on Christmas day... should it not be Christmas every day of our lives? We should cultivate giving and compassion in our daily lives. That is and should be the practice of all and not just some.
Just my thoughts on these and let us not pigeon hole ourselves into thinking Christmas festivities are only for Christians, Buddhist festivities are only for Buddhist, Muslim festivities are only for Muslims, Jewish festivities are only for Jews, etc etc... time to get rid of the labels and move on. Let us celebrate the similarities we all have and not merely highlight the differences and segregate ourselves even more!
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I am quite confused with the question... What's the big deal of celebrating christmas or not? Is it a question to ask if Buddhists are allowed to celebrate celebrations from other religious beliefs?
If that is the question then obviously it's fine. Buddhism is a religion that encourages harmony and tolerance, so of course there would not be a problem to share the joy of another person's religious belief.
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I am a Buddhist who take part of Christmas celebration yearly with Christian friends and family. ;D As Buddhist, we need to respect and support other's beliefs.
Christmas is definitely not exclusive to Christians anymore. It was once upon a time, but no longer is. While Christians celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus, people from all faith takes the opportunity of this holiday season to be share the warm of love and giving. The birth of Jesus is compassion and love. Christmas stands for that. There's no reason why Buddhist can't get together for Christmas though the reason for "celebration" is not in relation to worshipping Christ.