Why Some People Don't Celebrate Christmas

While December is traditionally viewed as a time for feasting and family reunions, a significant portion of the population treats the holidays as just another day on the calendar. The motivations behind this vary widely, encompassing religious beliefs, distinct cultural backgrounds, and personal experiences involving family conflict or rejection.

For individuals such as Flávia Raquel Teodoro Rotiroti and Elaine Cristina dos Santos Barboza, the decision stems from religious doctrine. Flávia, a member of the Cristã Congregation, and Elaine, a Jehovah's Witness, cite the absence of biblical support for the December 25th date. Sociologist Clemir Fernandes provides historical context, noting that while Easter has been celebrated since the first century, Christmas only appeared in the fourth century. Consequently, it is not unusual for certain Christian groups to abstain from official celebrations. Outside of religious refusal, some individuals, like nurse Nathalia Bastos, reject the holiday based on personal distaste for perceived hypocrisy. Furthermore, cultural traditions outside of Christianity, such as Indigenous rites and Eastern religions, operate on different calendars, viewing Christmas as a foreign or commercial concept rather than a spiritual one.

For many believers, the refusal to celebrate Christmas is rooted in theological study rather than a rejection of joy. Flávia Raquel Teodoro Rotiroti, a physician, explains that certain evangelical denominations do not observe the holiday because the Bible does not specify December 25th as the birth of Jesus. She describes the celebration as a commercial event filled with symbolic figures like Santa Claus. Flávia has never celebrated Christmas, as her family was evangelical during her childhood.

Elaine Cristina dos Santos Barboza, a nanny, stopped celebrating 28 years ago after beginning Bible studies. She notes that while she previously celebrated with family, she learned that the festival does not relate to Jesus' birth but rather that he commanded his followers to commemorate his death. Clemir Fernandes, deputy director of the Institute for the Study of Religion, clarifies that Christmas did not always hold its current central place in Christianity. While Easter dates back to the first century, historical records of Christmas celebrations only appear in the fourth century. He states that while some Christian groups do not officially celebrate, they may still hold family gatherings.

Families who opt out of traditional celebrations often face the challenge of explaining their choices to children. Elaine reports that her adult children grew up without missing the holiday because they were raised within the faith. She emphasizes that the family celebrates frequently throughout the year, renting halls and properties for parties, ensuring children remain entertained. Regarding her granddaughter, she notes that the child celebrates with other grandparents, maintaining a balance.

Flávia also avoids isolating her children from the festive atmosphere. She allows them to admire the lights and trees in the city and neighbors' homes. If asked, she explains that their religion does not celebrate, but she sees no issue with decorations, noting she missed them as a child. She has already purchased year-end gifts and prioritizes open communication if questions arise. Elaine finds joy in giving presents outside of commercial schedules, stating that the surprise is more delightful when unexpected.

Not all disinterest in Christmas is religious; some stem from personal distaste. Nurse Nathalia Bastos simply dislikes the date, arguing that it lacks sincerity to celebrate the birth of someone who was crucified and continues to be 'crucified' daily. She recalls cruel family comments during the holidays and urges people to practice love without judgment. Clemir Fernandes observes that Christmas is increasingly distancing itself from religious meaning, becoming a celebration of food, drink, and gifts that brings both joy and conflict even among Christians.

Indigenous traditions offer distinct perspectives. The writer Yaguarê Yamã explains the tradition of Çuriçawara, or 'the day of happiness.' This ancestral date celebrates joy and communion between humans and forest spirits, featuring two figures, grandmother Hary and grandfather Karimã, rather than a single Santa Claus. Culturally, Christmas is not central in non-Christian societies. In Islamic countries like Indonesia and Turkey, Jesus is a prophet, but the major holidays are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. In Buddhist nations like China and Japan, the focus is Vesak, marking Buddha's life events. For Jews, the holiday is Hanukkah. In Hinduism, Taoism, and Shintoism, December 25th holds at most commercial significance. Fernandes concludes that while Christianity has cultural weight, it is not universal, and many traditions view Christmas as entirely foreign.