>>>I'm still wondering where do I stand on this Christmas thing. As an unbeliever, I feel unsincere if I wish it to someone; it may be taken for "I do wish you well even if I don't believe any of it", but may also be taken as a false pretense. It also makes it hard to me to explain that the good wishes I receive from other people really are taken in good will, but then I'm lucky nobody asks for that sort of explanation :)
>>>
>>>Now since it's already late for xmas, and we have a pressing issue - which will inevitably happen regardless of anyone believing in it or not - so happy new year :)
>>>
>>>
>>>...oops, I almost forgot: and the century and the millenium.
>>>
>>>BTW, is there anyone else but Serbs who still use the old (Julian) calendar in the church? My (theoretical) Christmass would be January 7th, actually, because Julian calendar is now 13 days late.
>>
>>Hi Dragan,
>>
>>I could not sincere congratulate with Christmas either, as a Jew. Therefore I just accept congratulations, but respond with something neutral, like: "Happy Holidays to you too". When I received a nice greeting card from Nick with "Marry Christmas" I was provoked and responded with "Happy Kwanza" :)
>
>
>As a Jew I have no problem wishing someone a Merry Christmas out of respect for their beliefs, just as I believe those Christians who wish me a Happy Hanukkh are doing so out of respect for mine.
>
>From Christians who don't know that I am Jewish, I accept the spirit of the statement in its secular sense and respond in kind. A large part of the "meaning of Christmas," (peace on earth, good will towards all, etc.) can be extracted out as universals having no bearing on the existence of God or the acceptance of Christ as his son.
>
>For those who clearly impart to me the religious aspect of the greeting, I tend to thank them for the thought and then add that I am Jewish. Some are annoyed, some are embarrassed, some wish me Happy Hanukkah, and some are incredulous (sic) "You mean you don't believe in the baby Jesus?????"
>
>While the analogy is not exact, I also have no problem wishing people a Happy New Year, even though it is about 3 to 4 months too late.
>
>Finally, to those unfamiliar with the diversity of Jewish thinking, please note that this is not a "Jewish" outlook. They are simply the thoughts of one Jew and how I react to the world around me.

Hi Richard,

Interesting discussion, at least for me, :), but I think, it's better suited for Chatter section. In any case, I totally agree with that you're saying...
If Greetings are sincere, I accept them with gratitude. BTW, I celebrate two New Years :) and in this year - a new Millenium :)