# Why can't people just use Christ??? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 5, 1999, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844 "1999-12-05T22:45:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![counterattackii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/41988e/32.png) [@counterattackii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/counterattackii)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 1999, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/1 "1999-12-05T22:45:00Z")
I think it is rather ignorant to leave Christ out of Christmas, and using X-mas instead. Are people so afraid of pissing someone off with the name of the holiday that it was STARTED FOR having Christ in it? Granted, in general Christmas means Santa Claus, but still… has Separation from Church and State really gone that far? I find it ridiculous… * * * Ignorance isn’t bliss. It is just another way of shooting yourself in the foot. ---
**Author:** ![muffinman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e8c25b/32.png) [@muffinman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muffinman)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 1999, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/2 "1999-12-05T23:03:00Z")
I have to agree with you… Ignorance is not bliss, cuz you don’t seem to be very happy in that state. Hey… Don’t go crazy, I’m just playin around! X-mas as a shortened version for Christmas originated in the early church.originated with early Greek Christians. X is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ: Xristos. Later, the word X-MAS came to mean “Christ’s Mass” Besides… how you write the word is not that big a deal. There are too many real problems in the world to give something like this a second thought. * * * I heard a knock at the door of my heart, but it was a vacuum cleaner salesman! ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/3 "1999-12-06T01:12:00Z")
Xmas is the original form & it’s most excellent. Christmas is the modern form & it has a second definition [or used to]: Ki•riti•mati \ke-"ris-mes—sic\ or formerly Christ•mas "kris-mes island (atoll) in the Line Islands; largest atoll in the Pacific area 234 sq mi (608 sq km), pop 674 ©1996 Zane Publishing, Inc. and Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. All rights reserved. ---
**Author:** ![neuro-trash\_grrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/3ab097/32.png) [@neuro-trash\_grrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neuro-trash_grrrl)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/4 "1999-12-06T01:15:00Z")
“Why can’t people just use Christ???” …for all your stain-removal needs! * * * “That’s entertainment!” —Vlad the Impaler ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/5 "1999-12-06T01:17:00Z")
I use Christ every morning. Hey Ma, just one cavity! * * * Elmer J. Fudd, Millionaire. I own a mansion and a yacht. ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/6 "1999-12-06T01:28:00Z")
I write xmas because a) it is shorter and b) I’m not a Christian and I’d rather not use Christian words in a holiday if I don’t have to. To me xmas is a holiday for being nice to everyone, thinking of those less fortunate than yourself, and giving presents. In our house, Christ has no part in it and I don’t want him to. * * * – Teeming Millions: [http://fathom.org/teemingmillions](http://fathom.org/teemingmillions) “Meat flaps, yellow!” - DrainBead, naked co-ed Twister chat O p a l C a t [www.opalcat.com](http://www.opalcat.com) ---
**Author:** ![Spiritus\_Mundi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c68b51/32.png) [@Spiritus\_Mundi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiritus_Mundi)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/7 "1999-12-06T04:21:00Z")
I tried to use Christ, but it gave me a rash and I decided to think for myself instead. * * * - The best lack all conviction The worst are full of passionate intensity. \* ---
**Author:** ![SanibelMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@SanibelMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanibelMan)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/8 "1999-12-06T04:36:00Z")
Christ isn’t looking forward to his next [birthday](http://www.theonion.com/onion3544/jesus_birthday.html), appearently. But you can now try his salvation in a [gel](http://www.cbsradio.com/MP3/salgel.mp3) form! (MP3 Link) Now available in Razzle-Dazzleberry! * * * _ **SanibelMan** _ - [My Homepage](http://members.macconnect.com/~jonkleinow/) I could be doing something, but… _why?_ ---
**Author:** ![SanibelMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@SanibelMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanibelMan)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/9 "1999-12-06T04:40:00Z")
(grumble) Let’s try that again: Christ isn’t too happy about his upcoming birthday: [http://www.theonion.com/onion3544/jesus\_birthday.html](http://www.theonion.com/onion3544/jesus_birthday.html) But his salvation does now come in gel form!: [http://www.cbsradio.com/mp3/salgel.mp3](http://www.cbsradio.com/mp3/salgel.mp3) * * * _ **SanibelMan** _ - [My Homepage](http://members.macconnect.com/~jonkleinow/) I could be doing something, but… _why?_ ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/10 "1999-12-06T07:00:00Z")
Anyway, as we all know, Christmas was stolen by the Christians. It was perfectly happy being a pagan ceremony for so many other peoples, like Saturnalia, and MidWinter’s Festival, and stuff like that. I’d prefer to think of Christmas as a family occasion, when you gather together and have a good time, eat loads of stuff, and give gifts to the little kids (if that’s your thing). Outside of that, it sucks. * * * -PIGEONMAN- Hero For A New Millennium! [The Legend Of PigeonMan](http://www.hotkey.net.au/~guanolad/pigeonman/) - updates every Wed & Sat. If I can be bothered. ---
**Author:** ![lvick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d07c76/32.png) [@lvick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lvick)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/11 "1999-12-06T10:44:00Z")
For the same reason some people can’t use science fiction; they can’t suspend disbelief. Ho Ho Ho, Larry ---
**Author:** ![Koxinga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4af34b/32.png) [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/12 "1999-12-06T12:39:00Z")
Sung to the tune of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic”: Jesus does his shopping at the Johnson Grocery Store, Jesus does his shopping at the Johnson Grocery Store, Jesus does his shopping at the Johnson Grocery Store . . . Jesus Saves! Jesus Saves! Jesus Saves! DHR ---
**Author:** ![Guy\_Propski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/5e9695/32.png) [@Guy\_Propski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guy_Propski)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/13 "1999-12-06T13:31:00Z")
I use Xmas for the same reason I use IIRC, WAG, and FYI–it’s shorter. Besides, do you honestly think saying Xmas instead of Christmas is going to cause people to forget who the holiday is about? Like, maybe it’s really Malcolm X’s birthday we’re celebrating? ---
**Author:** ![pldennison](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@pldennison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pldennison)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/14 "1999-12-06T13:38:00Z")
> [@](#): > > I think it is rather ignorant to leave Christ out of Christmas, and using X-mas instead. Blame the early Christians. They started it. > [@](#): > > Are people so afraid of pissing someone off with the name of the holiday that it was > STARTED FOR having Christ in it? Are people so stupid that they don’t realize that “X” is not the English letter “x,” but the Greek character “chi,” corresponding to the “Ch-” sound? Do they know they’re ranting over something started **by Christians**? (P.S.-by “people” I mean you, counterattackii.) > [@](#): > > Granted, in general Christmas means Santa Claus, > but still… has Separation from Church and State really gone that far? What the hell does “Separation from Church and State” have to do with it? Is there some law mandating use of “Xmas”? > [@](#): > > I find it > ridiculous… That’s apparently because you aren’t real bright. ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/15 "1999-12-06T13:40:00Z")
Shouldn’t this be in Great Debates? Enright3 * * * Jesus is coming. Everybody look busy! ---
**Author:** ![Koxinga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4af34b/32.png) [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/16 "1999-12-06T14:05:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Like, maybe it’s really Malcolm X’s birthday we’re celebrating? Are you referring to Malcolm the Tenth? DHR ---
**Author:** ![TheNerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/858c86/32.png) [@TheNerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheNerd)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/17 "1999-12-06T22:11:00Z")
Well, I usually write “christmas”, because it’s longer, seems more correct, and I like big words. 🙂 But as an athiest, I celebrate only the materialistic aspects of the holiday, and when I feel a need to emphasize that, I’ll write Xmas. And yes, I do celebrate the materialistic nature of the shopping frenzy, the spending of hard-earned money on gifts. To me, xmas is all about coming down to the tree in the morning and opening up those gifts. ---
**Author:** ![GOD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/34f0e0/32.png) [@GOD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GOD)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/18 "1999-12-06T22:16:00Z")
Xmas should only be used by adults. Gmas and PGmas are appropriate for kids, while Rmas may be used by kids if accompanied by a parent or guardian. ---
**Author:** ![Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/earl_snake-hips_tucker/32/3269_2.png) [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/19 "1999-12-06T22:20:00Z")
I typically use “Xmas” simply because it’s a lot shorter than the proper name of the holiday: Jesus H. Christmas ---
**Author:** ![Persephone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecc23a/32.png) [@Persephone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Persephone)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 1999, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844/20 "1999-12-06T22:26:00Z")
God, you really need to post more often. Every time you do, you make me laugh. But I suppose that’s what a good God is supposed to do, isn’t it? BTW, I never knew that the X in Xmas was actually a Greek thing, and wasn’t simply a removal of Christ from the word Christmas. Pat yourselves on the back–you’ve eradicated a little ignorance! Thanks! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-people-just-use-christ/11844.md?page=2)