westernxer Posted December 26, 2006 Share Posted December 26, 2006 Some members of my extended family are extremely dogmatic in how they interpret the Christmas holiday, which makes them difficult to deal with at times. Most of you already know that I'm not religious, but I love the holiday because it means spending time with the people I love. Furthermore, I don't mind commemorating Jesus' birth, because it lends an element of spirituality (which is refreshing, considering that holiday shopping sucks). After all, it is Christmas, and I accept it. However, I've been getting strange vibes from certain relatives the last few years, and yesterday I finally snapped and walked out before the food was ready. This year they were trying to get us to do a skit about confronting an atheist about the meaning of Christmas (they know I'm not religious). It's not like I was asked to participate, rather I was coerced into it, and refusing would only make me look bad, so I left when no one was watching, and I didn't return. Trust me, I was infuriated, but I didn't want to make a scene in front of the children. This sent shock waves through the house. The ones behind this shi**y idea never thought I'd have the balls to walk out, and their proposed skit fell apart, as no one else felt comfortable enacting something that encourages hostility and disrespect toward those who don't share similar beliefs. Like I said, this has been happening the last few years, but this year they've gotten too blunt, and I could stomach it no longer. If I knew my lack of religiosity offended them in the first place, I'd have never gone over there (isn't Christmas supposed to be about compassion?). It's the last time I celebrate Christmas with those fools, and my parents, who are ashamed and outraged at the lack of etiquette toward me, support me in this decision 100 percent, now that they see what I've been putting up with all these years. So sad... I've always respected their beliefs and have never put them down for their faith, but it seems that respect is not mutual. Now I know. On the bright side, I did get to watch football when I got home. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted December 26, 2006 Share Posted December 26, 2006 This year they were trying to get us to do a skit about confronting an atheist about the meaning of Christmas (they know I'm not religious).. were you going to be the non-believer WEST? ha ha ha no, i'm glad you stood up for yourself.... Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted December 26, 2006 Author Share Posted December 26, 2006 were you going to be the non-believer WEST? ha ha ha That's what they were insinuating, until they saw the expression of horror on my face. Trust me, it blew me away. Link to post Share on other sites
johan Posted December 26, 2006 Share Posted December 26, 2006 I don't blame you. Never trust anyone who proposes either singing or role-playing during a family function. Or any other. Even if all they wanted to act out was a Charlie Brown Christmas, I would have been dying to find a way out of the place. Link to post Share on other sites
bab Posted December 26, 2006 Share Posted December 26, 2006 :eek: I can't believe that. That is insane! I think you are making a wise decision not to participate in future Christmas gatherings with them. I could see having the kids do a nativity sketch, maybe...but really, that was totally inappropriate on their part. Link to post Share on other sites
norajane Posted December 26, 2006 Share Posted December 26, 2006 Couldn't they just say grace before dinner and have done with it? Skits? I don't blame you one bit!! Link to post Share on other sites
Storyrider Posted December 26, 2006 Share Posted December 26, 2006 I think you turned it around and taught a different lesson than they planned, but probably a more powerful one. Link to post Share on other sites
My Fair Katie Posted December 26, 2006 Share Posted December 26, 2006 Geez. Is Jack Chick your uncle or something? Sorry your family decided to be buttheads. Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted December 26, 2006 Author Share Posted December 26, 2006 Even if all they wanted to act out was a Charlie Brown Christmas, I would have been dying to find a way out of the place. Yeah, especially since I'm not an aspiring thespian. I could see having the kids do a nativity sketch, maybe... That's what we thought would happen. Couldn't they just say grace before dinner and have done with it? Not my family. It's my mother's siblings... 14 kids in the family and a lot of psychological trauma growing up, as a result of their strict upbringing. They're caught in a rut, and they can't get out, and they resent the grandchildren (my generation) for taking things "easy". I think you turned it around and taught a different lesson than they planned, but probably a more powerful one. If it happens, cool... when I bolted outta there, my main objective was to preserve my sanity, not to mention a little self-respect. I can smile now, knowing I did the right thing. Sorry your family decided to be buttheads. LOL. They're okay in small doses, as are most drugs. Link to post Share on other sites
tanbark813 Posted December 26, 2006 Share Posted December 26, 2006 FWIW I would have reacted the same way. Actually I would have reacted more obnoxiously so I admire your tact. This also makes me thankful that the majority of my family is agnostic/atheist, which, I guess, is ironic that I give thanks for that the day after Christmas. Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted December 26, 2006 Author Share Posted December 26, 2006 FWIW I would have reacted the same way. Actually I would have reacted more obnoxiously so I admire your tact. This also makes me thankful that the majority of my family is agnostic/atheist, which, I guess, is ironic that I give thanks for that the day after Christmas. That's f'ing funny!! LOL Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted December 26, 2006 Share Posted December 26, 2006 this is the funniest thing I've read on LS in weeks WEST....I can just picture you putting on your black skull-cap and storming out the door Link to post Share on other sites
Star Gazer Posted December 27, 2006 Share Posted December 27, 2006 FWIW I would have reacted the same way. Actually I would have reacted more obnoxiously so I admire your tact. This also makes me thankful that the majority of my family is agnostic/atheist, which, I guess, is ironic that I give thanks for that the day after Christmas. I would have reacted far worse as well! And boy do I appreciate "giving thanks" for the day AFTER Christmas. I actually "broke up" with my roommate in college over a nativity scene. She wanted it in our apartment, I adamantly refused... I understand your discomfort. Link to post Share on other sites
Love Hurts Posted December 27, 2006 Share Posted December 27, 2006 Good for you. It’s good when people take a stance and seperate themselves from. Some believe and some do not. We should be strong in our beliefs; each side. Those believers are strong in their faith and working it. Its who they are. Like wise you are strong in your disbelief and are working it. I see two strong sides working it. You did what was right........... you separated yourself from them. Bottom line……its about choice. You made yours and you showed it … just encase someone may not hear well or understand … a visual is a good helping too. Very effective move. Right on! Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted December 27, 2006 Author Share Posted December 27, 2006 this is the funniest thing I've read on LS in weeks WEST....I can just picture you putting on your black skull-cap and storming out the door Face paint, too. Good for you. It’s good when people take a stance and seperate themselves from. Some believe and some do not. I only took a stand because of the lack of respect shown toward me and the other adults asked to participate. The others are faithful, dedicated people, but they didn't agree with the tone of the message, yet they were afraid to take action until I broke the ice and left. That's when they came to a consensus that it was wrong. I love my family, don't get me wrong, but sometimes family is a pain in the ass. I'm not going to hold a grudge against the fanatics, but I don't have to tolerate their attitudes, nor do I have to visit the lions' den when stomachs are empty. When I broke away a few years back, it rocked the family a bit, but they couldn't grasp that I was doing it for philosophical reasons, and not because I thirsted for that which is worldly and lascivious. That came later... kidding. Link to post Share on other sites
Kittiecat Posted December 30, 2006 Share Posted December 30, 2006 You crazy sinner, you. You did the right thing. Nobody deserves to be uncomfortable at Christmas. Link to post Share on other sites
suchislife Posted December 30, 2006 Share Posted December 30, 2006 Hello. What a drag to be treated that way at Christmas or any other time. It makes me wonder about the lack of respect for different viewpoints. I will say, with due respect, Westernxer, that sometimes you come across in a not so gentle manner when you post to other's questions. Is it possible that you might come across that way with your family? I could be way wrong - it's just a thought. Hope it gets better. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted December 30, 2006 Share Posted December 30, 2006 I could be way wrong - you're way wrong SIL....WEST is the best Link to post Share on other sites
suchislife Posted December 30, 2006 Share Posted December 30, 2006 Hello there, Alpha, of course you would say that - you guys are twins! Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted December 30, 2006 Author Share Posted December 30, 2006 I will say, with due respect, Westernxer, that sometimes you come across in a not so gentle manner when you post to other's questions. Is it possible that you might come across that way with your family? I could be way wrong - it's just a thought. LOL... I hope not. If you met me in person, you'd be surprised to find out I could actually string three words together in a written sentence. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted December 30, 2006 Share Posted December 30, 2006 Alpha, of course you would say that - you guys are twins! yes SIL....I look forward to your 42nd post with much glee Link to post Share on other sites
suchislife Posted December 30, 2006 Share Posted December 30, 2006 ok,ok, I'm outnumbered... Both of you offer good advice, that is true, it's just sometimes you could take it easy a bit, especially with the posts where there's blood and pain all over the place. That's when a person really could use good advice with a gentle - get a grip! - kind of thing. In my case, I only have one guy friend I can bounce things off of, so I always look forward to see what you have to say. Gives me another perspective. As far as I'm concerned, your answers are valued. I figure if we knew what we were doing 100% of the time, why be here? I think 2006 has been a very weird year - and I look forward to not tripping myself up and making better choices in '07. Or, I'll just do myself damage again, be an idiot, and spend time writing a post instead of being out enjoying my life. The truth is, I have no idea what I am doing with the guy thing, although the rest of my life is pretty nice. Anyway, I'll be checking back. Have a good Saturday! Link to post Share on other sites
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