Christmas/Festive Season for Sikhs

singh_man · #1 (**permalink**) 24-Nov-2006, 07:18 AM

Hi there-

Living in the western world we are inundated with the holiday season and festivities at this time of year. Christmas has become more of a social and commercial festivity as opposed to the traditional Christian religious event it started out as. So with that I'm curious to see how many Sikhs out there actually buy a Christmas tree, exchange presents or buy presents for their kids, and play along with the Santa Claus myth?
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-sikhi-sikhism/14635-christmas-festive-season-for-sikhs.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14635

I personally think it is OK to do so as it part of this western culture we are bringing up our kids in. Keeping true to our religion and customs does not contradict this as long as we continue to teach and learn the words of the Guru's.

Any thoughts?

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singh_man · #2 (**permalink**) 01-Dec-2006, 09:31 AM

Anyone buying any christmas gifts for their family?

dalbir · #3 (**permalink**) 01-Dec-2006, 10:22 AM

hey na not in my family
really dont see anything in these holidays
we do just put up light outside of the house that is it
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14635
to not stand out of the rest of the house u know

Huck_Finn · #4 (**permalink**) 01-Dec-2006, 10:53 AM

singh man ji

i think blending in and accepting the local cultures is correct... go ahead..buy your kids some christmas presents... anytime is good time

truthseeker · #5 (**permalink**) 02-Dec-2006, 01:47 AM

Waheguru ji ka khalsa, Waheguru ji ki fateh

Christmas is a great time of year, everyone is full of joy and happiness.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14635
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14635
In my family we exchange presents and get together with friends and family, we also used to put up a tree but my brother and i have grown older and dont do it anymore. There is nothing wrong with celebtrating this holiday, as Christmas has become more of a commercial holiday than a religious one.

Waheguru ji ka khalsa, Waheguru ji ki fateh

MKAUR1981 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-Dec-2006, 20:29 PM

WJKK WJKF
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14635

Each year I put up decorations and a Xmas tree and buy presents for my niece and nephews. I don't do it for the religious aspect but purely on the basis that everyone is on holiday from work (unless you've got a corner-shop!)

and it is a chance for the whole family to get together.

Prabjyot Kaur · #7 (**permalink**) 05-Dec-2006, 23:55 PM

Dasam Pita Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji's Gurpurb is only few days after this holiday (January 5th). We, in LA, have had the tradition of celebrating Gurpurb on 25th for last 20 years where about 10000 sikhs come together to celebrate Darbar-E-Khalsa. Yes, we do buy gifts for our children for the Gurpurb. They do exchange gifts in School with their christian friends, we do that at our work. We donate to needy,under the banner of christmas, during this time of the year under . But Christmas tree does not have any place in Sikh homes.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14635
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14635
I would encourage each Sikh parent to take this time of the year (Winter Vacation) to read about Sikh Gurus and set up dinners with family & freinds to celebrate Gurpurb. Let the children feel the festivity related to their own faith than to x-mas. In public schools as well as in all companies, x-mas decorations very well include Jesus & scenes of Jesus's birth. It may be commercialized holiday, but it very much aims on spreading/polularizing christianity.

Tejwant Singh · #8 (**permalink**) 06-Dec-2006, 00:23 AM

After Thanksgiving we put lights outside that my kids call 'Khalsa Lights' and take them off after Guru Gobind Singh's birthday.

From the very beginning we never enticed our kids wiith presents in return for good grades or better behavior. The reason I gave them which they understood( Jaskeerat, girl is 16 and Trimaan is 11) was that in Sikhi way of life, responsibilites are not accomplishments. It is their duty to excel as sikhs in all aspects of life.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14635
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14635

Yes we do give them presents when they feel they want it, like MP3's, Xbox 360, etc..etc...etc...etc..

Hence no Christmas gifts, no birthday gifts, etc.. etc..

Tejwant

Prabjyot Kaur · #9 (**permalink**) 06-Dec-2006, 00:57 AM

Quote:

responsibilites are not accomplishments. It is their duty to excel as sikhs in all aspects of life.

Liked that very much......great idea for the older children; younger ones still motivated with rewards. Ours will soon be at that stage; though we haven't spoiled them too much to begin with. Thanks for the tip.