Celebrating Christmas

[Smile123]

This is my first post, so please excuse me if this topic has been addressed. Okay, I am confused about the concept of Christmas. I understand that Christians celebrate this auspicious holiday for the birth of Jesus. Living in America and being a Ismaili, I want to know if we should celebrate Christmas with our families and friends.
Some of our Ismaili brothers and sisters have “Secret Santa” (where they exchange gifts) or even Christmas trees at homes; is this okay? Can’t we do this type of thing for Salgriah, instead? Do we believe in Christmas, like we believe that Jesus is a Prophet, not the son of God?
It’s different to celebrate this holiday with our non-ismaili co-workers and friends, but is it okay to celebrate it with our ismaili friends and family members? If someone can please explain me the concept of Christmas from an Ismaili perspective and if it is right to celebrate this holiday with our ismaili friends and family; and why. Please inform me by backing up your reasoning with ginans, farmans, etc.

Thank you.

[kmaherali]

We do believe and accept that Jesus was a Prophet of Islam and we celebrate the birth of Imams and Prophet Muhammad. I do not see why we could not celebrate the birth of Isa Nabi if it enables us to build bridges with our neighbours so long as it is reasonable and not extravagant and materialistic. We do not believe in the materialistic aspects of Christmas manifesting in expensive gift exchanges, otherwise if we are having a holiday anyway, why not have it as a family occasion and reflect upon the commonalities between our faith and Christianity. In that way we prepare ourselves to understand our Christian neighbours better.

"Before Jesus died, He willed us His Peace...He wants us to have peace in the midst of our current circumstances--peace in the morning, at night and all times in between. Peace is our inheritance! And it is a wonderful possession."

-Joyce Meyer

Is the above description of Christianity any different than Islam?

Below are links to discussions on this issue in this forum.

Current Issues --> Pluralism and Christmas

http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... =christmas

Current Issues --> festivals of other religion

http://www.ismaili.net/html/modules.php ... =christmas

[dr.hasnani.rikin]

Hi

[a1337]

Christmas is hardly a religious holiday in North America. The main aspect of christmas that comes to mind is Santa Clause, who is character similar to the german Sintair Clause except Santa (the man in the red suit) was invented by Coca-cola. SO have yourself a merry Christmas