manual X-ing X-mas
How to enjoy Dec. 25 as a non-Christian
By Stephanie Lovett, Jayplay writer
Though he is an atheist, Andrew Stangl isn't too bothered by Christmas wishes. But he knows some astheists who are. Stangl, Wichita sophomore, tells the story of a friend who was wished a "Merry Christmas" by an acquaintance. Stangl's friend explained to the person that he didn't celebrate Christmas, but the man insisted on spreading his Christmas greetings. So on Darwin Day, the Feb. 16 holiday celebrating the life of Charles Darwin, Stangl's friend ran into the acquaintance again and wished him a "Happy Darwin Day." When the man expressed his dismay, Stangl's friend pointed out the inconsistency in wishing holiday greetings to someone who doesn't celebrate the holiday.
brate the holiday. Christians may account for the sizable majority of Americans — 86 percent according to the 2000 U.S. Census — but some 20 million Americans either adhere to another religion or none at all. If you are one of those people, Dec. 25 likely leaves you without school or work to go to, but little to do. Most restaurants, shopping centers and other avenues for entertainment close on Christmas Day. And most other religions don't hold special services. Christmas is irrelevant to non-Christians the same way non-Christian holidays are irrelevant to Christians, says Dru Greenwood of the Union for Reform Judaism. What's a non-Christian to do on this day of relative freedom? Here are some suggestions.
Check out a movie, or two
Mike Khadavi understands what it's like to be bored on Dec. 25. Being Jewish, Christmas morning doesn't bring the anticipation of presents. "You wake up on Christmas morning and remember there isn't shit to do," the Overland Park senior says. Khadavi's solution is to call some other non-Christians and go to a movie. Then the group gets some food and goes to another movie, he says. Christmas is a great time to go to the movies because so many people are at home with their families. And there's all those holiday releases. You can also rent a movie. Most video stores are open for the holiday.
Hit a Chinese buffet
If smelling all that scrumptious Christian cooking is making you hungry, head to the only restaurant that's likely to be open: your neighborhood Chinese buffet. Jews especially go to Chinese restaurants on Christmas, says Dana Silverman, Houston sophomore. Silverman says she and her family, who are Jewish, eat Chinese food every Christmas. Chinese restaurants are a Jewish gathering place on Dec. 25. "It's a big Jewish party," Silverman says.
Photo illustration by Joshua Kendall
Attend a wedding
Attend a wedding
The Christmas holiday is a common time for Muslim couples to marry, says Asma Rehman, Kansas City, Mc., senior. Rehman, who is Muslim, says Muslim weddings last for about six days, with the main social aspects occurring over the course of three nights. True, if you don't know anyone who is getting married during the holiday this may not help you. But think ahead for next year and encourage your engaged Muslim friends to tie the knot over Christmas. It's an idea anyway.
Bank some bling
Bank some bling
Though many businesses close on Christmas Day, not all do. If you work somewhere that stays open on the holiday, you may be able to make some extra cash. April Wyrick, Lawrence resident and atheist, doesn't mind working on Christmas Day. Wyrick says the holiday doesn't hold much meaning to her. But the main incentive is the time-and-a-half pay she
receives at her job on Dec. 25. Even if your job doesn't pay extra, think of the favors your co-workers will owe you if you volunteer to work for someone.
If you can't beat 'em...
Clearly, if you don't want to celebrate Christmas you shouldn't. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the secular part of the holiday. That's what Hamdan Alharbi, Jebbah, Saudi Arabia, senior, did last year. Alharbi, who is Muslim, stayed with a friend during the holiday and spent Christmas Day with his friend's family. He was treated to a nice meal and got to experience the holiday for the first time. If you join a friend's Christmas celebration, you are guaranteed free food, and there's always a chance you'll get a present. Of course, you should invite your friend to a holiday you celebrate to make the cultural exchange complete.
Damage control
Last-minute gift ideas
A couple of Decembers ago, my friend Maria called to tell me she was driving over to give me a gift. I panicked — I had nothing for her. All you need is a few minutes to come up with a personal holiday gift. Sherri Athay, author of Present Perfect and founder of GiftElan.com, suggests going to the nearest
Misty Huber
grocery or convenience store, picking up a magazine and putting a note behind the front cover saying you've purchased a gift subscription — just make sure you remember to send in the card. You also could buy a platter of fresh-baked cookies or several lottery tickets. Don't forget to tie on a red bow.
minute fix
Red Scare
Red Scare Avoid demon eyes in your photos.
Avoid demon eyes in your photos. Red-eye is the result of the bright flash on your camera reflecting off the retina at the back of the eye. You can avoid this by telling your friends to look slightly away from the camera. But if you just can't beat it, almost all image-editing software comes with a red-eye correction tool of some kind. All you have to do is click on the tool and click in the area that you want to fix.
Source: www.logicaltips.com
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Jayplay 12.9.04
— Megan Claus
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