As a JW I never celebrated either. It’s strange because my wife is Lutheran and she’s probably the most excited adult about Christmas I’ve ever met. Bakes the Ham, turkey, Christmas PJs, Love Actually, Home Alones and gifts Christmas morning.
I love seeing her happy as much as I love food. So it works out. I don’t get involved beyond what I would do on a regular day which is be happy for her, have good conversation and banter and eat a lot of food.
People will say well if you are not active, what’s the big deal? Well, It’s like how parents might give advice when you’re younger and some of it you outgrow or choose not to follow as you become an adult, but certain lessons stick with you for life because they feel fundamentally true. They become part of who you are. For me, not celebrating Christmas is like this. Even though I’m not actively practicing as a Jehovah’s Witness, that teaching still aligns with my values and feels like the right thing to continue avoiding it. It’s also a sign of respect and a nod to my beliefs.
You could have just said that you're still a believer. Not being 'active' doesn't mean anything if you're still a believer.
I don't know why you'd refuse to embrace the joy of Christmas in your situation. Self-denial and suffering aren't noble virtues, contrary to what religion loves to tell people. It's okay to enjoy things.
I love seeing her happy as much as I love food. So it works out. I don’t get involved beyond what I would do on a regular day which is be happy for her, have good conversation and banter and eat a lot of food.
People will say well if you are not active, what’s the big deal? Well, It’s like how parents might give advice when you’re younger and some of it you outgrow or choose not to follow as you become an adult, but certain lessons stick with you for life because they feel fundamentally true. They become part of who you are. For me, not celebrating Christmas is like this. Even though I’m not actively practicing as a Jehovah’s Witness, that teaching still aligns with my values and feels like the right thing to continue avoiding it. It’s also a sign of respect and a nod to my beliefs.