[Manic_Episode]

The railroad?

[drjimmy]

Who invented "X"mas? Why not C'mas, instead? My guess is that it was some twisted lefty from the heyday of communism in America. Someone who thought it important to X out Christ, not simply abbreviate.

Who invented the vanity post by someone so lazy they would rather claim a commie conspiracy than look it up in a dictionary? In this case, the American Heritage Dictionary:
ETYMOLOGY: From X, the Greek letter chi, first letter of Greek Khrstos, Christ. See Christ.
USAGE NOTE: Xmas has been used for hundreds of years in religious writing, where the X represents a Greek chi, the first letter of , “Christ.” In this use it is parallel to other forms like Xtian, “Christian.” But people unaware of the Greek origin of this X often mistakenly interpret Xmas as an informal shortening pronounced (ksms). Many therefore frown upon the term Xmas because it seems to them a commercial convenience that omits Christ from Christmas.

[MineralMan]

Now, don't you feel foolish? The answer was found by everyone here, with a simple Google search on "xmas." Googling is a great way to dispel myths.

[Labyrinthos]

I think you have too much time on your hands.

[frog_jerk_2004]

One more citation from the American Heritage Dictionary please!

[Noachian]

Let's not forget the "P" as in XP which is the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ.

[Guyin4Os]

Oh please. With the manifold blasphemies that occur day-to-day in the US, most of them being committed by so-called believers in Christ, you pick on this pseudo-insult?

Get a grip. First of all, the term "Christmas" is not a scriptural one. Second, it is unlikely that our Savior was not born on December 25th, the traditional date for celebrating Saturnalia, the advent of Saturn or Tammuz in ancient Babylonian mythological lore. And finally, I think that the Almighty is above fussing about a silly abbreviation, especially a legitimate one.

C'mon dood. Learn to concentrate on weightier aspects of Christianity, like love for fellow believers, sharing your faith with others, giving to the poor. Those are things we should definitely not abbreviate.

[stainlessbanner]

"I heard it on the X."

-ZZTop

[BibChr]

Who invented writing "Xmas" instead of CHRISTmas"? I think everyone here knows my opinion.

And yes, I basically am serious.

And without reading the posts, I am SURE that someone drags out the fact that the English capital X looks like the first letter in the Greek word Christos. This is indisputable .

Equally indisputable is the fact that, if 1 in 1000 who actually write XMas is even dimly aware of that fact... then I'm Bill Clinton.

Dan
Biblical Christianity web site
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Biblical Christianity BLOG
To Tell the Truth, Virginia...

[Puddleglum]

It was coined by two rival railroad barons in the 19th century who made their rail lines literally cross in an "X" pattern rather than concede the other's right of way. This led to many, many accidents and an escalation of bad will. Finally, on Christmas Day, 1894, there was a big wreck that kiiled both of their families, who were coming home for the holidays. This tragedy finally enlightened them to the foolhardiness of their feud so they got out there with pickaxes that very afternoon and jointedly destroyed the hideous crossing. It is this holiday change of heart that we commemorate with the abbreviation "Xmas."

(not true - but I thought I'd make up a false history. The explanation of the Greek letter signifying Christ is, of course, the real deal.)

[Beckwith]

The nun in third grade, Sr. Elizabeth, grade was the first person I ever heard rail against "XMass". That was 1948 and she was pissed.

She was also the first that explained Islam, Muslims and conversion by the sword. She pointed out (in 1948) that that sword on the Saudi flag represents the sword of Muhammad and a reminder of the continuing expansion of Islam by whatever means necessary.

I was eight and remember those lectures vividly, but I was never in Cambodia.

[Shqipo]

I will not shop in any store that uses this term in its windows or advertising. And if it's a small business, I'll drop in to tell the owner so.

[funkywbr]

I GUESS that if you want Santa to come visit you and know where you live, X marks the spot!~}

[EggsAckley]

x is the Roman notation for ten
x is the mark of illiterate men
x is a ruler removed from his throne
x is a quantity wholly unknown
x stand for zermes, the ruler renowned
x marks the spot where the body was found
xmas is Christmas, a season of bliss
x in a letter is good for a kiss.

[Jimmyclyde]

Christmas is a pagan Holyday.

[Billthedrill]

Who invented "X"mas?

I did. And all you buggers who are using the phrase owe me MONEY, dang it!

[Revolting cat!]

Oh yes, anything you don't like was invented by those pesky Communists. Better look for them under your bed!

Me thinks Communists start stupid two sentence threads here.

[wallcrawlr]

I prefer to turn the X on its side so its like this:

[Hi Heels]

My understanding is that the 'X' stands for the cross upon which Christ died.

My Dad told me that. Probably not true, but it's so lovely a thought I refuse to dispute it.

[evets]

Jesus X-Ray