What Holidays Do Mormon Not Celebrate

Okay, so picture this: Thanksgiving dinner. Mashed potatoes, gravy, the works. My never-Mormon uncle is carving the turkey, and he looks at me, all confused. "So," he says, with a mouthful of cranberry sauce, "you guys celebrate Thanksgiving, right? Because, you know, it's not… religious." That got me thinking. What don't we celebrate? It's a surprisingly nuanced question, actually.

Let's dive into the holiday habits of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as Mormons, though officially, the Church prefers we use its full name). Generally, Mormons celebrate most holidays that are secular or focused on family. But there are a few that get a little… complicated.

The Big Ones We DO Celebrate:

First, let's clear up the obvious. We’re not hermits! We do enjoy a good celebration!

• Thanksgiving: Absolutely! Gratitude is a big deal in our faith. Turkey, pumpkin pie, family time - bring it on!
• Christmas: Yes! Christmas is centered around the birth of Jesus Christ, which is, you know, kind of a crucial part of our religion. We exchange gifts, decorate trees (controversial origins aside), and focus on the Savior.
• New Year's: Yep. Another day for family and celebration
• The Fourth of July: Patriotic holidays are usually a hit. Celebrating freedom and our nation is something many members embrace.
• Mother's Day/Father's Day: Of course! Family is super important in the Church.

Okay, so we've established we're not holiday Grinches. But things get interesting when we look at holidays with pagan roots or those associated with specific saints.

Holidays Where It Gets a Little… "Nuanced"

This is where things get tricky, and honestly, varies from family to family. There's no official list of "holidays Mormons can't celebrate," but some are approached with caution or modified to focus on different aspects.

• Halloween: This one is super common but can be the most controversial. Some families embrace the fun of costumes and trick-or-treating (candy!), while others are wary of the spooky or potentially dark elements. You might see trunk-or-treats at church parking lots as a family-friendly alternative.
• Easter: This may surprise some, but Easter is absolutely celebrated. The focus is of course on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the blessings that come through his atonement. Some might avoid the Easter Bunny (which is not included in the scriptures) and focus on the religious elements.
• St. Patrick's Day: This is generally not a holiday celebrated within the church.
• Groundhog Day: Nah, this holiday is not celebrated!
• Valentine's Day: This is another one that is sometimes embraced. It just depends on the family or individual.

Why the Hesitation?

So, why the selectiveness? It often boils down to a few factors:

• Historical Accuracy: Some holidays have roots in traditions that don't align with Latter-day Saint beliefs.
• Focus on Christ: There's a strong emphasis on keeping Christ at the center of celebrations, especially during religious holidays. (This is where Santa can sometimes become a secondary figure at Christmas).
• Personal Conviction: Ultimately, many decisions about holiday celebrations come down to individual and family choices. Some members might feel strongly about avoiding certain traditions, while others are more flexible.

It's All About Focus:

Ultimately, for many Latter-day Saints, it's not about avoiding fun or traditions, but about consciously choosing how to celebrate in a way that aligns with their beliefs and values. We try to focus on the positive aspects of holidays – family, gratitude, service – and minimize anything that might detract from those principles.

So, back to my uncle's question. Yes, we celebrate Thanksgiving! And Christmas! And most other holidays that promote good things. But maybe hold the pagan rituals, okay? Just kidding (mostly!). It's all about finding that balance and celebrating in a way that feels right for you and your family.