Mark Templet wrote:I hereby offer my two cents on this matter. I do so by first stating that this is my opinion and not an official statement at all. So, I reserve the right to be wrong.
We must view all canons with the light of faith and the understanding that these guidelines are there to keep us safe and on the path of salvation; to preserve truth and avoid problems. With that said the canon states that we cannot accept gifts from Jews and heretics connected with “their holidays.” So, no, we cannot accept unleavened bread from a Jew celebrating Passover—that is their Jewish holiday. If Arians celebrated Jesus’ Creation Day and exchanged gifts we could not accept such things. However, Christmas is our holiday! Now, my Roman Catholic and Protestant family members are celebrating it at the wrong time- but they are still celebrating the holiday of the ancient Church. Christmas isn’t their holiday, they got that from us! We need to take more ownership of this in our minds.
On a practical level, I am glad that all the holiday family gatherings and gift exchanges are all well over with by the time we reach the real Christmas. I find it much more somber and contemplative for the feast day.
This canon is meant to prevent the confusion and scandal of Christians with those who are outside of the Church. If I saw one of you exchanging a gift with your family member on Western Christmas, I wouldn’t think you had abandoned Orthodoxy for that. On the other hand, if I saw you exchanging gifts with a Hindu on one of their holidays I would be scandalized and wonder why you would honor such a day with a gift to a pagan.Bottom line: Holy Nativity (Christmas) is OUR holiday, not a Jewish, heretical, or pagan holiday.
Amen.
Blessed Nativity to you. 