Which Religions Do Not Celebrate Holidays? Do you ever wonder why some religions choose not to celebrate popular holidays like Christmas or birthdays?
If you’ve felt confused or curious about this, you’re not alone. Many people face this question while trying to understand diverse beliefs.
We are here to guide you through this fascinating topic, sharing insights about various religions and their unique views on holidays based on scripture, tradition, and faith.
Here’s the simple plan we’ll follow:
- Discover which religions avoid common holidays
- Understand their reasons and beliefs
- See how they honor special days differently
Ready to uncover the surprising truths behind these traditions?
Keep reading to learn how this knowledge can broaden your perspective and respect for others’ faiths.

Which Religions Do Not Celebrate Holidays?
1. Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses usually don’t celebrate holidays or birthdays, including Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. They believe many of these have roots in pagan or non-biblical ideas, which they feel go against their faith.
Their focus is to worship Jehovah God in a way they believe is clean and true to the Bible.
That said, they do value special moments with family. They observe the Memorial of Christ’s Death once a year, based on Bible teachings. Some may also celebrate personal events like wedding anniversaries. While they avoid most holidays, they are respectful of others’ choices to celebrate.
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Holidays Are Considered Unbiblical

Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t celebrate most holidays because they believe many of them are unbiblical. They see holidays like Christmas and Easter as having pagan roots; such as Roman festivals or ancient fertility rites, that don’t match Christian teachings.
Instead of joining in popular celebrations, they focus on what they believe truly honors God. For them, following the Bible closely means avoiding customs and traditions that might lead away from pure worship.
The one event Jehovah’s Witnesses do observe each year is the Memorial of Christ’s Death. This special evening happens around the same time as the Jewish Passover and reflects their deep respect for Jesus’ sacrifice.
They believe this is the only occasion Jesus actually asked his followers to remember. So while they may not join in on birthdays or national holidays, their faith centers on spiritual devotion, simplicity, and showing love every day; not just on certain dates.
Focus on the Memorial of Christ’s Death

For Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Memorial of Christ’s Death is their most important event. It happens once a year on Nisan 14 (April 12 in 2025) to remember Jesus’ sacrifice. It’s the only event Jesus clearly asked his followers to observe, based on Luke 22:19 and 1 Corinthians 11:24.
The evening includes a Bible talk, spiritual songs, and the passing of bread and wine. Only a few people; those who believe they are anointed, partake, but everyone is welcome.
Jehovah’s Witnesses prepare by studying the Bible and focusing on Jesus’ life. They see the Memorial as a special command from Jesus, filled with meaning, hope, and faith in God’s promise.
2. Seventh-day Adventists

Some Seventh-day Adventists choose not to celebrate certain holidays, especially ones with pagan roots or links to spiritualism, like Halloween. This is usually a personal decision, based on their desire to follow the Bible and stay focused on their faith; especially the Sabbath.
They may also avoid holidays that feel too commercial or don’t match their beliefs about death and spiritual matters. However, the Adventist Church doesn’t have strict rules about holidays, so it’s up to each person’s conscience and understanding of scripture.
Many Adventists do celebrate holidays like Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s, focusing on faith, family, and giving. Birthdays and patriotic days are often celebrated too. Instead of following every tradition, they try to make holidays meaningful and Christ-centered.
So if you’re thinking about inviting an Adventist friend to a celebration, it’s best to just ask; they’ll likely appreciate it and let you know what works for them.
Personal Choice Over Doctrine

In some Seventh-day Adventist communities, there is a friendly openness to personal interpretation and individual choice when it comes to certain beliefs and practices. While foundational Christian doctrines; such as belief in the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, and salvation through faith, are widely accepted, some members take a more flexible approach to other teachings.
For instance, while the Sabbath remains central, the way it is observed can vary from person to person.
This spirit of personal exploration is often reflected in movements like Progressive Adventism, where thoughtful questioning and deeper scriptural study are encouraged.
Even the writings of Ellen G. White, a key figure in the church, are sometimes read with individual interpretation in mind rather than seen as rigid rules.
For many, this balance of shared beliefs and personal conviction allows for a faith experience that feels both rooted and relevant to their lives today.
Celebrations With Christian Focus

Some Seventh-day Adventists choose to celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter, but with a clear Christian focus. These celebrations are not officially required by the church, so it often comes down to personal or local church preference.
For Christmas, many Adventists enjoy special services that highlight the birth of Jesus, sing carols, and take part in programs centered on the nativity story.
Some even decorate their homes or churches and use the occasion to help those in need, reflecting the spirit of giving and compassion.
Easter is also observed by many Adventists, especially in North America, as a meaningful time to remember Jesus’ resurrection. Some churches host special services or presentations that tell the story of His sacrifice and victory over death.
While early Adventists tended to avoid such celebrations, today more are welcoming them as opportunities to share their faith and hope with the broader community.
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3. Christian Fundamentalist Groups

Some Christian fundamentalist groups choose not to celebrate holidays like Christmas, Easter, or even birthdays. They believe the Bible should be followed strictly, and only religious practices clearly found in Scripture should be observed such as certain Baptists, Presbyterians and Quakers.
This choice isn’t about being gloomy; it reflects a strong desire to stay faithful to their understanding of God’s Word. For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses observe only the Memorial of Christ’s Death, as it’s the only event Jesus clearly told his followers to remember.
Quakers treat all days as equally holy and don’t set aside special holidays. While their choices may seem unusual to others, these groups are simply trying to honor God in the way they believe is most biblical.
Scripture-Based Objections to Holidays

Some Christian fundamentalist groups avoid celebrating certain holidays because they believe these traditions aren’t based on the Bible. They often see holidays like Christmas and Easter as having pagan roots, which they feel makes them unsuitable for true believers.
For example, they may note that Jesus wasn’t born on December 25 and that Santa or gift-giving can distract from Christ’s message. Easter, too, may be viewed as too closely tied to spring festivals and secular customs.
These groups focus on staying spiritually pure and separate from worldly influences. Avoiding holidays is their way of sticking closely to the Bible. Even common celebrations like birthdays or Thanksgiving might be skipped if they don’t find clear support for them in Scripture.
Their goal is to honor God by following what they believe is a more faithful, Bible-based way of life.
Purity of Worship and Simplicity

In many Christian fundamentalist groups, worship is all about keeping things pure and focused solely on God’s Word. They believe the Bible is without error and should guide every part of life, including how they worship.
This means that their services usually center around reading Scripture, preaching, and prayer; without adding what they consider “worldly” distractions like modern music, flashy presentations, or elaborate rituals.
Simplicity goes hand in hand with this focus on purity. Their churches are often modest, without ornate decorations or complex ceremonies. The goal is to strip away anything unnecessary and to return to what they see as the early church’s authentic way of worship.
By avoiding trends and entertainment-style services, they aim to keep their worship sincere and centered on God’s glory; not on performance or appearances.
4. Islam

Many Muslims choose not to celebrate holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or New Year because these occasions are rooted in religious or cultural traditions that do not agree with Islamic beliefs.
Islam is a strictly monotheistic faith, and Muslims avoid anything that may involve shirk (associating partners with God), which is considered a major sin.
Since many non-Islamic holidays have pagan origins or involve beliefs that go against Islamic teachings; such as the divinity of Jesus or superstitions; Muslims prefer to honor their own religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are based entirely on Islamic principles.
That said, Muslims generally show respect and kindness toward those who do celebrate these holidays, especially when living in diverse societies. While they may not take part in the religious aspects or customs, they often maintain good relationships with friends and neighbors from other backgrounds.
Islam encourages peaceful coexistence and understanding, even when beliefs differ. So, choosing not to celebrate certain holidays isn’t about judgment; it’s about staying true to one’s faith while still respecting others.
Avoidance of Non-Islamic Religious Holidays

In Islam, Muslims usually avoid joining in non-Islamic religious holidays out of respect for their own faith. Celebrations that involve worship or religious customs outside of Islam are generally not observed.
For example, Muslims don’t take part in the religious side of holidays like Christmas or Easter, as these go against Islamic beliefs.
However, Islam teaches kindness and respect toward others. So while Muslims avoid the religious part, they may still offer warm greetings or share food with non-Muslim neighbors as a friendly gesture; not as a form of religious compromise.
The goal is balance: keeping true to Islamic beliefs while being respectful members of a diverse community. Muslims aim to stay away from practices that blur religious identity, but they still value kindness, good manners, and human connection.
Respect for Others’ Celebrations

In Islam, respecting the celebrations and beliefs of others is a key part of good character and community living. While Muslims follow their own religious practices, they are also encouraged to show kindness, understanding, and hospitality toward people of different faiths.
This includes being polite and warm during others’ celebrations, even if they do not personally take part. Islam teaches that every person is honored by God, and so all should be treated with dignity and respect; without using hurtful words or actions.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) showed deep respect to people of other faiths and cultures. He taught his followers to avoid insulting or mocking anyone’s beliefs and to act with grace and understanding instead.
By promoting peaceful dialogue and open-mindedness, Islam encourages Muslims to live cooperatively with people of all backgrounds.
5. Judaism

Many Jewish people don’t celebrate Christmas because it’s not part of their faith or culture. Christmas honors the birth of Jesus, whom Christians believe is the Son of God. But in Judaism, Jesus is not seen as the Messiah, so Christmas holds no religious meaning for Jews.
Instead, Jewish families celebrate their own traditions, like Hanukkah, which happens around the same time as Christmas and includes lighting candles, giving gifts, and spending time with loved ones.
Some Jewish people also choose not to celebrate Christmas or Easter for personal or cultural reasons, even if they aren’t very religious. It’s not about rejecting the holiday in a negative way; it’s simply about staying true to their own heritage and beliefs.
Just like people of other faiths have their own special days, Jews cherish their holidays like Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.
No Religious Connection to Christian Holidays

Judaism does not have any religious connection to Christian holidays like Christmas or Easter. This is because Jews do not believe Jesus is the Messiah or a divine figure, which is a key belief in Christianity.
Jewish holidays such as Passover and Hanukkah come from Jewish history and have nothing to do with Jesus.
While some Christian-rooted holidays like Valentine’s Day or Halloween are now more secular, some Jewish groups avoid them, but others may take part if they see them as non-religious.
Emphasis on Jewish Traditions

In Judaism, traditions are a big part of daily life and religion. These traditions come from Jewish law, called halakhah. They give clear rules about how to pray, what to eat, and how to treat others.
Traditions also help Jewish people remember their history and feel close to their ancestors. Different groups of Jews may follow the rules in different ways, but the main idea is the same: live with faith, be kind, and do what is right.
6. Amish

Many Amish people choose to celebrate holidays in a simple and quiet way that reflects their faith and values. For example, instead of bright lights, big parties, or lots of gifts, Amish families might spend Christmas praying, singing hymns, and sharing a meal together.
They focus on the meaning of the holiday; like the birth of Jesus, rather than the commercial side.
Not all Amish celebrate holidays the same way, though. Some may join small local events like parades or fireworks on the Fourth of July, while others just treat it as a day off with family.
They also observe some Christian holidays that aren’t widely celebrated anymore, like “Second Christmas” or Ascension Day. Every Amish church district is a little different, so what one family does might not be exactly what another does.
Simplicity Over Commercialism

The Amish in Lancaster County are known for living simply in a fast-paced, tech-heavy world. Their lifestyle is shaped by values like humility, community, and tradition. They wear plain clothes, avoid owning cars or home phones, and use horse-and-buggy travel to stay close to family and neighbors.
This simplicity isn’t about rejecting the modern world; it’s a thoughtful choice to focus on faith, self-discipline, and connection.
Though farming is a big part of their life, many Amish now work in trades or factories to support their families. Their handmade quilts and woodwork are practical, beautiful, and rooted in faith; not meant for fame or profit.
By living this way, the Amish show that a slower, simpler life can still be full of meaning and purpose.
Local Variations in Observance

The Amish community truly values humility and simplicity in their everyday lives, especially during special times like Christmas. Instead of flashy decorations or big gift exchanges, they focus on the true meaning of the holiday; the birth of Christ.
Their celebrations are warm and heartfelt, with homemade treats, simple greenery, and quiet moments of prayer or fasting. Even their gifts are practical and thoughtful, often handmade or small, showing love without the fuss of commercialism.
This simple way of living helps the Amish stay connected to what really matters: family, faith, and kindness. They remind us that joy doesn’t come from lots of things or bright lights, but from being honest, humble, and caring.
So, bringing a little Amish spirit into your own celebrations; like sharing homemade cookies or giving handmade gifts, can be a wonderful way to enjoy the season with meaning and warmth.
7. Buddhists and Hindus

While many Buddhists and Hindus enjoy festivals, some choose not to celebrate certain holidays. For example, Buddhists in Japan’s Jodo Shinshu tradition may skip Vesak and instead honor Shinran’s memorial.
Others avoid holidays that distract from meditation or mindfulness. Some also don’t celebrate Western holidays like Christmas but may still join socially; for fun or friendship.
In Hinduism, practices vary widely. Some Hindus may skip certain festivals based on personal belief, family tradition, or their sect’s customs. Like Buddhists, they may also avoid Western holidays but still join social events without religious meaning.
In both religions, it often comes down to personal choice and staying true to one’s faith.
Personal and Sect-Based Choices

Hinduism and Buddhism both value personal growth and spiritual progress, but they take slightly different paths. Hinduism offers a lot of freedom, letting people choose from many deities and follow different sects like Vaishnavism or Shaivism.
It encourages exploring various beliefs and finding what works best for each person.
Buddhism, on the other hand, focuses more on personal responsibility and following the Noble Eightfold Path to reach enlightenment. While it has different schools, like Theravāda or Mahāyāna, the core idea is that each person shapes their destiny through mindful actions.
Both faiths believe in karma and rebirth, but they give people room to decide how to walk their spiritual path.
Social Participation Without Religious Significance

Buddhists and Hindus often help others in their community. They do this not just because of rules, but because they believe in kindness and peace. They want to make life better for everyone.
Buddhists believe all life is connected. This helps them care about people and take action to make the world better. Hindus believe in doing good things (karma) and helping others. They follow many different beliefs, but helping the community is important to all.
For both Buddhists and Hindus, being kind and fair is part of their faith. Helping others is a big part of their life, not just their religion.
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Which Religions Do Not Celebrate Holidays? A Recap
Some religious people do not celebrate normal holidays. They think these holidays do not match their beliefs. Some holidays come from old religions or culture, not from the Bible. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate most holidays.
But they have one special day. It is called the Memorial of Christ’s Death. It is a very important day for them.
Some Seventh-day Adventists and some other Christians do not celebrate all holidays. They follow the Bible and live in a simple way. Muslims do not join in holidays from other religions. They have their own special days.
They also believe in peace and respect for others. Jewish people celebrate their own holidays. They do not celebrate Christmas or other Christian days.
The Amish people celebrate holidays in a simple way. They do not like to buy many things for holidays. They keep it quiet and plain. All these groups show that faith is very important to them. They follow their religion, not just what most people do.
FAQ
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe many holidays have roots in pagan or non-biblical ideas, which they feel go against their faith. Instead of joining in popular celebrations, they focus on what they believe truly honors God. They see holidays like Christmas and Easter as having pagan roots that don’t match Christian teachings.
No, the Adventist Church doesn’t have strict rules about holidays. It’s usually a personal decision. Many Adventists do celebrate holidays like Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s, focusing on faith, family, and giving. (From: “Seventh-day Adventists”)