Jordan, I think you took Collosians 2:16 out of context, and have therefore misunderstood it. Paul is encouraging the Colossians to remain full in Christ. He is telling them not to let the philosophies of man take them captive and condem them. They are full in Christ alone. By allowing themselves to be judged by man and basically pressured into participating in the festivals they are allowing themselves to be condemned. "These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" (2:17) I don't think he is saying that it's alright to observe their holidays, as long as you give meaning to Christ, or understand that it's 'really' about Christ. He's saying that by observing them you are missing the point, it is ALL about Christ and only Christ. You are condemning yourself by splitting it up between Christ and the festivals. And didn't God tell the Jews when they were about to cross the river and go to the land they had been promised as their inheritance to destroy all evidence of the pagan festivals and worship? God was pretty clear about that: "... you must not let anything that breathes remain alive. You shall annhialate them - the Hittites and the Armorites, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites - just as the LORD your God has commanded, so that they may not teach you to do all the abhorrant things that they do for their gods, and you thus sin against the LORD your God (Deut 20:16-18).I realize things are different for Christians. But this is insight into God's character and into what is most important to Him. And quite frankly our inheritance is far better, in my opinion, and should be well worth the sacrifice. I'm not saying I'm perfect. I'm struggling with this one. I have a child whom I have brought up (to this point) without Christianity. It is not an easy thing to change or practice. I know this very well. But we are led by our beliefs, right? So this is my direction. I'm in no way criticizing. I'm trying to get involved in a very important discussion and learning about the Word of God. And I'm certainly open to opposition and feedback from others. I want to grow. However, I've read some of the threads here, and have seen a lot of confrontational approaches and responses. I'm asking that my post not be taken in that regard. I'm not being confrontational or assuming I've 'got it right and you don't'. And if you guys are disagreeing with me to please be gentle with your responses. I'm new to Christianity, don't deserve or want a defensive response, and it's just not Christian : (Romans 14:1) Welcome those who are weak in the faith, but not for the purpose of quarrelling over opinions.(Romans 15:2) Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.(Galatians 6:1) My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. (Galatians 5:22-23) By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.(Galatians 5:25-26) If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.