David Takes On: The Holiday Season (again)

So here I sit. Another Christmas Eve. There really is something magical about this time of year. From the bells of the Salvation Army volunteers, to the jolly (albeit somewhat forced) laughter of mall Santas, to indeed the lights on the houses of the neighborhood, there's something to be said for this holiday. It's always been one of my favorites, even after becoming an atheist. Why? Because as far as I can tell, Jesus is not the reason for the season. This holiday was being celebrated well before the birth of Christ, and was not until well after his death that the Roman emperors could be persuaded to make his birthday an official holiday. Even then they had to tack it onto a pagan holiday, one people were already celebrating anyway. You may know it as The Winter Solstice.

Ridiculous religious ceremony aside, I still love this time of year. I could do without sanctimonious Christians trying to cram THE LORD into every little aspect of the season, but I guess I'll live. I love Christmas almost as much as Thanksgiving, as a matter of fact, because it reminds me that things are not all that bad, and there's much to be thankful for. It's a time to spend with one's family, enjoying company, catching up. It's a time to eat yourself stupid on Christmas ham or goose or turducken, or whatever it is that your family makes. It's a time to celebrate not the birth of Jesus, but instead the re-birth of our commitments to our family, friends, and loved ones.

Well, that's how I feel from where I sit. Far be it from me to tell you how to celebrate this day. I'll still sing the odd religious carol, I'll jingle my bells, I may even be cajoled into seeing a nativity play. But that's ok with me, because I'm secure in my ideals. I celebrate Christmas how I want, and you by all means will celebrate it however you want. I seem to remember making a point last year of people who couldn't stand to see the word "Christmas" anywhere. Those people are missing the point. Most Christians couldn't care less if a group of people don't believe in god. Of course, then you've got the fascist ultra-right who believes that anyone who so much as entertains the shadow of a doubt should be burnt at the stake as heretics. I would advise that you yourself, dear reader, be a little more moderate and understanding of people's beliefs.

A quick note to my Jewish friends: as an atheist, understand that I don't begrudge you anything either. Your way is an ancient one, but still not one with which I agree. But that also doesn't mean that I don't wish you anything but the best this Hannukah. Light your candles. Spin your dreidels. Eat matzoh and latke. I'd even come participate if you'd want.

I am reminded of a quote by Voltaire: "Sir, I may not agree with what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."

We should all be free to do and worship as we please, if that is our wont. Conversely, we should also be able to profess a disbelief and not be persecuted for it. Not that many atheists are, mind you, but we're still the most distrusted minority group in the US. That, I think, says something for religion. Especially for the religions that espouse harmony and brotherly love (I'm looking at you, Christianity).


Anyway, tangents aside, enjoy your holiday. I will certainly enjoy mine.

Consider yourself taken on (again!), Christmas.