Good article, Sarah, with some excellent points.
I readily admit to being non-religious. I won’t go so far as to say “athiest”, but I will go so far as to say “anti organized religion activist”.
I have always loved the traditional parts of Christmas — the tree, the decorations, the food (Yummmmmm), the gift exchanges, the family and friends gatherings (for the most part!).
I love the stories about the various types of St. Nicholas from the various countries, and the various traditions around them. (And the food)
I admit to enjoying a lot of both the religious Christmas hymns/songs and the old chestnuts as well. (I just love music and sinings, so sue me.)
I love the music part of the church services, especially when I was an active choir member in various denominations (no loyaly here!). I never really “got” the Catholic ones because they had so much latin and chanting, and that was tricky since my Mom was a Catholic.
I found a lot of contradictions in the Jesus stories and of course, constantly badgered my Mom about them (how DID he walk on water? How DID he do the wine trick? Etc.)
I guess I really love the “idea” of Christmas. The Dickensian view that is. Everything turns out great in the end and little Tim gets some support.
And year after year - although we once tried to completely treat Christmas as nothing, (no tree, no lights, no gifts — that worked REALLY well — NOT) — Bruce and I faithfully bring out the tree and the lights and the decorations and do the gift exchange. We always try to have a needy friend over during the holiday period and always try to do a family gathering (that doesn’t always go as planned.;-().
Personally — I will continue to wish people a Merry Christmas, since Christmas is the reason for the greeting in the first place. If it offends them, that’s their problem — would they also be upset if I wished them a Happy Birthday on their day? I doubt it. (I will readily admit to disliking the PC people.)
If people want to offer me some other cheery greeting, I will be pleased to accept it.
