Here it is, Christmas. Originally Christmas was the Winter Solstice. When the Christians (with the rest of Rome) invaded northern Europe, and tried to convert the masses, they chose to celebrate the birth of Christ at the same time as the Winter Solstice in order to get the pagans of the north to celebrate with them. It was an easy way for the Christians to help convert the masses. The same logic applied to Easter with the Spring Equinox.
So, as an Athiest, why do I celebrate Christmas?
Well, a certain part of the equasion is cultural. I was raised in a predominently Catholic culture, so a part of that culture has rubbed off. Of course, most of the visual Christmas holidays are no longer religious in nature. In addition, the holidays have become more about the spirit of giving and comadarie, which is something that anyone can believe in, religious or not.
Also, a part of it is respect. I may not believe in God any more than I do in Santa Clause, but that does not mean that I do not respect others belief in God, Allah, Yhwh, Buddha, Thor, or Quetzalcouatl. In fact, I respect others beliefs, and thus, part of living in a Christian community is being a part of it with them.
Merry Christmas, Happy Chaunakah, and Blessed Kwanza to all!!
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