[randog]

Christmas is part of our Greco-Roman-Judeo-Christian Western tradition. It has always been a special time of year across diverse cultures. It need not be dedicated to mysticism and supernatural nonsense. Atheists can embrace Christmas as a mid-winter celebration with friends and family. It is a wonderful time to share family traditions and discuss the rational roots that keep your family strong.

That's OK, but celebrate Solstice, Yule, The Great Nothingness, whatever, just don't say you're celebrating Christmas--us Christians will take care of that. And when Cinco de Mayo comes around, feel free to celebrate May Day, Jose Cuervo, Drunken Gringo Day, etc. but don't insult the Mexicans by acting like you belong.

[Abin Sur]

That's OK, but celebrate Solstice, Yule, The Great Nothingness, whatever, just don't say you're celebrating Christmas--us Christians will take care of that.

I think it's fair to say that by the early 21st Century a large part of the Christmas celebration has become secular. To be sure many people (to varying degrees) celebrate it as a religious occasion, but in popular culture I believe that Christmas' non-religious aspects have partially overtaken the religious aspects.

That being the case, I will continue to celebrate Christmas in spite of being an unbeliever. Just don't expect to see me in church... :-)