[hopespringseternal]

Today more people celebrate Saturnalia than celebrate Christmas. They just prefer to call it “Christmas”.

I rather doubt the term "Saturnalia" has any more accuracy than "Christmas." And 90% of the people opening gifts under a tree on December 25th would vehemently deny any any religious connection to the event other than Christianity. No matter how shallow their religion.

True Christianity really doesn't have any holidays. Some of the more high strung might celebrate Jewish holidays, but that may not be any more acceptable than a pagan holiday. (No, I am not equating Jews with pagans, I am pointing out that the new testament book of Galatians makes it clear that Christianity is a clear break from Judaism.)

The same writer, Paul, makes it pretty clear though in Corinthians that you may celebrate whatever holiday you wish, or not.

[R. Scott]

I rather doubt the term "Saturnalia" has any more accuracy than "Christmas." And 90% of the people opening gifts under a tree on December 25th would vehemently deny any any religious connection to the event other than Christianity. No matter how shallow their religion.

Saturnalia has the weight of time, so it is therefore a more accurate term, particularly as the holiday season is presently observed. Yes – and probably more than 90% would deny they were observing a pagan holiday. We have been raised (indoctrinated?) to associate the festivities with “Christmas”. If the Christian connection were to be separated from the holiday, how many people would give up the gifts, decorations and parties for a simple church service and family gathering?
Traditions die hard – particularly traditions that bring joy and pleasure. It is my personal opinion that the meaning of any holiday is in the heart of the celebrant. If a person connects Christmas with the birth of the Christ, then it is a Christian holiday. If the person does not associate the holiday with Christianity then it is whatever they feel it is. For many it appears to be a Midwinter Celebration.