One Atheist's Holiday Season

Edgar, I have always maintained that holidays are about family, and generosity, rather than some spooky religion.

I love this season -- and if it happens to coincide with some religious celebrations going on at the same time -- I overlook them.

On my limited time and resources, Walmart is the most viable option. We manage to make 'em all happy.

I believe that people have exploited Christmastide to an awful extent. Honestly, the season- whether you be Christian, Hindu, Atheist or anything else- should be about goodwill.

...I concede that exchanging gifts can be over emphasized at times.

Here's a confession. My wife and I do not participate in the Xmas frenzy. We only give gifts to small children. We have stopped sending cards. And we put up minimal decorations, just for the ambience. The result is that during the Xmas season we suffer no stress at all, and we feel no guilt or shame at all. We see most people, like Edgar's brother-in-law, as falling into the trap of a commercial system designed to drain his bank account and flood his body with corticol. I think we talked about the benefits of grinchism last year.

This year will be much different, as my wife and I may spend the day alone. Not that I mind. I can't think of a better person to be alone with.

Yes, I deny all possibility that there may be gods or God. Yet, the season is sacred to me. It harbors nostalgia for the past, when I felt a bit of special favor for and from people around me. An island of humanity in an otherwise too cruel world.
Then, there is my belief that humanity must have tradition to reenforce our best values. There is much to be gained from a day in which we take stock of ourselves for the past year, whatever our inclination regarding religion. The notion of Peace On Earth, Good Will To Men is universal in its scope and should be embraced by all. In my humble estimation, "A Christmas Carol" is the greatest story any person has written.
And, so, as we approach these days, this atheist at least wishes you one and all:
Happy Thanksgiving! and: Merry Christmas!

It's a time to be festive in anotherwise dismal time of year. A time for family. It's a time for reflection on the positive aspects of our lives. A time to promote Peace and Good Will. How anybody could be oblivious to the best aspects of the holiday season is beyond me.

Seems like it should still be October or something.