Happy New Year!

I survived 1/1/11 and all I got was this lousy blog entry.

The holidays are over (except for one more neighborhood party).  The freezing weather took a break for the weekend.  I managed to take down the lights on the house yesterday, the tree is the goal for today.

I've struggled with determining what the holiday season means for me (being an atheist) and what should I do to celebrate.  I don't begrudge others their "reason for the season" and have no problem wishing a Merry Christmas to anyone, even though I don't believe myself.  I have a Christmas tree in my home and it is called that, not a holiday tree or some other phrase.  I love the season, I don't have a war on Christmas.  To me the Christmas season is obviously more than Jesus' birthday or I wouldn't partake.  To me it is the spirit of the season, perhaps exemplified by the stories of Jesus, but not limited to Jesus or Christians, that I look forward to.  Not presents, I could do without those.  But the feeling of family, hope, love, goodwill.  That is what Christmas means to me and that is what I look forward to every year.

I generally avoid proselytizing about atheism during the season, out of respect for those who believe.  But I have found, at least in the last year or two, that at least one or two believers make it clear to me that they feel I don't have the right to share in the festivities.  If I'm an atheist I should be sad, lonely and Scroogelike during this season, apparently.  I honestly believe this is a result of the supposed "War on Christmas."  It seems that those who treat me this way are also the ones who complain about stores labeling things as "holiday" rather than "Christmas" or people wishing them "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas".  Yet they are upset if I wish them "Merry Christmas" or that I have a Christmas tree because I am an atheist and don't believe so my wishes or participation are basically sacrilege.  So, basically there is no making them happy, unless I cower in my home and communicate with no one during this time of the year, apparently.  Damned if I do, damned if I don't.

Well, anyway... I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and I hope your new year is simply incredible.  Happy Holidays everyone!