As part of my annual "War on Christmas," I submitted an entry for the local paper's segment on Christmas Stories. From the paper's website:
"The stories of
Christmas have been a Dispatch favorite since 1988. Each year we get wonderful
stories, some humorous and light-hearted; others are thoughtful, touching
remembrances. Winners are published in the Christmas Eve edition of the
Dispatch. Stories should be 300 words or less."
My submission:
"I’m an atheist. But if you ask me what my favorite holiday is, I will tell you it’s Christmas. Hands down. No contest. For me, it really is “the most wonderful time of the year.” I struggled with my utter devotion to Christmas for a few years after becoming an atheist. I felt like a hypocrite; rejecting religion on the one hand, while embracing a religious holiday on the other.
But after doing some basic research into the roots of Christmas, I was able to relax and enjoy the holiday for what it really is; a break from the cold days of winter. An excuse to bring some greenery and lights inside your home when it’s dark and gray outside. An occasion to get together with all of those people you may not see during the rest of the year. An opportunity to show your love through food. A chance to watch your children’s eyes light up as they open that present they’ve been begging for. A time to remember your own childhood, and reminisce with the ones you love. All of these things remain special and magical to us, even if Jesus isn’t part of our equation.
Your atheist neighbors aren’t out to wage a “War on Christmas.” Many of us love it just as much as you do! We just celebrate it our own way, with our own family traditions, and accept it as the cultural holiday that it is. When we say “Happy Holidays,” it’s not because we hate Christmas. It’s simply an acknowledgement that not everyone celebrates it. Because we know what it’s like to be part of the “out group,” and we don’t want others to feel the isolation that we’re so familiar with. So, from my family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas!"
Guess we'll have to wait until next week to see if I win! :-)
Do you hate Santa? :P
ReplyDeleteNot just Santa. I hate ALL imaginary characters trying to break into my house in the middle of the night. I don't discriminate.
DeleteGood for you,handing down traditions to your children. I wish more people would do the same. Also, you seem like a smart person. Why do you waste your time hating someone who doesn’t exist? I would embrace that positive feeling you enjoy so much at Christmas and move on.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not, so just in case you aren't, I'll clarify that I don't hate anyone/anything that doesn't exist. I was being sarcastic when I said I hate imaginary creatures. To be clear, I don't give them a second thought. ;-)
DeleteNo, I wasn't being sarcastic. I like the fact that you really enjoy this time of year and that it lifts your spirits. I love this time of year as well. With all the problems we deal with all the time, this is a good time to count our blessings reflect on what really matters, our families and especially our children. :-) Merry Christmas to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteYou too!
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