While I have expressed that I do like to celebrate with a secular ritual at this time of year, I think that Tom makes many valid points about the christian nature of christmas. While I agree with his detractors that much of what many people practice under the name of christmas is not the least bit christian, I also agree with Tom that much about christmas is very christian. And I think that it is naive for non-religious persons to ignore this. The very word “christmas,” for example, refers to a “christ mass.” And a “christ mass” is clearly something that non-christian persons would not be interested in being a part of. Similarly, there are many morally repugnant christian fables that deserve no repeating around winter time. I have many jewish friends who outright reject the celebration of christmas in support of their own hannukah. Why should secularists be any more accommodating? Are we really so accustomed to riding at the back of the bus?
So why not celebrate the winter solstice for what it actually is, and why not go all the way in taking the “christ” out of christmas? While it may be true that the winter solstice was celebrated by many pagan peoples across history, it is actually the solstice that is unknowingly being celebrated by christians and jews under the false names of christmas and hannukah. The solstice is not an “alternative” holiday to christmas. Nor is it a pagan phenomenon. It is an actual natural astronomical occurrence. Just take a look outside your window at how dark it has gotten. It is, quite simply, the shortest and darkest day of the year. And, it is the real reason why people have celebrated christmas, hannukah, and a variety of pagan holidays over the centuries at this time of year. Pagans, christians and jews alike may have noticed the winter solstice, but so especially ought naturalists. Are we, who are naturalists, not persons in awe of nature?
I say keep all the good parts that you like. Send out solstice cards. Put up a tree with beautiful lights and decorate the house with holly and ivy and pine wreaths and pine cones. Enjoy hot spiced wine, cider or egg nog and a delicious family dinner. Enjoy good choral or brass music. Visit the ballet. Cozy up, away from the cold outside, and exchange gifts with loved ones. Also, consider the celebration of midsummer in Scandinavian countries. There are also many pagan practices associated with its traditions. But beneath it all, isn’t it just a celebration for the longest day of the year? I think that naturalists ought to have a big party then too.
