Those of you who follow this blog might be aware of this author's great schism of '14. When after months of contemplation I parted with my former church, and consequently gave up "faith" in general. I left in my usual understated way, with a few choice words for the pastor and leadership. But a year has passed and the holidays are upon me and in truth, I really love the holidays.Now without the fetters of religion I'm wondering how to under gird my holiday traditions. I'm wondering if I should go "full pagan" and celebrate the winter solstice, with perhaps an animal sacrifice in the nude or go "full commercial" with endless renditions of Santa Baby and lots of designer gifts. Or do I do nothing....not acknowledge the holiday at all, although in my heart I want to.
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| War on Christmas. |
So in full honesty, I'm celebrating the holidays this year like every year. Yes, I've cut out the midnight mass and much of the religious trappings of the holiday. The creche and the three kings did not come out of the box this year and probably won't ever again. Thankfully "The WAR on CHRISTMAS" has made cruising the holidays a very secular affair. There's less Hark The Herald Angels, and much more Deck the Halls. In fact, Starbucks' red cup makes me question the whole "reason for the season" entirely.
Importantly, I also have an addiction to cool ornaments. This year I'm doing a whole Mexican, Day of the Dead thing on the tree. (That seems like a good holiday too.) But my Star Wars and Start Trek ornaments are up there too. I think the tree thing is just a way to channel your inner id. Why would I want to stop that? Of course as an atheist, I could put that tree up anytime, assuming I could find a Douglas fir on sale in May.
That being said, I just can't let go of the "spirit" of the holidays. Giving, seeing friends and family are joyful, regardless that it takes the holidays to make it happen. Helping the less fortunate and thinking about children, both our own inner child and the ones in our lives is something we don't do year-round. That being said, I can't completely let go of the religious nature of the holidays. I'm sure the pagans were, like "I'm so stressed, and I've got to pick up the goat for sacrifice, but then again, its the Holidays." So while I claim to be a non-believer.....there's still belief in the hope of humanity and the real joy this season brings to so many. So Happy Holidays everyone.
Importantly, I also have an addiction to cool ornaments. This year I'm doing a whole Mexican, Day of the Dead thing on the tree. (That seems like a good holiday too.) But my Star Wars and Start Trek ornaments are up there too. I think the tree thing is just a way to channel your inner id. Why would I want to stop that? Of course as an atheist, I could put that tree up anytime, assuming I could find a Douglas fir on sale in May.
That being said, I just can't let go of the "spirit" of the holidays. Giving, seeing friends and family are joyful, regardless that it takes the holidays to make it happen. Helping the less fortunate and thinking about children, both our own inner child and the ones in our lives is something we don't do year-round. That being said, I can't completely let go of the religious nature of the holidays. I'm sure the pagans were, like "I'm so stressed, and I've got to pick up the goat for sacrifice, but then again, its the Holidays." So while I claim to be a non-believer.....there's still belief in the hope of humanity and the real joy this season brings to so many. So Happy Holidays everyone.
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| Those pagans! Then again I could go to Haulover Beach for Xmas |
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