I consider that I am a god-less pagan. So big bonfire on the Solstice. Need the Sun to come back. Gets dark early, so have some bright lights out side. Like evergreens at this time, so a tree with decorations. We also like some music events. Live music to brighten up the darkness. Let everyone do their thing, just doesn't have to be ours.
I love this idea...
Like any other day. Eat with family on Thanksgiving. No gift giving or receiving. Give and receive birthday gifts
Thanksgiving DOES seem to be the one holiday that everyone can come together over. Gifts on Mother's/ Fathers and Grandparents days and Graduations, weddings Anniversaries Baby showers and Award honors too.
Donna: I give gifts for those other occasions also, but I don't treat them as holidays. My mother gets gifts from me year round.
You are a good man. (Smile)
What do you mean? Like dealing with religious relatives at holidays? I just try my best not to start and/or get caught up in a conversation about politics or religion. If you hear relatives talking about it, just don't join the conversation.
Yes. Mine have a tendency to ask pointed questions that they do not allow me to ignore.
Do they know you're an atheist? If so and they're still asking those questions, it sounds like they're trying to bait you, which...shame on them.
Yes, some of them are aware, some of them are clueless as I don't bring things like that up around them, but sometimes I find myself on the spot when these, or a guest who might be highly devout to their belief system asks what I think.
Not wanting to spoil a holiday I find myself scrambling for non-offensive ways to make my position known.
It's one thing if someone knocks at my door and tries to pry, but quite another, when you are attempting to keep peace and enjoy a holiday, and your answer could cause a big drama scenario.