At a minimum, our lives are affected by the urgency of others. So much of Christmas symbolism is pagan, non-religious commercialism. If it was purely religious it would be easier for us to evade.

A little over a hundred years ago, some cops in Washington state raided a Wobblie headquarters, and noticed they had a Christmas tree up. The cops asked why avowed atheists would celebrate the birth of Christ. The Wobs replied that the tree was in honor of the Carpenter of Nazareth and Fisherman of Galilee.

It ended with me when Jesus did not bring me a pony. Wait. That could have been Santa Clause. My Xmas today was at my daughter's house where we talked and ate, had soda and other drinks, and I bought each of my daughter's a tank or gas.

Christmas is a double edge sword. Traditionally many religions and customs held these festivals in the darkest, coldest months to bring cheer to people who were about to face the harsh winter. These traditions were absorbed into the Christian faith. I have always said that if it were not for Christmas there is no way throngs of people would be out shopping and partying in December, and that was also true in medieval times when the celebration of Christmas was at it's height. 24 days of fasting followed by 12 days of partying and feasting. So I get the fact that for many Christmas brings tidings of joy.

However, Christmas also brings with it unrealistic expectations and when those expectations are not met there is depression, suicide and domestic violence. Christmas puts a financial burden on families that really cannot afford the extravagance that Christmas demands. I live in a rural community where this is true for many families and yet at the school where I teach, the teachers and administration have been ramping the kids up toward Christmas since mid-October. I see this not only as a violation of the separation of church and state, but the buildup of unrealistic expectations which will most likely go unmet. I say, Bah Humbug.

I definitely do NOT. It's just another day on the calendar. I've made a point to take advantage of flights being cheaper in that day to fly out to visit family. We celebrate New Year as the major holiday. I'm aware that it's a randomly selected day, but it permits us to track history.

Because it is a fun pagan holiday celebrating the winter solstice in which we all get gifts and it gives us an excuse to drink eggnog.