Every year Christians create a lot of hullabaloo about how the attitude towards Christmas in our society is changing. They condemn people for taking the “Christ” out of Christmas. They condemn us for turning Christmas into a so-called, “consumer holiday.” They even condemn people for sending “Happy Holidays” cards because there is no reference to religion; of course, they seem to forget that the Jewish population also celebrates Hanukkah at this time of year. Although on the other hand, I don't believe in the idea that any individual should be bullied into referring to Christmas in a generic term just so as to be politically correct. So this is what I propose.

Let's stop worrying about whether or not we're taking Christ out of Christmas. I see nothing wrong with that. We take take take all year, and during the holiday season, we finally want to celebrate giving. Is this so wrong? There has also been a lot of controversy lately over the idea of the term, “holiday tree” as opposed to the traditional, “Christmas tree.” Christians are really making a fuss about this one. However, I would like to remind you that like so many other Christian symbols, the Christmas tree (along with Easter and Halloween etc.) was a Pagan symbol long before your great philosopher was born.

Yes it's quite possible that Christmas has somewhat turned into a consumer holiday, built by manufacturers to sell more product. But nobody can force you to buy anything you don't want to. You bring this on yourselves. I suggest this year telling everyone you know to set a price limit on everything they buy for you. You do the same for them, and try to put more thought into it. It's not a competition to see who can spend the most.

There is a spirit in the air all right, but it's not God. It's the human spirit. Charities see a substantial jump in donations at Christmas time and although it would be nice if people were more charitable all year round, it's a good start. This is what I'm celebrating.

So I'm going to aim to take religion out of all aspects of my holiday this year. And I'm not going to be made to feel bad about it either. There is no God, there are only people, and I want to celebrate the coming together of those people; families, friends and strangers. I thank the Christians (and the Pagans) for giving me Christmas, but it's nobody's business how I celebrate it.

So this Christmas morning when your making your once a year trip to worship a God that you know so little about, think about me muttering a little thank you to the all giving, all caring, all loving, symbol of selflessness himself; no not Jesus, Santa Claus. (And maybe mother nature.)

I spent 22 of my my 24 years going to mass once a week and I probably know much more about it than you do. Catholicism is my specialty. So if you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at leighcooney@rogers.com.
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