You guys, I finally figured out the best way to give a holiday greeting without pissing someone off: wait for them to greet you! If they say “Merry Christmas,” say it back. Same with Happy Holidays or any other message of Holiday cheer.
Sometimes, I will say, “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,” together when in doubt. So far, no one has wanted to punch me in the face.
Creative gift giving
While we were on the topic, I created a video to show off the silver ring splits I purchased from Eva Belle on Etsy. They make the perfect gift for anyone in the family suffering from arthritis pain but who doesn’t want to wear those old-fashioned traditional plastic-y splints.
Silver is sturdier and far more comfy to boot.
I got a couple of new rings today and wanted to share them—the below video is under two minutes long:
My atho-pagan celebrations
Why “pagan?”
Because as an atheist, when I celebrate Christmas, I focus on the underlying ritualistic traditions of the Holiday Season and not the religious aspect.
For instance, decorating the tree (which we have—a small artificial one) was based on the Roman celebration of Saturnalia, “Romans also hung small metal ornaments on trees outside their homes. These little ornaments represented a god, Saturn, or the family’s personal patron saint.
Early Germanic tribes practiced a similar tree decorating tradition, this time with fruits and candles to honor the god Odin throughout winter solstice. Christians seemed to have merged the tree decorating with ornaments, candles, and fruits to make Christmas tree decorating one extravagant tradition.” —Chefin
Five other pagan-inspired Christmas rituals include:
I am sure there are many more, but I wanted to stick with what I, as an atheist, might indulge in during the season celebrations (although I might steer clear of that whole Caroling thing…too blooming cold even in Georgia…brrrr!)
New family traditions
Each year, I try to find something uniquely ours, usually a craft, to share together so we can add special elements that feel like “us.” This year, we plan to make handmade ornaments using a DIY kit to hang on the Saturnalia Tree on Christmas Eve.
The kiddos are very excited about it, as am I…
We also plan to watch one Christmas movie after getting stuffed with turkey and dressing. It’s A Christmas Story this year, as Gabi hasn't seen it yet and has been hankering to do so.
Orion and Michael are easy—they are down for whatevah!
War On Christmas? Nah—just changing times
As I typed this, I suddenly realized why so many people proclaim that any deviation from cultural norms during the holidays is some kind of war. Changing mores and new ideals appear to murder their memories—for them, every Christmas was Hallmark card perfect, right down to MeMaw and PawPaw's sprawling dinners.
They want everything to remain that way but also cannot fathom people enjoying or wanting anything else.
The very idea that someone wants a Christmas devoid of the pomp and finery they enjoy strikes fear in their heart. They sincerely believe something different means they cannot keep their own traditions sacrosanct.
Why they feel this way, I don’t know, but they can rest assured no one is going to bust down their front door and confiscate their egg nog and pumpkin pie.
Atheists such as myself do not plan to encroach upon or dictate their familial traditions—they should allow me the same courtesy.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Seasons Greetings to one and all!