For as long as I can remember, I have been hearing the phrase: "Keep Christ in Christmas". When I was young, I mistakenly thought this was in reference to the obvious commercialization of the Holiday Season. As I grew older and became a non-believer, I began to realize that the expression "Keep Christ in Christmas" is really an attempt of some Christians to keep the Holiday Season the exclusive domain of Christianity. However, a brief look of the history of the Holiday Season clearly shows that neither Christmas nor its traditions are Christian in origin.
First and foremost: no one really knows when (or if) Yeshua Nazrene (Jesus of Nazareth) was born. So why is the Jesus' birth celebrated on December the 25th?
The reason is quite simple: There were a number of Pagan Holidays celebrated around the 25th of December and the early church "comandeered" these Holidays. Amongst the ones that influenced the decision of the early church was the celebration of "Natalis Solus Invicti" (birth of the unconquered sun), the birthday of Mithras (Persian sun god) and the celebration of Saturnalia. The common theme here is the rebirth of the sun after the winter solstice.
Even most of the traditions are Pagan in root. Amongst them are:
*Mistletoe: Which originated with the Norse religion.
*Christmas Trees: The origin of which can be traced as far back as the ancient Egyptians. The practice of bringing a tree into the house and decorating it was condemned in the Bible. In fact, even up to the 1840's, Christmas Trees were seen to be pagan in the United States.
*Carols: First Carols were sung by Pagans around stone circles during their Holy Days.
*Santa Claus: If you think the whole Santa Claus mythos started and ended with St. Nicholas, you have another think coming.
About the only thing that is Christian about Christmas is the abbreviation "Xmas". An abbreviation that absolutely drives many Christians nuts.
So considering the Pagan roots of Christmas and the fact many people celebrate other Holidays (such as Kwanza, Chanukah and even Yule) during this time of year; why do many Christians have a fit if Christ isn't kept in Christmas? There are many different possible reasons, but I would guess these people feel both insulted and threatened if one of their main religous Holidays is shown any kind of disrespect (whether real or just perceived). Interestingly enough, not even knowing the origin of their Holiday is showing it the supreme disrespect. This isn't defending baby Jesus from a "War on Christmas", it's hoarding the winter solstice celebration all to themselves.
So if a person comes up to you this Holiday Season and wishes you something else besides "Merry Christmas" do remember it is probably not a sign of disrespect or an attempt to be politically correct. It is probably just a case of different strokes for different folks.
That being said: I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. That is the traditional way this Atheist celebrates the Solstice.
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