I’ve been asked by some why I would celebrate Christmas as an atheist. Well, here’s why. Anyone who’s actually taken the time to examine the history of Christmas, knows that originally, it had nothing to do at all with Christianity.

Originally, it was just pagan tribes celebrating the winter solstice, among other things. Christianity later took it as their own, linking it (wrongly) with the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. I imagine it was done because those pagans wouldn’t have converted to Christianity if their feasts had been forbidden.

Besides, Christmas has become a tradition in the Western world. It’s just one of the many holidays in winter time to make those short and dark days more endurable. I’d also qualify it more as a commercial holiday, rather than a religious one. Heck, which holiday isn’t nowadays?

So that’s why atheists can celebrate Christmas, too. It’s not a Christian holiday, it’s simply tradition. An on that note, I wish everyone, regardless of religion, a Merry Christmas!

Try not to harm yourselves or others with fireworks!

I’m taking this opportunity to make a proposal. It seems tradition to kill each other all year long, save with Christmas. I suggest we stop killing each other alltogether from now on. How difficult could it be to accept people who think a little different? Is it really so much to ask to look beyond our own ideals and respect someone else’s?

Also a note to those who apparently live for the sole purpose of being offended by everything that others do or say. I think we all know whom I’m referring to. Someone once said: “The prophet is beyond any insult.” If the prophet himself cannot be insulted anyway, why bother to be insulted in his name? If you ever encounter a cartoon you think is offensive, just remember that.