I think that Christmas is a fine pagan holiday. The yule log, and the carols which are beautiful say nothing about the reality of Christianity as it's applied today. It stems from earlier times and former pagan rituals involving holly bushes, decorated trees, bonfires in the snow etc.

It is an institutional holiday that could just as easilly be called Solstice or Midwinter.

As forced as the notion of the birthday of Christ is, manger scenes and creches seem
almost a parody of themselves when displayed with neon lights and artificial caracatures.
The Three Wise Men look more like The Three Stooges. And scholars of the bible know that December 25 was not the reputed birthday of Jesus but it was of Mithras, the sun god of Egypt who was the forerunner of the other guy.

The idea of "peace on earth and goodwill to men (and women) is worthy in itself of
celebration. If this is the real message than I'm for keeping it as it is.

I think Christmas is fine the way it is. It's not Hannukah or Kwanza so that's significant.

One could paraphrase Reverend Billy in saying: "Where would Jesus shop?"

To me, the holiday is not about "stuff". It's about spending happy times with close ones
whether family or friends. Singing the carols which are lovely bring people together in a
warm, loving way. The words never have to be taken in any literal way.

I love the trees, the warm cider, the pleasant conversation and friends, the lights festive in the neighborhood, the occasional meaningful gift (not just "stuff"), and the idea of being "Merry" really appeals to me. That's the idea, to circumvent the environmental depression of the darkest time of the year.

So Merry Christmas, Happy Solstice, Merry Midwinter, Happy Chanukkah, Kwanza, Boxing Day, and whatever holiday you come up with I'll be happy to celebrate it.

Frank Hamilton