Celebration of Yuletide among the peoples of northern Europe dates back to before the arrival of Chistianity, if not before the birth of Christ.

This celebration of the immediate post-equinox period -- people were relieved that the days were finally starting to get longer -- featured indoor displays of evergreen foliage, plenty of roast poultry and alcohol, and lots of singing and dancing. This is undoubtedly the origin of our "Christmas Carols."

The Church, in its near-infinite wisdom, appropriated this mid-winter festival to celebrate the birth of Christ. His actual birthdate, of course, is unknown. (I hope most of us can agree on that much.)

I can think of only one ancient Yuletide carol that has no Christian references at all -- the venerable "Deck the Halls." Can anyone name any more? Secular humanists and neo-Pagans everywhere want to know.

Don't forget to don that gay apparel, now!