(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Many atheists, besides denying the existence of a God, have an issue with organized religion.

Although most argue against all belief systems, Christ, in particular, and the religions that support belief in him, have been debated as being harmful to society.
Followers of Christianity have been accused of being ignorant of scientific fact and deluded by religious tenants as well as the cause of many wars, deaths, and conflicts.

I will not bring in other religion's holy days because most on this site are unaware of them, but Christmas is probably the most recognized religious day of the year and has transcended its original meaning to become the holiday season in the west.

Although many non practicing religious people celebrate this season, is it appropriate for Atheists, with contempt for religion, to celebrate a religious holiday?

I'm sure many will argue that it is more than that now, but if one is going to argue against religion the rest of the year, why should they overlook it at this time of year?

If one has made a intelligent informed opinion on God and religion, then shouldn't they take a principled stance against celebrating the Christian holiday season?

To be the first to undermine my own position:

Happy Holidays too all!!!

I am wearing my Santa suit, hopefully it is flame proof.

They celebrate to spend the holidays with their family.

From a neutral viewpoint, No. Atheists should not celebrate Christmas.

From an Atheist viewpoint, well why can't I? if Christians are so willing to let me experience their faith, who are they to prevent me? I forget the exact quote but it's something along the lines of treat others how you'd like to be treated. Should a Christian try and prevent you, then that surely goes against their religion.

Lets be honest, most religious meaning behind Christmas has gone. The Atheist population is growing in the west and lets be fully honest, its a very nice time of year. As I sit here on my laptop looking out the window there is snow covering every house and field for as far as I can see. I have a mug of mulled wine (Nice and warm) and I'm looking forward to Christmas. Am I thinking about a myth and a stable, some sheep 3 wise blokes and some hay? Heck no, I'm enjoying myself too much. Whilst Christmas is an enjoyable holiday it will be celebrated by most of the west, Christian or not.

I am not in a position to deny, nor do I want to deny anyone from feeling the warmth of this season.

It is a special time of year in the west and a feeling that, if shared by all thoughout the year, would be the greatest of gifts to mankind.

I look forward to seeing some snow out my window and enjoying a warm cognac soon.
I don't know how to mull wine, but it reminds me of Clarence in It's a wonderfull life.

Well, Since I'm an Atheist I think I should answer.

I will be celebrating Christmas with my family mainly because the rest of my family doesn't know about my beliefs. They probably won't mind but that's for another time.

Even if they did know, I would like to celebrate Christmas. It is a nice time of year and brings everyone together. And why should my family have a bad Christmas without me there just because of my religion (or lack of religion)
If everyone in my family was Atheist then I'd have a different perspective on celebrating Christmas.

If really depends on the situation.

Oh Boy !!
I would really like a mod to change the title to
Do atheists celebrate the Christmas season? ( not should )

To the people who say Atheists should celebrate Christmas, this is just like saying "should we celebrate Ede in England" With the amount of Muslims in England, Ede has got to be the second biggest religious celebration. If you celebrate Christmas, why do you not celebrate Ede as well for the same reasons you celebrate Christmas?

Problem there.
Most Atheists come from a religious backgrounds.
Take Me for Example, I was brought up in the Catholic Faith.
Now I'm Atheist and still celebrate most Christian holidays.
Why should I celebrate Muslim holidays when I have nothing to do with the Muslim Faith?
If there was a Muslim-turned-Atheist (which there are hardly any) then they might celebrate Ede, but they wouldn't celebrate christmas.

Not going to celebrate holidays from 2 religions when I wasn't brought up in them.

Fionn,

Why do you think that none of the many atheists on here are responding to this question? Is it too hard to defend? Is it pointless? Of course there are no God Squad crew jumping on it either!!

Thank you for your response earlier.
I certainly would not give up this time of year with my family and the traditional customs if they could not understand my personal convictions and beliefs.

But it does have the feeling of being gay and staying in the closet around the family, without the stigma of course. Not that there is anything wrong with being gay.( how you like my Seinfeld impersonation)

Personal convictions and beliefs can stay personal, especially around loved ones that would not understand or be hurt by them.