There’s no reason to throw the metaphorical baby out with the bathwater, although when it comes to a secular retaking of Christmas throwing out the baby Jesus wouldn’t be a bad idea. Why not celebrate someone we know existed, who changed the world, and who’s birthday actually falls on December 25, I am talking about Sir Isaac Newton, of course (an I idea that was inspired by one of my favorite podcasts, unfortunately I don’t remember which).

Let’s break down many of the common parts of the Christmas holiday:

• Christmas tree – Christians co-opted it from Germanic pagans, so there’s no reason not to have one, especially if any of your ancestors were Christian and/or northern European.
• December 25 – A day that Christians took from several pagan religions that falls during the darkest time of the year (a few days after the solstice) for those of us in the planet’s northern latitudes. For those of us in many countries it’s also a day that you’re almost guaranteed to have off so take advantage of the time to spend with family.
• Holiday dinner – Either turkey, ham, prime rib, or what ever your family has for it. Sounds tasty so have it.
• Music – If you like the songs then enjoy them.
• Lights – Again, if you’re in the northern part of the world then it’s a dark time of the year so lights are a good idea.
• Presents – Who doesn’t like presents (as long as they aren’t clothes, something tied to one of your hobbies that you either already have or don’t want, or they’re worthless space taking junk)? So have fun with it.
• Holiday parties – Who doesn’t like a party? Enjoy.
• Eggnog – The original American beverage started in colonial times by people milking a cow directly into a bucket of rum. If you like it, enjoy some holiday (liquid) cheer.

There’s plenty to the holiday season without having to bring in religion and it’s equally ridiculous for atheists to flat out reject celebrating Christmas as it is for Christians to assume that atheists couldn’t possibly celebrate Christmas.

Christmas, the solstice, Festivus, Saturnalia, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yuletide, or what every holiday you like, take your pick and do what ever the hell you want, just so long as you have a good time and have one or more happy holidays.