Christine Ball
For many humanists, the holiday season—especially Christmas—can feel like a curious mix of
familiarity and complexity. Christmas, with its long Christian history, often raises questions for
those of us who find our purpose not in divine belief but in human connection and shared
experience. Yet for humanists, the beauty of the season is precisely in its universality, in its
ability to bring people together across belief systems. Christmas, when celebrated through a
humanist lens, becomes an opportunity to craft something truly personal, rooted in family,
tradition, and the unifying power of goodwill.
Celebrating Christmas as a humanist is not an act of contradiction but one of intention. At its
heart, the season represents warmth, generosity, and togetherness—values that resonate
deeply with a humanist outlook. This time of year encourages us to step back from the
relentless pace of modern life and focus on the relationships that sustain us. We gather, share
meals, exchange gifts, and tell stories. Religious traditions may have shaped these rituals, but
they are far older, stretching back to ancient solstice celebrations when communities came
together to mark the return of light in the darkest days. Christmas becomes less about a specific doctrine and more about its timeless themes: hope, connection, and celebration of life itself.
What sets humanists apart during Christmas is the freedom and empowerment to define the
season on their own terms. Without the need for theological observance, the holiday becomes a blank canvas for meaningful traditions. For some, that might mean hosting friends who feel like family or volunteering to help those who need it most. For others, it’s about cooking cherished recipes, exchanging homemade gifts, or simply embracing the quiet joy of a winter’s day.
Humanists celebrate not because they must but because they choose to, creating traditions that
reflect their values—kindness, gratitude, and a belief in the inherent goodness of human
connection.
Yet, amidst the celebrations, there is an undeniable tension that arises this time of year: the
strange indignation some people feel over how Christmas is acknowledged. I’ll admit, I get
frustrated when I see people take offence at someone saying “Happy Holidays,” as though it
were an attack rather than an attempt at inclusion. “Happy Holidays” doesn’t erase
Christmas—it simply recognizes that this season holds significance for people of many different
beliefs. It’s a phrase that extends goodwill to everyone without presumption. When someone
wishes me a “Merry Christmas,” I accept it with the same grace. Because ultimately, it’s not
about the words themselves but the sentiment behind them. Whether it’s “Happy Hanukkah,”
“Seasons Greetings,” or “Merry Christmas,” these are all expressions of kindness—small
offerings of goodwill in a world that could always use more of it.
As a humanist, I believe we shouldn’t get bogged down in the politics of phrasing. To hear
someone wish you well—no matter how they phrase it—is a moment of connection, a reminder
of our shared humanity. Why let something so simple become contentious? The season's
beauty lies in its ability to bridge differences, not amplify them.
At its best, Christmas is an invitation to pause and reflect on what truly matters. For humanists,
it’s an opportunity to celebrate the relationships, memories, and moments that bring meaning to our lives. It’s about generosity, not because a higher power demands it, but because helping others enriches us all. It’s about tradition, not because it’s mandated, but because
rituals—whether old or new—bind us together. It’s about joy, hope, and light, not spiritually, but as real and tangible experiences that remind us of the good in the world.
So, can humanists celebrate Christmas? Absolutely. And more importantly, we can celebrate it
in an authentic way. We can focus on love, laughter, and creating new traditions that align with our values. We can accept good wishes with gratitude, no matter their form, and offer kindness in return. Christmas, stripped of dogma, is about what we bring to it—and for humanists, that means making it a celebration of life, humanity, and the connections that sustain us.
After all, what better reason could there be to celebrate?
Yorumlar