I'm quoting the title of a blog post that I saw referred to in the NYT. The author brings up an interesting scenario-- that of a Muslim-American girl that grew up in an American suburb, and who's Palestinian parents raised her celebrating Christmas until she was 12 years old. It makes me wonder once again about how non-believers can enjoy what has become a largely secular, Americanized holiday event founded on the major religion's Messiah's birthday? Can someone be a non-believer and still celebrate Christmas? In a country where a holiday has so much prominence (we all get the day off), so much social impact (we all travel & attend parties, etc.), and commercial aspects (biggest retail impact, hand's down), do all of us Americans have to buy into being a Christian to enjoy this time of year?? Jews, Muslims, Agnostics, etc. want to be a part of the fun, but the religious ramifications immediately squash all hopes of enjoying the cool, secular aspects of the season. Yeah, I know we can celebrate our own holiday (Festivus anyone?), but is that really in the spirit of assimilation, unity & shared cultural customs? If I become adamant about celebrating Xmas instead of Christmas, how many Christians will I offend? Well, it isn't going to be solved in one blog post, but it is something that will continue to vex me the rest of my stay here on Earth...
