So it’s that time of year again, when some of us start to get het up over those who say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas,” and putting stuff up on social media and ‘daring’ us to share.
But think about this:
The actual date of Jesus’s birth is unknown, but in the fourth century AD, Pope Julius 1 (337–352) formalized that it should be celebrated on 25 December, around the same time as the Saturnalia celebrations. It is highly probable that part of the reason why he chose this date may have been because he was trying to create a Christian alternative to Saturnalia. Another reason for the decision may have been because, in 274 AD, the Roman emperor Aurelian had declared 25 December the birthdate of Sol Invictus (Roman sun god), and Julius 1 may have thought that he could attract more converts to Christianity by allowing them to continue to celebrate on the same day.
So, let’s not get all hissy about whether we say “Happy Holidays,” or “Merry Christmas,” for the 25th of December: it’s not important what arbitrary name we give it, it’s the spirit that counts, no?
So from a very happy atheist, (me), to all my friends, from Agnostic to Zarathustrian, I wish you a joyous, peaceful and safe Christmas & New Year; all this and comfort to those who are missing loved ones no longer near!