Excellent question, PopcornBird. I was just thinking that same thing myself.

I firmly believe everyone has a right to their own beliefs and a right to practice (or not practice) whatever religion they choose. That is one of the benefits to living in a free country.

But Christmas, despite the historical references to paganism and secularism, is indeed practiced today as a Christian holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus, the cornerstone of the Christian religion. If one does not believe in Jesus, why would one celebrate Christmas?

One of my employees is a Jehovah's Witness, therefore she does not celebrate Christmas, Easter, birthdays, etc. We all respect her views. However, when a customer brings goodies to us for Christmas, she is quick to eat them. Or when a customer writes a check for a Christmas bonus, she is quick to demand her share. We have all commented on the hypocracy in this ... if you don't celebrate a holiday and don't believe in the religious premise behind said holiday, that means everything to do with the holiday, IMO, not simply what is convienent.

I don't celebrate Jewish, Pagan or Muslim holidays, even though they might be fun. I am not a Jew or a Pagan or a Muslim. My brother is a Pagan, and believe me, they have some FUN holidays. But I'm not a Pagan, so it would be false for me to attend.