I have been an atheist most of my life. Since I was a child, I have been way too pragmatic to buy into religion, even though my parents carted me off to church every Sunday while I was under their control. What I don’t understand is the atheist tendency to be angry/militant and feel like they have to change the world. Who cares what other people think? I wouldn’t call myself either proud or ashamed- I don’t really discuss it with anyone. As far as I know, only my immediate family and a few other people even know about it. I figure it’s my business what I believe, the same as it’s a Christian or Buddhist or Taoist or any other person’s business what they believe. I happen to believe that “whatever gets you through the day” is what you should be doing. If you need to rely on religion, that’s cool with me. Of course, don’t make the mistake of trying to convert me as you CANNOT hang with me in that argument as I’ve made a life long study of the psychology of religion and why people feel the need to practice. (As well as the origins of religion etc) Anyway, I celebrate Christmas, but not for the traditional purpose of the birth of Christ. I like Christmas music too. While people should be a little nicer, a little kinder, a little more tolerant, a little happier and a little more giving ALL the time, how can you argue with spending a few weeks a year showing gratitude and giving gifts to those that are important to you? Anyway, what difference does it make if Catholics, Baptists, Nazarenes or anyone else like to pray or have a crutch?