Atheists, and agnostics?

Question

Do you have any holidays that you follow and participate in? Are there any special memories as a child of a favorite holiday?

Let me state that I realize many of the so called Christian observances are pagan based. I am not trying to be intentionally dense I just wondered what you celebrate and how. I think family is the best reason to celebrate any holiday. Time to spend with them is at such a premium nowadays. I am Christian but am extremely liberal in my beliefs, so I respect all of your answers thus far....

Answer 1

Nope, there are no atheist holidays. I do participate in most holidays the Christians recognize... mainly because it gives me an excuse to spend quality time with my family and, when appropriate, buy gifts for them.

I always remember that on Christmas Eve, my siblings and I would leave out cookies and carrots (we left a note saying that milk would be in the fridge). Cookies for Santa, carrots for his reindeer. We figured we might as well feed EVERYONE doing the Christmas work. Every Christmas morning we would find almost a dozen half-eaten carrots next to an empty cookie plate.

Answer 2

I'm an agnostic and I celebrate all the holidays only because that is the ONLY time that my entire family gets together and has a huge meal.
You don't have to be religious to celebrate your family. Most of my family are christians but don't celebrate xmas because of the birth of some guy that bled all over the place. Family that is my memory

Answer 3

I like Christmas, though not for the Christian reasons. I just like the decorations, the music, and the presents. I don't feel guilty about this since December 25 used to be some Pagan holiday before a pope decided it was also Christ's birthday.

Answer 4

Many atheists celebrate holidays as special family times. As long as we are cognizant of why were are there then who cares?

Holidays have been so bastardized anyway... They have essentially been transformed into Hallmark and Wallmart days. Sure, for some of them that isn't the case, but the memories most of us cherish are related to fun, family, and togetherness... None of which have anything to do with a belief in god.

Answer 5

You must be referring to religious holidays. Well, I'm agnostic but celebrate Christmas, the only religious holiday I celebrate but millions of people celebrate Christmas; I don't go to church or anything for it or pray or any Christian-like thing for it. I used to be into Easter until I realised chocolate = weight gain so I quit that.

Answer 6

Uh, Christmas (family and presents are reason to celebrate), Easter (Easter eggs and family) Halloween, Thanksgiving (not a religious holiday) 4th of July....do I really need to go on with this?

Where is your head sweetie? This was a fairly silly thing to ask....

Answer 7

Most holidays have little to do with Christianity so can be easily recognized and celebrated by anyone of any faith or belief.

Answer 8

I take any bank holiday I can get, of course. Including Christmas and Easter. I don't participate as in going to church though.

I do remember one Christmas, when I was very young. All my brothers and sisters were there, and it did actually snow on Christmas eve.

Answer 9

I celebrate all of the traditional holidays. But, for me, they are about being with my family and loved ones, not about worshipping some supernatural beings.

Answer 10

Yes. You do realize that holidays don't need to be religion based, right? Even the ones that claim to be.