The Anti-Christmas Christmas?

I spoke to a friend of mine, a professed atheist, about his views. He celebrates Christmas. More specifically, he celebrates at a time of year for which gift giving, decoration, and much hoopla are common. He gets a Christmas tree, does the traditional turkey dinner, and his kids wait for Santa Claus to come on Christmas Eve. He doesn't sing "Oh, Holy Night" or "The Little Drummer Boy". Instead, he sings "Jingle Bells" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree". For him, Christmas is still a proper noun, despite its origins.

I suppose my question is; how different is this holiday tradition of his from so many who are "Christian"? Not many of my Christian friends focus on the religious aspect of the holiday, swept up in the insanity of decoration, cooking, parties, and shopping lists. A few attend midnight mass; a few attend a Christmas Day service, but not many. I can count them on one hand.

So, what's the difference between my atheist's Christmas and my Christian's Christmas? They both spend time with family and friends; they both alternately frolic and stress out. The carols may change, but inherently, the actual celebration seems pretty much the same.

There is no discussion of Christ, His birth or otherwise. Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem? The star guiding the three wise men? So what? Unless it's referenced in a Christmas card or other holiday item, it's not even noticed. Christmas is a commercial endeavor in many ways. Advertising begins as early as September, and people begin their Christmas accounts before Valentine's Day. For the politically correct, wishing someone a "Merry Christmas" is anathema. Even the church visits are a rote experience, an obligation that comes at this time of year, like being nice to the in-laws. Something to be endured, but not necessarily to derive any pleasure from.

It's not so easy to get away from, though. My atheist friend complains about the nativity scene on the front lawn of the town's city hall, claiming that it's an issue of the separation between church and state. My Christian friend ignores it, I don't think he's ever even been to see it, much less take his kids to it and explain what it is. In the town's quaint downtown area, crosses are as much a part of the decoration as are flashing lights and Rudolph. Is the Christian aspect of Christmas just another part of the glitz and gilt of the season? Are frankincense and myrrh interchangeable with cinnamon and cloves?

It's been in the news over the last several years, this detachment of religion from the holiday and the incursion of commercialism. How far gone is it, though? And how important is intent over action? My Christian friend certainly has no intention of ignoring a pivotal Biblical event in favor of a more secular tradition. He has an inherent faith that permeates his everyday life, whether overtly or not. When he wishes someone "Merry Christmas", he's not trying to force his beliefs on someone else; he's wishing them a happy season. He does believe, deeply, in his God and Bible. Does this excuse his exclusion of the trappings of his faith at this time of year? Or is it enough that he does indeed exhibit a "good will towards man", thoroughly enjoy his time with his family, and generally try to be a good person?

My atheist friend does the same thing. Magic of the time of year aside, he becomes a more genial, pleasant person, bursting with generosity and benevolence. Does this count for less because he's not doing to according to some form of religious faith? Or is it even important? Do the intentions count, the road to hell and all that. Does one man who believes he's a good person because of his faith have a different spiritual weight than a man who believes he's a good person because of himself?

For all the questions I've raised, I'm afraid I have very few answers. All I know, right now, is both men are good people, in my opinion. Their families are beautiful and kind and I enjoy the company of both immensely. Whether one chooses to sing "Silent Night" and one chooses to sing "Frosty the Snowman", I have a great holiday time. But is a good time enough? Should Christmas be about Christ? Again, more answers than questions. Until either my atheist friend or my Christian friend is proven right, I don't suppose I'll ever have any answers.