still hijacking the holiday, and some Christians at least feel none too good about it.
Guys like Bill O'Reilly and Gary Bauer accuse atheists of waging a "war on Christmas." But that's not true.
Yes, there are and, again, should be those -- believers and non-believers alike -- who are vigilant about the separation of church and state and about the US never officially giving one religious view preference over others.
But just because atheists have no use for Christ doesn't mean we're all interested in destroying Christmas.
There's nothing wrong with setting aside days devoted specifically to expressing care for others. Nothing wrong with acknowledging the real people in your lives, with showing your love for them and appreciation for the value they bring to your existence. Nothing wrong with making your child's face light up with a surprise gift or sharing cheer with a co-worker.
Sure, Christians can say whatever they want about divine child births and global messiahs.
But in the end, the holidays -- like any other human customs -- will always come down to the very real. Ain't no gods descending from the sky to eat dressing with you or to wrap gifts or to sing carols and string lights.
"Believe" what you want about divinity. But humanity is all we know. And that's a fact that inspires even those, like me, who have no use for fiction.
And that's also why it's so easy for this atheist to enjoy a very merry Christmas -- and to wish the same for you and yours.