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As someone who doesn’t really care for Christmas, this is a weird time of year.

The “reason for the season” is supposed to be to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Neither theologists nor the New Testament pinpoint the actual date of birth of Jesus, however (assuming he ever existed — something I am not convinced of). What few people realize, of course, is that the origins of Christmas are pagan and were celebrated in Europe long before anyone had ever heard of a man named Jesus Christ. In 350 AD, Pope Julius I made a declaration that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on December 25th. Theologists and historians seem to agree that he was simply trying to make it as easy as possible for pagan Romans (the majority) to convert over to Christianity. The early Roman Church simply took control of all the shrines and festivals. Places where pagan goddesses had previously gave oracles becomes shrines of the blessed virgin Mary. For the most part, the people didn’t really mind — they still had bonfires, feasts, gift-giving and, of course, excuses to get drunk. The switch from pagan to Christmas simply meant business as usual.

I consider myself an atheist. Since I don’t believe in God or Jesus, the whole reason that we celebrate this holiday (if you ask the majority of US citizens), you might wonder what I do for Christmas. The “magic” of Christmas is diluted more and more every year by commercialization. For so many of us, the holiday is nothing more than an excuse for presents and the stuffing of faces. In modern society, the idea of Christmas as a day to worship and be thankful for the Son of God is mostly dead. I am, therefore, not alone. My views on religion are summed up quite nicely by a friend’s “Religious views” on Facebook: “lights out — game over” (thanks, Jason).

I choose not to participate in most of the “traditions”. It’s been many years since I have stepped into a church. The last time was several years ago at Easter, when I felt obligated by family to attend. I have not erected a Christmas tree for a number of years. I have stopped purchasing gifts that will go unappreciated and, quite likely, returned for something else.

Does all this mean that I do not participate at all in the holidays? Absolutely not. I have just changed how I do it. While I’m not rich by any means, I get by comfortably and am still able to buy and do many of the things that I want. In previous years, I would spend tons of money on gifts for family members and girlfriends that, as I mentioned, often went underappreciated or would end up being returned. Last year, in particular, I decided to do things a little different.

A couple of days before Christmas, I went to the bank and withdrew a decent amount of money, all in five-dollar bills. I then drove to a mall about an hour and a half away (where I was less likely to run into people who knew me) and randomly handed out $5 bills to people I passed by (mostly to kids, but some adults as well). I can’t recall of one instance where I didn’t get, at the least, a smile in return. When folks started catching on and approaching me, I simply left and drove to another mall, and continued until I was out of money. That whole experience brought me much greater pleasure than buying meaningless items for family and friends ever has.

This year, I haven’t bought a single gift, nor do I plan to (likewise, I neither want nor will accept any). Last night, however, I did make a list of names and address of non-profit organizations in my area. I went through the list, picked out those I feel most deserve it, and wrote down a number next to their names. This morning, I’ll make a trip to my bank, then to the post office to pick up a number of money orders that I’ll then deliver to those non-profits (anonymously, of course). I’m sure they’ll appreciate it, put it to good use, and won’t try to return it for something else.

Unlike some, I do not get upset when someone wishes me a “Merry Christmas”. I suspect that if you wish your Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist neighbors a Merry Christmas, they will grin right back and return the season’s greetings. Quoting Markham Hislop, “As an atheist, I like that. Even though I don’t share the Christian faith, I can respect the values of this most Christian of holidays — love, charity, compassion to those less fortunate, and a profound appreciation for the wonder of life. We need holidays like Christmas to remind us of the many good things humandkind is capable of.”

Martin Willett wrote: “We don’t need a non-existant God to send a son to be killed as a blood sacrifice for us. We just need to understand our shared humanity. That is the true message of this season of hope. We could do it at any time, but December 25th is traditional. The festival is called Christmas, it contains the name of a mythic religious entity that I do not regard as a god, but then so do the words Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. No big deal. As an atheist I have no more problems with Christmas than I do with Wednesdays.”

Lastly, to my family, you may or may not see me at dinner on Friday — I’m still undecided. I may end up making the trip down, we’ll see.

Merry Christmas, folks.

Somehow, I forgot to post about another recent accomplishment: passing the JN0-342 exam to earn the Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate – Enterprise Routing (JNCIA-ER) certification (yay for JunOS running on x86 PCs in my lab!)

I’m now debating if I shouldn’t continue on and try to pass the JNCIS-ER examination as well, though I really need to get back into study mode and finish up that pesky CCNP!

Do you love boobs? If you’re like me, you sure do.

If you could save a pair of boobs with just a few seconds of your time, would you? If you’re like me, you sure would.

Alright, well check this out…

“The Breast Cancer Site provides a feel-good way to help promote awareness of breast cancer and provide free mammograms for women in need every day — through easy and quick online activities.

With a simple, daily click of the pink “Click Here to Give – it’s FREE” button at The Breast Cancer Site, visitors help to provide free mammograms for women in need. Visitors pay nothing. Mammograms are provided by our charitable partners.”

All you have to do is, once a day, go to thebreastcancersite.com and click the pink button that says “Click Here to Give — it’s FREE!”. That’s it, it’s that easy.

thebreastcancersite.com is paid for by sponsors, and for every 45,000 clicks accumulated, a woman somewhere gets a free mammogram.

Please help support a pair of boobs (get that pun?) and click. Even if you just do it this once, you’re helping out. The boobs you save just might be your own (or your favorite pair)!

Oh, and feel free to send images of your favorite pair. =)

I mentioned yesterday that on Friday I ordered a MacBook from Apple. Later that evening, I called back and asked if I could upgrade the shipping. The Apple representative that I talked to (I have his name and e-mail, but I’ll keep that to myself for now) told me sure and gave me the price. I gave him the credit card number and we hung up. Problem solved, right?

Not so fast… I called back a few minutes ago because I still haven’t received any type of order confirmation or receipt. Since this was purchased on a company credit card, I sorta need that. This time, I spoke to a helpful woman named Emily. Emily pulled up the order and let me know that the representative who took my order was “an idiot”. Apparently, the MacBook is coming from overseas and, according to Emily, there’s no way they can ship it overnight. In addition, due to the closings of various schools (I work for an .edu), they’re “putting a hold” on their orders until after Christmas.

I’m not sure what that means entirely, other than it doesn’t look like I’ll be getting familiar with the new MacBook over the Christmas holiday. That kinda upsets me, to be honest — probably much more than it should, but I want my new toy now! =)

I’m gonna close my office door and cry now. =)

Let it snow…

Originally uploaded by jeremygaddis