Xmas can be an awkward time for atheists, I wonder if Gilmour celebrates the Winter Solstice (not the pagan celebration) or the more secularized Xmas.

People generally celebrate Xmas as Christian, Pagan or just secular.

I celebrate it as Pagan.

Happy Holidays!

Calling it "Xmas" isn't secularizing it. The "X" comes from the Greek letter chi (X), the first letter of the word "Christos", kind of an abbreviation. So calling it "Xmas" is just shorthand for "Christmas".

The Greek letters chi and rho ("R") are often combined as a symbol for Christ (see http://artbyunderground.files.wordpress....http://artbyunderground.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/chi

Pagans celebrate Yule.

(12-22-2009 05:23 PM)Electrophile Wrote:  The Swedish word for Christmas is "jul" which is pronounced how we would say "yule", which I'm assuming is what he meant.

Ah. Well, yes, I can see where the confusion may arise.

Anyway, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, Y'ALL! However you may celebrate or not.

(12-22-2009 12:47 PM)PaulM Wrote:  Calling it "Xmas" isn't secularizing it. The "X" comes from the Greek letter chi (X), the first letter of the word "Christos", kind of an abbreviation. So calling it "Xmas" is just shorthand for "Christmas".

The Greek letters chi and rho ("R") are often combined as a symbol for Christ (see http://artbyunderground.files.wordpress....http://artbyunderground.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/chi

Pagans celebrate Yule.

What I meant by celebrating Christmas as a secularized holiday is that
is not giving it the same meaning Christians have like the birth of Christ.
People secularize it by simply giving gifts to loved ones and feasting.

Winter Solstice is something both pagans and some atheists recognize as the sun completing its cycle--the days will get longer and spring is on its way back.

The replies here don't answer my question about how Gilmour might celebrate the holidays, but they are interesting.

(12-23-2009 10:10 AM)MauliP Wrote:  ... how Gilmour might celebrate the holidays...

I suspect he'll exchange gifts with friends and loved ones. But that's just my suspicion.