Can an atheist or, more broadly, a non-Christian, celebrate Christmas?
At the most general level, this is a pointless question: there is no solution, because it is determined by the synchronisation of the state calendar with the liturgical calendar. Therefore, maybe it's better to ask how such a person should celebrate? Should they send Christmas wishes? Should they organise a secular Christmas Eve? Or should they attend family gatherings of a (more) religious nature?
In the public space, celebrating Christmas by atheists and non-Christians leads to polarisation. For some, it is an expression of hypocrisy. Others see no problem in spending these days as part of a completely non-religious tradition.
I would like to look at this issue a little differently, adopting as my own intuition the one once expressed by the French philosopher Jean-Luc Nancy. He claimed that the deepest tradition of Christianity is its self-transcendence, also towards secularisation, but also that today it is a living Christianity that is able to think about its own impossibility. Just like this atheism, which knows how to recognize its Christian roots.
Looking from this perspective, I believe that it is impossible to secularise the message about the birth of God-man. That is why I do not participate in those practices the meaning of which is strictly religious. I don't watch midnight mass or attend it. I don't even sing Christmas carols, which are an expression of Christian faith. After all, I have a large repertoire of Christmas songs at my disposal. Sharing the wafer is a problem for me, because although this custom means sharing bread, it is too closely linked to the liturgy of the mass, the body of Jesus, also understood as the Church. I wouldn’t be able to forget about it. Out of respect for the sacred sphere that is important to others, I do not want to violate it. When I can, I prefer to simply express my best wishes, shake hands or hug them, although in times of pandemic such gestures should be performed with caution.
The mere wishes, the celebration of Christmas Eve dinner, and festive gatherings can, in my opinion, convey, emphasize and strengthen what, as part of the transformation of Christianity itself, has become a living part of secular life, the context of our relationships, an expression of human good will. I think basically about the message of love here that should be shown to every person and every creature. It is love that is born thanks to trust, care, the ability to be with each other even in difficult times, courage and acceptance of what is socially problematic. It is a love of choice that transcends biological or national ties.
The family composed of Joseph, Mary and Jesus is a symbol of it. As another French philosopher, Michel Serres, wrote, “in the Holy Family the father is not the real father, because Joseph is not the father of Jesus; the son is not a true son, because Jesus is the son of God, not Joseph; Joseph also never made love to his wife. As for the mother, she is both a mother and a virgin.” It is also a true family constituted by the election of both Mary and Joseph, and its truth can still pose an intellectual challenge to us.
However, the tradition associated with Christmas extends the perspective of love beyond man to encompass the entire world. Even animals have their roles to play in it. This is a dimension that, in times of climate crisis and various threats, reminds us of the important truth that we are parts of a larger whole and we should take care of this whole. After all, Christmas is also a message of hope, pointing to the light that comes to the world engulfed in darkness.
Any holiday celebration that gives joy, awakens hope, unites, curbs anger, brings peace, is associated with care, mindfulness, etc. is, in my opinion, fully consistent with the spirit of Christmas. For some, its roots will reach back to God; for others, like for me, they will be associated with secular values. The way our Christian culture and Christianity itself have changed in an important way has allowed us to see the secular face of the idea of love, brotherhood and peace. Christianity has transcended itself into the irreligious. But atheism also grew out of the context of what belongs to the heart of Christianity (and not only that; let’s mention the message of Hanukkah or the Roman Saturnalia). Holidays will be authentic as long as they are celebrated by people of good will.
Text: Dr Marcin Bogusławski, University of Lodz