Retailers of the world rejoice! The "Holiday" season has officially evolved into a time of merchandising and marketing and is no longer a season of any particular religious significance. In fact, I'm a little uncomfortable capitalizing the word, "Holiday".

Just today, as I sat at my computer, contemplating what I would write about, a fellow "Holiday" celebrator informed me that there was absolutely no religious significance to the season because the December 25th date was a totally arbitrary date. She's right. It's origins are actually pagan.

Why December the 25th Anyway?

Because those who attached a religious significance to the day had actually forgotten the day they were trying to remember, they figured the Winter Solstice was as good a day as any. Besides, ancient astronomers figured that December 25th was about the time that the days started getting longer and would be a good time for a party. Since the pagans were already celebrating the rebirth of the sun, they might as well join on in.

Numerous pagan religions honored the birth or rebirth of their respective dieties on or about that day... and it just made sense.

I'm Not Trying to Make Light of the "Holiday"

Labor Day, Memorial Day and President's Day are all arbitrary. Yet they maintain at least some of their original significance. Of course the 4th of July is just that... the 4th of July. And St. Patricks Day is... we'll, maybe it's an arbitrary day too. I'm not sure.

Just because December the 25th is an arbitrary day, do we really need to remove all the religious significance of the day because folks in the first century forgot when the actual day was? I realize that most of the world doesn't agree with the religious significance, but even in Japan they don't call it a "Holiday" Cake.

When Did Merchandising to the Masses Become so All Fired Important Anyway?

Santa is a pretty cool guy. He's spreading a lot of cheer and making children happy. (Except for my younger sister... I still remember how she screamed and cried when she sat on Santa's lap as a little girl.) But does the season really have to be all about selling stuff?

Believer or Non-Believer... What Would it Hurt?

If we spent a little less time at the mall and a little more time around hearth and home sharing with our children the values of the original "Holiday" story, would that be so bad? I personally would appreciate a little "Peace on Earth".

That said, Merry Holidays.