A Santa Claus Parade in the west end of Ottawa is making its comeback this year, but Girl Guides will not be participating because of Girl Guides of Canada's secularism policy.

This is just stupid.

I’m an atheist. A devout atheist.

This is not “secularism”, it’s stupidity.

As atheists, my family celebrates the traditional secular commercial Christmas. We will also happily attend Chanukah celebrations, Kwanzaa celebrations, winter solstice celebrations, Nicholas Day celebrations, Yule celebrations, Festivus celebrations, or whatever else we are invited to attend. Our beliefs are not so delicate that they could collapse just from being exposed to others joyous celebrations. We love participating in other people’s joy.

This sort if fanatical secularism sucks all of the joy out of the season.

  • MapleEngineer@lemmy.caOPEnglish
    3·
    1 year ago

    When I lived in Ottawa I was invited to Shabbat dinner at least once a month and loved going. I went for Chanukah every year. My Iranian and Baha’i friends often invited me over for one feast or another and I would always go. I have no more connection to Christianity that I do any religion.

    We get together at the time that pegans traditionally celebrated Yule for a meal with family and exchange of gifts. We do December 6 because it’s fun and a pair of travelling German farm hands introduced us. I literally couldn’t possibly care less what believers believe or do unless they are inviting me over for some fun and treats.