We can celebrate the hope, even as we recognize how often we fail to achieve it.

As an atheist I can wholeheartedly indulge in the so called spirit of Christmas with no thought to any religious connection. I eat, drink, socialize with family and friends, exchange gifts with a clear understanding that this is a corporate sponsored celebration. All hail the great god Mammon!

The endless stream of TV commercials, sales brochures, advertising inserts, and cheery discount signs in store windows tells me money is the reason for the season, and I accept that as truth.

Every commercial I watch has an energetic announcer eager to persuade me to buy something. I need to prepare a fabulous feast, buy a perfectly pruned pine tree and designer ornaments to decorate my house... 50% off! Every store in town teases me with coupons, 2 for 1 sales, 70% off to early bird shoppers, free shipping, guaranteed delivery.

It's a wonderful time of year!

Jeff Bezos approves.

Said Christmas is celebrated in many Muslim countries because Jesus is considered a prophet. May be rare but it does happen.

They and forget what is the same. I go with John Lennon, Imagine.

And those shared values are not dependent on any religious framework.