> It was unexpected because I don't celebrate Christmas, and normally I hardly notice it passing but for my friends online wishing everyone happy holidays.

[snip]

> I could not have eliminated the awkwardness I felt at not sharing the meaning of the holiday, but it was minimized as best as it could have been.

Personal question (but you brought the subject up on a public forum, so I feel it's fair game): why don't you celebrate Christmas?

I only ask because I had a discussion the other day with somebody who couldn't understand why I would celebrate Christmas if I'm not a Christian. My reason is simply that I view it as a cultural holiday as much as a religious one; it's a part of American culture that I grew up with. I enjoy the gift-giving and festivities quite a bit, and I simply don't involve myself with any religious aspects.

I also think the general message of peace and goodwill is a pertinent one, regardless of religious leanings.

Upon reading my post, I realize that I might have:
1) Implied Maryam has religious reasons for not celebrating Christmas. This wasn't intentional; I have no clue why she doesn't -- it's just the first thing that popped in my head, as it's the most common reason for not celebrating it that I've encountered.
2) Implied derogatory stuff about people who don't celebrate Christmas. This was not my intention either. My views our my own on this issue (as opposed to all those issues where my views are everyone else's) and I'm just curious.

Stephen