The Atheist's Guide to Christmas: Smart, Funny Essays on Atheism and Surviving the Holiday Season

by Ariane Sherine (Editor), Robin Harvie (Editor), Stephanie Meyers (Editor)

So, what do you get an atheist for Christmas? This collection of smart, funny essays, of course—short works by 42 resolutely secular-minded geniuses about how to survive (and even enjoy) the holiday season…without feeling the Christmas Spirit move you. Editors Robin Harvie and Stephanie Meyers have gathered writers, celebrities, comedians, and scientists to deliver essays ranging from the hilarious to the reflective to the charmingly absurd in The Atheist’s Guide to Christmas, a perfect gift for the Pastafarian who has everything, the Scrooge who wants nothing, and anyone else interested in the diverse meanings that Christmas can hold.

Contributors to the book include Richard Dawkins, Charlie Brooker, Derren Brown, Ben Goldacre, Jenny Colgan, David Baddiel, Simon Singh, AC Grayling, Jey McCreight, Natalie Haynes, Brian Cox, Nick Doody, Ed Byrne, Christina Martin, Matt Kirshen, Richard Herring, Emery Emery and Simon Le Bon.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Atheism, Christmas, Philosophy, Essays, Science

307 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

Ariane Sherine is a comedy writer and journalist. She started her career in 2002 when she came runner-up in the BBC Talent New Sitcom Writers' Award, and then wrote for BBC shows including My Family, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and The Story of Tracy Beaker, as well as Channel 4's Countdown and ITV1's The New Worst Witch.

In 2008, she moved into journalism and has now written more than 75 columns for the Guardian, as well as travel features for The Sunday Times, book reviews for the Observer, columns for The Spectator, album reviews for NME and features for Esquire, the Independent and Independent on Sunday.

In 2009, she published The Atheist's Guide to Christmas (HarperCollins), then had a nervous breakdown and didn't write for 3.5 years. After years of therapy and medication, she felt qualified to write Talk Yourself Better (2018), a book about the different forms of counselling on offer. This was followed in 2020 by How to Live to 100, a co-write with David Conrad, a consultant in public health (Hachette).

Her latest book for Hachette is The How of Happy, another co-write with David Conrad. Her debut novel Shitcom is out now.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fact that you don't believe you were created by a supreme being shouldn't keep you from overeating, drinking too much, and arguing with your relatives every December the 25th.

I'm a non-believer who puts up multiple Christmas trees, listens to seasonal music, and collects nativity scenes from South America. After reading this book, I found out I'm not so unusual after all. Seems there may be thousands of us out there, drinking the nog, and listening to Bing while wearing reindeer sweaters.

Here's a reassuring pat on the head in the form of a collection of essays - most from people I've never heard of. Many are quite humorous, some are not. A few are instructional - how to deal with annoying people, how to celebrate a "greener" holiday, etc.

Most of the writing earns three stars, however there are a few outstanding works that pull my rating up to four.

Both If God Existed Would He Have a Sense of Humor? by Charlie Brooker and Front Line in the War on Christmas by Andrew Shaffer were quite insightful.

In one hilarious essay, Nick Doody introduces us to "famous" scientist Bernhard Gernhard and his experiments in "Christmassiness." It seems that in one laboratory test, children were placed in the laps of bearded men, but none reported feeling "Christmassy." Turns out, the bearded men were Orthodox Jews who became irritable when the purpose of the experiment was explained to them.

My favorite was an essay by Simon Singh. His The Sound of Christmas is a tribute to the Big Bang which manages to be funny, informative, awe-inspiring and, sniff, even a little touching.

Because we are made from the debris of nuclear reactions that took place in exploding stars, the romantics among you might like to think of yourselves as being composed of stardust. On the other hand, cynics might prefer to think of yourselves as nuclear waste.

And if that ain't "Christmassy," I don't know what is...

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aw man, I wish this book had been written when I was 12 years old, starting to realize I didn't believe in any sort of a god, and in love with anything British. It really would have made me feel a lot better. Although I was raised with no particular religion whatsoever, with a family who doesn't really care about other people's individual beliefs, I still felt like it was weird to be an atheist. With this book, full as it is of smart people, I would have felt much more comfortable.

As a collection, I thought it was a little bit hit-or-miss. With so many contributors, things are a little repetitive. There are some real gems in here, though. I especially liked "Beloved Buzzkill" by Allison Kilkenny and "Stay Away from My Goddamn Presents" by Jamie Kilstein, as well as Phil Plait's take on the Star of Bethlehem. There are some really nice takes on the Christmas mythology and history in here, such as one commentator's explanation that midwinter has historically been far from bleak, but rather a time for feasting and resting since no work can feasibly be done. Several commentators also remarked on their love of Christmas music, which made me feel better about having some of it on my playlist pretty much year-round.

Absolutely a good book, and its proceeds go to a good cause, too, Terrence Higgins Trust, which is a British charity involved with AIDS and HIV education and safe sex. (I actually feel kinda guilty about this, because I got a free copy of this book from Harper Perennial's mailing list.) Anyway, it was the perfect time of year to read this.

[Jennifer Rayment · Rating 5 out of 5]

think it is very important that I give you a warning and some background before you get to my review of this book. I am not an Atheist, but I am also not an organized religion type of girl and I also grew up in a family that weren't very religious. My Father was raised Salvation Army and many of his relatives also follow the B'hai religion. My Mom was raised United but didn't attend church much growing up. The only time our family went to Church was for weddings, funerals and way too many bazaars to mention (my mom was a serious crafter). We were raised to respect others beliefs, to help others less fortunate than ourselves, and just to be kind generous people without being told we had to do it or God was going to be pissed off and send us toHell. I know my Dad believed in God, but was against organized religion of any kind. He was very vocal in saying that we all had the right to believe what we wanted, but it was wrong to force our opinions on others.

So I pretty much lived the way he lived. I believe in God, but honestly its more like Mulder, in that I want to believe rather than I actually do. Both of my Parents are dead, so it is very comforting to think that they are in Heaven watching over me, and quite frankly getting a laugh over all the trouble my kids give me (because they know I totally deserve it). I'm also a parent so I want there to be a Heaven so that when I die I can still watch over them (and probably lmao when their kids torture them). I also like to believe in a gentle God who obviously has a weird sense of humour, and who is totally ok with my views on him. A lot of my healthy skepticism about God comes from history, not to mention science. Look at all the wars that have happened in Gods name (or Allah, etc) -- and quite frankly if God approves of that, well than I would rather go to Hell than to Heaven (and laugh with the sinners like Billy Joel). Also, I have spent many a day at Sick Kids in Toronto and to seen so many innocent children suffering ,so it makes it hard to believe that a God could sit around and watch that happen. And finally I'm sort of pissed at him for taking my Dad away far too early, the world needs more men like my Dad and my kids never got the chance to meet him.

I am sorry if my opinions offend anyone, but they are my opinions and I think important to know before you read.


The Good Stuff

* Ed Byrne's essay is hilarious and has a wonderful point about having a moratorium on any holiday advertising before mid-November
* Catie Wilkins essay was wonderful, loved the fact that she sent a letter to both God and the Devil
* Many of the essays are very wise on the spirit of Christmas
* One of the essays mentions Buffy (David Baddiel and Arvind Ethan David)
* Absolutely fascinating essay on the star of Bethlehem
* Loved the conversation between and Adam Ruthorford and God in Adam's essay
* David Stubbs essay was hilaious and his comments about all the ands in the bible are right on the money
* Atheist Barbie - trust me - worth the price of the book
* Sian Berry's green suggestions are brilliant and not at all preachy
* Charlie Brookers essay on laughter is just plain wonderful

The Not so Good Stuff

* The essays from a science point of view are way over my head
* Some of the essays are a little boring


Favorite Quotes/Passages

"I find him in the bedroom with the lovely Nativity book his devout -and devoted-granny has sent him (even though he hasn't been baptized and thus is slightly damned and stuff), agruing with his friend Freya."
(Jenny Colgan)

"I appreciate all that my mother and my grandmother tried to do. They can't be held responsible for my failed childhood birthdays-they were up against eons of ritual and tradition. Still, if I'd been alive in the fourth century, I could have been sacrificed by pagans, so perhaps I should count my proverbial blessings and be happy that all I had to deal with was losing my birthday to a holiday. It could clearly have been much worse."
(Emery Emery)

"Keen scholars of Judaism (or readers of the beginning of this piece) will know that, as well as the whole pig issue, dairy products and meat products must be kept separate. So, for example, if you're eating a meat-based bolognaise sauce on pasta, you couldn't put cheese on it to make it, well, nice. Cheeseburgers are out too, because they are nice. Esentially the Jewish God hates the delicious." (Matt Kirshen)

"I've never believed in God, but I've never wanted to prevent anyone else from doing so" (Andrew Mueller)



What I Learned

* Atheist's are extremely accepting of all and really frickin funny
* Most Atheists love Christmas
* A lot about the Big Bang Theory and its written in an easy to read and understand way

Who should/shouldn't read

* This is NOT a book for those who are sensitive about religion in any way
* Perfect for those who have a dry sense of humour
* My family who will really enjoy and will lead to some interesting and hilarious conversations
* Dad you would have loved it -- Miss ya! (Tell Mom to stop laughing when Jesse gives me a hard time - I wasn't that bad!)


4.5 Dewey's

I received this from HarperPerennial in exchange for an honest review

[Lubinka Dimitrova · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a mixed bag - some of the essays were rather indifferent, while others were quite funny or insightful.

I mostly enjoyed the ones written by scientists, most of them both funny AND insightful : "Because we are made from the debris of nuclear reactions that took place in exploding stars, the romantics among you might like to think of yourselves as being composed of stardust. On the other hand, cynics might prefer to think of yourselves as nuclear waste." - that's Simon Singh for you, delightful as always.

My other favourite piece, for obvious reasons, was Kapka Kassabova's reminiscence of her baptism at the tender age of 18, in the same church I myself was baptized, when christianity suddenly re-appeared on the scene, after many years of lurking in the dark, to grab those lost souls who failed to believe it was the opium of the masses. Her reflections on the meaning of all those religious rituals for the people of her country were really enlightening and deep.

I definitely appreciated the fact that there were 42 essays - that was a nice touch!

[Luca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book last December the day before going back home for winter break (which was also the day before Christmas eve). Back home, religion is a huge deal and I get a lot of crap for being an atheist. Now, I'm not trying to say that I got this book to make a point about my religious views or what have you. But when you are an atheist, Christmas is not always the best of times, especially when you are surrounded by religious people. Even if you're not an atheist, this book contains entertaining stories from various different authors in a wide array of styles, all equally enjoyable. People who appreciate science will be entertained and those who don't know much about science will learn lots of interesting stuff! If you're not an atheist, reading this book lets you slip into our shoes for a little while (don't worry, it's not hostile or resentful against religious people). To my fellow atheists, this is a lovely book to keep around during the festivities, when you feel lost amidst all those candles and prayers and nativity scenes. Recommended for anyone who likes keeping an open mind in regards of other people's beliefs or needs an alternative to the traditional Christmas celebrations.

[A.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a sceptic with a Catholic upbringing, I enjoyed this book. Rather than extremist atheist, preachy essays, I was pleasantly surprised to find short stories, scientific observations, and insightful anecdotes on the meaning of Christmas for non-believers.

From stories about losing faith, to scientific studies trying to find evidence for the Christmas star, to articles on how the meaning of Christmas extends beyond Christianity -- there is bound to be something for everyone in this collection, no matter your religious designation.

With a total of 42 essays and stories – great number, by the way – there are relatively few duds in the collection, and several absolute gems.

Recommended for those seeking a little food for thought. You may not agree with everything in the book, but it certainly makes for an interesting discussion.

[EruDani · Rating 4 out of 5]

La verdad que no sabía bien qué esperar del libro, libro que me compró con el título nomás.
Pero en fin, tiene humor, tiene ideas para pasar y disfrutar las fiestas aunque no sigas religión alguna, y también recomienda muchos más libros, shows, y demás fuentes de información para no aburrirse más.
Me alegro mucho de haber comprado este libro, lo vi por primera vez en la biblioteca de uno de mis pubs favoritos, fue atracción instantánea.
+ parte de las ganancias del libro son donadas a una fundación para afectados por VIH.
+ en este libro casi nunca, CREO, se habla u ofende a los creyentes.

[ALLEN · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book about coping with Christmas that is almost completely devoid of wit or practical advice (even satirically) on how to deal with the social and emotional dislocations from the world's second-most-important Christian holiday after Easter. One illustration (p. 151) and only a couple of articles that deal with Christmas movies and music. In fact, most of the essayists in this book are from the UK and have their own points of view. Articles have titles like "How to Escape from Christmas" and "An Atheist's Guide to the Movies." Not recommended.

[Merrilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who remembers the Atheist Bus Campaign? When I first heard about it, I couldn't decide whether to be delighted or appalled. Atheism, in general, is not a movement or an organisation or in any way controlled. It's about individuals choosing logic over dogma, and rejecting the idea of an overarching consciousness controlling the universe. To have a campaign about it seemed, to me, to go against the principles behind atheism. I eventually decided it was amusing and forgot about it.

Fast forward to Oct 2009 when Harper Collins sent me a copy of The Atheist's Guide to Christmas to review. I had no idea they'd even made a book from the campaign.

It turns out that the campaign and the book were created by the British Humanist Society. Driving force Ariane Sherine has gathered 42 short stories and articles celebrating atheism, talking about life without religion, about the universe, space, humans and what we are.

It's brilliant. Entertaining, moving, thought-provoking and elevating, there's something in this collection for everyone.

It's not a book about bashing the religious. It's a book about Christmas for those of us who just do it for family, for friends, for companionship, without the underlying Christian message.

And it's funny. The writers that editor Sherine has chosen have done a lovely job of bringing out the human in humanist, and reminding us about what it is that makes us who we are.

Like the meaning of Christmas, in The Real Christmas Story by Jenny Colgan:

Christmas, as a practicing Catholic child, was seen as a reward for lots and lots and lots of church.

Or sharing your birthday with Jesus, in A Child was Born on Christmas Day by Emery Emery:

Every birthday party I attended was clearly a day set aside specifically to celebrate one person's most important life event...but as it turns out, Jesus was born of a virgin on December 25th and they deem it a miracle. How can any kid compete with that?

And I dare you to read Nick Doody's excellent article, How to Understand Christmas: A Scientific Overview and not laugh:

Robins, as is well known, have an unusually high level of natural Yule - far higher than a mouse.

But it's not all humour. For the scientifically inclined, there's the wonderful Starry, Starry Night by Phil Platt, or one of my favourites, The Large Hadron Collider: A Scientific Creation Story by Brian Cox:

About 13.7 billion years ago, something interesting happened and our universe began.

There's also a great How-To section; How to Have a Peaceful Pagan Christmas, I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas and How to Decorate the Outside of Your House, and Not Have All Your Neighbours Hate You.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection, and would recommend it as a great gift for the hard-to-buy-for person in your life. It's a book for the thinker, the skeptic, the logical. A really wonderful experience.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of essays from some of the best known freethinkers, atheists, humanists, and other -ists alive today. Contributors include comedians, scientists, broadcasters, journalists, podcasters, bloggers and educators. All edited by the lady who came up with the idea for the Atheist Bus Campaign to begin with, Ariane Sherine.

Despite what many, who have not read it, may have you believe, this book is not cover-to-cover anti-theism, God-bashing and miserable Scroogeyness. The vast majority of the writers talk about how much they enjoy Christmas, and normally for the same reasons.

Why a collection of 42 essays? Think about it for a minute, Mr Dent. (An homage to another brilliant mind who is, sadly, no longer with us).

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly bought this book for Charlie Brooker, was a little miffed to find that his article was a measly 3 pages long, which when compared to the lengths of Dawkins' and Brian Cox's frankly insufferable writings, was a bit disappointing. The rest of it was of a varying quality, but mostly a little too self-congratulatory for my liking.

[Gofita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half had some really great essays. The second half was only so-so. Highlighted a few things, though. So I'll probably go back for some of those essays again.

[Elliott Bignell · Rating 5 out of 5]

You wait years for a funny contribution to the culture wars and then 42 turn up at once. Honestly...

Why 42? Well, as the introduction says, this is the answer to the question of Life, the Universe and Everything as calculated by one deserving contributor who sadly died some years too early to see this come to fruition. Luckily, a friend of his, Richard Dawkins, was around to add his own first, witty foray into fiction writing. And a friend of Dawkins, the adorable Ariane Sherine, organised and edited it all. It is, of course, the Atheist Bus Campaign reified in book form. And very lighthearted it is, too.

This is not a "serious" piece of work. It is some serious Xmas fun for those who wish to reclaim the midwinter festival and restore its true, pagan message of lots of food and drink with your community at the darkest part of the year. Now, you might think that this does not need reclaiming as it is what people are already doing. Believe it or not, though, there are persistent efforts by one of the later-arriving, monotheistic faiths to annexe this festival for their own aggrandisement. Just as aggressive and terrifying proselytising on buses by such a religious group provoked the light and cheerful message of the Atheist Bus Campaign, now aggressive and moralising annexation of Xmas by the same religious group has provoked this light-hearted staking-out of this common territory for the rest of us.

It is a collection of 42 short pastiches and thoughtful essays on the subject of the Xmas period and what it means to us atheists and humanists. It is too common knowledge to be clever these days that Xmas is originally a pagan celebration, like Easter. Be that as it may, one is occasionally confronted by theists demanding to know why one celebrates Xmas if one does not believe in the Christian God, in whose own Book flying reindeer, bearded men in red-and-white pyjamas, totemic trees and egg-nog obviously feature most prominently. Read this book and you'll have some answers lined up.

The contributors range from professional scientists and philosophers to comedians and pop stars. What they all have in common is that they are atheists and/or humanists. As a movement we are finally starting to come together in small ways like this and express our aspiration to recognition on an equal basis with supernaturalist belief groups. Not before time. In addition, the proceeds from the book go to the Terence Higgins Trust, a charity helping AIDS victims. There is no downside to this book and it is a pleasant, light read. None of the contributors threaten you with being burned alive for all eternity, they just tell you how to have some fun at Xmas without feeling incongruous. It is a great read and would make a fitting present for a humanist, or tolerant theist, friend or relative.

I am not a contributor, by the way!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book. It is wonderfully festive and fully understands that Christianity and Christmas need not go together hand in hand. Despite the 'Jesus is the Reason for the Season' nonsense that you see spread about during Christmas, the Atheist's Guide to Christmas does a good at rationalising the idea that this celebration is much much older than the (mostly) mythical content of the Bible, and that 'unbelievers' (although definitely not unenlightened) have equal right to take ownership of the celebration.

The book is wholly celebratory and supportive of a wonderfully festive secular Christmas. It encourages the reader to embrace the season and makes clear that despite rags like the Daily Mail claiming that Atheists want to ban Christmas, this is complete rubbish. I have zero theological belief and I love Christmas and most of what comes with it, and nearly all of the books contributors seem to be with me on this.

The book is divided into more than 40 short essays or stories by interesting and mostly British free thinkers. Some are essayesque discussions on Christmas, some are stories of the persons life, dabbles at fiction and even recommendations on comedy to watch/ listen to over the Christmas period. The book is upbeat, thought provoking and on occasion even inspiring.

Whilst I might have preferred this work to be slightly more ideologically militant (as per the first paragraph of my review), this is a criticism that reflects my own feeling on the topic and isn't a stab a the quality or importance of it overall.

For those of you who gladly shun religion at Christmas or any other time of year, I can't recommend it enough. For those of a theological persuasion, maybe you will get something out of this to.

The proceeds from the book go to the Terrance Higgins Trust, which should be reason alone to get your debit card out.

[S.P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat ambivalent about this. While some of the stories are quite amusing, the philosophy, science and star gazing easily digestible, with some great pointers for further reading and entertainment, the purpose of reading it was a utter failure:

What does an atheist do about Christmas?

In this book, most, if they even discuss Christmas, go on about the majesty of the universe we live in, or just go out and enjoy Christmas anyway. And no one wants to be 'a Scrooge'

None of this is helpful me - after all the universe is equally majestic any time of the year, I really don't need a set date to go and visit and be with friends and family, and I really DO shout 'Bah Humbug' at people around that time of year.

The only writer in this book who gets close to my world of Christmas is Andrew Mueller, who doesn't much like the consumerism or religiosity of the event (good man!) but seems to struggle with a solution - other than by flying to New Zealand on Christmas eve to escape. Not helpful.

So as a poor Atheist (and I don't even like this term - but I like the term 'humanist' even less), who refuses to contribute either spiritually or economically to this festive season I am none the wiser. Perhaps there is no solution.

On a positive note, I picked up this book on Amazon for a penny. Maybe there is a God after all.

[Katey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually when I've read compilations of short stories and whatnot by a multitude of writers, specifically about one subject, the very contrived nature of it taints it and it doesn't work. This book works. While obviously all have a common theme (the authors are atheists), each has a different portion of the whole Christmas debacle to tackle. Comedians, scientists, writers, a musician or two: each lend their own skills to the challenge. There are a few fictional tales, but mostly non-fiction personal accounts and opinions. Either comedic or factual, or both, I really can't say there's a horrid one in the bunch.

Obviously enjoying this book helps a lot if you're already a non-believer. Even agnostics might be a bit put off (fun is poked at them once or several times).

It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside to read this.

[Dolf Patijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time, I read it from cover to cover. This time I randomly picked stories, then picked some I remember liking very much the first time and so on. In between I read other books also and now I have it all read again and might pick it up next Christmas just to read a few of my favourites.

This is a great book that will keep you entertained over the Christmas period. I had to laugh when I read one guy's review who was annoyed because it was not an actually guide as such. You shouldn't take everything so literally. Inside are some great Christmas stories, shared Christmas experiences and anecdotes and some essay type writings. I love it and will keep reading it. Proverbial hell, I might even make it a yearly tradition. Highly recommended Christmas reading material for those who don't believe in religious nonsense.

[Rui · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a biased review. Like so many short stories books there are some that are funny, others that just dont click with you. But since the stories are written and read by the authors they gave mw a sense of honesty and amusement. There are a variety of themes being played not just "ohh boy we are atheists and hate Christmas". No its more about what is the meaning of christmas for the author and how they grew living with it and being atheists. Some are not even funny and dwell on stars and science and the universe, but are still good to read. My only complain is that they are too short. But 5 hours well spend and a good way to think about what does christmas means on this day and age.

[Nabilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend of mine (a Christian) once listed what she thought as the most important things about Christmas as in order of importance, “family, friends and food”. As an atheist God doesn't appear on my list of what's most important about Christmas either.
The Atheists Guide to Christmas is a mixture of fun and serious articles for those of us who see Christmas as having very little to do with God. This isn't a book that is anti religion merely a book that says even if you don't believe in God it's ok to celebrate Christmas.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

As somebody who is not religious but who loves Christmas, it was really gratifying to hear from others like myself.

You can easily get stuck between the hardcore religious "War On Christmas" people and the complete "I Hate Christmas" Scrooges. The essays in this collection show that there is lots of space between those two polar opinions and that there are many ways to join in the celebration in whatever way makes sense to you.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version, and it's a piddly complaint, but the quality is not consistent throughout the chapters (each read by the author). I enjoyed Dawkins's chapter immensely especially since I'm currently reading Wodehouse! Each chapter made me laugh at least once... well worth the price of the book, and profits go to a good cause!

[DrosoPHila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can't think of a suitable present for that "difficult-to-buy-Christmas-presents for" relative, who happens to be a non-believer? Yeah, this will do the trick as a token gift, and might provoke a few laughs around the Christmas tree (and maybe even a few hail Marys from Grandma), but it's unlikely to be read much after Boxing Day.

[Victor Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas is a celebration for all people. Its a period of time for family and friends to meet and celebrate life. In no way is a christian holiday. Should be celebrated by believers and non-believers

[Bill Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I learned this thiroughly after reading this book: Christmas is a good holiday, and it does not require a God or god to wish your fellow man or woman good cheer and to celebrate Christmas - whatever that means to you.

[Shannon]

What a cute cover!

[Lance · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's definitely an uneven mix of essays, but there are a few heartwarming tales and a few good chucklers in there.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great collection of stories on science, philosophy, arts and events. funny, informative and clever. an excellent read!

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

It may now be as customary as carols, eggnog or nativity scenes. Odds are that each November and December there will a fracas over whether there is a "war on Christmas." No doubt, those who contend Christmas is under attack by liberals, secular humanists or what have you will say "we told you so" if and when they see The Atheist's Guide to Christmas on the bookshelves. Yet one of the things this compilation of essays demonstrates is that, like the members of non-Christian religions, atheists aren't out to eradicate Christmas.

Editors Robin Harvie and Stephanie Meyers break the essays into six broad categories dealing with Christmas and its celebration around the world. The 42 contributors (as Harvie and Meyers point out, 42 is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything range from astronomer Phil Plait to science writer Simon Singh and Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon to iconclast Paul Krassner and satirist Neal Pollack. And, of course, what compilation of writings by atheists would be complete without Richard Dawkins, the evolutionary biologist who has become one of the leaders of the so called new atheist movement?

Those who contend there is a concerted effort to "take Christ out of Christmas" may also see this as a trans-Atlantic salvo. Given American attitudes toward atheists (they are "less likely to be accepted, publicly and privately, than any others from a long list of ethnic, religious, and other minority groups") and the increasing secularization of the U.K. and Europe, it should come as no surprise that most of the contributors are British. Some were involved in, and many refer to, the Atheist Bus Campaign, which bought ads on London and other buses that said, "There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and your life." In fact, those buses are the starting point for Dawkins' tongue-in-cheek "The Great Bus Mystery."

The range of the essays is equally as broad, from the philosophical to the arts to personal experiences. Many take a humorous approach, such as Jennifer McCreight's suggestions in "Gifts for the Godless" or Nick Doody's overview of the science of "Christmastology." Moreover, while most of the pieces leave no doubt the authors don't believe in God or the Christmas of the Bible, these aren't essays aimed at converting (so to speak) believers or claiming theists are idiots. For example, while Adam Rutherford explains why he thinks most scientists are atheists, he observes there are many good scientists who are religious and while he doesn't understand their viewpoint, he doesn't condemn them. Other contributors recognize some value in Christmas celebrations.

British singer/comedian Mitch Benn explains that rather than rejecting Christmas, it's fine for an atheist to celebrate it, even if that may seem a contradiction. "What it all comes down to is a question: what is Christmas?," he writes. "And the answer -- for all of us, believer or otherwise -- is that Christmas is whatever you want it to be." Likewise, he doesn't believe the word Christmas is exclusive territory. "It's fine. Go ahead. Say it," he says. "Christmas. There. That wasn't so bad, was it? Christmas. It's easy. Christmas."

In "How to Escape from Christmas," British journalist Andrew Mueller applies somewhat uncommon phrasing to express a view that may be more common than anti-atheists believe. Although Mueller doesn't believe in God or Christianity, he says he greatly admires what he sees as the core message of the religion's namesake: "try not to spend your brief time in this corporeal realm acting like a dickhead, and be mindful of the other chap's point of view if at all possible. There are worse historical figures for whom we could insist on throwing an annual planet-wide party. Like, for example. almost all of them.

Natalie Haynes expresses a similar view in "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."

The values behind Christmas -- I mean the ones that should, in my view, underpin Christianity but so often seem to get lost -- are ones I think many non-Christians share. I'm not crazy about the baby, the shepherds, the kings, and the virgin birth, but loving one another, forgiveness, generosity? Most of us would agree that the world could do with a bit more of those.

Others in the book may not buy into the ritual or seek alternatives, such as the essays suggesting how to celebrate a green Christmas or as a pagan. Yet part of the strength of The Atheist's Guide to Christmas is that it gives voice to a variety of perspectives from a group decried and ignored in today's America. And one need not be an atheist or irreligious to find plenty to enjoy in it. In fact, if those most likely to view the book as an attack on Christmas would take the time to read it, they might learn that the contributors and their atheist brethren aren't Grinches with tiny black hearts who want to destroy Christmas for others. In fact, the royalites from the book are going to England's largest HIV charity.

Undoubtedly, though, the atheists will manage to irritate the war on Christmas set. After all, the atheists are not so doctrinaire as to insist that only those who believe can be allowed to enjoy Christmas.

(Originally posted at A Progressive on the Prairie.)

[Georgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book as it intrigued me. It was never something that I felt was missing, but it is interesting to have so many opinions and views on the subject by atheists.
I love Christmas but don't believe there is a higher power. I still love to celebrate a time of year when everyone comes together to share their time and gifts. I can also see that religion and atheism is a very divisive subject.
I don't hold anything against those who do believe in one or multiple Gods or higher powers, if this book does nothing but open constructive conversations on the subjects then it will have done a great deal.
The pieces within vary greatly, some really resonated with me and others I couldn't really agree with, but as with religions there are a wide range of viewpoints from within each faith. My favourite was by Brian Cox whose details on the creation of the universe are mind boggling, but understandable (even to non physicists like me!). There is so much wonder in our world, galaxy and universe and that's enough for me.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was mostly interesting/funny/good.

Apart from the piece by Richard Dawkins, which was as tedious as the man himself.

Probably best read in installments as some of the book becomes a little repetitive if you read each piece back to back.