The only people I know of who take the religious part of Christmas seriously are the diehard Christians and there’s only one atheist I’ve known of who was fighting the “war” on Christmas. The only problem I have with this “war” is when Christians insist you absolutely have to say Merry Christmas and act like it’s some horrible sin to say Happy Holidays. If you want to say Happy Holidays, I think you should be allowed to if you want, the same with Merry Christmas. If Christians don’t want people to take the phrase “Merry Christmas” as a big deal, they should stop treating it like a big deal themselves and just let people wish others what they want.

I’m pretty open about my atheism, so I have yet to be asked to lead a dinner prayer. If I found myself in that situation, I’d probably offer secular thanks to people that deserve it. Thank the family for being there and providing food, thank the doctors for our health, and the poles for keep the strippers from falling.

Wait, your Thanksgiving doesn’t have strippers?

All joking aside, I have myself been guilty of feeling exasperation at those that want to pray, but I’m only human. Wehn the decision comes to vent my exasperation or enjoy a nice meal with my family and friends, I tend to choose to enjoy the meal!

“Fix: “show A little extra patience” – without the “a” the meaning changes completely”

LOL I’ll fix that! Good eye!

I do know of some Atheists and secularists who are bothered by all the Christmas propoganda. But from my experience, those people are the ones just developing their Atheist identity and are more sensitive to this vulnerability. I’ve found that once people become most secure in their identity, they are bothered less by it all.

If at all possible, avoid it ahead of time. If you expect to be asked, try speaking with the host ahead of time. Try to be positive and respectful, perhaps by suggesting that someone else really does want to do it.

If caught off guard at the table and a “no thanks,” won’t do the trick, do a toast. Thank the hosts and the cook and focus on the family camaraderie of getting together for the holidays. Don’t pretend it’s a prayer but don’t go overboard making it obvious it isn’t a prayer.

Another idea may be to do a preemptive strike. Do a toast before anyone has a chance to bring up prayer at all. It’s got to be a good one. Have a definitive ending that segues nicely into eating. Hopefully no one will even realize that they didn’t pray.

“Remember: axial tilt is the reason for the season.”

I must remember this…

I’m curious. How does an atheist respond if they are asked to lead the prayer?

Depending on the collective sense of humour of those at the table, one could simply recite Ben Stiller’s ‘grace’ from ‘Meet The Parents’:

‘O dear God,
thank You.
You are such a good God to us, a kind and gentle…
and accommodating God.
And we thank You, Osweet,
sweet…Lord of hosts…
for the…
smorgasbord…
You have so aptly lain at our table this day…
and each day… by day.
Day by day by day.
O dear Lord,
three things we pray.
To love Thee more dearly,
to see Thee more clearly,
to follow Thee more nearly…
day by day… by day.
Amen. Amen.’