...to have a nativity scene on display when we are atheists?

[MackerelOfFact]

Just that, really. It belonged to my GM before she passed away, it's quite a funky one from Mexico (a bit like this but kind of purple and gold) and it looks quite cute and festive.

DP however is appalled that as staunch atheists we have it on display and it sends the wrong message to the DCs and guests about our beliefs. I don't believe in God but I think it's a nice story and don't see why we can't depict it.

Am I being unreasonable?

MissC, you have called me arrogant & silly.

It absolutely is not rude to make the factual point that Christmas is a religious festival, in the same way that Eid and Hannukah are religious festivals.

Those of us who are not religious can join in the celebrations of those festivals, but let's not kid ourselves that they aren't religious and connected with a religious faith.

depict away i say.

Shall I bring up the whole Christmas isn't actually Christian at this point?

Christmas can tend to be one of those sticks people use to bash atheists with. You know, "Oh, if you're such a bloody miserable atheist why do you even bother celebrating Christmas, why do you have a tree and presents, blah blah blah?" Kind of misses the point. Embracing rationality does not mean a joyless existence in which you refuse to acknowledge that this country has any traditions! Celebrating them doesn't imply that you believe any of the supernatural stuff or take any of it seriously. So yes, atheists can have Nativity displays, send cards, give and receive presents and even sing carols if we like. If that seems like having our Christmas cake and eating it, then... so be it :)

but Christmas is Christian!

The mid-winter celebrations of yule or winter solstice/saturnalia that took part at about the same time of year before the Christians imposed their own religious festival on the same date, were different & were not Christian.

Nativity is a sweet little story.

I might display Scooby Doo figures, Harry Potter or The Simpsons if the fancy took me. Doesn't mean I have to worship Shaggy or Bart.

My christmas isn't christian. There are no religious elements to it whatsover. The majority of people are the same. So will you please stop shreiking that Christmas is Christian ? It really isn't unless you choose it to be. That is a fact.

I called you arrogant, you called me rude. Pot, kettle with the personal attack allegations.