The Trouble with Christmas
Flynn, the associate editor of Free Inquiry and an avowed atheist, has written an argument for the downsizing of Christmas as a national holiday in view of the diverse nature of America's population. Providing extensive footnotes, Flynn devotes approximately half of this work to dispelling any "fond notions" anyone may have about Christmas, from Jesus and Santa to Christmas trees to poinsettias. The second portion of the book, which deals with the difficulties of celebrating Christmas in a democratic, multicultural society, raises an important issue: There are many who choose not to celebrate Christmas; thus, continuing to expect everyone to participate in or be tolerant of a religious holiday in which they do not believe is unrealistic and undemocratic. Flynn's point is valid, but a better alternative to reducing the holiday might be to educate those who observe it in the needs and concerns of those who do not.- Joanna M. Thompson, Bluefield State Coll. , Bluefield, W. Va.Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.