Screenwriter needs Atheist insight

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Hello all,

I'm a screenwriter working on a new project that involves an atheist character. Instead of relying on stereotypes like most in my profession do, I'm looking for real insight from an atheist about what they believe/don't believe - etc.

Most importantly - The project involves Christmas time and people overly obsessed with Christmas. I have a few questions I am curious to have answered;

1) What is the general feeling towards the Holiday by you as an atheist?
2) What are your feelings towards the display of Christmas lights on houses?
3) What are your feelings about Christmas displays in stores?
4) What are your feelings about the mad dash for gifts?
5) What are your feelings about it being a federally recognized holiday?
6) What are your feelings about people telling their children that Santa is real?
7) What are your feelings towards Carolers or Christmas music on the radio?
8) What are your feelings about how non-atheists perceive atheists?
9) Do you as an atheist celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah?
10) What are your feelings towards the Christmas people who start decorating their house before Halloween?
11) If you could ask those that celebrate Christmas to change one thing (or several things) about it - what would it (they) be?
12) At what point in your life did you realize you were an atheist?
13) Did you ever have a "coming out" moment as an atheist? How was it received?
14) As an atheist, what is your goal or intention about informing others that disagree with you about your stance?
15) If you do not celebrate Christmas - do you do anything in particular on Christmas day to celebrate anything at all? Family? A nice dinner with a loved one?

I appreciate the responses in advance. Cynics need not apply. I'm looking for level headed atheists who wish to put out a positive view of their "people", so to speak.

Thank you again,

Woj

1. I think its massively over-commercialized and that gets on my nerves. I wouldn't mind it if things were kept lower key like other holidays.
2. I don't bother myself, but they can be nice to look at. Some people overdue it though, which causes light pollution.
3. More commercialism.
4. Really don't like this.
5. Don't care.
6. People telling me that is how I became an atheist to begin with. God and Santa really aren't that different.
7. Gets really, really old. I want to slug people that start that stuff in November and still don't shut up in January.
8. Theists need atheists alot more than the reverse. Given our huge roles in pretty much any scientific field, we would be missed if something happened to us.
9. Only socially, not in any religious sense. Some atheists celebrate Winter Solstice Day as a substitute.
10. See #7.
11. Be low key about it and cut the commercialism.
12. Very young, soon after figuring out Santa wasn't real.
13. Coming out is a continual process and it varies by the individual.
14. They leave me alone, and I'll grant them to same courtesy.
15. Just the usual social stuff. No church obviously.