Screenwriter needs Atheist insight

[Clueless Morgan]

1) What is the general feeling towards the Holiday by you as an atheist?
Meh. The commercial nature of the holiday irks me; it's a yearly excuse for people to rack up debit buying shit they don't really need. I'd much rather the holiday be more like a Thanksgiving kind of deal where you just get together with friends and/or family and have a nice dinner.

2) What are your feelings towards the display of Christmas lights on houses?
I like them; it makes the long, dark winter nights enjoyable.

3) What are your feelings about Christmas displays in stores?
More commercial nonsense. They don't bother me, but I see them as marketing ploy to get people to spend money that could be put to better use.

4) What are your feelings about the mad dash for gifts?
Hate this. Hate it, hate it, hate it. Black Friday nutbags, holiday blowout sales, followed in the next year by reports of what a great boost to the economy last Christmas season was... It's all nonsense. (I refuse to even leave my house on Black Friday) Aren't birthdays enough of an excuse to buy people stuff? Then again, my birthday is a week before Christmas so maybe I'm just used to having to wait a whole year before people give me stuff for no reason.

5) What are your feelings about it being a federally recognized holiday?
I mean... I like getting the day off... But if I had to choose a holiday to mandate time off for, couldn't we get the 8 days of Hanukkah off?

6) What are your feelings about people telling their children that Santa is real?
No opinion, really. I don't have kids.

7) What are your feelings towards Carolers or Christmas music on the radio?
GAAAAAA!!! TURN IT OFF, TURN IT OFF!!!!!! I stop listening to the radio once I hear the first Christmas song, which can occur anywhere between Halloween and Thanksgiving. Not all Christmas music bugs me and there's usually a time around July that I like listening to some of it, but I can't stand the nonstop All-Christmas-All-The-Time! bombardment.

8) What are your feelings about how non-atheists perceive atheists?
It never comes up, really.

9) Do you as an atheist celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah?
Only because my family does. I'd rather consolidate yearly gift-giving to one's birthday which takes the stress off having to buy something for everyone all in the space of one month and out of one paycheck. The gift-giving aspect in my family was majorly scaled back a long time ago; if you get more than 5 gifts on Christmas morning that's a major haul.

10) What are your feelings towards the Christmas people who start decorating their house before Halloween?
They're totally crazy, but it's their house, they can do what they want with it. Then again, though, they'd probably call me nuts for some of the things I get really excited about so it's a pot calling the kettle black type situation.

11) If you could ask those that celebrate Christmas to change one thing (or several things) about it - what would it (they) be?
Stop the bullshit about the War on Christmas. There is no war on Christmas, Christians, and if there is even such a thing as a "war on Christmas" it's because you started it. You can't be the aggressor and the victim at the same time.

12) At what point in your life did you realize you were an atheist?
16 or 17

13) Did you ever have a "coming out" moment as an atheist? How was it received?
Um... sort of? I told my mom I didn't believe in god when I was a teenager. She told me I was going to go to hell. I don't know if she remembers that, but I do.

14) As an atheist, what is your goal or intention about informing others that disagree with you about your stance?
It doesn't really come up so I don't have a goal or an intention. If I hear something that is factually wrong I try to inform that person that they're talking out of their ass and maybe they should look into the facts before making ignorant assertions. I do think much more politely than I just described, of course.

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?
^^-- that is more what I would prefer, just a nice time getting together with family. So basically, I want another Thanksgiving. I really like turkey...

[Simon Moon]

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. As others have said, too commercialized. But I actually enjoy the actual holiday for the most part. A great time to get together with family and friends and eat good food. You do know it is mostly a Pagan holiday, tight?

2. Enjoyable to look at for the most part.

3. A little too over the top. They just start too early.

4. Ridiculous.

5. No real problems. For most people it has been stripped of most of its religious connotations.

6. Children have all sorts of fantasy beliefs when they are young. They get over them. Well, most of them don't get over ALL of them

7. Not a problem. Some Christmas songs are enjoyable.

8. Most of them perceive Christmas wrong. It is a Pagan holiday that was co-opted by Christians. But I have no problem.

9. I celebrate the getting together with friends and family, eating good food, and otherwise enjoying myself, and gift exchange.

10. Ridiculous. But not a major issue.

11. Cut back (drastically) on the commercialization and the feeling that they need to buy expensive gifts for loved ones.

12. When I figured that there just wasn't demonstrable evidence or valid & sound logic to support the claim that a god or gods exist.

13. No. My extended family is pretty understanding of all views.

14. My goal is to try to educate theists. My experience is that the vast majority of theists have major misconceptions concerning atheists and atheism. These misconceptions seem to be typical in the US.

I also freely admit that I am looking to deconvert theists. It is my contention that a world where more people base their decisions on evidence, logic and reason would be a better world.

15. N/A

Your welcome.

Hopeful this is helpful.

[pocaracas]

Will my opinion count, even if I'm from southern Europe?

1) What is the general feeling towards the Holiday by you as an atheist?

It's a nice time of the year. Some people seem to be a bit cheerier... others are too worried about presents.

2) What are your feelings towards the display of Christmas lights on houses?

Not a common occurrence around here. I don't mind.

3) What are your feelings about Christmas displays in stores?

They do what they have to do in order to sell. I don't mind.

4) What are your feelings about the mad dash for gifts?

The wife takes care of them... at least the ones for the kids, which, at 3 sons and 5 nephews gets to fill up the cart.

5) What are your feelings about it being a federally recognized holiday?

On some households, people wait until midnight on the 24th to open the presents and then enjoy them a bit...
On other households, people only open the presents on the 25th.
So, either way, it's nice to have the day off, so you can either sleep a bit longer, or enjoy your newly acquired presents.
It's all about the presents!

6) What are your feelings about people telling their children that Santa is real?

I don't do that to my kids. My wife says it's baby jesus that brings the presents... Of course, taking after their father, they know when we've been off to buy the presents.

7) What are your feelings towards Carolers or Christmas music on the radio?

Carolers don't exist around here...
christmas music on the radio would be better if they weren't the same songs every year... oh wait, I don't listen to radio anymore... don't care!

8) What are your feelings about how non-atheists perceive atheists?

Around here, atheists are tolerated. Most teenagers identify as atheists so we're kind of taking over in a few years time.


9) Do you as an atheist celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah?

"celebrate", as in give presents, have a family dinner on the 24th and another family lunch on the 25th.

10) What are your feelings towards the Christmas people who start decorating their house before Halloween?

Don't have Halloween... is that on the 31st October? or 30th November?
Bah, who cares?... Each does what they want with their place when they want....
I, sometimes, see christmas decorations in the Summer! Some people never take them down!

11) If you could ask those that celebrate Christmas to change one thing (or several things) about it - what would it (they) be?

Place a price cap on presents!

12) At what point in your life did you realize you were an atheist?

At the age of 10... well, I only learned the term "atheist" when I was 12 or 13 or 14...

13) Did you ever have a "coming out" moment as an atheist? How was it received?

HAHAHAHA, no. People around me never forced anything on to me and then.... my brother told them... and life went on without so much as a bump.

14) As an atheist, what is your goal or intention about informing others that disagree with you about your stance?

It's not a stance. It's being intellectually honest, considering all the available information about what can be called the "divine realm", where gods, ghosts, angels, demons, souls, etc inhabit... It seems that place only exists in people's minds... like LotR's Middle Earth.
If I ever inform others of my lack of belief in their god(s), it's so they stop trying to make me adhere to their rituals. Rarely had to use it, worked every time.

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?

So... my family dinner and lunch, as well as the exchange of presents are not celebrations? Damn...

The Solstice is really going to be pissed!

There you go.
One thing I'd like to add is that atheists are just people who do not believe that any god exists. Apart from that, each is an individual and you can find wildly differing attitudes towards any other aspect of life.
Which is the same as saying we're normal people.... with the quirk of not believing in the existence of divine entities (which is not the same as believing they don't exist... but let's leave that for some other time).

[Mister Agenda]

Hello all,

Hello yourself, and welcome.

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.

It's always good to see someone who cares about doing their homework.

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

I'll do my best. Remember that we're a diverse bunch, so you're probably getting a wide variety of answers. Which I'm not looking at until after I type this, so you're getting unfiltered me.

1) What is the general feeling towards the Holiday by you as an atheist?

It's a good time of year to have a holiday. I use it as a reminder to give to charity and ask that people who want to give me gifts do the same. If I'm going to be with children that day, I'll pick up gifts for them. It irritates when some people tell me I shoudn't celebrate a federal holiday if I don't agree with the religious message.

2) What are your feelings towards the display of Christmas lights on houses?

It's their right to put up what they want. If it's festive and tasteful, I might enjoy it. I'm a little concerned about the power consumption.

3) What are your feelings about Christmas displays in stores?

That's just good business.

4) What are your feelings about the mad dash for gifts?

I'm a procrastinator myself, so I've no room to judge.

5) What are your feelings about it being a federally recognized holiday?

I figure it was a practical necessity with so many people wanting that day off. Maybe 'Winter Holiday' would sound more neutral, but since it's on Dec 25, I'm not going to grouse about the name.

6) What are your feelings about people telling their children that Santa is real?

I think it teaches the valuable lesson that parents aren't always truthful.

7) What are your feelings towards Carolers or Christmas music on the radio?

I don't object to it per se, but the saturation gets annoying. Many Christmas songs are lovely.

8) What are your feelings about how non-atheists perceive atheists?

For a lot of theists, it seems like the one person they won't listen to about what atheists are like, is an atheist. The main misperception is that we have a lot in common because we're atheists. That's no more true of atheists than it is of theists, and everyone takes for granted that you have to know more about someone than that they're a theist to know their opinion about anything besides whether they think there's a God or gods.

9) Do you as an atheist celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah?

I usually celebrate Christmas the traditional Jewish way: dinner with friends at a Chinese restaurant.

10) What are your feelings towards the Christmas people who start decorating their house before Halloween?

It's their house. I'm not much on judging people. If that's what floats their boat, good for them.

11) If you could ask those that celebrate Christmas to change one thing (or several things) about it - what would it (they) be?

Stop saying there's a war on Christmas.

12) At what point in your life did you realize you were an atheist?

That's a good way to put it. I didn't decide to become an atheist, I just examined the definition and realized I was one. I was in my mid-thirties. I had been raised Pentecostal, reading the Bible cured me of that, and over the years I became more evidence-oriented, until I filed God the same place I had already filed so many other things I once believed were true: insufficient evidence to justify belief.

13) Did you ever have a "coming out" moment as an atheist? How was it received?

I don't think a day passed between me realizing I'm an atheist and telling my close friends, who were very accepting. I generally don't tell other people unless they ask.

14) As an atheist, what is your goal or intention about informing others that disagree with you about your stance?

I suppose I mainly just want them to get used to it. I don't expect agreement, but my position shouldn't be one that has people clutching their pearls if it comes up.

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?

Unless I'm spending it with family, I usually organize a dinner on that day and invite my friends who don't celebrate Christmas.

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

You're welcome. I hope this is helpful, and that your screenplay is a success.

[Mystical]

1) What is the general feeling towards the Holiday by you as an atheist?
When I reverted back to atheism I had to re-evaluate Christmas and what it meant to me. I concluded that it's a holiday of love and compassion, and that's what I embrace about it.

2) What are your feelings towards the display of Christmas lights on houses?
Love them. So long as they don't bankrupt you.. Personally I'd prefer the money go to charities and go to the park or zoo to see a light display.

3) What are your feelings about Christmas displays in stores?
I like them. In December. Also, Santa stuff is sooooo blowhardy I can't even fathom who the hell thought that shit up.

4) What are your feelings about the mad dash for gifts?
Retarded to the max

5) What are your feelings about it being a federally recognized holiday?
I have no problem with every religion having its own holidays. I would work through them anyways.. But they're good for the economy. I enjoy the Christmas Holiday off and think it's been around too long to take away as a federal holiday. Sometimes it's nice to see the whole world pause and rest for a moment.

6) What are your feelings about people telling their children that Santa is real?
I wouldn't do it myself, for the mere fact that my cousins kid lost all faith in humanity for about 6mo when she found out Santa didn't exist. She was depressed because she didn't know what was real and what wasn't, and when her parents did or didn't lie to her. So, I won't be doing that to my children. That doesn't mean I won't do tooth fairy stuff though.. That has a purpose, to keep the teeth till they're older.

7) What are your feelings towards Carolers or Christmas music on the radio?
Santa clause stuff gets on my nerves. I like hearing the religious music though, it's beautiful. I value other peoples' happiness as a means to my own and if believing in god makes them happy it makes me happy.

8) What are your feelings about how non-atheists perceive atheists?
Well, I feel like my right to be able to celebrate and enjoy myself is muted around those who know I don't believe in their god. When I gave up my faith the first Christmas I was very depressed.. Christmas was always my favorite holiday. I had to re-assess what it was about the holiday that made it special for me, and I concluded that it's an overall time for love, happiness, and self-sacrifice. Then my fiancee proposed on Christmas Eve and now it will forever be a special time for me

9) Do you as an atheist celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah?
I celebrate Christmas

10) What are your feelings towards the Christmas people who start decorating their house before Halloween?
I've never even witnessed that in my lifetime and I've lived in Colorado, home of the Christmas light fanatics. There are some who keep them up year-round, though.. I just figure they are dealing drugs or something though, no one keeps Christmas lights on for no reason year round..

11) If you could ask those that celebrate Christmas to change one thing (or several things) about it - what would it (they) be?
FGS make some unretarded Christmas movies.

12) At what point in your life did you realize you were an atheist?
I was in my early twenties.. One day I started crashing in the hospital from an illness. All that was there was me, and I was dying. I wanted nothing but comfort and all that was there was darkness. All I remember when I stopped breathing and started choking was realizing that this must be how old people feel too, in the nursing homes. A video of a lion killing a gazelle was on tv and this haze that had overshadowed my life making me feel safe and comforted was removed. There was nothing left but survival for me, which was horrific since I was dying where I lay.
I pulled out of it after a while in the ICU and started wondering if god was even there. After that for 4+yrs of searching for him, I concluded he wasn't there.

13) Did you ever have a "coming out" moment as an atheist? How was it received?
Yes, I did. I had people telling me I wasn't an agnostic atheist because that didn't make sense and I had to explain that it would have to take faith on my part to say I don't believe in a god but also know for certain he isn't real. Therefore I don't know for certain but until I have reason to believe in god I won't believe in it. I'm an atheist who doesn't know for sure if god exists, I'm not accusing anyone of believing in something that doesn't exist. I have every right to question it though, especially if beliefs interfere with important things like relationships and how you treat yourself or others.

14) As an atheist, what is your goal or intention about informing others that disagree with you about your stance?
To help them understand that morality is not copy-written by theism. I'm not going to go out and keep a wallet I find just because there isn't a god to ensure that I do the right thing. And there are existential laws and rights that each and every one of us have that cannot be taken away, unless we pose a danger to ourselves, society, or our environment.

[downbeatplumb]

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?

I love christmas me. without it winter would be depressing. It has Zero religious meaning for me just a nice nosh up and prezzies.

2) What are your feelings towards the display of Christmas lights on houses?

Tacky, over done and very ungreen. However it can look magical if well done.

3) What are your feelings about Christmas displays in stores?

They brighten the place up.

4) What are your feelings about the mad dash for gifts?

I've already done most of my shopping.

5) What are your feelings about it being a federally recognized holiday?

I like as many holidays as I can get. And of course I dont have to go to church (Caveat I am a brit).

6) What are your feelings about people telling their children that Santa is real?

Go for it! its good training for them to question the existence of magical beings. When my children realised it was bullshit I was so proud.

7) What are your feelings towards Carolers or Christmas music on the radio?

Can go on a bit. I used to work in a factory which had the same christmas CD on a loop. Did my head in.

8) What are your feelings about how non-atheists perceive atheists?

People don't wear their faiths on their sleeves around here so its not something I come accross anywhere but here.

9) Do you as an atheist celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah?

Saturnalia, sol victis Xmas its all good.

10) What are your feelings towards the Christmas people who start decorating their house before Halloween?

Why not, its their house. Darwinian had christmas decorations up all year!!

11) If you could ask those that celebrate Christmas to change one thing (or several things) about it - what would it (they) be?

Why bring in religion, it kills the buzz.

12) At what point in your life did you realize you were an atheist?

Birth

13) Did you ever have a "coming out" moment as an atheist? How was it received?

No one cares.

14) As an atheist, what is your goal or intention about informing others that disagree with you about your stance?

I like to go round peoples houses to preach the news of no god.
I kid of course.
People can believe whatever stupid shit they like as long as it dosen't affect me.

On here though they are considered fair game.

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 do everything except the churchy stuff.

I love Xmas me.

I want an Xmas pud now!

[Jackalope]

Comments in bold below.

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? Indifferent
2) What are your feelings towards the display of Christmas lights on houses? I don't put them up. I don't care if others do.
3) What are your feelings about Christmas displays in stores? They go up way too early. Please, not until the Thanksgiving leftovers are a distant memory.
4) What are your feelings about the mad dash for gifts? Like practically every other holiday, it's crass over-commercialization.
5) What are your feelings about it being a federally recognized holiday? Don't care. I get the day off. I don't mind getting days off.
6) What are your feelings about people telling their children that Santa is real? It's less harmful than telling children that what's in the bible is righteous. I'm not big on perpetuating lies told to kids.
7) What are your feelings towards Carolers or Christmas music on the radio? Radio - I'm free to turn it off. Carolers? In my neighborhood? You must be joking. If any came by, I'd politely let them do their schtick and not make an issue of it.
8) What are your feelings about how non-atheists perceive atheists? Many people seem to have gross misconceptions about atheists and don't care to be cured of their ignorance.
9) Do you as an atheist celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah? No. I get together with family on December 24-25 and eat way too much prime rib and drink too much wine and whiskey. It's purely a secular family get-together.
10) What are your feelings towards the Christmas people who start decorating their house before Halloween? They're doing it wrong.
11) If you could ask those that celebrate Christmas to change one thing (or several things) about it - what would it (they) be? I wouldn't. What do I care how people celebrate holidays?
12) At what point in your life did you realize you were an atheist? I was in my mid-20s.
13) Did you ever have a "coming out" moment as an atheist? How was it received? No, I did not.
14) As an atheist, what is your goal or intention about informing others that disagree with you about your stance? I don't particularly care what others thinI, until they try to tell me (incorrectly) what I think.
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? See answer to #9.

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

[Jackalope]

2) What are your feelings towards the display of Christmas lights on houses?
Love it. The more ridiculously elaborate, the better. My mom used to do this when I was younger.

Is that you, Clark Griswold?

[Ryantology]

2) What are your feelings towards the display of Christmas lights on houses?
Love it. The more ridiculously elaborate, the better. My mom used to do this when I was younger.

Is that you, Clark Griswold?

I'm far too lazy to do anything like that, but, my mom wasn't. She got our house listed in the newspaper twice on those tacky house tours. And, she most certainly did look to the Gris for spiritual inspiration. That's probably her favorite movie ever.

In both good and very bad ways, my mom's always been a woman of extremes.

[Heir Apparent]

Hello all,

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?

Hey Woj, I'm a fan already, and you've come to the right place for this. Personally my whole opinion on Christmas can be summed up as "indifferent, but I like the spirit of the holiday."

1. Indifferent, as I said.

2. Also indifferent. Hell, I usually do so myself. Some people can be super creative with lights, so I like checking them out when the season rolls around.

3. Stores are private property, so it's their thing. Government property, not so much.

4. I enjoy gift giving, but I laugh at the people who rush to get them. Amazon.com, folks. Don't even need to leave the house or try to hide them

5. That's a tough one for me. On one hand you have other religion's holidays recognized, but not in equal shares I feel. Being a "Christian nation" l suppose that'll happen, but I could live without it being so revered.

6. I'm all for it. Why not? The difference between Santa and god is that we tell our kids Santa isn't real after some time. I think it's harmless.

7. Being I work in a place that has Christmas music starting literally the day after Thanksgiving till New Years, I get really tired of it. But I enjoy the season and it's sounds so it doesn't bother me.

8. They have all the wrong ideas about us, trust me on that. The stereotypes range from believing something comes from nothing to having kids with mutiple partners (I've seen this said for real) just because we're godless. It's really rather tiring.

9. I partake in the usual Christmas gift swapping and dinner, but that's it.

10. I just shake my head and laugh. Seriously, there are people around here that have them up year round, but I'm in northeast PA so it's probably laziness.

11. Can't really think of anything off the top of my head. Stop waiting so long to get gifts and stop putting Christmas lights up in October maybe

12. Throughout high school I doubted very much, and always dismissed theists as crazy. My breakthrough moment was when I stumbled across a video of Matt Dilahunty utterly destroying every common theist argument l had heard. I started doing some serious research, and came to my own conclussion.

13. Not really. My parents aren't really believers, and almost everyone I work with shares my beliefs.

14. My hope, along with almost every other atheist, is to wake people up, see rationally and logically that their god(s) and holy book(s) are crap, made up by wandering desert tribes that has sadly taken strong roots in the world. I would personally add that I would love to see superstition and ignorance outted, so the human race can advance. Nothing stops advancement like religion.

15. As stated, gift swapping and dinner.

Good luck, glad to have you stop by.