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Feeling the Holiday Cheer With Atlanta Atheists

December 23rd, 2012

Christmas is upon us and for many it means stocking stuffers, tree ornaments, and midnight mass.

For others, it’s simply another day. This weekend, WABE attended an atheist meet-up at Five Seasons Brewery in Sandy Springs to see what nonbelievers are doing for the holiday.

“I gave my girlfriend her gifts already. I gave them to her on solstice,” said Rick Pace of Marietta. “I said ‘here’s your stuff.’ I’m not worrying about December 25^th. I’m not bound by that date.”

Raised Catholic, Pace plans to relax on Tuesday.

Others said they planned to catch a movie, do some cooking, and play with their pets.

Less than two percent of Americans describe themselves as atheist. With such small numbers, many at the meet-up said there was comfort being around like-minded people.

A Buckhead resident named Malcolm seemed particularly relieved.

“I don’t have a problem with Christmas. For me it’s not a religious thing but….you have to be so careful at work. You really do. You cannot wear your atheism on your sleeve. It’s just great to be able to say what you feel.”

The group has been meeting regularly for nearly a decade. Other atheist meet-ups have sprung up in Decatur and south Atlanta.