The Church of Freethought recognizes the human need to celebrate the events that shape our lives and our environment.
Any strictly National holidays such as Labor Day, 4th of July, and Thanksgiving are just part of being an American. Valentine's Day, St Patrick's Day and Halloween are fun excuses to party without any religious overtones. We are not worshiping, but recognizing both the Earth's cycles and man's need for celebration and ceremony. For theists encroaching on new territory it was imperative to use existing celebrations for validating their own rites to the locals. With that in mind, we can discount nativity scenes, smearing lamb's blood on doors and carrying palm leaves.
Mankind has celebrated the solstice and equinox since before theism was thought of by man. Stonehenge and many other stone circles far predate Christianity or any existing religion, and may have acted as solar and lunar calendars for farmers to know when to plant and harvest. Most marked the occurrence of Winter Solstice, the date on which the daylight no longer shortened. Celebrations were often made out of sheer relief that the days would soon lengthen again.
Winter Solstice- caroling, gifts and Solstice Trees. Joy to the world and good will to all men (and women and children), because Winter Solstice is the REAL Reason for the Season. 90% of all Christmas traditions far predate Christianity and come from the Solstice traditions of dozens of different cultures. There is no reason not to adopt some and change others for our own uses. I fail to see any connection between a jolly old elf who lives on the north pole and drives flying reindeer and Christianity. Santa Claus actually provides a valuable learning tool for Atheists to use when their children come to them and say "you know, Mom (Dad) there isn't a Santa Claus".
Vernal Equinox- the renewal of the Earth... flowers, bunnies and chicks are appropriate symbols of Spring. Pretty dresses and hats to celebrate the warmer temperatures and beauty of the season. Again, like Christmas, Easter was stolen from older traditions, and I have yet to see an egg laying rabbit in the bible. Peter Cottontail (as we call our version of the Easter Bunny) also provides the same learning opportunity.
Summer Solstice- barbecues, swimming and outdoor fun. The longest day of the year provides plenty of sun for a full day of party.
Autumnal Equinox- harvest festivals have been traditional since before written history.