For me, figuring out what to do on Christmas day is rarely a problem. If the weather is good and I feel like getting outside, I'll sometimes go hang out at a park since I know it will be deserted and give me some opportunities to do a little nature photography. If the weather is crappy, I'll usually just treat it as any other day. What does get old some years is the barrage of Christmas-themed stuff that starts right after Halloween and continues all the way through Christmas. I will say that it doesn't bother me as much as it used to because I think I've gotten a bit better at tuning it out.

That is a tough one, but I think we might have a model with the word "gay." It seemed like one of the things that really helped there was when people started embracing the word. Maybe we need more people to embrace "atheist" over the many more socially desirable words lots of atheists use to describe themselves instead. That and informing others about what it means (and does not mean).

It definitely took me longer to figure this out, but I'm glad to have eventually done so. It does seem kind of obvious now.

Points of comparison matter here quite a bit too. During his presidency, I didn't particularly care for his policies but didn't despise him or anything. Nowadays, it is easy to long for someone with his demeanor, intelligence, and other good qualities.

In this particular case, it was clear that she felt this way because I did not share her religious beliefs. That was enough of an explanation for me at the time.

I know what you mean about there being a big difference between "not religious" and "atheist." I have found that to be the case as well. It does sometimes seem like describing oneself as "not religious" means there is still hope for you. Of course, that might mean that they will then try to convert you.

I am glad to hear that your experience has been more positive. It is good to be reminded that there is great variability in what atheists experience.

I go back and forth on whether I like "Giftmas" or "Christmyth" better as an alternative name. My preference seems to depend on my mood.

I hear you about the no contact but a Christmas card routine. I still have a few people who do that even though I haven't reciprocated in at least 15 years. I guess they must get something out of it, but it doesn't do much for me.

I like "Happy holidays" because it communicates respect for everyone, regardless of what they might believe or choose to celebrate (if anything). And even though I don't celebrate anything this time of year, I welcome being on the receiving end of it.

I sure didn't have much luck maintaining my god belief, and I don't think it was for lack of trying. I'm not sure I could convince myself today that the Earth was flat or that our president was a "stable genius."

I think you are right about the importance of fear. It does keep many of us quieter than we might otherwise be.