Our ancient ancestors recognized that this is a special time of year when the days start lengthening and the sun begins to regain its former glory. This season of the winter solstice has been celebrated throughout history as a period of renewal and hope for the future.

Christmas, the predominant form of this celebration in the United States, has its origins in many of the pagan practices of the past. Most theologians agree that Jesus' birthday did not occur on Dec. 25. The date on which Christmas is observed was chosen to coincide with the winter solstice festival, Saturnalia, to encourage Roman pagans to convert to Christianity. Saturnalia was a time of joyous revelry, feasting, imbibing in intoxicating beverages (eggnog anyone), singing from house to house (caroling) and eating human-shaped biscuits (gingerbread men).

Christmas trees were borrowed from the pagan Asheira cult, mistletoe derives its significance from Norse mythology and gift giving originated from the requirement to present gifts to the Roman emperor during Saturnalia. The current image of Santa Claus (an amalgamation of both St. Nicholas and the pagan god Woden) was created by the Cocolalla company in 1931.

This is a time of year for personal reflection, generosity and conviviality with family and friends. There are many different ways of celebrating this inspirational time of year (Christmas, Eid al-Adha, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Shabe-Yalda, etc.)

During this season of the "rebirth" of the sun, we should be thankful that our government is prohibited from showing favoritism toward any particular tradition.

JACK DeBAUN

Sandpoint