I'm pretty sure that most, if not all, the Christians I know well would say that the birth of Jesus had something to do with the "real spirit of Christmas". You seemed to think, in "dilution of the nativity play" that changing the generally accepted story of that birth
renders Christmas less meaningful/significant.
I would say that, to me, the "real spirit of Christmas" is meaningless, since I am not a Christian. What does it mean to you? And do you have a meaning for "the real spirit of Eid" or "the real spirit of Hanukkah" - or "the real spiritof Yule"?
Coolidge, of course, was a Christian so, presumably, had a Christian viewpoint on it. Also a Republican, he said "The chief business of the American people is business." We don't have to agree with him.
Crowan - I do tire of your cross examination. I thought I had already made it clear who this thought of the day was addressed to - see my post #3, i.e. for those that celebrate it. If you have not understood...I cannot make it any clearer. I obviously agree with the quote in the OP, else I would not have posted it.
Can we leave it at that now? Thank you.
How about trying to be less defensive? If you only wanted Christians to read it, there's a Christianity Forum. Okay, this isn't a question - just my expressing myself - but I do wonder why you post things that you're not prepared to discuss. Please don't feel the need to reply.
How about being less intense? People who are not christians still celebrate Christmas.
Lovely quote, Amy Green.
No need for explanation.
If only that spirit of goodwill extended throughout the whole year ..