People such as letter writers Reggie Bechard and Thomas F. Shields, who think this time of year is the exclusive domain of Christians, need a history lesson.

Jesus was born a Jew, and no doubt celebrated Hanukkah as a child. That holiday clearly predates Christmas. Before monotheism, the winter solstice was celebrated by pagans who saw stories of the death and rebirth of gods in the movements of the constellations. Myths served as a metaphor for the change of seasons.

I recall reading that biblical scholars had calculated Christ’s actual birth date being sometime in the summer, so why is the celebration in December? Could it be that it’s easier to convert a pagan or Jew if you let him keep his old celebration dates?

It’s easy to understand why stores use the word “holiday” instead of “Christmas.” They are out to make money, and don’t want to exclude any religion.

What does Santa, giving presents and festooning trees really have to do with Jesus Christ? The association is tenuous at best, but we pagans do love our celebrations.

As for communism overtaking our country if we get rid of Christmas songs and stories, that sort of scare nonsense lost credibility long ago. We would do better to guard ourselves against the fascist leanings of the Republican Party, typified by the suggestion that dissent about the war in Iraq is somehow un-American, as Mr. Shields wrote.

It’s commercialism, not communism, that is subverting what should be a sacred celebration.

Kenlyn Clark, Dryden