As we come to the years end often people sometimes ask what secular people (agnostic and atheist) do for the the holiday season. The answer to this questions varies quite a lot and FFRF did a poll and discussed this here (link) in detail.
As for me and many members of our local chapter, it is about coming together as a community, be it with your family or just your friends. Part of my yearly ritual this time of year, start by helping set up the FFRF and ASL display in Little Rock. See earlier post here.
Often I find the next best way for me to celebrate is to enjoy the Winter Solstice, as the days return to start to get longer and longer. For me this year that started with out local chapter meeting on Dec 21st in Fayetteville, for our Solstice Secular Sunday meeting in the morning. It was part business meeting part social gathering – meeting notes here.
I then got to hang out with some other secular friends at Trailmix Solstice event in the evening in Bentonville.
Finally I celebrated Festivus with Chip at Flavors in Bentonville. This event is a way to bring multiple communities together to socialize and share a greater sense of community. This was the 2nd annual Festivus event. It had many different groups. FFRF, Trailmix, Juggling group, Vegan community, and the NWA Freethought members, all got along and had a great time. There was a Festivus pole, airing of grievances, and feats of strength. As well as great food, beverages, and delightful conversation.
Pagans and Solstice is the real reason for the season and celebration. Both Yule and Saturnalia are traditional festivities which precedes the traditionally ideas of Christmas. Below are a few links one from FFRF and one from the History Channel that discusses some of these historical festivities and details.
https://www.history.com/articles/saturnalia
Heathens Greetings – If interested you can buy these tracks from FFRF. https://ffrf.org/product/heathens-greetings/
As we wrap up the year, we look forward to 2026. We will kick off the new year with several events. These will include multiple walk/hike options on New Years day. I plan to do 2 of them. If you are interested please join the Charity Miles team (link), it helps me keep motivated, and generates money for a charity of your choosing. On the Jan 11th in Bentonville we will have our first business meeting of 2026. We will have yearly charitable activity kick off on Jan 24th in Rogers.
I hope you and yours all have a wonderful holiday season however you celebrate.
Merry Yule and Happy Solstice!!!
of The Ozarks 