AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

For more information, please contact:
Ellen Johnson, President (908) 276-7300
Dave Silverman, Communications Director (732) 648-9333


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 14, 2006


   It's Not Just "Christmas" -- Winter Solstice Celebrations a Growing
                Tradition With Millions of Americans


Late December...

It's a time of year that is no longer just for Christians and the
religious rituals of Christmas.  Millions of Atheists, Freethinkers and
other Americans are taking time to celebrate a natural holiday, the
Winter Solstice.  This will occur on Thursday, December 21, 2006 at 7:22
PM EST, and in the Northern Hemisphere marks the Sun's lowest point in
its annual journey across the sky.

Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, said that
Solstice-related events are rapidly growing in popularity as more people
seek alternatives to sectarian religion.  "People are looking for a
celebration that they can relate to.  The Solstice is one of the great
astronomical events during the year that are common to human beings
everywhere."

Johnson added, "Different cultures throughout history have celebrated
this time of year as one of renewal.  We know exactly when it occurs and
we enjoy the fact that the days get longer again."

Dave Silverman, Communications Director for American Atheists said that
Atheists celebrate Winter Solstice with parties, gift-giving and even
some traditional seasonal trappings that were appropriated by
Christianity and Christmas.  "You'll see Winter Solstice trees festooned
with lights, lots of hearty eating, drinking and partying.  People who
go to Solstice parties are celebrating the season, not a religious tale
about a messiah."

American Atheists can put your news organization in touch with local
people who celebrate this Solstice season.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for
Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and
addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.


American Atheists, Inc.
P. O. Box 5733
Parsippany, NJ 07054-6733
Tel.: (908) 276-7300
Fax: (908) 276-7402