On Wed, 28 Dec 2005 22:29:48 GMT, Chris L Peterson
wrote:

However, solstice celebrations are no less religious in their historic
origins.

Maybe. Certainly, we have Wiccan and Neo-pagan friends who celebrate it
still in a religious sense. But for us, it is simply a more meaningful
day to celebrate our secular Christmas- a day with some physical
meaning, especially to an astronomer!

I should add, the solstice does have a spiritual significance to us,
even though there is nothing religious about it.

_________________________________________________

Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com