You don’t need to believe in Yule, the Scandinavian fertility god, to enjoy the tradition of Yuletide carols and greetings. You don’t need to be a Wiccan to enjoy the tradition of wreaths or decking the halls with holly. You don’t need to be a Druid to enjoy the tradition of hoping for a kiss under the mistletoe. You don’t need to believe in the god Saturn to enjoy the tradition of decorating a Saturnalia tree in your home. You don’t need to believe in Thor, Odin, or St. Nicholas to enjoy the tradition of a visitor bringing gifts at night. You don’t need to believe in Sleipnir, Odin’s flying 8-legged horse, to enjoy the tradition of listening for the sound of hooves on your rooftop. You don’t need to believe in Mithras to enjoy the tradition of celebrating the sun’s rebirth on December 25th. And you don’t need to believe in Jesus Christ to enjoy the tradition of renaming this ancient holiday to Christ's Mass. All you need to enjoy these winter festivities is to be merry! Merry Christmas and Happy Winter Solstice from Tom Capuder