Lab Track: I Don’t Believe in Christmas

Since Christmas is fast approaching, I thought I’d dedicate the next few weeks to some skeptically themed holiday songs. This one by the great George Hrab focuses on the fact that even if you don’t believe in the myths behind the Christmas holiday, and even if you’re sort of dismayed by the fact that people think they need a special day to be nice to each other, it’s okay. It is what it is, it’s not hurting anybody, and you can enjoy it all the same. This is a lesson a skeptic could apply to many things: if it’s not hurting anybody, sometimes (SOMEtimes) a friend’s joy is worth more than the importance of clarifying what’s actually true.

* The image for this post is of (from left to right) Emily Finke, me, and Jamie Bernstein posing with Geo and a delicious box of chocolates at TAM. Gratuitous showing off? Perhaps.

Video and lyrics after the jump!

Every time this time of year
I weigh the way we spread good cheer
And wonder if it matters one bit
Why we’re nicer? My advice, sir:
Enjoy what the day brings despite stories of kings
Relish the things that you give and are given

Every time this time of year
I explain in ways plain and clear
To my relief I have no belief
In the reason for the season
But I’m one who defends if these means to these ends
Result in smiling friends, who once were strangers
Where’s the danger?

I don’t believe in Christmas
But I love it anyway

Every time this time of year
I voice a voice some don’t hold dear
And proudly shout despite my doubt
“Seasons greetings” at family meetings
And I still can enjoy like when I was a boy
Unwrapping every toy that I get, and each one I’m giving
This is living

I don’t believe in Christmas
But I love it anyway

The best of intentions never equal the gifts that you got
with a season so perfect I’ll forgive that its reason is not

Every time this time of year
I love the love both far and near
And wonder if it matters one bit
Why we’re nicer

This has been another installment of Monday Lab Tracks. Send us your musical recommendations through our contact link at the top of the page, and tell us what you think of the song in the comments below!