Sceptics and their perception of Christmas and New Year: between rationality, cultural inertia and existential search Introduction: Skepticism as a philosophical position The perception of Christmas and New Year by sceptics represents a complex cognitive and social phenomenon, going beyond simple negation of the holiday. A sceptic in this context is not necessarily an aggressive atheist or misanthrope, but a person characterized by a critical, rational-analytical attitude towards social norms, traditions, and collective rituals. Their position is formed at the intersection of several factors: philosophical rationalism, rejection of commercialization, social alienation, and existential analysis of the meaning of the holiday. This is not a single group, but a spectrum of attitudes — from mild irony to complete refusal to participate. Criticism of commercialization and consumerism The most common form of scepticism is directed against the transformation of holidays into a machine for stimulating consumption. Sceptics point out: The artificial creation of a "holiday mood" through aggressive advertising, imposing the need for expensive gifts and "perfect" banquets. This leads to financial stress and social tension. The phenomenon of the "January credit hole", empirically confirmed by economists, when after holiday spending household debts sharply increase. Environmental damage: The problem of excessive waste (packaging, disposable decorations, unused products), as well as the carbon footprint from the production and transportation of goods. Example: The "Buy Nothing Christmas" movement, which originated in the 1990s, is a conscious refusal from the consumer race in favor of homemade gifts, gift of time and experience. Rational-scientific criticism of religious and mythological aspects For sceptics who adhere to a scientific picture of the world, problematic are: The historical inaccuracy of the Gospel narratives about Christmas. It is noted that there are no e ... Read more