Fred Edwords to Speak at HumanLight Celebrations

Longtime American Humanist Association leader Fred Edwords will be speaking to three AHA Chapters at HumanLight events taking place in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The title of Fred’s talk is “The Ghost of Christmas Past.” The description states:

HumanLight is more than just the unique humanist observance of the winter holiday season. It is a way of recognizing that celebrations during this time aren’t the exclusive property of Christianity. Whether some call it Yule, Festivus, the Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, or another name, this festive season belongs to everyone. And its elements are free to be reinvented or rediscovered.

In this presentation, rediscovery will be the theme. Looking back over two centuries of Christmases past, one discovers that there was a deliberate effort to secularize the holiday. This is why we have holiday cards, gift exchanges, and many other non-religious elements today. But one forgotten tradition that might bear reconsideration is the Victorian Christmas ghost story! Yes, people used to sit around the fireplace and share legends of ghosts and hauntings, or read suspenseful short stories and novels featuring that seasonal twist. Prepare, then, to be regaled with holiday chills to spice up your holiday cheer!

Here are the details:

Saturday, December 17 at 12:00pm
New Jersey Humanist Network
Morris County Cultural Center
300 Mendham Rd
Morristown, NJ

Saturday, December 17 at 4:30pm
Lehigh Valley Humanists
Barrister’s Club
1114 West Walnut Street
Allentown, PA

Sunday, December 18 at 12:30pm
Humanist Association of Greater Philadelphia
Williamson Restaurant
500 Blair Mill Road
Horsham, PA

If you live in the area, don’t miss these events and celebrate HumanLight with your fellow humanists!