Atheists don’t get much clemency from Christian culture. They are generally thought to be misguided and inclined to despair.

While Christians are busy thanking God on Thanksgiving they have been known to wonder aloud how atheists could celebrate this holiday with no one to thank. It may not occur to them that on Thanksgiving Day many atheists are thankful to their friends and families, thankful to people who don’t dismiss them, and that many are volunteering in soup kitchens and serving the needy like Jesus said to do.

**This post originally aired on November 25, 2009, and warranted reposting for holidaisical purposes.