As “Merry Christmas” and “Have a happy New Year” start resounding from our lips, it should be noted that atheists shouldn’t be left out of the holiday joy and frolic.

Living in the U.S., it is inferred that we are a society of consumerism and not all people – including Christians – celebrate Christmas explicitly for the birth of Jesus.

Atheists are one of many groups that are large in community and are affected by religious prejudices.

These prejudices range from being ostracized to being the elephant in the room at their family’s Christmas supper. But the majority of atheists don’t harbor hate for the holiday because of its religious affiliation; instead, they view it in a different light.

The U.S. is a melting pot of diversity with many religious holidays, but an increasing number of people view this day as one of love for each other instead of an exclusive practice.

Religious intolerance has always been prevalent, but modern times are bringing new social changes.

Any religious marks placed on this day of the year have become as harmful as the mark placed by an ever-increasing consumerism. The religious context can shut out people who don’t believe that Jesus was the son of God the same way consumerism shuts out people who don’t have money to spend on new stuff.

Atheism is growing in America — 16.1 percent of U.S. adults are unaffiliated with any religion and 1.6 percent are explicit atheists according to Pew Research — and we need to remember that we don’t have to be part of a religion to celebrate in “the spirit of humanity,” as stated on richarddawkins.net.

If anyone asks if and how an atheist celebrates Christmas, the response should be, “In the love for each other.”