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 that goes beyond simple rejection 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, aversion to commercialization, social alienation, and existential analysis of the holiday's meaning. This is not a unified group but a spectrum of attitudes — from mild irony to complete refusal to participate. Critique 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 necessity of expensive gifts and "ideal" feasts. This creates financial stress and social tension. The phenomenon of the "January credit hole," empirically confirmed by economists, when household debts sharply increase after holiday spending. 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 emerged in the 1990s, is a conscious refusal from the consumer race in favor of homemade gifts, giving time and experience. Rational-scientific criticism of religious and mythological aspects For sceptics adhering to a scientific view of the world, problematic are: The historical inaccuracy of the evangelical narratives about Christmas. It is pointed out that there are no ext ... Read more