AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
                           National Office
                P.O. Box 140195  Austin, TX 78714-0195
                            (512)458-1244

http://www.atheists.org                               For Immediate Release
ATTN: ASSIGNMENT EDITOR                                   November 3, 1997

                 Ever Wondered What An Atheist Does
                         At Christmas Time?
                      Here's how to find out...

Dear Assignment Editor:
    Over 10% of the American population -- that's over 26 million people --
describe themselves as atheists, freethinkers, or intellectual skeptics of
some kind.  That number exceeds the membership of most of the country's
religious denominations!
    Ever wondered what these folk do over the "Christmas" season? (Clue:
many of us have a lot of fun!)  We can help you find out...
    * Many atheists, including members of American Atheists, celebrate this
time of the year as the Winter Solstice, a "natural holiday."  Our
organization sponsors Winter Solstice parties throughout the nation -- what
better excuse to get together and party?
    * American Atheist Press offers a wide range of Winter Solstice Season
gift items, including our ever-popular "godless" greeting cards.  Some are
staid, others funny, and some -- well, you decide for yourself.  We also
offer books, videos, and other products that are increasingly becoming
appropriate gifts at this time of year throughout the Atheist community.
    * American Atheists can provide information about the history and
origins of "Christmas," where symbols from this time of year (like the
yule tree - mistletoe - wreaths) originated.
    * Contact our National Office for a free American Atheist Catalog.
    Thanksgiving is just around the corner -- but after that, please
remember that "Christmas" and Hanukkah" are not the only holiday events
being celebrated by Americans.  Find out what Atheists are up to!

For more information please contact:
Ms. Ellen Johnson, President      (723)334-4033    ej@atheists.org
Mr. Frank Zindler,
   Editor & Science Advisor       (614)299-1036    fzindler@atheists.org
Mr. Ronald Barrier, Spokesperson  (718)356-8658    rbarrier@atheists.org