Flynn said prejudice against the yule-free canbe traced to two distinct figures: Dickens'Ebeneezer Scrooge and Dr. Seuss' Grinch.

"Christmas critics remain one of the fewminorities against whom it is socially acceptableto discriminate," Flynn said.

Nevertheless, Flynn said Christmas is on thedecline because of the growing number ofimmigrants. Whereas in the past, acceptance andassimilation served to imprison minorities, Flynnsaid today minorities tend to be assertive aboutwhat makes them unique.

"If today's new outsiders...demand to berespected, Christmas can't continue in its role asa universal public idea," he said.

He suggested that all religions be treated withthe "same uniform, benign neglect under whichnon-Christian faiths have always grinded."

He conceded, however, that Christmas will notdisappear as a holiday but rather draw back.

Flynn emphasized that the recent origin andaccidental development of Christmas traditions canand must be rolled back, beginning with secularhumanists' emergence from the closet.

He urged the society members to let others knowabout their beliefs.

"How many people in your life know that you'rean infidel?" he asked. "Saying no to Christmasmakes a strong message.