Not everyone will appreciate Hitchens' vitriol in this column, in which he excoriates the Christmas season for turning the country into "the cultural and commercial equivalent of a one-party state." Hitch is at his absolute most caustic here, but he is not reckless. Agree or disagree, it's difficult to disregard his wit, careful construction of arguments and well framed conclusion.

This is a good story because it does raise a necessary concern and complaint, namely Separation of Church and State. When my children were in public schools I was also amazed at the level of "penetration" the Christmas iconography, story, and control over dollars in the public arena. My feeble complaints did not win me any friends, in fact I was nearly branded a Grinch ! It takes courage to take this on, seriously.

For an opinion piece with serious insight and wonderfully searing language, Chris Hitchens will never let you down. A mild piece, he nonetheless presents his opinion with his usual stunning clarity. He quickly puts typical "winter solstice" celebration into perspective.

This is a fairly well crafted protest against the doctrinal indoctrinations so widely inflicted at the time of the winter solstice.

Chris, you keep throwing rocks, the believers will keep ducking.I hope th're as nimble as Bush.