text: Huge numbers of non-Christians (atheist and otherwise) perform acts of charity 365 days a year without needing any godlike fantasy to spur them into action. At the same time many, many self-proclaimed Christians do little or nothing. There are good people and not so good people regardless of where they stand on god/no god spectrum. Food banks, since you mention that sort of support, are staffed all year round, not just handing our turkeys in mid winter and you don't have to be a card carrying anything to help out.
  
  On the subject of a mid-winter festival ... as there are so many faith groups that do something around this time of year why do we not, as a community, concentrate on the winter solstice for our big meals, drinks and gift sharing. It's the one universal date we all should celebrate without bringing any religion to the table at all.