What does Christmas represent to the WW?

[kneazelkid]

No: HPFGUIDX 95221

Alia wrote:
<snip> JKR mentions Christmas, Easter, and Halloween.  Of what 
significance are these holidays in the WW?  I know that Christmas 
and Easter are highly regarded in some Christian sects, while some 
don't acknowledge them.  Halloween, according to many Christian 
relatives and friends, isn't quite viewed the same way; it was/is 
thought more of as a pagan holiday, or an "evil" day, preceding All 
Saints Day.<snip>Do they know, or believe in God and Jesus in the 
same way we do, if at all?  What do you think JKR was trying to get 
across, being a Christian herself?
<snip>

Kneazlekid (that's me):
As this subject seems to be causing a lot of lurkers to emerge from 
behind their screen, I too must jump in. The cannon in no way 
represents the wizarding world as using witchcraft as their 
religion -- it's just an extra occurance in their world, an extra 
sense or talent (albeit, a big one). While there are no references 
to worship of pagan gods, there are references to Christian holidays 
(as you mentioned, Easter and Christmas), leading this reader to 
believe that witches and wizards are Christians, Jews, Hindus, 
Muslims, etc. Religion is a choice-- you can choose to practice 
based on beliefs and faith. In Harry's world, being a witch or 
wizard is not a choice -- it is a physical fact decided when you are 
born. Big difference. 
Kneazelkid