I think that the way most of us celebrate christmas has very little to do with "true christianity" (what ever that may be). And at least in this part of the world, it was originally a pagan holiday, it just sort of conveniently merged with the birthday of Jesus over time...But there's still a lot of pagan elements in it today. Like Santa for example, he ain't exactly Christ, albeit on a similar mission to spread joy. That reminds me of a funny story I heard once (don't know if this is true). Apparently in Japan, some big store wanted to display some christmas spirit. They got their mythologies a bit mixed, and the set up a huge crusifix in front of the store, unfortunately crusifying the wrong bearded man. I bet for any western kid seeing Santa hang up there would've been a bit of a holiday spoiler.
Personally I don't mind having a couple of days off, meeting family and friends and eating well and maybe sitting down for a moment to think about what we could do for our fellow man. And really, that's all it is for me.
What I DO mind is the last few weeks leading to christmas, which is an orgy of consumption, source of great stress and traffic jams. I mean people are ready kill for a parking spot and there's very little consideration for the guy next to you. And this is in our small, not very densly populated country. I can't even imagine what it would be like in a truly big city...Not to mention having to listen every half celebrity make their "funky and original" versions of those tired old christmas songs and having them stuffed down your throat in any public area
(like in a pool while trying to relax for some nice static apnea).
Hope I didn't spoil anyone's spirit by being too cynical. Of course it's not up to me to dictate what you may find enjoyable and/or spiritual. If you truly get a kick out of christmas, then merry christmas to you!
