We do the whole thing too. Definitely a celebration of friends and family, and either celebrating the year or just celebrating that its over! DD1 goes to a Christian kindy (DD2 will next year) so we also have discussions about it being the day Jesus was born etc. When they are older I will be more open about my beliefs while encouraging them to walk their own path, but in the meantime it is our choice for them to have a Christian education and so we support what comes with that. I am not religious at all, but there have been times when I truly envy the faith of those that are.

I have a friend who doesn't celebrate Christmas at all, despite her family doing so. She spends the day at the beach each and every year. It does annoy her that she is constantly told that effectively she is an idiot for not being involved, that you don't have to believe in God/Jesus etc - just enjoy the day. I think that however someone's views may differ from our own, we should all respect the right of others to act in the way they choose if it does no harm.