I have wonderful memories of Christmas, growing up. Plus, I also got to celebrate Orthodox, or Ukrainian Christmas 13 days later, with my father's family, including most of my cousins. (Now 14 days later!) So double the fun.
I also saw the difference between a non religious Christmas and a religious one. Mainly my grandmother saying a 10 minute grace in a language I didn't understand, that usually ended with her weeping, and me almost passing out from hunger and all the delicious smells.
Later, when I came to realize my need for God, besides my new Bible, I bought a Christmas Carol book, with music and lyrics to all the popular carols. Then, I went to Midnight Mass a few times with Catholic relatives and friends. The piety fascinated me.
After I got saved, it became even more important to me. As a music teacher, I taught my students carols and put on an annual Christmas concert. I lived in a very multi-cultural school district, I always explained the words, like manger and angels and then, a children's Bible story about the Incarnation with pictures. I pray seeds were planted, that grew to faith by the power of the Holy Spirit!
Besides, who couldn't like a season where songs with lyrics like "Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn king" or "Joy the the world, the Lord is come!" played in malls everywhere!?
Oh right, the self righteous people who somehow think that celebrating Christmas is not a good outreach principle! Not! When I played in a 60 piece orchestra, with a 100 voice choir, live animals and drama, to a seasonal audience of 10,000 people, I watched literally 100s of people get saved every Christmas!
Just remember, Jesus is the reason for the season and you won't have any more issues with Christmas!