To preface, this is one of those "non-religious religious" discussions that revolve more around ethics and alleged historical figures and their philosophies as opposed to anything metaphysical. This is meant to be more about whether or not the holiday itself as celebrated today is in line with its origins, consistent with its values, etc. as defined by the purported sayings, beliefs, and values of a central historical figure. Not so much about "that's not even the real day" or "it's really a Pagan holiday" or "none of that ever happened", etc. This is primarily focused on discussing lessons, teachings, and values, specifically whether or not Christmas is aligned with them, more than anything else.

I imagine there are two main positions one can take. The first being it's a time that promotes joy, family, togetherness, charity, forgiveness, etc. After all we don't (typically) buy presents for ourselves but for friends and family. Families get together including those relatives we don't normally see either due to distance or careers and whatnot to gather around a large feast and more or less try to have a good time. It's a special time for the young ones and gives them a sense of wonder and optimism toward life and the world, if all goes well. A central theme being a Christmas tree which instills respect for the natural world (or at least appreciation considering it has to be chopped down prior) followed by the star on top which is symbolic of the story of the Star of Bethlehem. Followed by the presents which all three together can symbolize to some "the gift of salvation" or some related concept. As in, it does honor and promote the teachings and values that Christmas is purportedly about.

Or does it? The second position would be it (what modern Christmas has become) distracts from if not even mocks these teachings and values. A theme in Christianity is not becoming attached to the world and materialism. Yet the holiday season (Black Friday, Christmas specials, the near adamant expectation that you have to buy things [even for others]) is often one of heavy materialism, commercialism, and frankly, stress. Between preparing a large enough meal which some may suggest encourages gluttony and perhaps becoming more involved with the Church for the season, which some say was discouraged as it is an "institution of man", there's plenty room for argument. Most robberies occur around Christmas, either beforehand to make ends meet and be able to give gifts you otherwise wouldn't be able to afford, or afterward, seeing as "everyone has new stuff". It can also be said it actually trains kids to associate both the celebration of birth of its central Messianic figure and holiday moments of family togetherness with "getting stuff" and excessive materialism from an early age.

What do you think? Does the modern day Christmas holiday honor and/or promote the purported lessons, teachings, and story of what it claims to be about or does it do the opposite?