True meaning of Christmas?

Over on another forum, this one guy said he was an Atheist and hated Christmas and spending time with his asshole family.  While I couldn't really say anything about his family, that's a complicated issue, I don't get the idea that being an Atheist automatically meant you can't get into Christmas or you would "hate" Christmas.  How many Christmas specials were less about the idea of Jesus Christ and his birth and more about the general idea of being kid and generous, being with family and loved ones, and spreading kindness to everyone you meet?  After all, you have the entire rest of the year to be an asshole or act like yourself, but I really do think we need at least this one time of year to just put all that negative energy aside and focus on what's good in life.  "Peace on Earth, good will toward man (and woman)" and all that stuff, am I right?

Not to mention, Christmas wasn't even originally about Jesus anyway, it was originally a hedonistic celebration of the Winter Solstices, in which the Christians used to celebrate the birth of Christ in order to convert more people at once.

So really, Christmas can be whatever you want it to be, you can make it about the family and friends, you can make it about Jesus, you can make it about Winter, you can even make it about the huge economic boost that comes with buying all sorts of stuff.  That, I believe, is the true beauty of Christmas.  But, like many aspects of American culture, most people have that "it's my way or the highway" mentality, as you can tell by all this "War on Christmas" BS that's been going around.  Honestly, I think the most important thing to keep in mind during Christmas, regardless of how you celebrate it, is to just be kind, generous, and pass on those good feelings.  Being selfish and saying "Christmas MUST be this way" is pretty much the exact opposite of what I feel Christmas should be about, and it doesn't get us anywhere either, since there will BE no middle ground for some of these people.

So, with that in mind, however you celebrate this holiday season, I wish you the merriest and the best, for you and you're loved ones.  Have fun and enjoy.