Both of my folks were military, and some years one or the other (one year, both) were overseas or I was living elsewhere. This time of the year was the one time I knew someone was thinking about me and I would see them again.
Naturally, as I got older it became less about gifts, and more about getting together. Now my folks are divorced, and I'm too broke to just get up and go anymore, as this was a VERY expensive year for me. This year, I've fully admitted that Christmas is nothing for me, but for religious faithful, ch!ldren, and newlyweds.
Although I'm nearly a militant atheist, I have no issues saying "Merry Christmas."