Christmas has become more than a christian holiday in the west. The commercialization and the various non-christian traditions have made it extremely accessible as a holiday. In vancouver I know many Sikhs, Buddhists, and Hindus who all celebrate christmas because they like the traditions and symbols involved. Santa, christmas trees, gift exchange, the feasts, the message of family and togetherness, in a society drifting further apart due to the internet its very appealing. Oh, and the lights too.