Mrrzy, the short fact is that Dec. 25 is a holiday because it's Christmas & no matter what you do in you're family celebration it's still going to be Christmas. Have you considered making Jan. 1 your family gathering/gift exchange day? This is also a holiday for most people. You can still do the winter stuff & throw in the new beginnings.

PS, if you don't want Christ you really should not have Saint (Santa) Nicholas (Claus) either.