I believe the Puritans and many other Christian sects did not celebrate Christmas for essentially the same reasons Raichu just outlined.  But so what? 

Hannukah is essentially the celebration of an ancient fundamentalist sect of Judaism winning a war against a Greek, slightly more tolerant but more corrupt government, and thus starting a short-lived theocracy (think Hamas beating Fatah).  Not exactly in line with civilized values if you take the history seriously.  Does that mean I can't light candles?  Everything having to do with religion evolves over time and there's no reason holidays are or should be any different.

I think the chreche in the public square is a different issue from the keep the christ in christmas movement.  You can be totally gung-ho KCIC, celebrate mass, etc.--but still have no desire to impose a religious Christmas on the whole country.  Personally I think it would be great if more Christians took Christmas seriously as a religious holiday, because it would mean less shallowness and materialism in the country I call home.  That doesn't mean I want any part of it (or a barbie doll) shoved down my throat.

--Z