This is a great post, Tamar, one that raises thoughts I often have myself. I don't have answers, really, but it's a good issue to personally consider and revisit often, I feel. LifeHack ran a post yesterday about transforming widely-celebrated holidays that you don't personally observe (days that most places are closed for business and you have no choice but to slow down for at least on some level) days of personal productivity, catching up on household stuff, email, lists, etc. Eh, it's a option.

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/5-things-to-do-if-you-arent-celebrating-christmas.html 

Jonathan, I enjoyed your comment, btw.