In my studies of Christmas I learned two meaningful things:

1.  Christmas doesn't just happen, we make it happen.
2.  It doesn't matter what others think Christmas is or what Christmas should be, it only matters what I think Christmas is and should be.

“Marley was dead, to begin with ... This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate.” 
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

“I don't know what to do!" cried Scrooge, laughing and crying in the same breath; and making a perfect Laocoön of himself with his stockings. "I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to every-body! A happy New Year to all the world! Hallo here! Whoop! Hallo!” 
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol