My firstborn daughter saved xmas for me [born on 25th]. this is totally not about the presents, which in the end i pay for [i dont want my wife to work 9to5].. its about the time/effort they sacrifice. fixing something i love and what is broke for years makes me 1000 times more happy than if anyone buys me presents which i can buy any day of the year. also, my kids draw (well) and i am very happy for their usually personal drawings which i put on the wall behind me in my office to make my day even better
as an atheist, not a huge fun of the whole xmas thing, but having a family changed this 100% and i believe i am on the peaceful/right path now.