I cross posted with you Jaqui. :)

That may be true of it's origin but not today. That is also something to keep in mind. I actually grew up in a Church of Christ and they did not believe in celebrating it as the birth of Jesus. For the reason you mention, it was not the date nor the time of year as well as the fact that it was not something celebrated beyond the actual birth. For us it was a winter holiday with Santa and gift giving.
I've chosen to keep it a winter holiday with my kids but not completely discount the religious aspect of it. They also know the origin and with all the facts they can choose to celebrate it how they want. If they choose to incorporate the birth of Jesus into the holiday it won't have anything to do with hatred.

...... Kendra