Reminds me of R. Crumb.

A somewhat less pagan explanation:

[link|http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/holidays/christmas/real2.html|http://www.historych...istmas/real2.html]
[link|http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/weekly/aa111699.htm|http://ancienthistor...ekly/aa111699.htm]

The basic lesson is that excess is fine if confined to a narrow festival time, which is what almost everyone unconsciously does with the holiday season. Personally, I love the gaudy decorations, lights, extra tasty booze and food, but can do without the shopping. And my very favorite thing is midnight service and music on Christmas Eve - celebration and spirituality should not be separated.

Celebrations tied to the cycle of seasons exist in every culture. It's as natural as sleeping and eating.