What Exactly is This "Christmas" Thing?

Everybody keeps talking about "Christmas." I want to know what it's all about, because as far as I can tell, it's an excuse to dress me in strange clothing ...


take me to outdoor "tree lighting" ceremonies (you can read more about this little adventure over at the big pink blog) ...


and stuff me into large stockings.


Resli tells me it's actually fun and that at some point I get presents, but I remain dubious.