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Wow, that's some point of view you have ! I respect it, but the tradition to offer presents is waaaaay older than capitalism.
Even before JC, each household offered sacrifices to the gods for the winter solstice, so that they would protect the house from evil spirits and watch over the fields' fertility.
Under the reign of Caesar, officials would get gifts from the people at the beginning of each year, and even slaves got gifts from their master.
As for Christmas itself, it seems the tradition to exchange gifts started around the XVIIth century (see ? before capitalism existed), which was certainly referring to the present the Magi gave to Jesus.
And if it is definitely true that it has became an opportunity for capitalism, it still holds a religious meaning for many people, and there are still a lot of persons who go to the mass often, and for whom christmas really is special.
And although I'm kind of a pessimistic person about the human nature myself, I think you're being too harsh, they are still good people out there who earnestly want to give happiness to the people close to them by giving them gifts. Of course it doesn't actually PROVE that you like them, but it's a way to show it.
As for wars, it is indeed true that people can hug themselved one day and talk about love, and go to war the next. But if you see it in another perspective, it also means that poeple are willing to give up all hostility during this day. Many wars throughout history have been stopped for one day thanks to Christmas. You can see it as goodwill rather than the opposite. But that's a point of view, and I respect that.
As for me, I have no interest in the religous meaning of Christmas, but Christmas is a magical day for children, and for me it still is, and will always be. It's a day I get to see my whole family, receive nice presents and see the happy faces of people to whom I give presents. Also, the cities' illuminations at Christmas are truly beautiful. For me Christmas is like that : magic that make me dream each year.
