I distinguish b/w Xmas as theological proposition & as cultural product. I've no issue w/ latter but cannot accept/endorse the former. Muslims who endorse Xmas as a theological proposition either do not know the Abrahamic creed or aren't committed to it (their choice of course).
Ppl mean different things by celebrating/enjoying Xmas. We determine (as with all matters) what a person *intends*. Jumping to conclusions is uncouth & ill-judged, & God shows us this thru examples such as the story of Walid b. Uqbah (see explanation of 49:6).
Muslims view Christmas in variant ways. Some hold it to be a religious festival, others see it as a secular occasion and nothing to do religion (neither Islam nor Christianity). Basic shar'i logic is that these two positions are not to be dealt with equally.
A nuanced and intelligent approach should mean unpicking problematic shar'i issues from ones that are not. We live in a time of polarisation and over-simplication, aqidah (theological) squabbles, infantile bickering and overly confident ignorance.
Everything ought to be taken in its context. Greetings, get-togethers, presents etc depend on situ & what it represents. If there's inkling that it acknowledges apotheosis of Christ then believers sit it out. If its mere cultural product & enjoining human goodwill, then no issue.
I have Christian family who get together to celebrate Jesus as man-god, we're v cordial but I don't get involved. Bt other non-Muslim relatives simply meet up & enjoy the season w/ no theological inkling - its just a time of year which everyone enjoys (it's really not that deep!)
Some zealots get hyperbolic in their articulations, usually those who ritualise everything beyond reason. This is not how sahabah saw it. When it comes to enjoying Christmas's cultural products such as mince pies, Christmas lights, festive cheer etc there's no issue.
I derive this conclusion from purported narrations concerning Prophet's apostles such as Ali b. Abi Talib & A'ishah (cf al-Baihaqi & Ibn Abi Shaibah) who would accept Nawruz & Gambahar (Zoroastrian festivals) gifts & ate w/ friends/neighbours - enjoying it's *cultural* aspect.
Of course, as a matter of theology/religiosity, no believer 'enjoys' the idea that Christ is worshipped. But it seems sahabah distinguished between enjoining in human goodwill but avoiding approval of illegitimate views about God.
We also learn from this that Xmas isnt an appropriate time to get polemic with our Christian friends & compatriots. When ppl are involved in goodwill let it be, there's a time/place for everything. Christians also go to church on Sundays but we dont see the same eruptions weekly!
Picking on Xmas, as usual some Muslims will perpetually come across as dark-filled antagonists committed to unhapiness and unreasonable debate. Da'wah/enjoining in good is meant to be inspiring and uplifting, light-filled and warm, not the cause of confusion, anxiety ill-feeling.
