You were right. It's sounds like it has a very complicated history. Especially with the merge of different traditions into one to make it into their own.
Actually, that sounds lovely. The whole decorating tress with lights and what have you. Where I am from we have holidays, but not Christmas. I love the idea that trees symbolize everlasting life or coming of spring.
As a whole the holiday doesn't sound terribly bad. It sounds really nice actually. I'm sure I will get to experience it while I am here.