Several years ago, I happened to be at a Catholic mass on Sunday, December 17th. In reminding his parishioners of their obligations for the following weekend (essentially, to attend worship for BOTH Advent 4 and Christmas Eve or Day), the priest stressed the distinctive message and celebration for each event, using the example of someone with a birthday on the 24th or 25th. The gist of it was that, as special as Christmas is, most people would find some way to honor the birthday in a distinct way.
Peace,
Jon