As a "liberal," please allow me to argue against your reasoning.
Many reasons why the holidays are bad.
Alcohol consumption is at it highest peak during these times.
Is alcohol consumption necessarily wrong? I doubt that you could prove so. In fact, there are verses that seem to say just the opposite. For instance Proverbs 31:4-9, not to mention all the times we see Jesus drinking wine (or turning water into wine).
Buy presents for people who you don't like.
That sounds like a personal problem. I only buy presents for people I like. Call me exclusive if you want, but...
Massive credit card debt.
Sounds like another personal problem. I am not a master strategist when it comes to fiscal planning, but I have never gone into debt over some holiday gifts.
Let me suggest a few other things that Pagan influence:
1. The United States Government
2. All of agriculture
3. History
4. Literature
5. The Bible
6. The Athlete's Foot (a shoe company)
7. The idea of a supreme spiritual nemesis
8. The church
Basically, the reason why many of our holidays coincide so nicely with Pagan holidays and influence is because around 476, the Christian church faced a major dilema. Between 324 and 476, the Roman Empire lended great support to Christianity. However, in 476, Rome as sacked by somme Germanic tribes, and the church was left to become the ruling authority. Many in the church were concerned because people were celebrating Pagan holidays, and partaking in Pagan rituals. The church knew that they could not get people to stop altogether, so they decided to incorporate Christian themes into these holidays so that at least they will be worshiping God, even if they are participating in archaic rituals.
As a "Liberal," and a free thinker--not bound by political status--I support holidays.