Growing up, my largish family had LOTS of traditions. Now that I live on the other side of the planet (and consider myself non-religious), Christmas has definitely gone down on the list of priorities. I definitely wouldn't fly back to the US just for Christmas - why leave awesome weather to arrive to probable flight delays, cancellations, snow, frustration - but I do miss the dress-up Christmas Eve dinner and the whole extended family being together on Christmas day.
Last year we were invited on VERY last minute notice to a friend's house for Christmas Eve with her family. I was kind of hoping that would become a tradition, but now that it's evening, I guess not.
If we're far away again next Christmas (wish us luck!) I think I'll have to do the hosting of family-less friends on Christmas Eve or Christmas day.