I think people in general need some sort of mid-winter holiday. Especially near the winter solstice, people need a distraction and something to feel excited about.

Moreover, I think that’s all Christmas really is. Any religious connection it has is just a tenuous excuse to have a holiday; it’s widely accepted that Jesus would have been born in the spring, but if you give people an excuse to have a holiday they won’t nitpick it… they just want any excuse.

I think that’s also why there are so many holidays during the winter. People want to distract themselves from the weather and reduced sunlight.

Below 45

I.E. eligible for the draft until your 45th birthday.

EDIT: The special skills draft for health care professionals is up to 54.