"Christianity seems to be a peaceful religion with a message of love and peace. That is so different from what they have experienced as militant Islam right now, so it is effective," Daryaee said.

Despite the volatile relationship between Iran and the West, celebrating Christmas, even in its most basic secular forms, shows a section of Iranians yearning to belong to the international community, Meshkat said.

"The Iranian people want to do anything to show that we go side by side and step by step with the rest of the world, and we don't want to be an isolated nation, and we would even celebrate their ceremonies to prove this point," he said.