I don't consider this persecution...I think this is Christians dropping the ball...
The only way a Christian could drop the ball is to not share the message of Christ crucified.
Now there are those who consider themselves "cultural" Christians which make up the majority of Americans. Ask them if they believe that God sent his son Jesus to die for their sins and watch the squirming begin....
Personally, I enjoy the "trappings" of Christmas, the cards, the trees, the nativity scenes, but the reality of Christ's birth and death and resurrection is only about a billion times more powerful and awe inspiring than the words "Merry Christmas" on a Hallmark card....