Every year comes this time of the year and, among the expectations for the ending of the year (and holidays) and the celebrations, I also always see some complaints about "how Christmas became a consumerist holiday".
The truth for me is, that doesn't bother me so much. Of course it bothers me when I see a family that cares more about gifts than in spending the holidays together, but I don't let the end-of-year shopping spree ruin it for me. I like this "Christmas-y feeling" that hangs around during December - the upcoming end of the year, children happy about being in vacation from school and the coming of Santa Claus, New Year's Eve, families united. This last part in special. Nothing is better in Christmas for me than to take some time to be with my family and see my friends doing the same, or celebrating the holidays in their own ways.
The exchange of gifts is also nice for me, more in gifting than in receiving. I like to do research to buy something that I know will be a nice gift, sometimes even ordering from outside the country, and to see the reactions from people when getting said gifts.
Anyway...
Once again, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Set your daily worries aside during these days and enjoy your time with your families and friends. :)