I give people gifts outside Chistmas-time if I think it would be a pleasant and deserved surprise. I enjoy that because it's my choice.
I find Christmas, especially the 8-week build up a pain. My partner and I put up tree and decorations only to suffer the agony of taking them down in early January. It's all about social and commercial pressure.
Why are we all expected to be happy on one particular day of the year, irrespective of health or age etc? For many the acting at being joyous is a cruel duty.
Dave is so right in that children's presents are judged by value rather than the good-will thought. Sad that when children return to school they may well have to discuss or show-off their presents. Parents have to keep ahead of the Jones's just like driving the children to school in their 4-wheel drive cars.
But pampered children will only suffer when they grow up and have to face the real world - such a pity.
Sure I buy Xmas presents for those close to me and do my best to enjoy the period but would would do so better without carols and tinsel, especially those dreaded "12-days of Christmas"!
Well done xmas-rebels, I wish I had your courage. I am a bit of a rebel but the Christmas-pressure is too great even for me.
SIQ.
p.s. please don't forget the food banks.