I think Christmas is what you make it. If you want it to be nothing but a commercial humbuggy day, then that's what it will be. But I choose to look at it as a time of rememberance and appreciation for my life. I have a lot to be thankful for and I think it's a great time of year to show your appreciation to others by giving cards and gifts.
I always hated it when my parents used to say, "We're so fortunate. We aren't tied down to one day a year to give gifts or show appreciation. We can do it any day of the year." Only thing was - WE NEVER DID THE OTHER DAYS OF THE YEAR EITHER! Grrrr! Still makes me mad thinking about it.
Andi