I always felt brainwashed by the expectations of the family and the society around me at Christmas. I resented that so much I came to hate this time of year. For a few years now -- actually since my mom died and I no longer am expected to travel to her best friend's house and family, where they go NUTZ over Xmas -- I've given myself permission to do as much or as little (or nothing! i.e., I have not yet managed to send e-card to even the people I WANT to send e-cards to. They know I love them even without an e-card).