[Margaret Pilkington]

I think that many of us get sucked into the feeling that Christmas has to be a certain way.......that we should all do certain things.
Giving gifts is not obligatory......and isn't time a gift.....the spending of time with people that perhaps we do not see very often.
We get caught up in the consumerism......eating, drinking.
My Ma would happily have a good dollop of corned beef hash for her Christmas dinner and enjoy it far more than all the rich fancy foods.

Christmas is hyped up so much that it is very difficult for it to match expectations.
Have no expectations of the day......treat it as what it is......just another day, and you will be less likely to be disappointed.
Personally, I would wish for the kindness of Christmas to be extended through the year......and not just given an airing on the 25th of December.