As said before, I love Christmas.
I don't go to church. Maybe rebellion, but forced to do so as a child each Sunday, being bored and observing what I considered unchristian behaviour there finished me off. However I respect and am interested other people's religions and cultures and have my own private beliefs.
For me Christmas is a loving family time. We don't eat more than normal, keep rich foods to a minimum ( Christmas cake and pudding and a few other bits which I can't eat anyway), presents bought according to what we can afford and only for close family, though if my niece and nephew have children, I will indulge in a small because I will want to. The perfect Christmas is a relaxed one without expectations.
All the commercialism doesn't impinge on this. It just is and I won't allow myself to be affected. It is a choice. I don't understand why some parents feel they have to buy a child's wish list. Being open and honest from early on about what is affordable with your children isn't difficult and helps them have a better understanding of finances. I actually do feel sorry for wealthy parents though as saying I'm sorry but I can't afford that won't wash, even if you feel it would be unhealthy to fulfil all their wishes. A different approach needed I suspect.
