This is the first time I have visited your blog, it’s a good article and spot on in my opinion. I know exactly what you mean, parents will often want to try to recreate that Christmas feeling that we feel as children, but it’s different when we grow up. I know this has become so cliched to say but Christmas has become far too materialistic.

The gifts I am getting for people this year will be something that allows them to spend time with friends/family, and I won’t be spending that much. We have become to feel obligated to spend huge amounts of money.

Like you say when we look back do we remember the gifts that people buy us (often something we don’t need) or do we remember the times we’ve spent together?

Again, I know all of this is cliched but IMO it’s so important.