About 8 years ago, I was totally fed up with the Christmas shopping ‘rat race’ and just buying “stuff” or giving gift cards to people. I started making all of my Christmas presents. Things like crochet mittens (rather popular, actually), canned (Jalapeno Pepper Jelly is the biggest hit) & baked goods, etc. It’s interesting who in the family “values” those presents - some do, some don’t. It certainly made Christmas more ‘meaningful’ for me ... folks, via the homemade presents,got my time & attention, thoughts of what would suit them.
We try to focus on family gatherings with good food & let presents be secondary. Being together as a family is the greatest gift/blessing of all, especially with 2 members over 90 yo . It does upset/aggravate me to no end that stores had/have Christmas decorations out & for sale prior to Halloween this year.
It bothers me too....and I’m Jewish!