I was particularly struck by how miserable and grouchy everyone was (more than usual for Marylanders) when I was out shopping. I made sure to be polite and chipper and extra patient with the traffic. I said "Merry Christmas!" to the cashiers and chuckled at how awkward their answers were. Mostly "Same to you" and "Yeah".
I think the worst part about Christmas is the gift-giving, or at least what gift-giving has become, and the brutish acquisition of the gifts. The holiday that is supposed to bring out the best in us now brings out the worst.
Especially if they're just going to exchange them on the 26th