My main frustration with the Christmas holiday is, as Dr. Sheldon Cooper says, the “non-negotiable social convention” of gift giving.  Perhaps I’m being cynical but I’ve become burned out over the commercialized focus of exchanging gifts.  I have traditionally given gifts to family and friends who are very close to me and I very much prefer searching, selecting and giving a thoughtful gift.  Unlike birthdays, anniversaries or graduations, giving a value gift card to a national retailer for Christmas is, in my opinion, impersonal and quite akin to wrapping up a funnel and transmission fluid because the 7/11 was the only store open on Christmas Eve/Henry Johnston, Moscow-Pullman Daily News. More here.

Question: Are you bugged by the commercialization of Christmas?