Why I hate Christmas

My dislike for this most revered holiday stretches back to my childhood and is seemingly reinforced every year. I can remember when I was a kid, money was always tight so presents were scarce, but somehow my mom always tried to come up with something. I never really minded not having a lot. Somehow children seem to adapt fairly well to that. What really bothered me was that everyone in my family came together seemingly to argue with each other. Little petty arguments and large quarrels were sure to erupt whenever my family came together. Curiously over the years we have all grown apart. I can only truly say that I get along well with one of my brothers, speak cordially with another and do not speak at all to the rest of my family. Mom was really the only thing most of us have in common, and now that she is gone we truly are a family of strangers.
Looking now to my own children I am happy to say that they get along a lot better than my siblings and I do. Sure there are the small arguments over who watches what on TV or who gets to hug my wife or I first when we come home, but they are far more loving to each other. The sad part is when it comes to the older two. I have noticed in recent years that it is all about how much loot they can get. The smiles for the camera are at best painted on and the appreciation of the holiday is just not there. This year will be a rude awakening for them I am afraid. With work cut back so greatly, we are really struggling to pay bills and unfortunately lights, food and rent will take a front seat to presents. For me it will be very hard to see the looks of disappointment on their faces. Yet another stone added to my load of discontent with this holiday.