Gift Giving

I miss the way it used to be. For many years, starting when I was born, we always bought gifts for everyone. Big gift, little gift. Didn't matter. Loved all the beautifully wrapped gifts under a glorious tree, sparkly and bright. Then another relative would show up with shopping bags w/ handles, full of more gifts. We'd eat our big turkey meal and then after clean-up, we'd gather 'round the tree and open gifts one at a time.
Now? People really don't have the money and if they do? It has become a switch of gift cards. Really? Or video games or in the case of my step-son, we are told what to get for him, his wife and his kids.
Am I wrong in thinking that a gift should be just that? Something you see that you think the other person would like. And seriously, if you don't know someone that well, why are you buying them a gift anyway? I celebrate the birth of my Savior. Gifts? I wish we would dispense with the obligatory chore. It shouldn't be a chore. I would rather get or make a gift for someone at any time of the year. Give my time. Lend an ear.
I also love to send Christmas cards but don't understand why 'we' send them to everyone on our list. Then it's, "Oh crap! Now I have to send them a card." And 10 years later you are wondering who the hell these people are! Newsletters? All the hype and none of the truth. Can you spell e-m-b-e-l-l-i-s-h-m-e-n-t?
I am not a Grinch. I have also done all of the above. I just think we have slid so far from the true meaning/spirit of Christmas,....Oooo, can I ever say that? Should I be saying Holiday?
Yeah, now I could rant about political correctness. That is a real joke.
Arugh! I sound like such a bitch right now and that isn't how I feel. I am just longing for a trip back in time, I guess. Perhaps I'd better look inside myself.

Oh! I almost forgot! I just finished reading The Dome by Stephen King. Awesome!!!!!