Christmas has become, in my opinion, become a commercial festivity. It is all about presents. In Holland giving gift used to be more common at 5 December when the Dutch Saint Nickolaus is coming but the Christmas stuff is already in the shops when Nickolaus has not even arrived in Holland yet, that is like now in October.

Years back most of the shops in the streets were decorated in Dutch Nicolaus style about 3 weeks before 5 december. More and more shop owners skip that and decorate early for Christmas instead.

By the time it is Christmas I am sick of it which is the reason we always go on vacation during Christmas as much as possible. Decorations are for a special occasion and not months the before the special occasion occurs. So for me there's nothing special about Christmas decorations anymore by the time it is finally Christmas.

In my opinion Christmas should be the time to count our blessings an to share that with our loved ones. My oldest sons can seldom share Christmas with us because the work in Horeca and are always working during Christmas. So when we can we are leaving with Christmas to return to celebrate NewYear.