Oh, yes, I grew up with it too. And I will participate on a small scale, especially with family who do celebrate, out of respect and consideration for their feelings. Because it's the PEOPLE that are important, not how many or how expensive the presents are. I have a hard time buying gifts for folks because I tend to want them to be special and just right for that person. So I take a lot of time and thought when I do it. Gift giving and getting is a good thing, generally speaking. It's the extreme materialism and greed that seems to have eclipsed the heart that I find so distasteful. I also never know what to say when people ask what I want. Although this year I did decide I wanted an electric drill, to help me fix up my much in need of loving repair house, but before I could mention it my eldest son just went out and got me one on sale! Just because he wanted to. It was the sweetest gift I have gotten in a long time.
Nona