What I hate about Xmas

1. The kind of greed and crass commercialism that resulted in a man's death at a Wal-Mart on Black Friday.
2. The crappy music.
3. The forced cheer.
4. The unbelievable pressure to be happy, make everyone around you happy, and above all, give and receive really good presents.
5. The idea that people should go through hell and high water to be home with the family for 36 hours of forced cheer, fighting, recriminations, drunkeness, and unsatisfying "togetherness."
6. The myth that everyone but you is having the kind of Christmas only seen on "The Waltons."
7. How this myth makes those who are alone feel lonely, depressed, and unworthy.
8. How this makes people with normal family feel resentful.
9. That the pressure of "being with family" means that some couples with young children will drive hundreds of miles and attend three or four Xmas dinners/gift exchanges, so no selfish and petulant grandparents will feel left out.
10. The fact that it is crammed down my throat from Halloween on.
11. It's all about stuff. And more stuff. Because stuff makes up for everything.
12. Liquor stores are closed just when you need them the most.
13. It's a Wonderful Life. No, no it isn't.
14. Ugly sweaters.
15. Office parties.
16. Fake expressions of love and good wishes from people who don't feel those things at all.
17. The fact that it pervades everything, is inescapable, and is forced on everyone whether they like it or not.
18. Tacky lights everywhere.
19. Did I mention the crappy music?
20. And the unrealistic expectations?
21. And the pressure?
22. And the greed?
23. "Christmas in Washington" and all other specials except for Stephen Colbert's.
24. The tremendous waste of money and time on meaningless decorations and gifts rather than on things that would demonstrate the supposed "true meaning of Christmas."
25. The total absence of Peace on Earth and Good Will towards Mankind.