In some ways, the Christmas season still is all of these things, but they seem to have different meanings now. The season of hope. The primary wishes for many people are not for a better year next year, healthy family and friends, and other self-actualized hopes. The primary hopes are for better Christmas presents. I have a wish list of things I would really like to see under the tree on Christmas morning.
Presents are great.
There is nothing like waking up on Christmas morning to see what new things are waiting for you. Or when we get something that just doesn't do what we expected. Then we spend time in line the day after Christmas returning or exchanging those unwanted gifts. The season of giving. Parents spend hours waiting in line fighting over the new and popular toy of the season.