There may be the obligatory gift for the in-laws. Perhaps there has been a divorce in the family. A family member or friend may have died causing more change and strain. Relatives or friends may have moved to another state. Gift giving strategy really changes.
People fall off the list and get added to the list.
People get to know people better or there is a falling out. The Rider professor notes that younger people in the their 20's tend to cling to the magical aspect of Christmas, still trying to meet with nieces and nephews. There are lower expectations among older people, Lowrey adds. They are more likely to have given up on the perfect Christmas, but just seek to have a relaxed time. As people grow older, new strategies are developed.