It’s probably a time thing. One can’t *rush* to enjoy a relaxing christmas, and the world today is very reluctant at giving time. SO many places, instead of easing up the workload before Christmas and slowing down, actually speed things up in preparation of the “lost time and productivity” of the holidays ( bah humbug and all that 😉
What I find is the biggest obstacle to most people having the christmas they want isn’t lack of money, or proper spirit, it’s time. Sad fact is that the whole “peace on earth, good will to all” selfless giving attitude doesn’t come naturally to us ( which is why I think Christmas is so important. ) We have to work at it a bit. Without the time to, for lack of a better term, “concentrate” on being nice and joyful – to clear our minds of the usuall everyday clutter – it’s hard to get into the right spirit. I find it takes me a good 3-4 days to get properly Christmassed. I lately get a few hours…by the time I start getting all nice and yulish it’s after boxing day and time to go back to work. *sigh*
On the other hand, I’m not going to stress about not getting into the christmas mood, because that in itself will prevent one from getting christmassy. I’m sure some psych major can write a thesis on “Christmas spirit dysfunction” 😉