Separation of Family

Well my Mom just chewed my ass for visiting our uncle(her brother) yesterday. Not sure if she's trying to tell me not to associate myself with them- but screw her. I have no quarrel with Uncle Tom. He and Terry are my favorite uncles. Reguardless of my mom's greivances and personal hard-ons. I mean, she has her reasons for being miffed with her siblings. But why should that affect me and whether or not I can visit my relatives?

Christmas is intended to be a time for family. A time for peace. Not a sordid soap opera. And yes, it's a time for giving- But not a contest to see who can score the most elaborate gift, either. As far as gift-giving is concerned, it shouldn't be a mind game. You should know your gift recipient well enough to know what they do and don't like. Otherwise, why are you giving the gift? Just because it's expected? It's like Christmas cards. They're supposed to be to let someone know you're thinking of them this holiday season. Most people these days, however, view it as an ugly chore. I've heard many jokes about being taken off someone's "Christmas Card List" Because they pissed the person off. hahaha.
The only family Christmases that I remember fondly were when my Gramma was still alive. And these were Christmases when the entire family gathered, contributing to the monster buffet and extensive dessert trays. The men played cards in the living room, the women chatted in the kitchen, and the kids ran 'round looking for things to get into, occasionally stopping in the kitchen for a cookie or two.(or 3 or 4) They were good times. But they're gone now.
Christmas has become a pressure cooker fuled by the almighty dollar.
I'm going to stop there before this starts sounding cliche or trite.