Have We Taken the Fun Out of Christmas?

Recently, like most of you, I have been shopping for Christmas gifts and attending holiday parties.
It is amazing to me how many times I have heard "I have to go to a Christmas party." Maybe someone is at the cash register and they say "Well glad I am done shopping for that person, I didn't even want to get them a gift in the first place."
Then why did you?
Isn't Christmas suppose to be fun? Shouldn't we be excited to celebrate a great year with our friends and family?
When did Christmas become an obligation?
I know holiday parties can seem like a chore, but make it a time to visit with someone you don't normally get a chance to see. If you decided to be excited about going you will have fun.
I am so blessed to have an amazing group of friends. We got together for our own Christmas party earlier this week (I know a little early, but we all have busy schedules). After eating we began to exchange gifts. The first present I opened was Sponge Bob footy pajamas. I laughed so hard I had a difficult time putting them on for a photo op.

They looked even funnier because I had put them on over my clothes. Here is proof.

I have to admit before I opened this gift I was one of those people who was thinking the stress of the holidays will be over soon, you can make it. It was this present that reminded to not rush though this wonderful time of the year. It was something silly, an inside joke, but it proved how well they know me. Not only was the gathering we had fun, but it is something I will remember for a long time. A moment I will cherish.
I hope that you will make the choice now to not only enjoy the holidays, but to make them FUN!

What are you going to do to make this Christmas a memorable one?