Why I skipped Christmas – and why you might like to try it too | Sandy Summons

Stressed out from multiple yuletide family visits, we fled to New York one year and returned with a new-found clarity about what was really important

Christmas is the most magical time of the year. But is it really? Now I'm no grinch. In fact, I absolutely love Christmas. Yet there was a stage when I needed to have a holiday from this popular holiday. So one year we decided to skip Christmas" to simplify our Christmas Day.

The festive season is overwhelming for many, especially with increased financial pressures and family obligations. A recent report revealed one in six people believe Christmas is the most stressful time of the year. Family conflict is often rife, with some sort of bickering over presents or food. And then there's the family member who has too much to drink and thinks it is their duty to sing a special" rendition of Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas. Unlike friends, we can't choose our relatives!