I was getting very tired hosting the holiday get together, I had been doing it for over 40 years. Less and less of us around the table didn't make it any easier and the memories just made it harder. Then, just like magic my daughter married,took over the holiday dinners and gave me two grandsons.
It was like a rebirth of Christmas for me. New family members, kids to play with and my daughter going crazy in the kitchen just like I did for the last 40 years. I help when needed but mostly sit back and enjoy. I still remember the past holidays but I don't dwell on them to the point that I get depressed over it.
As far as gifts, I've tried many times to eliminate all but the immediate family. They don't want to do it. They say, just a little something. A little something is just as hard to find as a big something. None of us need anything. So, I make or buy goodies. They give me my goodies,I give them their goodies and so it goes. The important thing is that we are all together for another holiday.