What is it about holidays like Christmas that bring up so many negative emotions?

Since I'm carrying the Law of Purification at this time of year, I wonder what a family get together could be like if all the old tapes had been erased, or otherwise purified from my mental and emotional systems.

If we brought none of our disappointments forward, and could shed our preconditioned perceptions, would we see each other clearly for the first time? That's the emotional Purification I'd like. It's worth praying for.

Although the calendar says it's time for gifting, cooking and entertaining, those are the last things I want to be doing right now. I have a great need to be left alone.

Is this a question of timing or s it my need for some emotional Purification? The older I get, the less eager I am to spend time trying to please other people. Experience has taught me not to expect much from any one else. Solitude is more satisfying these days. The gifts of peace and quiet are all I really want at the moment.