As soon as Thanksgiving passes most years, I start to get excited about Christmas and New Year's. I can't wait to decorate, buy gifts and map out my outfits for all the parties.

Special: Get In Holiday Spirit

Not this year.

Maybe I've been too busy with school, or maybe my husband's frustration with all things red and green have finally gotten to me. Either way, the holidays just aren't doing it for me.

I don't want to send out cards, hang my wreath and garland, or even think about shopping.

The gifts are great, but I don't feel like buying them. The expense stresses me out as much as the quest to find the perfect presents. I am tired of trying to guess what to get for someone who says, "Don't get me anything." I could go along with what they are saying, but then that's not very Christmasy.

I have to find gifts for co-workers who I don't ever see outside of work. I can't begin to know what they like. With my husband's extended family we do a blind gift exchange, where I inevitably end up with some useless household appliance.

And there is pressure to celebrate no matter what.

In my family, Christmas was always a big deal. We had multiple gatherings and gift exchanges. The gifts stacked high around the tree, and my brothers and I usually got what we wanted and then some.

Even now, my parents continue to spoil me. When I tell my mom that I only want one thing, she tells me, "Well, that's not enough." Now I have in-laws who spoil me even further. As much as I love presents, it's all too much.

What really is enough when it comes to Christmas?

Is a gift card to a restaurant or department store really a good way to share my love with my friends and family?

I know that it's not really about the gifts, that it's more about spending time with my loved ones. Perhaps the gifts are just an excuse to do just that.

As much as I'd like to skip the next month or so, I have to participate. Now I have to dig deep for my Christmas spirit before people start to wonder if the Grinch paid me an early visit.

My friends tell me they get into the mood by watching holiday movies and baking cookies. Others get a rush from hitting the mall or putting up the tree.

This year I'm going to give myself a break and ease into December inch by inch, ornament by ornament. Today I'll do a little online window shopping. This weekend I'll organize my card list and tune my radio to the station that plays Christmas songs 24 hours a day. One of these nights I'll throw on "When Harry Met Sally" and gather my recipes.

Maybe, through all the mess and stress, I'll find the festive feeling I've been looking for. If not, at least I know it'll all be over before too long.

Nothing a little egg nog can't fix in the meantime.