I'm usually happy, but a bit stressed/anxious at Christmas - just over all the different "to do" & "to buy" lists & different social obligations. And, every year, I always seem to spend more than I had intended.
There's a meme I've seen float around Facebook that fits me perfectly - "It's the Christmas season! It's time for me to change from my regular anxiety to my fancy anxiety!"
But, generally, I love the Christmas season! (I just don't start our Christmas season until the day after Thanksgiving!)
I'm also at the parental stage where, for the most part, Christmas is still magical for our kids, & we still have a family Christmas time. However, the kids are older (our older 2 are 18 & 17), & I'm starting to feel that "these moments are so fleeting & our kids are growing up &, soon, it won't be like this..." kind of bittersweetness.
Also, as our parents get older (& consequently WE get older), there's a bit of nostalgic sadness that comes w/ the holidays.
I went to Hallmark on Wednesday because, every year, I always buy our parents a nice Christmas card in which to put the kids' picture w/ Santa. And, this year, instead of buying a "Mom & Dad" card for DH's parents, I had to just buy a "Mom" card because DH's dad passed away this past April.