Any time a holiday becomes a way for you to set a bunch of expectations for how others should treat you, or what you should receive in gifts - I think we've kind of missed the point. I think I'm going to propose a "random celebrations" theory to my family. No more set holidays so that one portion of the population can whine and cry about what they did or didn't get for mother's day, father's day, valentines, birthday, christmas - whatever. From now on, when I feel really grateful for you, I'm going to get you something or write you a nice letter or do service for you. But it will be a surprise and it will be sincere and authentic. Christmas can be about Christ, Easter can be about the resurrection, Mother's day will be a day to celebrate what is awesome about moms - but no more expectations.

This should go over well.