I have to admit, I have a special place in my heart for winter holidays. We were never extravagant as a family growing up, and get probably too excited as a well-to-do family now - maybe live more 'large' than we should, but still modest by the inflated standards around us. My company throws a lavish theme party and my wife seems to enjoy seeing me in a suit and tie as opposed to my preferred baggy shorts and faded tee shirt (or long sleeve tee, if it's below 65). ((And if Houston gets down near freezing, I'll bust out my jeans from college - but you'll be subject to hearing the history of every blemish and hole)).
Most of all, like the majority, I appreciate the time off and being paid for it. I've worked hard all year and it's like businesses feel obligated to turn around and give something back at the end of the year now that things are coming in better than expected. Call it the 'Scrooge-effect', if you will. Being ER during this time of year seems a little weird actually, so I humbly ask what FIRE'ees think? Is this a better than average time of year, the same as usual, or a little annoying? Don't get me wrong, I still look forward to FIRE since I don't need active income or 'paid time off' to cover our 'lavish' Thanksgiving and Christmas lifestyle. I'm just interested in digging in to the details and this is one that I'm wondering about.
For example, my retired Dad will be in Antarctica this year and my older sister in Cancun, so maybe there is less 'magic' for retirees? I'll admit, I was a little wrapped up in our own family holiday experiences in Dubai and Norway in the past...