I grew up in a family of great home cooks. I'm a decent cook but I always thought there was too much money spent on holiday meals. The point (IMO) is family and friends. I always make a lot of something simple and serve a variety of beverages (alcoholic & non). I don't spend days thawing and prepping and going broke. The result is the same: family & friends enjoying time together & being fed. Traditions are great but sometimes I think we forget the point of time together.