Gift Cards and the downfall of Christas Joy

Pre Holiday Rant..... I used to love Christmas, But not anymore.. The single biggest reason?? I NEVER get any suprises.. I get  cash, Checks and gift cards often after Christmas. I almost Always have NOTHING to open on Christmas, and when i do get the gift cards etc I have to Buy MYSELF a gift,still no suprises..... When I was growing up I had Great Holidays, Tons of mysterous boxes to open, and even if a gift wasn't quite what I might want, I loved it..Why??? Cause it's the though that counts,Someone took the time, because they LOVED me, to go out and shop for a gift.. So what thought does cash and giftcards portray??? I dont know you well enough to get you a gift, I dont want to be inconvinced by buying you a gift??? I would rather get a butt ugly christmas sweater worth $3  then $100 gift card at least for myself.. The cards work for the kids, as long as they are sent early enough, so I can go buy them gifts with the giftcards and tell them this is from "so and so" and they are happy opening them....... This year I was actually tempted to try to find someone to Give money to to buy gifts for me so Id have presents to open... Sad I know, But last time hubby got me a gift it was a bag of candy and I was on a diet