I would respectfully respond, fortyplus, that the talk of presents (and spreadsheets and budgets to go with) doesn't detract from the family time, in fact many people myself included feel it adds to the atmosphere especially for Children of the family, for whom the giving and receiving of presents at Christmas has generated much of the fun and excitement.
My Granny, who was born in 1911, still remembers Christmas with the extended family - the fun, the games (charades and everyone had to do a "turn", something similar still happens in my family today) and yes, the presents. She could describe in detail a doll she got as a Christmas present one year as a child.
Added to which, given that we are still in the grip of recession, many people such as myself have to be careful and budget even for inexpensive or home-made gifts. There are only 4 paydays until December so lots of people sensibly start present-buying early so the expense is spread.
If you don't like or approve of the way some people like to create their personal Christmas experience, there's the simple solution of concentrating on what YOU like and letting others discuss what THEY like. That, and don't click on Christmas threads in August!!