RW SP TR All the traditions we love to hate about the holiday season

Christmas has its lovers and its haters, but even the most enamored of Santa's little helpers will admit that some traditions, either old or new, are simply insufferable. For example, never-ending Christmas carols, Secret Santa, ugly sweaters (or perhaps something more Victoria?!) Really, we could go on and on, so let's just get to it!

Every year we swear not to do it, and every year we fall into the same old trap: the dreaded 'last-minute' holiday shopping. There is always at least one gift we rush to buy in the hours before Christmas. And the result of our hurried purchase - an absurdly expensive, non-essential gift, usually resulting in soon-to-follow buyer's remorse, that will likely end up being returned, regifted or thrown out by the receiver.

What's your biggest buyer's remorse during the holiday season? Tell us in the comments!

It's known that Mariah Carey's hit, 'All I Want for Christmas,' officially begins its radio reign on November 1st every year, and the other well-known carols are not far to follow. And follow they do, in our minds on endless loops for weeks on end, in every grocery store, mall, radio station and doctor's office until the new year. "It's beginning to sound a lot like"...insanity!

Here's a concept we definitely love to hate: buying a gift for someone assigned to us, who we probably don't know or possibly don't even like. And every season, we must navigate the crucial question: "what's the 'Secret Santa' budget?" Whatever the price, you will no doubt find the most useless gift and attend the most awkward gift opening. To-do list must: practice fake smiles and thank you's for office 'Secret Santa.'

Year after year, we try not to overindulge in eggnog, fruit cake, and all of those amazing sugar cookies during the holiday season. And year after year, a good amount of us eat and drink everything in sight! It is said the best life is one lived in moderation but is 'holiday moderation' even possible?

Will you be moderating this holiday season? Tell us how in the comments.

What parent doesn't love our very popular seasonal friend 'Elf on the Shelf?' (No really, ask any one of them their real thoughts!) And making sure said 'Elf' travels safely to the North Pole and back every...single...night of the holiday season?! Oh, it's a holly jolly good time.

While Santa is so kind (and quite busy) to visit the local shopping malls to jot down the Christmas requests of our darling children, the reality of visiting him there is actually quite a lot. The very long lines, the screaming (and terrified) toddlers, the ever-increasing prices, etc. If you need more reasons, Billy Bob Thornton plays a great Bad Santa!

As every American knows, the phrase 'family Christmas picture' is actually accompanied by the sound of real children whining, loudly! Christmas cards are a big ritual in the USA, and the family picture is tight with the tradition. Mothers and fathers around the country begin to synchronize in harmony around the early Fall: "time to take the family Christmas picture," to which children dart for the hills. The struggle is real!

Also in America, it has become a popular tradition to wear ugly sweaters to holiday parties. These tacky, grandma-inspired knit sweaters are all the rage. And while you might be able to find yours in your parent's attic, some can be quite pricey these days, with retailers taking advantage of the trend.

The British choose a more personal route for their festive flare, opting for red underwear during the holiday season! In their ambition to imitate the 'Victoria's Secret Angels,' (yes, the angels in the photo), they wear 'ugly' red underwear or pajamas. But they best be careful in their panty purchases; the bargain options will leave them scratchy and red with dye from the cheap fabric!

We're not sure there are worse times to travel than during the winter holidays. But yet, we continue to book flights, tickets and trips every holiday season to visit our loved ones, whom we usually complain endlessly about visiting! As traveling gets more expensive and more difficult, the trips will only get worse, and we will probably only complain more, but we will keep on traveling on, for traditions sake!

It's inevitable...overcommitting during the holidays is so easy to do. There are work parties, cocktail parties, charitable events, family parties, couples functions, and the list goes on. While it's always hard to say 'no,' try to balance your social life during the season so that you can rest and refresh, preventing a burnout. Although it's like eating and drinking all of the holiday food, it's easier said than done!

It is increasingly common on Christmas Day, or New Year's Eve, to have an appetizer and drink (or two) with friends before enjoying (or not) dinner with the family. This pre-party festivity usually causes heavy digestion, excess alcohol, and a pitiful state by the time we arrive at the family reunion. A fun state for all!

Let's be honest, it's the holidays, and we do love to party! It's always fun to catch up with old friends and spend time with family. But we also love to sleep, and by this time of the year, we really do need it. Our bodies are basically in power-down mode, running on caffeine and that morsel of granola bar you found under your car seat. But since Cousin Sarah is here from out West, we'll sacrifice another night to stay up late and hang out. I'll sleep next year!

There's always someone in the family who thinks it's a fun tradition to dress up in your Sunday best for  Christmas dinner. Aren't the holidays supposed to be with family, and aren't you supposed to be yourself and comfortable at home with your relatives? Let's just relax and eat Christmas dinner in something comfy, preferably with a stretchy pant for all the food we'll be eating!

Every year we gleefully send our families (or Santa) a list with our most wished upon gifts, with all the hopes of receiving them on Christmas day. And when the time comes to unwrap the boxes and open the bags, we are gutted to see the grey Costco underwear and brown wool socks. So, this year, we will manage our expectations and be grateful for whatever gift we receive. Because every adult knows that all winter days start with a clean pair of underwear and a warm pair of wool socks!

There are three types of people in the world - those who take their holiday decorations down directly after Christmas Day (in the USA this would be the 26th of December), those who leave their decorations up until mid-Spring (an easy Easter transition), and those who are absolutely infuriated by one of these two groups above!

Who are you?! Tell us in the comments!

We have to admit that all of these terrible traditions are a quintessential part of the annual Christmas charm. Even if we hate them, deep down, we really do love them more. Happy Holidays, everyone!

What tradition do you love to hate the most? Tell us in the comments!