I think the media pays a large part in this portraying the loving happy families spending time and money together for the perfect family time. I think the reality for many families is often v different. Even when it is a "normal" family group, tensions arise and disagreements occur. Especially when everyone is "forced" to spend hours / days with people who although they may be family they rarely see except for brief visits. Volunteer work is the best as you actually gain far more than you give.
Bottom line is it will be what we make it. Poor me I,m all alone so I will just be sad and make everyone else feel guilty or Great I have time for me and do what I want, arn't I lucky, no slaving over a hot stove for hours so people can stuf themselves then fall asleep.
