Typical of those bloody women to invent an occasion for getting dressed up, eating good food and drink, giving gifts, spending time with loved ones... and for many having an increased social conscience - why can't they invent the sensible stuff like war, prisons and ethnic cleansing? I find it fun that you mention women "overtaking" an occasion - I take it you assume things work best with the male naturally in the lead?! LOL Actually, I believe it was a male deity, Thor, who was originally honoured by the use of a tree as a sacred symbol in midwinter, and Prince Albert who popularised the custom in the UK, which then spread it to our former colonies...