I think I would be a pretty cool parent somewhat but at the same time I would probably be a bit strict if needed be. I'm basing this on how I interact with my nieces and nephews, by the way.
Obviously, Christmas has become pretty much a big business nowadays. It's still the most wonderful time of the year but, yes, it has becone too commercialized.
I didn't have to formally introduce my gf before to my family as they had already met her before when she and my friends used to come over to our place. Of course, we were mere friends back then.