Why does in-store Christmas shopping seem more stressful than it did years ago?

I used to enjoy going to stores to do holiday shopping - the cheery music, the bright lights and decorations, the happy enthusiastic shoppers. Now it just seems a rush and push - no joy in it any more - just the harried stressed faces of people and long lines at check-outs. You couldn't get me in a department store or shopping center until after Christmas if you drove and paid for my purchases.