Thanksgiving is ALL about the food (and loved ones, of course!), while Christmas is about the gifts (and loved ones, of course). Many people do plan large, elaborate meals for Christmas. We generally don't. Christmas Eve is our big family celebration, and it ends up being more casual fare, with lots of finger foods, rather than a big, sit-down meal like at Thanksgiving. Easter is also a big, sit-down meal, but it usually involves ham, rather than turkey. I think Christmas follows too fast on the heels of Thanksgiving for many people to want to prepare such a huge meal again.

:D