I also got it for Christmas. I was skeptical because Syndicate never "grabbed" me, and I never completed it. But I was hungry for a new game to draw me in and gave AC another chance and I'm really glad I did. I didn't read anything about it beforehand so I really had no preconceptions at all... but I'm really digging it. It's probably top 2-3 for me all time in the AC universe.
Yes, the world is HUGE and the fact that you can travel it end to end with no loading screens is amazing. Though it's great you don't have to, the way they've incorporated the sync'd viewpoints and made them Fast Travel stations.. this is really handy.
The whole ancient Egypt theme is great, as it's a period of time with lots of mystery and interesting subject matter. I'm level 24 now, but I'm taking my time and taking it in slowly. I haven't scaled the Great Pyramids yet.. I've been kind of saving that lol.
Some may say that crafting is too easy/simple now but I like it this way, personally.
Great game!