Does Seasons mark the beginning of story progression?

I don't see why it cannot be a toggling option like in the Sims 3....or make it to where you can pick and choose which households can have what kind of story progression and autonomy (like percentages maybe?)
Only problem with mods is they can glitch up the game and some people have minimum requirements for this game as is. Sorry I don't have $1000 in free spending money for a good gaming computer :# Also, mods are not exactly convenient, from glitches as stated above and the fact that you have to reinstall them every time there is an update or need to repair the game. :/