View Full Version : Christmas - Love It Or Hate It ?
I am not a big fan of Christmas, I always feel the pressure that it puts people under outweighs the pleasure.
I have a friend who has spend the last 3 weeks at meltdown point worrying about offending her family or her inlaws by her choice of where they will go for dinner.
The money that is spent is unreal, but I do understand that if all the kids in the class are getting A B & C then parents are under real pressure to buy their own kids A B & C.
I like the actual day itself and I love giving (and receiving) pressies, spending time with family etc but I would love it just to be contained to one day, instead of 3 months of advertising frenzy designed to part us from our cash.
I mean in what way is having a new sofa going to make Christmas better for anyother other than the person who owns the sofa shop :roll:
I am not particularly religous so there is no church or spirtual significance for me either.
What do others think
NickInTheNorth
13-Nov-07, 15:02
vastly over commercialised nonsense!!
I hate the way it has to dominate all our lives.
We now buy presents for our kids - and no-one else. All our friends and relatives have had it made abundantly clear that gifts are not expected (nor welcomed for me and Jill). If they choose to buy for the kids fair enough.
We no longer send Christmas cards, instead we either email or write or phone the people we care about.
We enjoy a good meal on Christmas day, and try and make sure we share the day with friends. We totally refuse to join in the competition as to which relatives are coming / are we going to. Any that want to come to us are very very welcome.
Our children have no expectations for huge / expensive presents, but we try to make sure that the gifts they receive are what they really want.
I love a very simple Christmas, purely for the pleasure my kids get from it. For myself I would cancel the whole mercenary affair.
I love Christmas it is my favorite time of the year, crisp fresh mornings, snow, wrapping pressies, putting up the decorations, making Christmas things with my son, telling him all about Santa coming, baking Christmas treats for when people come visiting, Christmas dinner (little bacon things with cheese in the middle mmm!!), having a glass of peach snaps with ice and lemonade the list goes on:lol:
The only thing i don't like is after Christmas when the decorations come down the house is so bare, and the prickles off the tree are everywhere and your still finding them in august:(
I am not all that keen on christmas,I do "do" it but I would gladly dissapear and come back when it was all over.My kids love it and I always make the most of it for their sake,but it is hard trying to buy them the stuff they want when you are on your own,so that makes it stressful!Also I find that if anything is going to go wrong it usually does at christmas so I kind of dread it,last year I decided that it was all in my mind and to make the most of the day...I took ill and ended up in the hospital :mad: so as you can probably imagine I am not a great fan.Will still make the effort for my kids though as they are still quite young and deserve all the fun and excitment that goes with the day x
I don't hate it, just dont like the commercialism and the greed of some people at this time of year. I like to see the faces of children at this time of year, but I dislike the way that the Shops hike up their prices at this time of year.
I do enjoy cooking the dinner on Christmas day, and a good company sitting round the table, but to be honest you could if you wish have the same any weekend you want, who need Christmas for an excuse.
I also dislike the waste that goes along with this time of year, food especially, too much is bought and then has to be thrown out.
Bah Humbug?????.....NO..........well aye I suppose I am!!! [disgust]
I really enjoyed Christmas when kids were little and it meant something to them. Went through a few years when I absolutely hated it but still went through the motions for everyone else's sake. I'm not a churchgoer usually but made an effort to go to the Midnight Service at local church the year before last and it changed my perception of Christmas back to what it used to be. I'm really looking forward to it this year. We have our Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve (from when I waitressed in Hotel on Christmas Day) so this means that Christmas Day is a really relaxed day for everyone when you just reheat the turkey and roast yesterday's potatoes. It means we can all play with our toys !!
:~(I hate it .
It brings back far too many bad memories.My son was run over and killed on the 20th December 95. Before that happened i was'nt a big fan as i had 5 children and to be honest found it a financial struggle. Christmas is a money making scheme.
shazzap - im soo sorry about your son :~(
i love xmas, we are cutting back alot this year, the wee one is only 3 so doesnt understand it properly, trying to make it cheaper
wow, makes you realise how unhappy so many people are in the world.
i have always loved christmas.. but it can be one of the saddest times of the year.
it is commercialised and blown up, but at the end of the day, its a time to be with those you love, open your doors and hearts to others and remember that its a time of hope and rebirth.
saying that I hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas!
hugs and kisses!
brandy
DeHaviLand
13-Nov-07, 16:08
I always loved Christmas, even though I never had any children. Last year I didnt send any cards or buy any presents, and those cards that came through my door remained unopened. On Christmas day I decided to take off and do some fishing. 7 miles from home, at 8.00am on a frosty christmas morning, my car took terminally ill [evil]. Got home to find my fridge had decided to come out in sympathy with the car :roll:.
This year, I'll be spending christmas on my own again, and not doing anything to mark the occasion, though I will at least send cards out to family and friends.
So, I suppose i'm just a bit indifferent about Christmas these days, but I do look forward to a time when I can enjoy it again.
Absolutely love Christmas, not least because I have 3 weeks holiday but I just love all the nights out (got 5 turkey dinners to get through:eek:so far)
Only thing is I've been asked to 2 relatives on the day so not sure where to go.
Love giving pressies and watching kids playing with the boxes.:lol:
shazzap - I am so sorry to hear that, i cant imagine what you and your family must have gone through, and what im sure you still must go through.
I do love christmas, i get as excited as a kid.. but I am really cutting down on the gifts this year. I used to immediate family a gift from me and hubby, and one from the kids, now its just a toked from the kids for everyone cause we simply cant afford it.
Now New Year... thats another story.... i havent spent a hogmany in thurso since 98/99.. and its the one time of the year i miss home more than any other.. they just dont do hogmany down here like they do back home.
mr do dar
13-Nov-07, 18:27
i hate xmas . its a big expence for nothing . its a build up of 3 months to be over with in 24 hours . when i was growing up i didnt like it much . you would get your gifts on the 25th by the 27th you would of forgotten about them . on the other hand mrs do dar love all the build up and starts getting excited when the first xmas song is played . and she likes the thought of my bank going down faster then the titanic
nope, not a christmas fan at all. i wouldny do it at all but it is unfair to let my sister bear the brunt of all the cooking etc etc etc.
bah humbug!! yayyyy!
orkneylass
13-Nov-07, 19:09
I don't enjoy Xmas as much as I did but if I can get my older son home so that we are all together, that makes it a special time. I have decided to cut the stress aspect by simplifying things - from last year my sons no longer got stockings wityh about 15 small, silly individually wrapped presents, I no longer make my own Xmas cake.
It has lost a lot of its meaning and got over commercialised and now saome people are saying we should be doing it for Diwali as well - help!
Yes christmas is over commercialised. But what would we do without it?;)
Well this year I have told everyone to go else where for their xmas dinner (past 5 years I have been cooking for around 12 people) with 4-5 different meats at a time.
This year just me, wife and kids. If the kids want macaroni cheese or anything else then they can have it...no rushing around or anything just a nice relaxing day.
Carol Robinson
13-Nov-07, 20:03
I have to admit that Christmas is not a good time of year for us at all... we too lost a son five days before Christmas 1994. Other family bereavements have been on Christmas day too and surrounding that time of year, although we always try and make it as nice for the children as we can, it is such an awful struggle for us. Sadly... I am a Christmas baby myself, and all these happenings really spoil each and every birthday, I can't help it...but I relive the awful days that lead to Christmas every year! Both my hubby and I really find this a trial each and every year! Of course it doesn't help when the shops start having Christmas decorations in August.... I mean for goodness sake! It really does put such a stress on folks that don't need reminding what a miserable time Christmas can be for so many people. I just wish we could enjoy it like we used to..... can't see it happening though, sadly.
I have to admit that Christmas is not a good time of year for us at all... we too lost a son five days before Christmas 1994. Other family bereavements have been on Christmas day too and surrounding that time of year, although we always try and make it as nice for the children as we can, it is such an awful struggle for us. Sadly... I am a Christmas baby myself, and all these happenings really spoil each and every birthday, I can't help it...but I relive the awful days that lead to Christmas every year! Both my hubby and I really find this a trial each and every year! Of course it doesn't help when the shops start having Christmas decorations in August.... I mean for goodness sake! It really does put such a stress on folks that don't need reminding what a miserable time Christmas can be for so many people. I just wish we could enjoy it like we used to..... can't see it happening though, sadly.
From one mother to another i know how you feel my thoughts are with you
Shazzap
Carol Robinson
13-Nov-07, 20:19
Thank you Shazzap... feelings totally mutual!
I always spare a thought for others, who like us cannot enjoy such a joyous time of year! Take it easy... eh?! Hope you manage a peaceful time this Christmas. xx
Christmas without the religious siginificance is just pure commercialism.
I like christmas, the rest of the relatives live over 900 miles away so we don't have to see them, and pressies are easy, just pop a fiver in an envelope.
I love getting a huge tree, and covering the house (indoors) with a ridiculas amount of lights!
I really like Christmas. Mrs Ricco and I always stay at home for Christmas day - that way we don't offend anyone. We visit some relations before and some after, so as to share them out.
I do think that there should be a law prohibiting shops from displaying Christmas goods until Dec 1st, and any offenders should be heavily fined and the proceeds put towards a cracking good Christmas for the homeless. ;)
I do think that there should be a law prohibiting shops from displaying Christmas goods until Dec 1st, and any offenders should be heavily fined and the proceeds put towards a cracking good Christmas for the homeless. ;)
Excellent idea!
I must say that the thought of you and mrs R bopping about to 'step into christmas' fair awakens the festive spirit in me!
OH and I won't be alone in our festive lunacy.;)
karia..sprig o mistletoe!
I LOVE Christmas, the whole run up to and everything about it.
I have noticed that a lot of people seem happier when it is coming up to Christmas. Listening to the songs in the shops and looking at all the beautiful decorations and how much effort people put into making Christmas special.
I am not religious but I do still think about the meaning behind Christmas.
The only downer is that Christmas Day doesn't feel right without snow!!!!!
alanatkie
13-Nov-07, 22:27
I have to agree with you bobsgirl, It ain't the same without the snow.
At the moment i am cringing about Christmas only because i'm not organised & have to get my finger out :roll: but once all the shopping is done & the decorations up I will start to relax & enjoy it with the kids.
Especially on the day.:Razz
I have to say I did really enjoy it when my children were younger and still believed.
The only downer is that Christmas Day doesn't feel right without snow!!!!!
Maybe we need tugmistress to forecast us some snow...:lol:
I love christmas, time to come home and spend it with my family. This year for me will be extra special as I will be home living in Caithness :D and not as in the past 20 years working !!!!
I never really used to enjoy Christmas but now having kids has made all the difference.
On the other hand though I hate the thought of people spending Christmas alone, whether it be an elderly person with no family or someone who is unlucky enough to be homeless, I always feel very sad for them.
I say get a list of local folk who are facing Christmas alone and match them to a list of folk who have room for one more at their table.
Imagine if it were you facing a Christmas alone :(, one day you may!
I love christmas I'm starting to get excited now, christmas dinner will be stressful for me Mr P's kids come over I'm the wicked step mother who no-one can talk to. this year I'm not going to let them get to me.
rockchick
13-Nov-07, 23:55
I love the things about Christmas that really matter: Midnight Mass, sneaking downstairs at the break of dawn with my siblings to see whether Santa had been, dinner with the entire family. Watching my family open presents that I'd made or bought for them, seeing their joy in that little bit of love given.
I detest the commercialism of "modern" christmas (and I use a small "c" purposely) as it is empty as it is greedy. It means nothing to me - might as well be hallowe'en with its mounds of sweets
telfordstar
14-Nov-07, 00:05
I never used to enjoy xmas much at all until we had our kids then things changed for the better i suppose. I do agree with the posts about the food we have now came to the conclusion that the kids can have what they like for xmas dinner and we will be happy with a home made pie fae the butcher instead of spending hours in the kitchen and missing out on time with the kids opening thier presents and im sure some of you will admit to get some of the toys out of their packaging is like a military operation in its self hahaha.
The only things that bugs me about xmas time is the money that gets spent on presents for everyone sometimes i feel obliged to buy things for folk but this year have cut back alot to family members and very close friends.
Also how come every advert on the kids chanels is toys i mean there is no need for it i saw an advert this morning for a horse about the size of a 4 year old that you could talk to and groom and the price £300 i was gobsmacked. Also you go into the shops on boxing day or day after and everything you bought at full price is now half price now that i cant get over.
I have said it before and I will say it again I LOVE CHRISTMAS.....can't get enough of it. Start preparing in September.
I have finished buying all the gifts for my family, not keen on writing loads of cards though...writers cramp sets in quick.
I am spending Christmas with my family. We are going to stay at my mums...all 11 of us and I cannot wait. Biggest family Christmas ever. :lol: Kids ranging in ages from 3 - 17. So excited - its not true.
Love waking up with the kids desperate to open their pressies...they come into our room with parcel after parcel...wonderful.
I do get Christmas melancholia on the first of December...the tiniest little thing upsets me. Anything on the news thats bad..makes me weepy. I just want everyone to be as happy as I feel.
So although its early and probably not politically correct.
Merry Christmas one and all!!!:lol:
I love Xmas but hate all the pre Xmas stuff buying wrapping etc and me and Mr x dont agree on any of it and fall out !!! but then it comes to Xmas eve sitting down candles or tree lit sitting back enjoying a glass of wine and pre Xmas dinner which he cooks thats ok then everyone happy well for 24 hrs happy families
gosh I want grandchildren then its back to the beginning again
I love xmas too Anne x, but then if we don't love our family's festival, who will? ;)
Moi x
Moi x I know its just great and well worth the hastle eventually !!!
DeHaviLand
14-Nov-07, 01:46
I never really used to enjoy Christmas but now having kids has made all the difference.
On the other hand though I hate the thought of people spending Christmas alone, whether it be an elderly person with no family or someone who is unlucky enough to be homeless, I always feel very sad for them.
I say get a list of local folk who are facing Christmas alone and match them to a list of folk who have room for one more at their table.
Imagine if it were you facing a Christmas alone , one day you may!
Well, I know where I'm spending christmas now :lol::lol:
helenwyler
14-Nov-07, 12:08
I try to ignore the commercialism surrounding Christmas!
I love going for walks in the woods looking for holly before the market traders get it all. We have yew and ivy in the garden so I use lots of pagan green and berries for decorating!
Sticking cloves into oranges...the gorgeous smell!
MrW always likes a big tree...too big for the room really, but so beautiful decked out in red and gold, and tiny white lights. We have a Victorian mock black marble fireplace which we fill with candles and hang four small red stockings from, and the mantlepiece is covered with foliage, red baubles, more candles etc. So cosy and bright!
Although I'm not religious, I get a real frisson from some Christmas sacred music...the Magnificat, 'I sing of a Maiden'..., and can't resist belting out 'Personent Hodie' whenever I hear it (a practice best indulged alone!)[lol]. I always enjoy hearing the Sally Army band playing carols on market days too (nearly every day at Christmas)!
We don't send Christmas cards, but hand-deliver some locally on Christmas Eve. It's been just the four of us on Christmas day for some time now...we see relatives later. Buying pressies for the children gets easier as they get older, I've found. MrW and I don't spend much on each other at Christmas; too worried about New Year bank statements! And by mutual agreement we don't buy presents for all and sundry, just us, MrW's mum and handicapped sister, and our daughters' cousins.
The day begins with a glass of bubbly after present opening, continues with more bubbly with me, the girls and MrW in the kitchen peeling veg, then more bubbly as I loudly join in the carols (the girls and MrW judiciously leave the kitchen at this point). Then the bubbly's finished, and we have a cup of tea to sober up a bit for lunch!!
By the afternoon we're pleasantly plastered, and fall asleep watching whatever the TV channels see fit to offer, while the girls are busy playing with their new gadgets and msn-ing.
We often go for a walk in the dark later on. Nearly every house in our street has white outside lights and it's sooo pretty in the dark. And the fresh air is a great placator of over-indulgence!;)
Did I say I love Christmas??
I did that one year.
My friend had a little boy and a large family. None of them invited her to christmas dinner. This thought broke my heart. I Suggested to my mum that they have dinner with us. My mum agreed wholeheartedly. We bought extra pressies for the little boy (who is still good friends with my one of my sons). It made Christmas extra special.
If you can do this, I suggest you do...
Every year me and my hubby spend months working out what we are getting the kids for christmas..As some know thats a lot of pressies to get.We spend a fortune on what seems to be a lot of packaging and boxes as the toys are normally little when they are opened.The kids then play with them, have a meal and then finally at the end of the day they go to bed....I liked christmas as i was growing up because i tmeant something then but now it is all about how much companies can make off us all....The idea of what christmas has been lost over the decades and it will never be the same...:( But then on the brighter side, we will never be lonely at christmas time.
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