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I do. I cannot stand the whole Thanksgiving / Christmas / New Year extravaganza that seems to take over everyone's mind between November 15th and January 2nd. It's so overdone, overhyped, oversaturated . . . ugh. The shopping, the traffic, the commercials, the shopping, the "music," the sappiness (it's 4 the kids!!!!!), the parents lying to their kids (reindeer can fly!!!!!), the commercialism, the Santa hats, the gifts, the TV specials, the silly decorations, the "family time," the shopping, the stress, and did I mention the SHOPPING! I loathe, loathe, loathe it. I'm dreading this season.
Although I am a Christian, I elect not to celebrate Christmas for two primary reasons. First of all, the holiday has little to do with Christ: it was co-opted from a pagan celebration, Jesus was NOT born in December and Scripture never commands us to celebrate Christ's birth (not that there's anything wrong with doing so). Secondly, the commercialism and consumerism of the "holiday" goes against Christ's message. I don't fault anyone for celebrating Christmas, but I choose not to observe it (Romans 14:5-8).
I would otherwise enjoy Thanksgiving and New Year, but they've been sucked up into Christmas' "sprawl," and that just ruins it. It's like they've become mere accessories to the hypefest that is Christmas. I think the Canadians have the right idea about celebrating Thanksgiving in October.
With everyone caught up in the "holiday spirit," including my family and friends, I feel quite alone during this miserable time of year. Does anyone else feel this way?
I tend to agree to a certain point. True, many of our observed holidays have either become too commercial or we've just lost focus on the reason for the day.
In my case, holidays mean dealing with the extended family. I don't mind the individuals in most cases, but they all get along with each other like oil and water. So, visiting and arranging invite's require me to bite my tongue.
I'd much prefer to stay home with my immediate family and just chill. But, we can't deprive the kids from seeing their relatives. C'mon January!!!
Location: The Chatterdome in La La Land, CaliFUNia
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I also cannot stand the mass commercialization of Christmas, etc but it is still one of my favorite holidays. It has been harder these last 10 years as I've had to celebrate more or less alone due to family living far away and not being close to them to begin with. I try to stay in the Christmas spirit regardless as I try to focus on the true meaning of the holiday, which is Jesus and the theme of giving.
I cannot say I hate the holiday seasons. Holidays bring people together, establish traditions, and give cause to pause and "smell the roses. I like those aspects of the season. The joy u see is real, but there are other aspects I don't like at all. I don't like the commercialization and my heart goes out to people who experience genuine pain. It is hard if u don't have family or u have lost love ones that u would celebrate with. I don't have my mom and the holidays make me miss her more and it does hurt, but I can't hate the season. I treasure and remember the reason for the season.
While I have no bad feelings towards the holiday season, it is work as usual for me. For the past 3 years I have spent Christmas on the road somewhere. This year I will actually be home and off work Christmas day. I do have to work late on the 24th and early on the 26th. Maybe I will do a little better for Christmas dinner this year. Last year it was a turkey bowl from WaWa. The 2 years before that the best I could come up with was a 7-11 microwave burger.
While I have no bad feelings towards the holiday season, it is work as usual for me. For the past 3 years I have spent Christmas on the road somewhere. This year I will actually be home and off work Christmas day. I do have to work late on the 24th and early on the 26th. Maybe I will do a little better for Christmas dinner this year. Last year it was a turkey bowl from WaWa. The 2 years before that the best I could come up with was a 7-11 microwave burger.
Ah, the aviation industry. This is one reason I decided not to pursue a pilot career (I majored in aviation) -- not because of holidays, just because of moving around and being away from home.
I'm with Chatteress. The commercialization of Christmas pretty much makes me sick. But celebrating the birth of Jesus, and sharing time with family and friends during the holidays means the world to me. It doesn't matter to me that Jesus was not born in December. I don't care which date was chosen long ago to celebrate it.
One thing I really can't stand about the holiday season is the push by so many people to buy more, more, more. Spending hundreds of dollars, or more, on extravagant gifts for unappreciative children. Stressing about what to buy for whom. Retail stores opening at 4 a.m., competing to be the first to get people in the doors to buy stuff they can't afford.
I do, however, enjoy: time with friends and family; the music of the season; cheerful greetings from people who are truly in the spirit of the season; small, thoughtful gifts; parties and great food!; celebrating Christmas in church; and c-c-c-c-c-cold weather. I just try to ignore the commercial hype.
Christmas for me is all about my 3 young grand children, we give them three presents each. They are the reason I even decorate. As for our adult children, we KISS and give them $$$. I refuse to buy into the wonton spending, and have told my children to not go overboard on buying us gifts. I do hate the shopping, consumerism, and commercialism also.
Our church has a service outside with songs and a bonfire on Christmas Eve that we attend. I love attending this event, it helps to remind me of the reason for the season. Spending time with family and friends during the Holidays is what makes them so special.
Just the same as Trix, Christmas is for kids. I voted 'other' because I don't HATE anything or anyone. Hate is waste of time. I would rather see children be 'lied' to about Santa and his 'flying reindeer' than see them being taught hate. We ALL learn later in life that Santa and associates are just for FUN. Hate is difficult to shake. With all the hype and unrelenting feeling of being obligated to buy gifts even if it means spending beyond ones means is more than ridiculous. It makes people CRAZY. Some (including this year already) have been hurt and/or killed for parking places, toys, etc. We've already told friends and family to not worry about us for Christmas because we cannot afford (due to the economy) to do anything for this years holiday season.
We do not really celebrate Christmas and haven't for a long time. We participate, when we can, only to see the kids have some fun. That's all that matters.
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