Why I Hate Christmas

[Pab Sungenis]

This time of year, with all the decorations going up, the sweet nip of frost in the air, and the ubiquity of festive holiday music everywhere you turn never fails to pluck at a certain heartstring, and create a certain feeling deep within me.

The feeling of bile rushing up my throat, eating away at my teeth as I force it back down my throat rather than let it spew forth, forgoing its purgative nature for public approbation.

You see, I hate Christmas.

I finally caved this year, setting up the tree in our new house because I know how much Christmas means to my husband (thank you, Jon Corzine) Bryan. This would be ironic in many people's eyes, that a Jew should be the one who celebrates Christmas in our family, but there is a reason that I included Oscar The Grouch's rendition of "I Hate Christmas" on my greeting card/cassette 13 years ago, the last time I bothered to do one.

Rather than suffer in silence this year, as I have for the past 37, I think it's finally time to outline exactly why I hate Christmas.

I should preface this by saying that I am not against other people celebrating Christmas, or Yule or Hannukkah or the Saturnalia or anything else they want to. I don't want anything at all banned or limited from the public square, as long as everyone is allowed onto that particular playground. However, I prefer not to celebrate and I want to explain to everyone why you should not be offended if I do not wish you a Merry Christmas.

1. It has nothing to do with Christ

You read me correctly there. Christmas has absolutely nothing to do with Christ. If we are to believe the Nativity as reported by Luke, there is no way that shepherds were in the field with their flocks in late December, during one of the longest and coldest nights of the year in Bethlehem. Luke's report would suggest that Christ was born in the spring or summer. Add to that the best astronomical reports we have from the time period and tracing back with current knowledge would put the phenomenon known as the "Star of Bethlehem" (actually most likely a comet) in the spring of AD 4, which would coincide with the reigns of Herod the Great and Augustus, both of whom play roles in the presence of Joseph in Bethlehem and later in Egypt.

No, the holiday we celebrate today as Christmas comes from the efforts of the early Church to make itself more acceptable to Roman converts, and to "redeem" a pagan holiday. The 25th of December, approximately the time when it's observable that the solstice has passed and the nights are getting shorter, was celebrated in pagan Rome as the feast of Sol Invictus, the unconquered Sun. Coins and bas reliefs made in this god's honor show a young man with light radiating out from behind his head. Sound familiar? The early Christian church co-opted this festival as the birth of Christ, instead of the birth of the sun (and longer days). Ironic that this created, over a thousand years before the English language evolved, the pun when the unconquerable sun was replaced with the unconquerable son.

Everything we associate with Christmas is co-opted from other holidays, too. Romans gave gifts during the Saturnalia (right before the winter solstice). The Celts and many Germanic people celebrated the solstice with evergreen trees and boughs, symbolic of the victory of life over death. St. Nicholas, despite being the actual Patron Saint of pawnbrokers - an appropriate connection with our modern Christmas, is actually a corruption of a fairy figure that left candy for good children and carried bad children away as slaves.

Other than the few proper religious displays, and of course Masses and services, there is nothing Christian about Christmas. No wonder the Puritans tried to ban it.

2. It causes very un-Christian behavior.

Look at these "War on Christmas" people, who see this holiday as nothing more than an excuse to do fund raising to hold alleged pagans at bay. Look at people stampeding over each other on their way into toy stores, fighting over the last Wii. Think of all the hypocrisy shown by people who stab each other in the back 364 days a year, who pat each other on the back one day a year because it's allegedly Christmas. Sound Christian to you? Because it doesn't to me!

3. Even if it is a Christian holiday, it's not an important one.

The entire underpinning of Chistianity (as a faith, not a philosophy) is not the birth of Jesus, but his death! For God so loved the world He gave his Only Begotten Son, so that Man should not die but have eternal life. Christ did not need to be born, but he did need to die. The most important feast in Christianity (and any Christian worth their salt will tell you this) is the Feast of the Resurrection (improperly known as Easter, another pagan holiday we co-opted, although we do know the day Christ died - the first night of Passover - and celebrate it around that time).

Bishop Sheen, years ago, blasted "pop" portrayals of Christ like in "Godspell" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" as diminishing the most important (faith-wise) aspect of the Christ story: his death and resurrection. He said (and I'm paraphrasing because my mother lost my collection of Bishop Sheen recordings from when he spoke here in Vineland when I was very little) that what we should be focusing on is not Jesus Christ, Superstar, but Jesus Christ, Super Scar.

We spend about 24 days (more or less) celebrating the oncoming "birth of Christ." Conversely, we spend 40 days celebrating the coming of his martyrdom and another 53 days after that celebrating his Resurrection and the coming of his Spirit. Which do you think is more important?

4. It's depressing.

There's a reason that more suicides happen around Christmas than any other holiday. It's a lonely time. Even without the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder to contend with, the whole "loved ones near you" thing can underscore just how alone we usually are. All the saccharine fake jolliness and ho ho ho really weigh down on those with depression. When you're feeling blue, even a little bit, people shoving "be of good cheer" down your throat is roughly equivalent to having someone walk up and scream "WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?" in your ear?

Then pile on the consumer aspects of the holiday. If it weren't for the fact that I don't really give many gifts when times are good, I'd be very depressed about not having money for presents this year. Thus, I can sympathize with people who have been touched inappropriately by the economy this year and feel bad that they can't share the Joy because they think it has to come in a foil wrapped box with a pretty white bow.

There you have it, in a nutshell. Why I hate Christmas. It's fake, it's artificial, it's depressing, and it's really not that important. Yet everyone seems to think that it's some kind of glorious thing. It's not, so stop saying it is.

"The most wonderful time of the year?" Try when you have food in your belly, a roof over your head, health, happiness, people you love near you, and friends that care about you. The day you have that, no matter what day it is and no matter how many days it is, that, buddy, is the most wonderful time of the year!

Happy Humbug.

©2007 P. Sungenis, All Rights Reserved.

[Taverner]

1. Christmas = Saturnalia

http://web.archive.org/web/20070129010550/e-sheep.com/Saturnalia/

[Pab Sungenis]

3. I mention that.

It's actually closer time-wise to Sol Invictus, but Saturnalia is also around the same time.

[Dorian Gray]

69. Christmas

can demark whatever you want it to. If you want to be pious, then be pious. If you want to spend family time, do that. You don't have to be rampant commercialists if you don't want to be.

[flvegan]

2. War on Christmas? This is like...the SPARTA!!! on Christmas.

nice

:popcorn:

[gatorboy]

79. "GIVE THEM NOTHING! BUT TAKE...ALL THEIR STOCKING STUFFERS!!!"

[uppityperson]

4. We celebrate family and friends, keeping light inside while it's very dark/cold out.

It is difficult to not get irked by the commercialism, by the fundies or even by those celebrating Jesus' birthday (if there was such a person who had his birthday stuck onto another holiday months and years off of reality). Do what you enjoy. For me that is being with family and friends. I appreciate knowing that most of them will have the same day off work and plan to get together without a lot of checking calendars. Happy whatever makes you happy.

[sandnsea]

5. You don't like to celebrate?

Because that's all you're saying, in a nutshell. Everybody should stop celebrating because it makes someone else sad? Ridiculous.

[Pab Sungenis]

8. You didn't read what I wrote.

I don't want to stop anyone from celebrating anything. Re-read my sixth paragraph.

I should preface this by saying that I am not against other people celebrating Christmas, or Yule or Hannukkah or the Saturnalia or anything else they want to. I don't want anything at all banned or limited from the public square, as long as everyone is allowed onto that particular playground. However, I prefer not to celebrate and I want to explain to everyone why you should not be offended if I do not wish you a Merry Christmas.

[AlCzervik]

10. i bet people don't get offended when you don't say Merry Christmas, i wouldn't

and i don't know anyone who would, you don;t have to explain why you do or do not observe/celebrate any holiday.

[Pab Sungenis]

12. Tell that to Bill O'Reilly

and the Fundamentalists.

[AlCzervik]

15. i live next to fundies and haven't found it to be a problem.

i went to 2 different stores today and no one said merry Christmas or hapy holidays for that matter so i don;t think the masses are living in fear of O'Reilly.

[sandnsea]

21. You're stopping yourself

That's what I'm addressing. A long list of complaints against, basically, celebrating. What would make you happy, except for the celebration to go away. And if you don't want the celebration to go away, then why are you complaining about it.

[roguevalley]

111. I like Christmas because it isn't the crucifixion. I like it because my

family can get together, because we can give the kids a few presents and one each for us, because we eat food and talk. Christmas is what you make it in your own life. Who cares about what others do? Commercialism doesn't touch my family. We don't let it. We do let love and beauty in.

As for the idea of Saturnalia, I know. All of the holidays cover something else. If shepherds were in the hills watching their flocks, you know it can't be December. I am convinced Jesus was born in April. I would love to see Saturnalia. Perhaps Rio at Carnivale would suffice. :)

[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Pab Sungenis]

11. I have nothing against Love.

I personally think we should be celebrating Love all the time, not just one day a year, anyhow.

Yes, I have given gifts. I give more often for birthdays and other special occasions, but I have given "Christmas" gifts to those who are important.

And I am rejecting the corporate marketing hype. That's a good deal of what I hate.

[Breeze54]

27. What makes you think LOVE isn't celebrated and appreciated all year long?

What's wrong with taking one day to express LOVE and have a party?

You hate parties too? :P

[dysfunctional press]

39. i thought that was what valentine's day is for...

i've never heard anyone describe christmas as being a day to express and celebrate "love". not that you can't express love at the holiday- but it's not really what's seen by most as being the 'reason for the season'.

peace on earth, goodwill to men... :shrug:

[Breeze54]

45. Well; I do think it's about LOVE...

Valentine's Day demands it but Christmas is optional.

You can choose to participate or not by giving gifts to those you love.

Valentine's Day, to me, is more about intimate Love. One on one.

I'm talking about universal love, love of family (whatever kind of family you have).

[riderinthestorm]

47. Nope, it's about crass commercialism, and being slaves to it.

My clients would be pretty wierded out if I just said, "meh, I don't "love" you, so I refuse to recognise your part in my success." Poof, no gift.

My employees, who work their asses off to ensure my success, would be pretty wierded out if I said: "meh, I don't give a shit about how hard you have worked. No Xmas bonus' this year, and no fancy luncheon to celebrate your contributions either!"

And now you are telling me I don't have to show "love" to even my friends and family if I just can't get into their "intimate love zone" by the time I get around to buying for them?? I get a bye on reciprocating all the other "love" offerings and don't have to purchase gifts for my 20 nieces and nephews?! I wish!! By the time I get around to buying my kids some new long underwear for Xmas (never mind their other "requests"), I am sour and grumpy and angry about this holiday. Purchasing gifts for 200+ people, and doling them out isn't fun, and by the end, it's not even loving.

I know, I know, it's snark but unless you are in the trenches actually having to deal with the hard currency of "love" in the business world, and yes - even with our own families, it's hard to wrap oneself in the aura of piety and joy.

This holiday is about "love" spelled out in hard currency. A jar of homemade jam isn't going to cut it with your 10 year old niece or the power client worth tens of thousands of dollars in revenue to your company. I hate that it's come to this but it's naive to think that Christmas is "optional" for some of us....

[Name removed]

49. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[verges]

53. Only you control...

Only you control your actions. If you truly feel that you are obligated to buy presents for business associates, don't blame it on the Holiday. Blame it on the costs of doing business. If you overspend on family and friends, it's your fault for allowing yourself to be pressured when you don't want to be. Buy gifts to please the recipients, not just the first thing you see in Macy's. This might require some thought, but is it too much to ask that you consider the wants, desires and tastes of your loved ones? Pleasing those you love should be it's own reward.

I believe in Christmas. I do not believe in overspending to spoil the kids! No, a jar of jam may not cut it for a 10 year old. Most adults would appreciate it though (at least they should.) That doesn't mean that a child cannot appreciate a present more personal than the newest fad! And even if they don't now, perhaps they might be trained to appreciate the jam later by going small. If it is truly a financial hardship, then pull back your participation.


"There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say, Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas-time, when it has come around--apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that-- as a good time; a kind forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys."

"There are some on this earth of yours, who lay claim to know us (Christmas), and who do their deeds of passion, pride, ill-will, hatred, envy, bigotry, and selfishness inour name, who are as strange to us and all our kith and kin, as if they had never lived. Remember that, and charge their doings on themselves, not us."


"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future...."

C. Dickens, 1843

[dysfunctional press]

52. in your world that may be...

but in the real world, where the rest of us reside- it isn't.

[BuelahWitch]

77. No, VD is for the candy, card and lingerie companies

because they want people to spend money during that big fucking break between Christmas and Easter...

[AlCzervik]

7. i like Christmas, i like any day when i can stay at home with my husband and daughter

and watch movies and play board games. We have a tiny tree and some gifts but mostly it's about hanging out together.

[Pab Sungenis]

14. Then celebrate that fact

and try to find as many days like that as you can.

[blondeatlast]

9. You have a friend in--Snopes. The suicide rise is well-known to be a myth

http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/suicide.asp

http://www.suicideinfo.ca/csp/assets/alert16.pdf

[Common Sense Party]

56. Thanks for the good info. I always suspected that was a myth. nt

[Arugula Latte]

13. I remember my mother grumbling about xmas when I was a kid, thinking

"Jeez, what's her problem?" but now I am right there with her. I wish we could skip it, or just have a xmas season that was about 1/20th as long as it actually lasts. It's just all too much and too overblown.

Happy Solstice. :)

[AX10]

18. I agree it is too long.

Also, we have 7 radio stations that reach the southwestern CT market that have been playing nothing but Christmas music since the Monday before Thanksgiving. :wtf:

[AlCzervik]

20. it seems a lot quieter this year than last, not a lot of christmas things going

on where i live, i don't if it's due to the economy going in the tank or what but even on the weekends the stores aren't crowded and not nearly as many people have christmas lights up, i don't.

[Arugula Latte]

41. I've noticed that with the lights, especially.

Wonder if the energy conservation message is sinking in, or if it is about $$, or both.

[AlCzervik]

42. our street used to be lit up, now there are only about 3 houses with lights.

we also had 5 foreclosures on my street as well, thats 5 out of a street with 22 houses, not good.

[sandnsea]

23. Nobody has a gun to your head

Celebrate it the way you want. There have been plenty of years we weren't able to do anything at all. Some years we just had pizza because that's what the kids wanted. I think people are blaming their familial control issues on Christmas instead of fixing their dysfunctional relationships with their families.

[Arugula Latte]

40. It's really not that bad. My family is very close and happy.

It's just, you can't escape the commercials, the advertising, the music. Yes, my kids have expectations -- we will get a tree, they will get presents from us and Santa -- and I'm not going to put a halt to it while they are still young. As they get older we will scale back more.

[Arugula Latte]

89. Just wanted to add ... We try to help others, as well, this time of year.

We have a kids' group that does public service and we always "adopt" a family or two to make their holiday a little brighter by buying gifts for their kids, groceries for xmas dinner, etc. We usually get a couple things for those gift trees you see in stores. Then in January we go as a group to the food bank to help them bag dried lentils, oatmeal, what have you. So, we're trying to teach our kids that the holiday is not all about them. :)

[stillcool]

16. I am so lucky...

my husband is an orphan with no living relatives that he knows about. I am a foster-kid with one sister. We haven't celebrated anything but life in over ten years. With each passing year the falseness of the holidays, the illusion of cohesive family units, and the value of life as worth through wealth, become more apparent, and yet less disturbing. I think I've made peace with Christmas.

[Breeze54]

26. Thats' sad that you only see "the illusion of cohesive family units" ...

I wish you had had more experience with family. :hug:

Peace.

:loveya:

[stillcool]

44. actually it's not sad at all...

anymore. I spent way too many years seeking something that could not be found. I suppose that people with parents do not understand what it's like to not belong anywhere. But..it seems I am not alone..

• Between 1992-2002, the number of infants and toddlers entering foster care increased by 110%.
• In 1993, more than 60% of the homeless population in NYC municipal shelters were former foster youth.
• In 2000, of 732 mid-western foster care youths, nearly 52% had lived in three or more foster homes and had moved schools
------------------------------------------
There are more than half a million children and youth in the U.S. foster care system, a 90% increase since 1987.Three of 10 of the nation’s homeless are former foster children.
A recent study has found that 12-18 months after leaving foster care:
27% of the males and 10% of the females had been incarcerated
33% were receiving public assistance
37% had not finished high school
50% were unemployed
Children in foster care are three to six times more likely than children not in care to have emotional, behavioral and developmental problems,

A study by the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenille Justice found 70% of these youth meet the criteria for at least one mental health disorder. What's worse is that 36% of the parents of these youth intentionally involved the juvenille justice system to access mental health services...some 12,700 children were places in either child welfare, or the juvenilled justice systems to access mental health systems (U.S. GAO 2003) Of course, the U.S. DOJ in recent investigations into the conditions in these juvenille detention and correctional facilities, found inadequate access to treatment, inappropriate use of medications, and neglect of suicide attempts nationwide (U.S.DOJ 2005).
---80 percent of prison inmates have been through the foster care system.

* 872,000 children and youth were confirmed victims of abuse or neglect in the United States in 2004.

Children are 11 times more likely to be abused in State care than they are in their own homes.

http://fostersurvivor.netfirms.com/statistics.shtml


Foster Care in the Year 2020 (if nothing changes in child welfare trends)
Children who will experience the foster care system Over 9,000,00014
Children who will age out of the foster care system 300,00015
Foster youth aging out of the system that will experience homelessness 75,00016
Foster youth aging out of the system that graduate from college 9,00017
Number of children killed by abuse or neglect 22,50018
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/stats_research/afcars/statistics/entryexit2005.htm

[kineneb]

55. even children with "families" can be quite alone

December is always a bittersweet month for me.

I had too many parents: mother and step-father, father and step-mother, and grandparents (with whom I chose to live). But I didn't have a "family" that was mine; I was the outsider, no matter where I was. Christmas was always a time when all the parent sets would wander through my life, and then leave again.

For me, as a musician, the season has always been about the music. Not the tacky commercial carols, but the beautiful music written for the season by the great historic composers- Tchaikovsky, Bach, Handel, Gabrieli, Praetorius and others.

This year, I will be observing the solstice by way of the Persian Shab-e Yalda, one of the oldest documented celebrations of the season (about 5-6 thousand years old). I will have a big bonfire in our fire pit, and share food and good cheer with friends. And because this is 2007, we will roast marshmallows and and make smores.

[truedelphi]

17. I take exception with point three. But other than that, outstanding work

And much of it is how I feel too.

The rampant commercialism just stuns me. Buy! Buy! Buy! Buy! But why?

But to me, the notion that the Baby Jesus, who was every bit as much an enlightened being as all babies are, that is the one part of the faith that still resonates with me.

As a very trippy recovered Catholic, I see the Crucifixion and the Resurrection as a way for the Church to allow itself to remind you that you are a Sinner, Sinner Sinner, and that if you don't want your life to go to hell when you die, you need to Repent Repent Repent. And while you Repent, please throw a monetary offering into the plate, would you? The Church needs a lot of moola to cover the one billion dollar payouts to the children who suffered sex abuse at the hands of the priests.

I like the notion of celebrating a baby's birth. To me, that alone is what is worth celebrating (both in religious terms and in terms of everyday life) The Christ Child is one of the few icons I pray to.

I can no more accept the notion that any God would want a bloody gory human sacrifice to atone for Adam and Eve eating the apple than I can accept the notion that stupid unintelligible brush cutters from Crawford make good Presidents.

[Franc_Lee]

19. Try helping someone else have a nice christmas, it might be an upper...?!?

[Viva_La_Revolution]

22. "people who have been touched inappropriately by the economy "

wow, you've quite a way with the words!

:applause: for the whole damn thing.

Happy Humbug to you too. :hug:

[Irishonly]

24. I Agree With What You Say

Your first points were spot on. I had always heard that it may be up to a twelve year difference either way of when Christ was born. A manger is not a barn or a lean to. During Christ's time it was more likely the structure resembled a cave. Lambs aren't born in winter. It should be common knowledge the Romans were trying to convert a whole society to Christianity so Christ's birth was moved to coincide with a pagan holiday. Another gripe, Nativities always show Mary riding on a donkey. It's no where in the Bible.

Gift giving has gone insane and it's been too commercialized. Mind you, I love Christmas but seven years ago we really changed the way we celebrated it. I was fighting cancer and we decided that Christmas had to be much simpler and easier. We called it our half Christmas. Although I love my Christmas decorations, both religious and secular, we only put half of them out, cut baking in half, spent a lot less money and focused on Advent. It has never changed back. This year we are focusing on peace in ourselves and being advocates for peace in the world. I enjoy Christmas again.

Everyone can choose to celebrate or not celebrate Christmas and no one should be attacked. I am happy I found my way to celebrate, enjoy my decorations and take a good,long hard look at myself.

[Corgigal]

25. Try this

Listen to the song , the video is goofy. Im happy to be just with my family. All my kids are getting older and will be moving on with their own lives shortly. So Yes, Im thankful. We are still here and enjoy each other company. It's really about the little funny things that give us memories.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiINaO3Zovs

[Swede]

28. It's a glorious thing to whoever wants it to be.

It's really that simple.

[liberalmuse]

29. Many people don't celebrate Christmas...

and I think that's just fine. I stopped the facade when the Iraq war started. I'm an atheist, my daughter is grown, and my dog used to topple the tree a dozen times a year anyway, so what's the point? I like the season--the smell of woodsmoke, and the lights when they're done tastefully, warm soup, the cold, crisp, air, and dinner with a few close family members and friends, but I try and avoid the stores during this time. I don't care if other people celebrate. I try to enjoy the little things in life every day, and I'm sure a lot of people do that as well. It just seems that a lot of people get stressed out by the season, and if something becomes meaningless, It's good to give it up for awhile, if not for good. During Christmas, too many people seem like robots, just doing the motions. Why?

[Dangerman]

30. One more thing...

EVERY Christmas under Bush gives me unadulterated angst and misery. Especially when living under fear and paranoia and feeling angst when a solider and civilian in Iraq is dead.

[NMMNG]

31. OMG, this is choice.

Now you have me, an Evil Atheist, defending Christmas. They're going to revoke my EAC credentials, my rubber chicken and drum me out of the club, but here goes:


1. It has nothing to do with Christ...

Who cares if Jesus (should he have existed or not) was actually born on December 25th or not? It's a symbolic birth date, though some go overboard and choose to think otherwise. We have other "birthdays" that we celebrate on dates other than the actual date, such as Presidents Day, Martin Luther King Day, etc.


2. It causes very un-Christian behavior.

Christmas doesn't cause un-Christian behavior. Idiots with issues and attitude problems engage in un-Christian behavior.




3. Even if it is a Christian holiday, it's not an important one...


Um, if Jesus (if he really did exist) wasn't born, he couldn't have died. Easter may be more important, but that doesn't make Christmas unimportant.


4. It's depressing.


Depression and other mental illnesses exist and symptoms may be exacerbated around holidays, but neither Christmas nor any other holiday is responsible for them. If you're having serious problems seek assistance.

[Rex]

32. What did you have to do to get the rubber chicken?

[NMMNG]

37. I can't tell you that

It involves super-secret nighttime rituals in the woods under a full moon. ;-)

[Rex]

38. Full moon.

Indeed. ;)

[Common Sense Party]

57. Great job, fantastic answer!

Hard to believe you're a godless infidel! ;-) I couldn't have said it any better myself!

[ProfessorGAC]

71. I'm Revoking Your Credentials!

Well, someone had to! Nice post.
The Professor

[Mad_Dem_X]

100. Well said!

"Christmas doesn't cause un-Christian behavior. Idiots with issues and attitude problems engage in un-Christian behavior."

EXACTLY! It's people and their issues that ruin Christmas for some, not the holiday itself!

[goodgd_yall]

103. Thanks for the objective argument, Buffy! n/t

[Irishonly]

116. I'll take wisdom where ever I can find it

You are one of the wise ones.:hi:

[knitter4democracy]

33. I'm a Christian, and I'm right there with you. Bah humbug.

Our church celebrates Christmas but nowhere near with the fervor we celebrate Easter. That holiday's way more important to the Orthodox, and it shows in our churches and people. It's hard to get all excited about the holiday when our church does it more low-key.

I hate all the stress. We're having to scale way back this year, and you know what? It's awesome! I'm mostly done with the shopping and am feeling better about it this year than I have in years. I'm only doing what I feel like and letting the rest go. We'll get a tree this weekend, and I have a wreath on the door that I made, and I got a new tablecloth. As for decorating the house like crazy, baking 40 batches of cookies, and all that? Nope. Not here. Heck, next year, Hubby's requesting to be on-call so we can't go anywhere. I'm all for that.

I hate how it always has to be perfect. Since when? Who cares that much? Like my kids will be ruined for life if their Christmas isn't perfect this year? Bah humbug to all that. I'm not Martha Stewart, and I refuse to put myself under any kind of perfectionism pressure this year. I'm sticking to doing what I enjoy and what my kids need, and that's it.

At least Cleveland Celtic podcast had great Christmas music over the Thanksgiving weekend. I listen to that so I have some good stuff to listen to.

[sandnsea]

36. That's how it should be

Whatever you want to make it. I like that commercial "are you havin' any fun". Religious observations aside, if you aren't havin' any fun then what's the point of livin'.

[OwnedByFerrets]

34. K & R even if no one else does

[Name removed]

35. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[SheilaT]

43. Take a deep breath.

For someone who says you have nothing against others celebrating Christmas, you then go on to list several serious complaints about those celebrations. My suggestion is that you turn off the TV, stop caring if anyone even notices if you're wishing them a Merry Christmas or not -- and probably no one is paying any attention at all.

I stopped putting up decorations about six years ago, and it was quite liberating. I still have three or four boxes of them in the basement, not to mention an artificial tree that only got put up once, but what the heck.

You are reminding me of all the people who used to complain bitterly about all those who'd say "Have a nice day!" who probably didn't really mean it. I long ago decided to treat all of those sorts of comments as if they were heartfelt and, guess what? I'm a much happier and more cheerful person, and I don't waste any time worrying about whether or not some total stranger gives a flying heap of crap whether or not I actually have a nice day.

So just relax, celebrate or don't celebrate as you see fit. Don't worry about who wishes you Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or if you reply in kind. Just treat others with dignity and respect, that's all.

On a side note, this year for the very first time I'm working in a small office where all the attorneys are Jewish. It was quite delightful seeing how giddy they were all during Hanukkah.

[China_cat]

46. When reminded that all christmas traditions

came from other cultures and older (pagan) religions, I had a 'christian' once tell me "we stole it from the pagans fair and square and they have no right to try to claim it back".

[roody]

48. Solstice is the reason for the season.

Winter solstice,
Return of the light.
Tomorrow the days grow longer.
Tomorrow the cold grows stronger.
Tonight,...............the......longest.......night.

[cherokeeprogressive]

50. I shall remove your stocking from my fireplace mantel forthwith. N/T

[BlueJazz]

51. I understand. I pretty much "Put up" with it myself.

Seems much ado about nothing. :)

[Triana]

54. Just for you: scroogeyourself.com

http://www.scroogeyourself.com

Seriously, I agree with every one of your points. I gave the link hoping you will have some fun and a laugh even if you do hate Christmas (and I don't blame you).

For those who LIKE Christmas, there's http://www.elfyourself.com

[Pastiche423]

61. Wow! How cool is that?

This is the 1st time in over twenty one years that I've "seen" myself standing up and moving.

[Triana]

68. Awwr...

...I don't know your situation but - what a cool pic!!

[Pastiche423]

110. I see everything from a sitting position

since my legs are paralyzed. I was a dancer before my injury and dancing is the one thing I miss the most (besides strutting :)).

I want that software/program!

[Dulcinea]

58. I've just scaled it down.

I haven't done much decorating for several years. My little ones just un-decorate a big tree anyway, so I just put up tabletop trees & stockings to make them happy & so we have a place to put presents. I hate Christmas decorating; more hassle than it's worth. I like other people's decorations!

I baked a few cookies, did most of my shopping online & we'll go visiting over the holidays. That's the true spirit of Christmas anyway, as far as I'm concerned: "Peace on earth & good will toward (humanity.)"

[hfojvt]

59. there's alot of silly trivia there, and no mention of the best reason to hate it

the brutal earworms. Many of those disgusting songs which are played on commercials, or take over your once favorite radio station (or in a town I lived in for a decade - the only radio station), and are put on loudspeakers in many downtowns, or played in every store you go to, those songs are vicious earworms. Songs like "The Bells" (or whatever the fu$% it is called), "Jingle Bell Rock", "Belize Navidad", "Rockin around the Christmas Tree", etc., etc., etc. Songs I never liked and yet they can stay in my head for hours and really I would rather hear Achy Breaky Heart than any one of those songs ever again.

Those songs probably count for alot of the suicides that happen around this time of year. I wouldn't be surprised.

[treestar]

67. I'm with you there

The old carols are beautiful, but one rarely hears them these days.

I can deal with old recordings with the likes of Bing Crosby, but the rock songs drive me nuts!

[nonconformist]

60. Wow... that was so... negative.

First off, I don't care who does or doesn't celebrate Christmas... if it's not your thing, that's more than fine by me.

But since you outlined the reasons you hate it, I feel justified in critiquing it.

You want to know why most people celebrate Christmas? Because it's fun. The decorations are pretty... especially since it can be a depressing time of year weather-wise, as you've pointed out. It's nice to gather with family and friends, eat special foods and exchange presents. It's nice to have something to look forward to. Religious aspects aside, that's why most people enjoy Christmas so much. It's a time to make fond memories with your family.

As for the birth of Jesus - I'm pretty certain that most people know that wasn't the actual day he was born... it's symbolic. I'm also pretty certain that Jesus couldn't have died unless he was born. Also, if you are a Christian, Jesus' birth WAS significant in it's own right - he was a miracle, the messiah and born of a virgin. And the fact that Christmas is a conglomeration of various celebrations just makes it more special and very HUMAN, in my opinion. I dig that about it.

That said, what is depressing is having such a negative, cynical outlook on things. Not everything is fake. God forbid someone be happy in your presence without being accused of being an idiot who knows nothing of the holiday they are celebrating, a slave to commercialism and basically being a big giant phony.

[Shakespeare]

70. Well said. Christmas is whatever you choose to make it.

I feel sorry for people like the OP who can find nothing but ugliness in the holidays (whether you celebrate Christmas, hannukah, solstice, etc.). Sad. Just sad.

Oh, and: happy holidays!! :hi:

[SammyWinstonJack]

:applause:

[Mad_Dem_X]

101. .

:applause:

[WritersBlock]

62. I think the main reason I hate it is because it's taken for granted that I want to participate in it

And for the most part, I have no choice in the matter, regardless of what some posters above had said.

The other day at work, one of my colleagues brought in a load of garland & other decorations, and proceeded to tape them all around the desks in our area, including mine. I said I didn't want Christmas decorations on my desk, but they called me a Scrooge and put garland all around the desk dividers anyway (which are at eye height, so my desk is now outlined with garland.)

Then she went to the team leaders and informed them she was sending an email around to the entire office telling (*not asking*) people to bring in their spare decorations so the place would look more Christmassy.

At the end of the day, it's supposed to be a religious holiday. And to me, religion should be personal. If someone wants to celebrate it themselves, fine. Just don't force it upon others, or mock them when they say they don't want to be a part of it.

[tavalon]

64. Don't underrate the amount of choice you actually have in this. POV is everything.

I work in a very Christian hospital and I told my manager that I would like to work Christmas Eve and Christmas day because it isn't my holiday and I would like people who do celebrate it to have the opportunity. I smile indulgently when people talk about their Christmas preparations. I park at the farthest parking spot when I go to the grocery store (I don't go to malls most times of the year and especially from Thanksgiving to January) and enjoy the walk in, while dodging the shoppers searching desperately for that close up spot. I watch so many friends and acquaintances go crazy attempting to keep up with the Jones's, while I stay relaxed and unflustered by the incessant motion of the season. This is a very peaceful and quiet time for me.

It could be an angry time for all of the reasons listed by the OP but I just look at it from a different angle and voila, a time of relaxation, not a time of frustration.

I celebrate the Solstice but all that entails is staying up all night and enjoying some eggnog. Not a stressful thing at all.

[seabeyond]

96. exactly. two different ways of walking. and we create. one in frustration, anger

one in peace. and you each create your own to live. i really dont understand those that blame a world for their unhappiness.

[Quantess]

105. I like your approach!

A lot of people take the Christmas holidays very seriously, as a burden of responsbilities. I'm lucky that I have a low key attitude about it, and refuse to stress out. I only get gifts for a couple of people. I usually don't bother to get a tree. Typically I just hang a few garlands and some ornaments over the fireplace, but this year I haven't done anything!

The only Holiday Irritation that gets me is the ad nauseum Christmas music. The nonstop christmas music really chaps me. But as long as I stay out of stores, and don't play the radio, the music can be avoided.

I am fortunate that no one in my life ever demanded that I embrace the holiday spirit. I feel for children who grow up in homes that vigorously enforce Christmas for a full month of the year, or who are made to feel guilty for not enjoying everything about this so-called-joyous season.

[zippy890]

63. i agree with you

growing up with an alcoholic father, I remember christmas time as a rough time.

This time of year is very hard for people with addiction problems, mental illness and their families- everywhere are parties/drinking

and if you don't have much money it can be very depressing. Parents end up robbing Peter to pay Santa so the kids can have something.

I hate christmas in this country.

[rAVES]

65. Tiz the season to be jolly la la la lala la la lala!

Gimme money.

[treestar]

66. I like it except for the shopping/gifts and the stuff you have to do

to prepare. It just seems like work now! When you are a child, it is magical, but as an adult, it's just a lot of work!

I hate shopping, except for children. I'd love it if the gift giving custom got scaled back so that it's only children. So many adults in my family have everything they need and I hate wasting money on stuff no one needs.

I like Midnight Mass and the religious aspect of it. But I think the fundies are stupid whining about the "War on Christmas." I really don't mind the holiday season including everyone.

[tblue37]

72. I don't "do" Christmas. When my kids were young I did

it for them, but now that they are 28 and 26, and live in Washington, D.C., while I live in Kansas, I no longer have to do anything but send a gift and a card to them for Christmas. I long ago leapt off the Christmas train where everyone else in my family and my circle of friends are concerned. While I watch everyone else go nuts from the pressure of the season (especially the women, who bear most of the burden by themselves), and I watch people go into debt to satisfy ridiculous expectations, I just relax and enjoy the time off from work.

Once, when my kids were 19 and 21, we were having dinner together on Christmas Eve. We made a quick trip together to the store to buy some French bread to go with our dinner. The place was crowded with desperate people on their way home from work, trying to stock up on what they would need to do up the holiday properly until the 26th, since the store would close at 7:00 p.m. on the 24th and not open again until 7:00 a.m. on the 26th.

My son commented, "Look at everyone, Mom. We are the only people in the store who aren't scowling!"

It was true. We were not under any pressure. Our baked salmon dinner was a quickie, not a multi-hour preparation as a traditional dinner is, and we weren't rushing home to take care of any preordained holiday "celebration."

In their adulthood, both my kids have nearly escaped the Christmas train. They do a bit more for the holiday than I do--mainly a tree and a gift exchange with their significant others--but otherwise they have also gotten free of the pressure and the expense.

Their other family (father, stepmother, half-siblings) do the whole Christmas routine. The only time my kids feel stressed is when they go to the other home for the holiday and the other family start making holiday type demands on them. Everyone there is on edge because of the stress and the expectations, and before long the bickering and sulking begins.

[IsItJustMe]

73. Fact of the matter is Christmas is a pagan ass holiday that was celebrated hundreds of years before

Christ ever showed up. The pagan holiday was wrapped up with celebrating the winter solstice.

Easter was also a pagan holiday celebrating the fertility god. Ever ask yourself what eggs and rabbits have in common?

Christians have always adopted the holidays of the local cultures in which they inhabit.

That is why you have christians practicing Voodoo in Haiti. Do the research.

[Pab Sungenis]

95. I have.

Did you read my section on "it has nothing to do with Christ?"

Heck, even the Catholics' Communion of Saints is a rip-off of the Roman/Greek Pantheon, except instead of a god for every purpose, there's a Patron Saint.

[RiverStone]

106. How I handle the holiday craziness

My girlfriend and I head up into the snowy mountains...to some very beautiful hotsprings...that bubble and flow next to a rushing river...we soak in the steamy silence of nature...feeling the wonderful combined sensations of hot water and snow falling on naked skin...light a candle...enjoy a simple 1 room cabin with no phone, no TV, and nothing even slightly suggestive that it's a holiday of any kind. We may hike, cross-country ski, read, sleep, or play (romantically of course). We go on a cleansing diet, eating only vegetarian for that week. We leave before Xmas and return after it's over.

These hot springs attract like minded folks...who simply want to get away from the craziness...and celebrate the gifts of nature.

And like you said; any day can be a wonderful day anyway!

BTW, both my girlfriend and I have 2 kids each (from prior relationships). Our families understand that this is how we do the holidays. The only ritual I/we do this time of year is on Solstice - it is what my kids have grown up with as well.

I really try NOT to let the commercialized junk, holiday elevator music, and materialism get to me - though yep I can't stand it for long either - and choose to deal with it by leaving it ALL behind.


peace and have many wonderful days! :)

[IsItJustMe]

114. Sorry if you mistook my comment to be directed at you. I was responding in gereral to everyone.

[SmokingJacket]

74. You have to ignore the hype to enjoy it -- don't watch TV!

I'm an atheist and I like it quite a bit. I like the historical and pagan aspects and the secular stuff -- basically what I celebrate is my memories of loving it as a child, the mystery and darkness of it as well as the bright lights part. I love filling my kids stocking with oddball stuff -- love building a gingerbread house with them -- love knitting a sweater for my husband, playing the old carols on the piano.

But yeah -- Christmas in the mall and Christmas on TV make me want to hurl. Fortunately it's possible to separate from all that.

[SujiwanKenobee]

75. Importance of template

I guess some of what makes Christmas special is wrapped up in what it was for you initially. If you never had a decent one, who can argue?

For me, Christmas always had good memories:
1. No school
2. Potential for snow in NY--sledding!
3. Get to travel to see Grandmas, aunts anduncles and fave cousins on the farm. Overnights! Food!
4. I liked the church pageantry and singing in the choir
5. I really, really felt that Christmas season had a magical quality in my house (wanted to believe in elves, flying reindeer, etc,)
6. Rituals of TV-Rudolph story, Frosty the Snowmanm etc.
7. Mom's decorations on table tops, putting out the creche with the old, battered mache figures
8. Special foods only prepared then, making the Christmas cookies with a cutter and decorating them
9. Colorful wrappings and the sight of that in the morning.
10. We didn't have much money (teachers), but got a fair number of small, less pricey things. Gifts of books--loved it. We didn't get things except on birthdays or Christmas which made it special.

As an adult, I really loved the whole process up until my kids were older and it was a struggle to figure out what to get them. We don't attend church so don't have the pageantry. My social economic standing is higher than what I was born into, so my kids/husband just get what they need/want themselves any time of the year. It is easy to fall into Christmas debt trying to stay in a ritual of Christmas as a gift giving time when things cost so much or are now status symbols instead of necessities. Also, I'm now a cynical adult with many worried about the world and can't drum up the magic I KNOW I felt as a child.

I told my mother that Christmas is now such an effort and she told me that she "worked very hard to "make" Christmas" the way we perceived it in our family.

[seabeyond]

76. nothing to do with christ. wrong. family, love, connection

that is exactly what christ is about. if people are not sittin there focused on and only talking about christ, still it does not mean it has anything to do with christ. the whole experience of christmas in love is exactly what christ is about. this is for each person to do. maybe in you feelings of christmas you are not getting the same out of it as me and mine

causes unchristian behavior? only if a person choses to be unchristian at this time, which they are likely to be unchristian thru out the year too. we find in our house and have expressed in the past, that this period is no different than how we are thru out the year. kindness, love, respect are the essence of how we live. we may not be perfect, but innately this is what me and mine strive for.

must we put christmas on scale of importance with the others. so not an issue. experience the now of each moment, june 23 is as important as christmas day, easter or any other day. trying to scale it on importance may be another reason you dont receive the same from this period as others. who cares.

and finally...... it is depressing. my mother committed suicide the 4 a.m. dec 26 ten years ago. yes, for some it is depressing. she got the high from it and when it was all said and done went into a depression. not all are like that. generally has to do with a persons expectation. seeing how we are all different to experience and create our own, it is only like that if we chose.

i disagree with every part of your outline. the difference on how you chose to create and experience with mine. individual choices. we all are left to them.

happy holidays, wink.

[gatorboy]

78. Whew! I thought you were going to say your dad got stuck in the chimney dressed as Santa. N/T

[seabeyond]

81. bah hahahaha. lol lol. some long ago traumatic experience.

or mama screwin santa under the christmas tree? i hear ya

[jmg257]

80. That's too bad - sad really. We LOVE Chirstmas - hanging w/family, Jesus' birth, gift given

& getting, partying, days off with the kids. It is AWESOME!

We know the root "cause" is the birth of Jesus, so who cares that this day was picked to coincide w/other celebrations - pagan or otherwise? The nativity is a good story, and ANY reason to get together and party is a GREAT day.

You are missing out.

[snooper2]

82. Well, all I can say is MERRY X-MAS

and I'm an athiest :)

[seabeyond]

84. aaaahhhhhh, what a fun tree. i love. i love mine too

my kids, now 10 and 12. oldest was saying, why i love christmas so..... it was all on traditions, and family and laughter and love and being together, each and everyone.

[JBoy]

97. Yes, a beautiful tree

Although when I look at it I see a lot of time to set it up and decorate it, then more time after Christmas to take all the decorations off, put them back in boxes, and put them back in storage for the other 11 1/2 months of the year. And do all of this at the same period of time you're buying "just the right gift" for those people who have everything, but you have to get them something because they'll be getting you something.

[seabeyond]

99. and all that time gathering for the tree, the family is in same room, telling stories

with a fire and music and hot chocolate with marshmellows. beats vaccuming the rugs once a week. but we endure.

and i never felt a job of buying cause someone bought for me, nor that someone owed me. and NEVER put so much pressure of "just the right" gift. i guess it depends on how we chose to experience. i can certainly understand your lack of enjoyment with your attitude you share with us. but the fun to be had, to have a different attitude and create joy and happiness, rather than resentment and discourse.

[JBoy]

102. Oh, so I just need to change my "attitude"?

thanks.

[seabeyond]

108. you dont NEED to do anything

you chose to experience it your way, cause obviously that is how you want to experience christmas. as i and this other chose to experience it in a totally different manner. attitude, perception, what we tell ourselves are what create our experience. it is all pretty obvious, and not a jab, condemnation or anything else. because you see putting up a tree as time poorly spent, it is not a fun time. because i have fun putting up tree with my family for many different reasons i see it as time wisely and happily spent.

yes, i think we can say attitude

but no need to change your attitude, if you enjoy the feelings you receive, resentment, of the time putting up a tree.

your to create, do, live

[GreenPartyVoter]

83. Actually, number 3 is debatable. Some of us believe his life was far more important.

[seabeyond]

86. passion

when that movie came out my kids were going to a christian school that later turned fundamentalist in about 2003. they were about 7 and 9. the school was making a big to do about the movie, talking about it and stuff. i went down to the school and told them this is one place i am putting foot down. generally, though in beliefs we differed i allowed my kids to participate and learn others thoughts and opinions and beliefs and discuss them out to their own conclusions, all in love. but passion was being given to the kids. i told the teachers and administration they had better not show my children the movie or any clip. told them, the frenzy on this movie is feeding violence, anger and pain..... not what they are projecting, an understanding of christ experience at the cross. and the purpose of christ at that time was the reflection of his life, and the movie totally missed and kept that part out, hence the anger, violence and pain of it all.

you are right.... it is the life

[GreenPartyVoter]

90. I haven't seen that movie yet and I possibly never will. I just have no interest in it

[seabeyond]

91. me either. for many reasons

ultimately because i cant watch such violence. not entertaining to me.

[GreenPartyVoter]

92. Yep. Violence porn has no interest for me

[DadOf2LittleAngels]

85. A holiday does not necessrailly need to be on the calendar

day that it occurred.

[CT_Progressive]

87. Best. Post. Ever.

[jzodda]

88. Christmas is depressing for me

If you find yourself alone, and unemployed without health insurance this time of year its not a time to count your blessings. Its depressing to me, so much so I have been avoiding watching TV due to its overall format this time of year. Christmas season does not smile on those who are alone and broke. It only makes you feel worse, as it heightens the sense that you are somehow "different" then everybody else.

[seabeyond]

94. i have been alone and poor and christmas and still.....

if you were in my area, you would be the one i wanted at my christmas table. i have been in places without family, and someone always kindly invited me to their place. i would have such a lovely time and so thankful. that now with a family in abundance, i look around our lives for the people that have no one to enjoy the holidays with, and i invite. i would absolutely invite you to our table. and being poor, or without healthcare, or alone would take a back burner. though, our house is loud, and a tad unruly, people do have fun and feel the love.

[jzodda]

115. Thanks for the smile

That you put on my face. It means a lot to me :)

[stillcool]

112. I agree...

like putting a square peg in a round hole. But..it's all perception. What you can't see isn't real. I freak when I'm near families...people don't get that either. It takes about a half hour of explanation.

[Charlie Brown]

93. Well, Merry Christmas, Sir

From my perspective, it's the commercial, "shop 'till you drop" steamroller that we've subjected to every year since the '50s by marketers and corporate shills that I can't stand. It's turned whatever reverence and dignity the holiday once had into a business-venture for the people at the top of the ladder, who prey on good intentions.

I seriously wish I could convince my family just to donate to charity instead of doing the whole present thing, since it's more in tune with the holiday, and makes you feel a lot better about yourself than receiving another tie you'll never wear.

[mr blur]

98. K & R

'cos I loathe it too.

[Beer Snob-50]

104. excellent post!

each of your points are well thought out and i believe correct. however, i personally choose to celebrate the idea that god became man and the birth of the good message that we should love one another as you want to be loved.

[Generator]

107. Your number one reason is why I love it

To me it is a pagan holiday. It is the return of the SUN. It is a worship of the green man-the greenery that we bring into our homes as a sign of what is EVERGREEN. Of course I'm from the northwest-so trees are a big deal to me. I decorate with trees, pinecones, garland, berries, deer, and forest animals-and candles-how can you hate candles-light! I love candles,and fireplaces-and sadly snow which we hardly ever get.

I come from a family of agnostics/atheists and I actually found some of the worship of the birth of Jesus very essential ironically when I was a child. I had a nativity that my grandmother had made that I kept for years. I put it up by the tree. Again-it's a celebration of birth. Or hope-or the sunlight or the son. I don't have a problem with Jesus-just the way he was co-opted by every religion. I have a problem with all institutions.

Now let me tell you about the anti-Christmas people I have known. My father's parents no tree, no presents. Atheist, farmers-who knew! and my father ended up being cold and unloving. Again-my husband's family-they never celebrated Christmas-four kids-until they went to school and the kids found out about it! Again-atheists and intellectuals. My mother in law still doesn't get any of the spirit of Christmas. So being around all these atheists all my life made me yearn for Christ or a deep paganism.

You can take any time of year-any holiday and make it your own or ignore it. I know how hard it is to ignore Christmas, I've been poor and totally alone on more than a few Christmases. Now that can make you hate Christmas-my first one alone I wanted it over more than anything.

Of course now it's been co-opted by commercialism and that is again something you can choose to not take part in. You can give a donation to any charity you want in their name. They may not like it-but it's your gift.

But DAMN! how can you not like GIFTS! I love getting and giving gifts.

And Santa Claus-how can you not like a fat pagan GOD that brings you stuff! I happen to adore Monsieur Noel myself.

Well, everything is a matter of perspective, change your mind, change, your life-which reminds me I want to get that Wayne Dyer book.

PS Not an important one! Without birth-or without the sun there is no life. It is a celebration of our very existence-and making it another year around that precious sun.

[theredpen]

109. Why can't we admit that "Christmas" is a secular gift-giving holiday?

For most Christians in the world, Christmas means you have to attend a particularly long special mass — as it should be. Christmas is a religious holiday and it should be celebrated seriously by the adherents of that religion.

There's also a "holiday" gift-giving tradition which has become a fixture in many world cultures.

As a Christian, I think it would be great if we had a secular gift-giving event (Happy Holidays!) that everyone could enjoy (preferably in the spirit of giving, not getting) and that Christians could just keep Christmas to themselves. Instead, we have dingbats like O'Reilly who can't distinguish between Midnight Mass and fucking shopping. So if you don't celebrate Christmas at the fucking mall you aren't celebrating right.

It's infuriating. Good post!

[ileus]

113. I love Christmas.

[Solar Power]

117. Not what Christ wanted

Can you imagine Jesus coming back, and seeing what they did to this day? enougf said....

[Clinton Crusader]

118. Used to love Christmas, now I hate it, here's why

I love snow, the lights, the tree, the songs, fireplaces, the whole feeling of it. I'm not overly religious, maybe I should be, dunno.

But.

My dad passed away last December 8. Now the family associates Christmas with him passing.

THIS December 8, my mom collapsed on the floor from not taking her blood pressure meds for 2 weeks, had to have emergency brain surgery for a bleeder in the brain, she's still in ICU. She's on Long Island, I'm in the Adirondacks. I'm going down there December 23 and December 24 to see her, but I have to come right back up because I'm having radiation for breast cancer. So now I associate Christmas with my dad passing away and my mom having brain surgery.

I will live in terror of next December 8, if I'm still here.

Ho Ho Ho.
:scared: