Bah Humbug

[Swifty]

I must be a real Scrooge, I'm already over Christmas. I find it all too much these days, the family seems to be getting bigger every year. Christmas shopping is such a pain, choosing gifts for everyone, at Christmas lunch this year I think that I will suggest again that we have a Kris Kringle next year and only buy one present for the nominated person.

I enjoy getting together with everyone, but I wish lunch was a bit more low key. The full sit down hot meal, where everyone eats too much is a lot of work. Although we share the load by all bringing something towards the meal, it's still a lot of work for the family hosting it, no, it's not us this year.

Here in Australia, there is a good chance that it will be hot on Christmas day, so a BBQ with a few drinks would be nice, or just some snack type meals that only need warming in the oven.

Of course, grandchildren will still get spoilt with gifts.

Sorry if I've ranted a bit, but we say each year that the next one will be different.

Paul.

 

[vederstein]

Christmas season is too long. The commercialism is too high. The expections are too much.

My wife and I are essentially skipping Christmas this year: no tree, no lights, no decorations at all. Gifts are optional and only if we feel right about it. The only problem, it makes the drudgery of Winter last longer here in the Northern hemisphere.

(And no, she will not be pissed if I don't buy here anything. She knows not to play that game.)

...ved.

 

[Swifty]

Your right, it's far too commercial now, it's pushed upon us by the retailers. It all seems to start early November, decorations appear in the stores, were bombarded by advertisements on television, and articles in the newspapers about having to be politically correct in schools where they ban Christmas carols as it may affect some minority groups.

And another thing, endless reruns of "Griswalds Family Christmas", was funny the first few years, but now the novelty has worn off. Then there are the post Christmas sales, stay away from the stores then, as it's bedlam.

It needs to be bought back to simple family values.

Paul.

 

[barnesrickw]

Christmas season is too long. The commercialism is too high. The expections are too much. My wife and I are essentially skipping Christmas this year: no tree, no lights, no decorations at all. Gifts are optional and only if we feel right about it. The only problem, it makes the drudgery of Winter last longer here in the Northern hemisphere. (And no, she will not be pissed if I don't buy here anything. She knows not to play that game.) ...ved.

I see we share the same tradition.

 

[pkastagehand]

I am essentially on the same page as you guys. My wife and I don't haven't done "big" gifts for each other for a couple years. She still wants "stocking stuffers" so I have to figure out small, inexpensive stuff that might please her so that's still a bit of a pain. But she likes doing that for me so I can't complain too much. I could do without the (real) tree and all the lights and decorations that I have to drag out of the attic, etc.

I could do without every radio station in the country playing stupid, vapid, schmaltzy music starting around Halloween.'

I can do without the big store promos and black friday and cyber monday or whatever they call it.

Except in the case of tool suppliers; they can keep running their specials.

Another Paul (but from cold country)

 

[Philjoe5]

Amen. Go back to the simple message of Christmas and drop the commercialism.

Cheers,
Phil

 

[Path]

Wow ...

I certainly agree with most of the sentiments expressed.
But never the less ..

Guys ... Have a very great and safe Holiday.

Now I need to get back to making chips ... I wonder ... am I going to get that new tool for Christmas? I guess I will just have to wait and see .


Pat H

 

[Swifty]

despite all the above

Dear Santa,

I've been good all year, if you want to bring me a small CNC mill for Christmas, I will be very gratefull.

Paul.

 

[Admin]

I lost my Mom a decade ago and Christmas hasn't been the same since. I go through the motions with my kids, but it's heart breaking as all my happy Xmas memories are time spent with her.

 

[Swifty]

Yes, Christmas can bring a lot of bad memories to some people. I have read that there are a lot of divorced fathers who are depressed at this time of the year, as they don't have contact with their children. It also appears to be the time for a lot of family arguments to erupt.

As stated on other postings, it's all too commercial now. People want bigger and more expensive presents all the time, being pushed by the retailers. If some children don't get at least a new X box or iPad for Christmas, they feel as though they have missed out.

In my family, we focus on birthdays a lot more as this is all about the individual.

(I have not mentioned the religious part of Christmas, due to members different beliefs.)

Paul.

 

[barnesrickw]

Yes, Christmas can bring a lot of bad memories to some people. I have read that there are a lot of divorced fathers who are depressed at this time of the year, as they don't have contact with their children. It also appears to be the time for a lot of family arguments to erupt. As stated on other postings, it's all too commercial now. People want bigger and more expensive presents all the time, being pushed by the retailers. If some children don't get at least a new X box or iPad for Christmas, they feel as though they have missed out. In my family, we focus on birthdays a lot more as this is all about the individual. (I have not mentioned the religious part of Christmas, due to members different beliefs.) Paul.

Thank you Paul., that is considerate of you.

 

[Nerdz]

Try being the poor sap who has to work on ALL holidays, including Christmas and thanksgiving. Ive been there. Even before I worked at that wretched place, I felt the same; Its all for one thing, Money. The uppers always wanted me to squeeze every dime and penny out of the customers and I just refused to do it.

But, it doesnt have to be that way if we dont make it. It might be a lot of work, but hand made gifts speak more in volume than a store bought gift. When I have kids, I'll be sure to bring them up with the notion that theres more to Christmas than "whats hot and cool" this season.

Im literally at the point in life where 1) I could buy myself things i need (or want; like that mill Ive been drooling over) and 2) Other people can do the same. But this raises the question of "What is Christmas REALLY about?" Family? Food? Gift Giving?

 

[Swifty]

Over here in Australia, Christmas is the main school holiday time. Of course it's summer here and most schools have at least 5 weeks break (plus another 3 x 2 week breaks during the year), and so to children it's just one long holiday with Christmas Day falling in there.

Apart from the religious aspects, I believe that it's a time for making the effort to get together with family and friends, in a low key way, to be grateful for the past year, and perhaps in the spirit of the season, doing something in a small way that may benefit those that need it. My mother has recently moved to aged care, but we will be bringing her to our sons house on Christmas Day, but I will make an effort to talk to some of the other residents on that day, as some may have family too far away to come visit.

Paul.

 

[BronxFigs]

I thought that I was the one of the few who couldn't stomach hearing all the same Christmas Carols, the frenetic shopping, overeating, and the cash-flow problems.

I look at it this way: Edit out whatever/whoever pisses you off, and keep what you enjoy. Family and friends will understand, and if they don't....it's their problem.

After all that's said and done....we are alive, and hopefully, healthy.

In the USSA, there are two commercials showing on TV that bring tears to my cynical eyes....one commercial shows abused and starving dogs, cats, and other animals....the other commercial is for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a facility where children suffering from cancer go for treatment. Both, in my opinion, are pathetic and heartbreaking to watch.

So when I hear "The Twelve Days of Christmas", any carol sung by Andy Williams....or even see a hint of the syrupy-sentimental, "It's a Wonderful Life" on TV, instead of reaching for a rope and a chair, I count my blessings instead.

MERRY CHRISTMAS.....and a better, happier, New Year to all.


Frank

 

[ozzie46]

In my family, we focus on birthdays a lot more as this is all about the individual.

(I have not mentioned the religious part of Christmas, due to members different beliefs.)

Paul.

And that is whats wrong with our society today. All about the individual and not about our fellow man.

When you take the true reason for Christmas out of the holiday, this is what happens. You have nothing to comfort you in your time of trouble. Trying to make it a secular event will always result in heartache and hurt and envy.
Reognize the true reason for the season and the hope it provides can work wonders in your life.

I fully expect to be castigated for this post but so be it! It had to be said. We are told we will be persecuted for our faith and to bear it gladly.
Ron

 

[Swifty]

Ozzie46, I respect your opinion, but as noted I was leaving the religious side out of this. Never discuss religion or politics on an open forum. I was merely commenting on how commercialised Christmas has become, and very stressful for a lot of people.

Paul.