Among Friends

[Cakers3]

Fast fact alert. Christmas will always be what you want it to be.
Whether religious or secular or a mixture of both.

I can think of more important things to be tired about. If one really thinks about it how does early shopping, shows, displays really affect one's life?

Lives change, priorities change, but how one allows to be bothered is a waste.
Christmas will always be a variety of things, and will not change.

🎄🎅🤶🕯️⛪

[UpNorthGorgy]

@Shelbelle  My first boyfriend in college used to skip classes to watch the World Series. Back in the day we had a TV room in the dorm and I'd find him there. Good memories. 

[Desertdi]

@Tinkrbl44 

I don't think anyone knows WHY it's called "Black Friday"...   di

[NEvans2]

As most of you know from my posts over the years, I worked retail my entire career. That's 42 Black Friday's, 42 Christmas Eve's, 42 days after Christmas.

  I can tell you from experience that starting holiday hoopla before Halloween doesn't go over well with customers or employees. I certainly know from working in that business that the Holiday business can make or break a company. However, enough already!

  When I started working retail in 1976, the Christmas shopping season didn't start until Black Friday.Stores were decorated, Christmas music playing, and everyone raring to start shopping! And everyone managed to get their shopping done. And stores weren't even open on Sunday!

  Now, by the time Christmas gets here, everyone is tired of it. So maybe sometimes the older ways are better.🎄

[cjm61]

Hi @haddon9 , of course I will share my crafts. I will try to make it short and sweet.

A very long time ago my first born daughter was a stillborn. In honor of her and all our "angels" in heaven I make a handmade angel ornament for each member of my entire family. Usually they hold a bell after the book Polar Express. After 30 years it's becoming more challenging to come up with new ideas.

This year it's wood peg dolls painted to represent each person, same hair and eye color, length of hair, etc. 

I also have games so I am working on exactly what games this year. Sometimes it takes some creativity, sometimes I come across things like Christmas Bingo. 

I also have someone come Christmas Eve and be Santa and I have a gift for each member of the family. There's around 30-40 people depending on the year. 

Anyway, there's more but those are things I plan to get done before Thanksgiving then I work on buying the presents, decorating and wrapping.

[Tinkrbl44]

No one else has mentioned this, so I will .....

A hundred years ago, when I first joined these discussion boards, I mentioned on a thread similar to this subject about the Christmas in July and another poster made a very good point:

Many Seniors have fixed incomes and have to budget carefully.  Those Seniors often have a few adult kids ...  and some grandchildren.   

Making purchases during CIJ and making 5 or 6 easy pays allows them to choose good gifts and pay over time, which is a real gift to them, financially.

I wouldn't doubt that several people reading this do that.  

[LadyAlice]

@cjm61 - What a beautiful tribute to your angel daughter!  You have such an inspiring and giving spirit.  Thank you for telling us about your crafts and lovely Christmas plans.  Your family is very blessed to have you.  LadyAlice

[monicakm]

I haven't seen any TV Christmas commercials and I haven't seen any Christmas decorations and displays yet.

[haddon9]

@cjm61 Thank you or sharing!  I agree with the other poster that your angel ornaments sound like a beautiful tribute to your angel daughter!

I like the little peg doll ornaments too.  You have a quite large family which sounds like your craft projects keep you busy! Have a wonderful holiday!

[CalminHeart]

Christmas is my least favorite holiday. Long story. I avoid Q June-December. I was tired of holiday commercials when they began in October. I just avoid Christmas stuff as much as possible.