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Honored Contributor
Posts: 32,485
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Does anyone else not like Christmas?

I like Christmas.  I like the food that is around now; the music; the festive atmosphere; kids excited about getting things they want; pretty lights around the neighborhood; the tree we put up; Salvation Army bells; poinsettias; Charlie Brown and the Grinch; those cans of popcorn with three flavors; plaid throws; hot cocoa; cookies shaped like stars; and ham.

 

My family is gone now, just hubby and I mostly, but I don't have huge expectations for the holiday.  I think that's why I still love it.  There is a lot to love this time of the year.  There are better times to be sad and melancholy. 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,522
Registered: ‎11-20-2013

Re: Does anyone else not like Christmas?

[ Edited ]

I really hate the way it has morphed into such an incredibly artificial (yes even down to the trees) and commercially molded holiday of emptiness filled with frenzy. It feels like we are being herded by wall street, into the store corrals , both B&M and online,  to feed from the grain sent from China.  It has changed for the worse over the past 15-20 years. People everywhere feel obligated to produce gifts on their ever dwindling income relative to the costs of living. Black Friday became a comic display of the mindless obligatory shoppers that wall street has turned us into. Even though that seems to have taken a turn toward a less visible online activity it is no less profitable to the businesses. It demonstrates how commited we are to the "Wall Street" model of discretionary spending whether it truly makes sense or not.

 

I'm really not a scrooge and dont begrudge anyone their parties and gifting. But the magic of its message that long burned in innocent hearts has been puffed out.

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,879
Registered: ‎06-20-2010

Re: Does anyone else not like Christmas?

I completely understand those who feel a lot of pressure to make people happy and suffer from the crush of commercialization.

 

3 years ago I decided to take Christmas back from all of the noise.  I shortened my gift buying list and increased my Christmas card group.  I pay not one lick of attention to gift price, instead focusing on what truly reminds me of the person.  No more overspending.

 

My husband and I typically host my family on Christmas day and we really enjoy that.  It is one of the few times during the year that we have most of the folks come in from out of town.  Getting caught up, telling tall tales, and teasing each other to pieces.  That along with good food is the best part.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,574
Registered: ‎06-19-2010

Re: Does anyone else not like Christmas?

It's just my husband and me and his 90 year old aunt that lives in our neighborhood. We keep it simple with some decorations and no tree because of the kitties. Christmas starts to early and by the time it gets here I'm sick of it. Listening to the hosts of QVC and their Hallmark Christmas gets old. Do they really have that kind of Christmas or is it all an act? I like the older tv shows like Grinch, Charlie Brown and the original Scrooge plus some of the new ones can be good too. I think as you get older it just is lacking. I love the weather this time of the year because after months of 100 degrees it's a nice break. I think there are to many demands on our time. After you work a full time job, commute, shop, cook, visit , attend the dreaded office party that no one really want to attend, potlucks, added 10 pounds, cleanup, etc the joy just goes out of the season.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 32,485
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Does anyone else not like Christmas?

I don't quite understand how people let what others to and how they celebrate get them down so much.  Do whatever it is that makes you happy at this time of the year and don't pay attention to what others are doing.  Don't like Black Friday?  Don't shop!  Don't like commercialism, don't buy a lot--tell everyone  you are backing off buying.  I don't think anyone is forcing their celebrations on you. Celebrate your way and enjoy.  That's what we should all do.  And start by not watching the news. . . 

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,162
Registered: ‎08-01-2015

Re: Does anyone else not like Christmas?

Sometimes it can be very lonely not having any family. I have made it better by not buying presents at all, no using of credit cards.... Christmas is not about any of us. The USA has tried to make it about buying, wanting and greed ...the total over-do but the key is ignoring that pressure of commercialism. Children being programmed and enabled to think is all about getting expensive electronics luxury items and is all about them is a little sad and off putting at times. I do not buy gifts at all now and yes it would be so nice to have a friend to share some time with but being disabled and very ill....I cannot get out as much. The holidays were much more enjoyable years ago but is what I make it this year which may be my last. Cheers! Come to my house for a toast. I do tell good jokes LOL

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,776
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: Does anyone else not like Christmas?

Christmas is just fine..........it's the "gifting business" that has gotten out of hand.

♥Surface of the Sun♥
Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,371
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Does anyone else not like Christmas?


@CalminHeart wrote:

I admit it.  I'm Scrooge.  I don't like the hubbub around Christmas, gifts, decorations, parties, work functions, most of the music, etc.  The only exception is Christmas Eve when my entire family is together.  Otherwise, I'd be much happier skipping December altogether.


 

 

Hi.  I have wanted to post something like this for years but thought I'd be "run out of town" so it's nice to know others have some of the same feelings.   I don't begrudge anyone their fun and enjoyment of the holidays either. 

 

I come from a very large family and there are over 40 with just siblings and their families and our parents.  We really do have fun on Christmas Eve but it's not gift related....we just have fun together.  In fact, we get together once a month to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, etc, and it's great.  

Contributor
Posts: 35
Registered: ‎09-19-2010

Re: Does anyone else not like Christmas?

I do not like Xmas.  So over the top in our culture.  I get tired of it all by the end of November - the nonstop music wherever you go, the tacky plastic decorations on the lawn, the SHOP SHOP SHOP pressures.  So materialistic.  I do like the lights driving around at night, they are pretty.  But I get tired of the whole thing overall really fast.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 25,929
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Does anyone else not like Christmas?


@skuggles wrote:

I really hate the way it has morphed into such an incredibly artificial (yes even down to the trees) and commercially molded holiday of emptiness filled with frenzy. It feels like we are being herded by wall street, into the store corrals , both B&M and online,  to feed from the grain sent from China.  It has changed for the worse over the past 15-20 years. People everywhere feel obligated to produce gifts on their ever dwindling income relative to the costs of living. Black Friday became a comic display of the mindless obligatory shoppers that wall street has turned us into. Even though that seems to have taken a turn toward a less visible online activity it is no less profitable to the businesses. It demonstrates how commited we are to the "Wall Street" model of discretionary spending whether it truly makes sense or not.

 

I'm really not a scrooge and dont begrudge anyone their parties and gifting. But the magic of its message that long burned in innocent hearts has been puffed out.

 


I posted another thread about the excessiveness of the gifts now a days etc and Boy oh boy did they ever pile on me! I should have known better! Oh well, who cares. Your right - the real meaning is totally buried under that huge pile on of presents and food and parties etc.