[Yogi]

As far back as I can remember, I have always dreaded 'Christmas'. Some imaginary Fat Old Fuck in a red suit, flying thru the air on a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer, covering the whole world in one night, bringing 'toys & joys' to everyone...
Gimmee a fuckin break! The reality,of course being that ^^^ couldn't be further from the truth. That 'Fat Old Fuck' was held over my head like a double-bladed axe everytime I looked at an 'adult' even slightly sideways, or even indicated to someone that they should 'take a flying leap' for some real, or imagined slight, that by the time I was 7 years old I just wanted to take one of my Dad's rifles and shoot that Fat Old Fuck and each and everyone of is 'eight tiny reindeer'. Of course, saving Rudolph for the last!

And then let's not forget about the STRESS that the 'adults' created for themselves in preparatiopn for the upcoming 'festive season', and without consultation or consent visited it upon everyone they came into contact with, particularly the children that they were/are supposedly 'going to great lenghts for!!! I lost track, years ago, how many times I heard "MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU, AND YOURS"...followed by a slightly louder than a whispered "Asshole"!


Fast forward to when I had 'my own family'. Truth be told, I taught what I learned. My kids and wife got everything they desired, and then some! Somehow, I never 'charged' or went into debt over it. Yet, inside, I was just totally miserable, most times I was able to contain my true feelings, but not always.

Now, my kids have families of their own,they learned what I taught, and are just as caught up in the bullshit as the rest of the world seems to be,doing Christmas as 'the masses' do. Invitations to me are always extended, but I decline by inviting them to my home to really celebrate what Christmas is supposed to mean.
'Christmas' for me, now consists of doing some quiet, anonymous deeds, just visiting with some of 'the old folks' around here. No gifts, either given or accepted, just quiet relaxing times doing 'my own thing'. This year I am working on digging out, and building a full basement in my old house/home.
I have, and will continue, to extend invitations to family and friends to '"come spend Christmas with me ,my way' just visiting, playing games, watching movies, relaxing, no expectations or disappointments, good food, perhaps some wine....

I expect that once again, I shall spend Christmas at home alone, truly enjoying my own company!

[andyt]

That's sad Yogi. I loved Christmas as kid. I figured out at 4 there was no Santa, but so what - the gifts kept a comin anyway and so did the festivities.

I'm not much for Christmas anymore, but for those with kids, I hope you make it the best Christmas you can. Don't make it all about the bling, but about family and festivity.

[MacLean]

You put it perfectly Yogi. Over the course of the last few years I have made Christmas smaller and smaller to the point now where the only gifts purchased are a few things for the kids. I don't exchange with my siblings and as I get the kids things they need or want throughout the year I see no need to fall into the bullshit of Christmas anymore.

At first after moving from my parents house I went along with Christmas how it was growing up and fast realized it was bullshit. And have changed it to suit what I think this time of year should be about. Spending time with the people I actually like and teaching my kids not to fall into the bullshit that we are often programmed to buy into.

The only thing that still continues to piss on my Christmas mood even this year is the kids Grandmother on their father's side. She is the best example of everything that is wrong with Christmas. For her it is all about how much is spent and did you give her something that she considered big and expensive enough. When in truth what I'd like to give her is my work boot right in the fucking throat. MERRRRY MERRRRY!! LOL.

Merry Christmas to you Yogi and Happy Holidays.

[Brenda]

We never celebrated Christmas with gifts in The Netherlands. That's what Sinterklaas (on December 5th) was for. We went to my parents place for dinner every Christmas day, and it is my ex's b-day on 2nd Christmas Day (or boxing day here), and my nephews birthday on the 27th. My parents came over on boxing day, as did my parents in law for their son's birthday.
Ever since we moved here, we stopped celebrating Sinterklaas and are doing the gift thing on Christmas Morning, with one gift on Christmas Eve.

[Strutz]

I'm doing the solo thing again this year too Yogi.

I went out for a nice lunch yesterday with my best friend and helped her with her last bit of shopping. The only "exchange" we did (as she knows how I feel about the whole Christmas thing) was that she insisted on giving me a little tin full of her baking (COOKIES! ) because I assisted her in acquiring a special gift for her hubby.

I ended up with 5 days off (I go back to work on Monday though), which has been great, because I've had some nice relaxing time for myself and the time to get a few projects done around the house. Today I'll be doing some grouting on my bathroom tiles and tomorrow I tackle the storage room.

Have some special "spirits" to enjoy too and some good munchies!

[Mr_Canada]

I'm hoping you have a good time this holiday season doing the things you enjoy Yogi. Christmas has it's problems. Once I live on my own, I will not celebrate it nor will I encourage my own family to... We'll be like Jehovah Witnesses towards holidays.

Best of luck to you in the new year Yogi!

[herbie]

Woke up Christmas morning to no presents under the tree and turd in the fireplace?

[Hyack]

herbie wrote:

Woke up Christmas morning to no presents under the tree and turd in the fireplace?

And a very Merry Christmas to ya........

[PostFactum]

I have a little bit another one vision of Christmas, but... I agree with you, people became more pragmatic. They don't see any fest in it, only weighty things to do. Buy presents, send SMS to everyone they know, decorate house. They are not doing it because they like it, only because "it have to be done because all are doing the same". No satisfaction at all. Very sad, you know.

[Yogi]

Thanks for the good wishes Folks. And in the truest sense of the spirit, Merry Christmas and a very Happy and healthy New Year to you all.

[PostFactum]

Brenda wrote:

We never celebrated Christmas with gifts in The Netherlands.

The same here, Christmas is only day when all family is together, and table can't stand because of meat, cakes, pirogi and different dishes

[herbie]

Not a good choice of words, "bastardization" when applied to Christmas. Think about it, His mommy wasn't married! Then we the righteous and holy attach a stigma to it for 2,000 years.