Murphy101 Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Christmas Shoes Mary, Did You Know? Dirty Santa exchanges tacky Christmas sweater contests cheapest ornament usually regifted exchanges Requirement to hand make something to exchange The phrase "it's only $5/$10" Heard in just about every email/text/convo about yet another must do Christmas event. Bell ringers (yep. I said it.) The Sound of Music Okay. What do you want to add? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 This could be another fun thread! I don't like the things that you don't like, and will add... Long lines in the stores. Knowing that flu season and Christmas shopping season often overlap. When I have to give a gift to someone I don't know. When I have to buy a gift for someone's child and when I ask the mom for suggestions, am told that, "he'll like anything you get him." No. No, he won't. Give me a hint!!! Holiday traffic near the malls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustEm Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 I hate Christmas cookies. The traditional I suppose sugar cookies but somehow always seem so dry in Santa or reindeer form Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Fruitcake Wrapping presents Taking the decorations down Miracle on 34th Street Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb_ Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 When people come bearing gifts and forget to take off their shoes. Kidding! I kid! When you put up the 3yo prelit tree you've had stored upright with a cover all year in the garage and the entire top half of the tree is blown out. Candy canes sucked down into dangerous weapons. I'm sure there's more, but I just finished reading the other thread and I'm exhausted ETA: YES! Thank you Heather. Taking down decorations. I'm not even so sure I like putting them up anymore. The time between up and down seems shorter every year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incognito Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Trying to cram more toys into our house when the kids have too much already. We teach them to take good care of what they have, but then that means that things don't break and there isn't a good reason to get rid of the treasured items. I don't like the Christmas Address list I write in my head every year but don't do in reality so I have to scrap together addresses every single year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Trying to figure out what to give as gifts. If I was a millionaire, Christmas shopping would be so much more fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted December 7, 2013 Author Share Posted December 7, 2013 Trying to figure out what to give as gifts. If I was a millionaire, Christmas shopping would be so much more fun! Adding to my list: Mandatory gift giving in general I actually really enjoy seeing something, thinking soandso might like it, and being able to get it for them if we can afford it. But for me, that doesn't happen seasonally. I can't schedule it. Dh and I do not exchange gifts for this reason and I doubt we would even if we bc very wealthy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Sending Christmas cards people asking me what I want for Christmas the pressure of buying presents for everyone Santa nonsense people losing their minds in the excitement busy schedules Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb_ Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 When I have to buy a gift for someone's child and when I ask the mom for suggestions, am told that, "he'll like anything you get him." No. No, he won't. Give me a hint!!! Holiday traffic near the malls. Ack! I think I've pulled this a time or two :P Translated it means, "I don't have any earthly idea. I don't even know know what I'M going to give him." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 It feels too soon to think about Christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom in High Heels Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 24 hour Christmas music on half the radio stations. There are only so many songs and I don't need to hear 37 different versions of The Christmas Song or White Christmas. BTW, Bing Crosby is the only one allowed to sing White Christmas. Period. Eggnog. Blech! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb_ Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 It feels too soon to think about Christmas. Yeah, the time between Christmases is shorter every year too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momto10blessings Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 That Elf (you know, on the shelf) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom in High Heels Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 That Elf (you know, on the shelf) How has it taken 15 posts for this to come up? I can't believe none of us posted it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted December 7, 2013 Author Share Posted December 7, 2013 Tinsel. Tacky as all get out but the kids love it. Ugh. Nothing says ghost of Christmas past like this reminding me of the year the cat got tinsel lodged in her intestines. That free barn cat has cost us over $1200 in intestinal surgeries over the 5 years we've had her. Should have bought a miniature goat instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted December 7, 2013 Author Share Posted December 7, 2013 How has it taken 15 posts for this to come up? I can't believe none of us posted it! Cause that doesn't belong in the Christmas file. It belongs in the creepy as all get out stalker clown phobias file. To be cross referenced with "things this generation will discuss with their adult therapist" file. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom in High Heels Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Oh, I thought of something else! All my TV shows go on hiatus until after the holidays to make way for all this cheesy "star studded" holiday specials. I'd much rather watch Castle and the Blacklist than a parade of semi has beens belting out Christmas songs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaKinVA Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Not being able to watch my dad sing in the Warrenton Chorale this year... Being stuck in a hotel, unable to make our favorite treats & foods when we gather with new friends and having to bring some nasty frozen thing...or Oreos. Not knowing if we'll be in our house for Christmas...or New Year's Missing friends and family back home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 People telling me I am not supposed to buy them gifts Another Christmas with my DBIL deployed (but thanks, Mrs. Mungo for the help with the gift) Hearing about "The War on Christmas/Christians" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Trying to get regular shopping and errands done amidst the masses of Christmas shoppers. Just get out of my way, people! :glare: Please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Traffic near the mall when I just want to go to Costco Taking down decorations Trying to find a gift for fil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Another Lynn Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Traffic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 [quote name="Catwoman" post="5346460" timestamp=" When I have to buy a gift for someone's child and when I ask the mom for suggestions, am told that, "he'll like anything you get him." No. No, he won't. Give me a hint!!! . When someone asks, but then gives your child something totally wrong for the kid. DD has a friend who, for the last two birthdays, has ended up giving her something that is just plain not a good fit-because her father steps in and decides what HE thinks is appropriate for a little girl. So, you end up with my struggles with fine motor coordination child getting craft kits with a 12+ age label or a Barbie doll when she hates dolls (except for Kaya). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 most wreaths the TBD on DD's basketball practice calendar on Dec. 30 and 31 (seriously?! the coach better not penalize DD for missing it) Christmas Shoes Santa Baby parents who go crazy with the santa/Elf on the Shelf thing and freak out when the kid starts asking questions and refuse to confess, even if the kid is 12 peanut brittle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatHomeschoolDad Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Still trying to figure out what a Dirty Santa exchange is....not sure I want to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSOchristie Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Decorating in general. I feel like I can barely keep my house clean without a bunch of extra crap sitting around. But my kids really love it, so decorate we do. Holiday traffic in the way of my grocery shopping/library trips. My MIL coming with a literal roomful of gifts for my children. She texted my dh a pic of her guest bedroom filled with wrapped presents. I have been selling toys like crazy to clean out for visit. My general over commitment problem. I wish I could just say no to your event, but I am compelled by something inside to say yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodiesmom Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Having to attend a Christmas parade in 20 degree temps and falling snow for two...long...hours because dd10 is in her first parade ever and the city refuses to cancel or reschedule. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbecueMom Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Battery-powered stuffed animals that play Christmas music The copyright issues that keep Muppet Family Christmas from airing on TV or being sold on DVD ever again The edited-for-TV version of Christmas Vacation Obsession with Christmas traditions People who owe you money saying they don't have the funds because they had to "buy Christmas stuff" All of those White Elephant or "bring 5 $1 item" gift exchange games People using the "but it's a Christmas song" excuse to play country music in my house Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momacacia Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 It's a Wonderful Life...even though I do like you Jimmy Stewart, I can be depressed around Christmas on my own time. It would be better in Technicolor, too, just sayin'. All the Christmas decor carp we have to take out and put away again. Just more work. The gifts I have to think of and buy for people who are not my kids. "You have either your own parents or a credit card of your own. Got get your own stuff." There I said it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supertechmom Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 The Sound of music...... Can't stand the original and watched a whopping 5 mins of the new live version and caught on real quick that it was neither improved or any better than the last. Extended family and their increasing demands. You haven't see us all year, haven't spoken to us since last year's phone call, why do you call asking if we are attending the family gathering in a couple of hours? (We live a couple of hours away) All the work related parties/events/gifts...... Seriously? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurelia Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Mandatory gift giving Black Friday The relentless "You Can't Have REAL Christmas Without _____!!!" push from everywhere, especially retail stores More turkey. We're still eating Thanksgiving leftovers. Being expected to eat every nasty storebought cookie/cake that people bring in for work. (I'm spoiled, both my mother and godmother are/were expert bakers. Storebought stuff tastes like cardboard to me.) Traffic/traveling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onceuponatime Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 "Last Christmas I gave you my heart"- all right all ready, get over it! Scented candles Having to leave my cozy fire to go to a party that is not particularly thrilling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted December 7, 2013 Author Share Posted December 7, 2013 Still trying to figure out what a Dirty Santa exchange is....not sure I want to know. The first time I heard that phrase I thought it was in preference to the office guy who dresses as Santa and has grown women sitting on his lap. (Ick!) It's a "game" when you purposely bring a lame gift to exchange, then someone else in the exchange can take it from you if they like it better than what they got. It's a reference to playing a dirty trick. So very in the spirit of Christmas, yes? :/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSOchristie Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 A new that just cropped up today, people that come to a Christmas parade unprepared and then stand in front of my kids (and about 20 other kids) so they couldn't see the floats until the passed right in front of us. If you don't have a chair, let smaller people stand in front. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeachyDoodle Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Christmas songs that are only Christmas songs by virtue of the fact that they happen to have the word "Christmas" in them. Like that awful 80's song about the guy meeting his old lover in the grocery store on Christmas Eve and sitting in his car drinking beer with her. Nothing about that song says Christmas! Also Christmas songs that are so badly written they have to resort to exploiting a sad situation just to evoke an emotional response. Like "Christmas Shoes." :ack2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 I just hate everything about the whole gosh darned holiday; except the birth of Christ thing, that's pretty nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmama Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Ugh. Nothing says ghost of Christmas past like this reminding me of the year the cat got tinsel lodged in her intestines. That free barn cat has cost us over $1200 in intestinal surgeries over the 5 years we've had her. Should have bought a miniature goat instead. Ha! I used to be a vet-tech, and one of the most memorable surgeries I assisted in was a weiner-dog with a gut stuffed full of tinsel. Gross and fascinating at the same time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted December 7, 2013 Author Share Posted December 7, 2013 I just hate everything about the whole gosh darned holiday; except the birth of Christ thing, that's pretty nice. *snort*. That is me! I have said my whole life, I'd be perfectly happy to skip the holiday entirely and go straight to Easter. Now Easter I LOVE. If I had my druthers, I'd go freaking wackado at Easter. I'd decorate, need Easter baskets big enough that a grown an could fall into it and stand up, make yummiest goodies, get dressed up, listen to Easter music starting the day after valentines day (why isn't there Easter music?!) - you name it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSOchristie Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Christmas songs that are only Christmas songs by virtue of the fact that they happen to have the word "Christmas" in them. Like that awful 80's song about the guy meeting his old lover in the grocery store on Christmas Eve and sitting in his car drinking beer with her. Nothing about that song says Christmas! Also Christmas songs that are so badly written they have to resort to exploiting a sad situation just to evoke an emotional response. Like "Christmas Shoes." :ack2: I hate that sad, depressing 80's song! Last year after the hundredth hearing of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (which in my mind is not really a Christmas song either), my then six year old looked at me and said, "I don't understand, why doesn't she just run away?" :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Oh, I thought of something else! All my TV shows go on hiatus until after the holidays to make way for all this cheesy "star studded" holiday specials. I'd much rather watch Castle and the Blacklist than a parade of semi has beens belting out Christmas songs. I agree!! I hate how all my shows won't be new again until January. I don't want to wait and I can't stand most Christmas specials and movies. Blech. 24 hour Christmas music on half the radio stations. There are only so many songs and I don't need to hear 37 different versions of The Christmas Song or White Christmas. BTW, Bing Crosby is the only one allowed to sing White Christmas. Period. We have one station that has been non-stop Christmas music since Halloween. Way too long and annoying since it used to be one of the few stations that actually played music during rush hour instead of non-stop traffic, weather and commercials. Hearing about "The War on Christmas/Christians" Yep. My facebook is blowing up with the "It's Merry CHRISTmas, not Happy Holidays" stuff, which was really great when it was the middle of Hanukkah. Christmas songs that are only Christmas songs by virtue of the fact that they happen to have the word "Christmas" in them. Like that awful 80's song about the guy meeting his old lover in the grocery store on Christmas Eve and sitting in his car drinking beer with her. Nothing about that song says Christmas! Also Christmas songs that are so badly written they have to resort to exploiting a sad situation just to evoke an emotional response. Like "Christmas Shoes." :ack2: I heard that song on the radio (Same Auld Lang Syn by Dan Folgelberg BTW) and said the same thing to dh - why is this considered a holiday song? I figured it was the Auld Lang Syn part of it. You know - New Years. I actually like the song but don't think it should be played so much at Christmas. I HATE the Christmas Shoes song. Too emotional and sappy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Receiving "cash" and "gift cards" in response to a request for "please give me some ideas for what your child would like." Can you not come up with ONE other option? Having to face the first anniversary of my dad passing. I miss him so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 Facebook/email forwards bashing the subsitution of "Happy Holidays" for "Merry Christmas." Frankly I'm thrilled that American corporations whose only goal is to dig as deeply into our pockets as possible aren't promoting celebrating the birth of the Christ Child at the checkout. That same holiday dinner, only substituting ham for turkey. Oreo Balls. My kids want them every year. Yuck, I say! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbi in Texas Posted December 7, 2013 Share Posted December 7, 2013 My main gripe with all things Christmas is..... Didn't we just do this??? It happens way too often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted December 8, 2013 Share Posted December 8, 2013 Traffic. Feeling envious of large families and big Christmas celebrations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carriede Posted December 8, 2013 Share Posted December 8, 2013 Having DH bust the budget because he doesn't think the kids have "enough gifts"... only to complain later that we can't fit everything after we receive gifts from our LARGE extended family. EVERY YEAR! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRG Posted December 8, 2013 Share Posted December 8, 2013 The hurry of everythingThe pretentious Christmas lettersThe clamoring of everybody/organization asking for money Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted December 8, 2013 Share Posted December 8, 2013 I hate that sad, depressing 80's song! Last year after the hundredth hearing of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (which in my mind is not really a Christmas song either), my then six year old looked at me and said, "I don't understand, why doesn't she just run away?" :lol: My kids call that The Date Rape Song. I cannot stand it...we all scream and leap for the radio dial if it comes on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenNC Posted December 8, 2013 Share Posted December 8, 2013 My daughter has totally missed the Elf on a Shelf thing---her response to it this evening when I told her about it was, "Don't blink!" :D I'm with lots of you: Christmas Shoes and other songs of that ilk mandatory gifting (though we've cut way back on the list in the last several years) Dirty Santa, especially with my family. We finally bowed out of that a few years ago and now wash dishes instead while it goes on. running the gauntlet of Salvation Army folks at every store (to be fair, I don't care for the Boy Scout popcorn gauntlet or the Girl Scout cookie gauntlet either and my daughter is a Girl Scout) pressure to do Operation Convert Poor Children with Toys (better known as Operation Christmas Child). IMO true charity should not have strings like that attached. "War on Christmas" --really, Fox News, how big a war can it be when you have to resort to calling things like only being allowed to put up displays on public property for 2 weeks instead of an entire month or asking a Salvation Army person to use a somewhat smaller bell persecution? Totally full schedule, then getting sick and missing the couple of things you *really* wanted to attend The amount of time we spend in the car in order to see both sides of the family on each holiday. We are fortunate that we live close enough to do so, but the several hours in the car over the course of the day gets old. ETA: I find it hilarious that one of the 25 or so incidents from *across the nation* (wow, 25....) which Fox cites as evidence of the " war on Christmas" is the NYPD asking bars not to serve alcohol to attendees of the "SantaCon" pub crawl this year due to the huge number of attendees in previous years being drunk and disorderly, urinating and vomiting in the street, vandalizing property, etc. Yes, not allowing people to act like something out of "Animal House" on neighborhood streets just because they are wearing Santa hats is one of the examples of an "attack on the right to celebrate Christmas" and one of the "challenges to religious freedom." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftymama Posted December 8, 2013 Share Posted December 8, 2013 Being attacked by salespeople while walking through the mall Not being able to take my own pictures when we go see Santa. Seriously, I want a picture of them talking to Santa, not staring at a camera. Traffic People who want me to fawn over their attempts to go through the motions of Christmas Realizing that I have forgotten one important thing and have to go shopping again. Office holiday parties People who see me walk to my car with three kiddos and get frustrated it takes me so long to get out of my parking space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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