Humbug poll

[Lawana]

My first poll!

 

Define youngish however you like.

[Farrar]

Maybe just this year.

 

I'm hoping I get in the spirit more later.

[Lawana]

Due to childhood trauma I have never been able to move past, I admit to being a humbug.

[Guest]

This year I wish it wasn't around as a holiday. I want a good sermon on he subject and to move on.

 

I can't even dig Christmas music this year. That's unusual for me. And presents are annoying.

[marbel]

I am a bit of a humbug only because I can't seem to do anything on time, so I end up rushed.  I still have to choose, buy, and send gifts to two families (great-niece/nephews), send cards, and try to fit in some fun stuff with my (older teen) kids.  I should have had most of this done weeks if not months ago.  (Or in the case of fun stuff, planned, at least.)

 

We did manage this year to do our first ever photo card!  That was thanks to my daughter for forcing the issue. 

 

I don't know, it seems like other families have more fun than we do this time of year.  It's not that hard, but for some reason it's hard for me! 

 

 

[BarbecueMom]

Take it or leave it. I don't go out of my way to be Scrooge, but I'm not a fan of gifts, traditions, decorations, or the colors red and green.

[Reefgazer]

I checked "Other".  I strongly prefer that Christmas not exist, but it is because I do not like how it is currently practiced in the USA.  It is commercial, noisy, greedy, overwhelming to my senses, and exhausting.  I would prefer something quieter, family-oriented, and charity-emphasizing.  But I'm not going to get that in this country and my kids would hat me for it.  But once they're grown, I'll revert closer to the Christmas I used to enjoy and the Christmas I really want. 

[waa510]

I could most certainly leave it if it were just me, but Dh grew up in a very Christmas-heavy family so it'd be unthinkable to him. The fact that we don't have decorations outside and only a couple inside is a bit of a downer for him. He never says anything but I can tell. :( My kids are also not what I'd consider youngish but they'd be devastated if we didn't do Christmas anymore (and the little one still believes in Santa soo...). 

 

The ugly Christmas sweaters, billions of lights outside, incessant annoying music, movies no one likes but insists on watching b/c of tradition, the endless amounts of $$ I could be investing but instead am using to purchase gifts for family I don't even like or speak to more than 1 or 2x a year....yea, I could be completely rid of all that with no issue!! I'm a total Humbug. I do try to put on a happy face for the kids and I do like to watch their excitement sometimes but it's overall such a drain to me. 

[dirty ethel rackham]

I used to love Christmas, but, for the past several years, it has been harder and harder to get in the spirit.  My family celebrations sort of fell apart when my mom died 6 years ago, a few weeks before Christmas.  I am usually depressed in December anyway (SAD.)  Add onto it the stress of having a mentally ill adult child, let alone one who has a passionate hatred of Christianity (blaming it for all the wrongs in the world due to some blowhards spouting non LGBT friendly ideas.)  I suck at buying presents.  I am mad at God. I can barely stand going to church, hearing all these messages of hope and joy that I just want to scream.  I just wish it would be over. 

[JessReplanted]

I didn't vote. I still have young children. I absolutely love Christmas, but I don't love the stress I feel over it.

I would never want to skip it.

[Garga]

Love it. Always have. But I don't go overboard to the point where I'm stressed. That's probably why I love it. I set boundaries for myself and only do the parts that I love. I have very few obligations to anyone at Christmas so it makes it easy to like it.

 

I understand those who don't. I'm so glad I'm not married to you! But I can see why people wouldn't like it.

[Jaybee]

I voted other. I enjoy Christmas, but I like a rather simple one. I don't like tons of parties, over-the-top decorations and spending, etc. I don't like the greater struggle of fighting my food temptations for weeks when there are sweets everywhere. I like buying gifts for my children and husband, music and musical programs, pondering the true meaning and origin of Christmas, and cozy family times.

[Lawana]

:grouphug:

 

My own parents are kind of humbug about it these days. If it weren't for my family coming over I don't know if they would do anything. Last year I couldn't come because dd had just been born. They didn't put up a tree and I don't think they exchanged gifts. I'm guessing they went to church, but I don't really remember what they did as far as food. They might have joined some friends.

 

I do enjoy the holiday, but it's a lot of work and has become more work since everyone on my side is getting older. I do some of the shopping for my family on their behalf and then they just give me money. Dh's side of the family is the opposite to the point where it's kind of overkill. I feel like I need to spend more because of the kinds of gifts they get us. So every year we're like, "did we get enough? Did we spend more than we wanted to be on par with everyone?" There's no getting people to agree on a budget.

 

Right now I'm stressed because we have to travel and I've had something going on almost every day since dh started his Christmas break. The house is a mess and I still need to pack. I am currently waiting on crafts to dry. Sigh.

((Hugs)) to you too. Gift stress definitely plays a role in my Christmas strain too.

[regentrude]

Other.

I used to love Christmas, but emigration to another country means celebrating without my extended family and without the customs and traditions with which I grew up, so Christmas makes me sad and homesick.

[Guest]

No. I HAVE skipped Christmas. It was extraordinarily lonely. I mean, my family was present. But there's something to be said for participating in cultural or familial or seasonal  traditions when like 98% of your whole society is celebrating.

[Lawana]

I used to love Christmas, but, for the past several years, it has been harder and harder to get in the spirit. My family celebrations sort of fell apart when my mom died 6 years ago, a few weeks before Christmas. I am usually depressed in December anyway (SAD.) Add onto it the stress of having a mentally ill adult child, let alone one who has a passionate hatred of Christianity (blaming it for all the wrongs in the world due to some blowhards spouting non LGBT friendly ideas.) I suck at buying presents. I am mad at God. I can barely stand going to church, hearing all these messages of hope and joy that I just want to scream. I just wish it would be over.

I liked your post to show support, not to like the content. I feel your pain and anguish.

[Lawana]

Other.

I used to love Christmas, but emigration to another country means celebrating without my extended family and without the customs and traditions with which I grew up, so Christmas makes me sad and homesick.

I am sorry for your pain.

[Cinder]

I'm generally ok with Christmas--some years I love it, some years I'm just not into it. My youngest is 11 and is the only one who Loves Loves Loves Christmas. My boys are quite a bit older and mostly enjoy time off from school/work. Dh mostly likes it, I think for the traditions like gift-giving, decorating the tree, special food treats that only come once a year.

 

Speaking of Bah Humbug!--I saw Valentine's stuff out at Joann Fabrics & Crafts just a couple days ago. Seriously. :glare:

[Melissa in Australia]

We don't do Christmas

[El...]

I'm generally ok with Christmas--some years I love it, some years I'm just not into it. My youngest is 11 and is the only one who Loves Loves Loves Christmas. My boys are quite a bit older and mostly enjoy time off from school/work. Dh mostly likes it, I think for the traditions like gift-giving, decorating the tree, special food treats that only come once a year.

 

Speaking of Bah Humbug!--I saw Valentine's stuff out at Joann Fabrics & Crafts just a couple days ago. Seriously. :glare:

That's really not ok.  No.

 

I like a lot of things about Christmas, but I hate the stress of getting it done on time, and this year I'm not doing a great job at that.  Maybe next year will feel more relaxed.  I hope to make it so! 

[rebcoola]

I love a simple Christmas but I hate all the hoopla a day at home with loved ones and a few simple gifts and a good sermon is enough for me.

[marbel]

I'm generally ok with Christmas--some years I love it, some years I'm just not into it. My youngest is 11 and is the only one who Loves Loves Loves Christmas. My boys are quite a bit older and mostly enjoy time off from school/work. Dh mostly likes it, I think for the traditions like gift-giving, decorating the tree, special food treats that only come once a year.

 

Speaking of Bah Humbug!--I saw Valentine's stuff out at Joann Fabrics & Crafts just a couple days ago. Seriously. :glare:

 

Was it stuff for sewing/making crafts?   That would be OK to me because people need to start early to get those things finished.  If just valentines or decor items... I'm with you. 

 

[Garga]

Was it stuff for sewing/making crafts? That would be OK to me because people need to start early to get those things finished. If just valentines or decor items... I'm with you.

 

I agree. Decorations, no. Supplies for crafts, yes. Sometimes a girl needs a couple of months to make that craft!

 

Well, not me because I detest crafts, but you crafty types need time to crochet those heart shaped hot pads.

 

I'm ok with Jo-Ann fabrics putting stuff out early for the next holiday.

[Seeking Squirrels]

I voted for generally okay with it, but it was a close one between that and "take it or leave it". I do enjoy getting gifts for the kids and watching their excitement. There's a lot about it that I do love. But there's also a lot that really starts to get to me like the crazy busy stores and financial stress. I enjoy it a lot more once we are *completely* done with any gifts/wrapping and have groceries settled so there's no reason to go to the store. So generally somewhere around the 22nd to 23rd. :/

[Cinder]

Was it stuff for sewing/making crafts?   That would be OK to me because people need to start early to get those things finished.  If just valentines or decor items... I'm with you. 

 

 

It was the decor stuff mostly, some gifty things like socks with hearts, but no V cards, at least.

[Garga]

It was the decor stuff mostly, some gifty things like socks with hearts, but no V cards, at least.

Then shame, shame on them!!! They're supposed to wait until Dec 27th for that. Dec 26th is for 1/2 off sales. Then Dec 27th is for Valentine's day stuff.

Edited December 17, 2015 by Garga

[Annie G]

I used to love Christmas, but, for the past several years, it has been harder and harder to get in the spirit.  My family celebrations sort of fell apart when my mom died 6 years ago, a few weeks before Christmas.  I am usually depressed in December anyway (SAD.)  Add onto it the stress of having a mentally ill adult child, let alone one who has a passionate hatred of Christianity (blaming it for all the wrongs in the world due to some blowhards spouting non LGBT friendly ideas.)  I suck at buying presents.  I am mad at God. I can barely stand going to church, hearing all these messages of hope and joy that I just want to scream.  I just wish it would be over. 

 

I can relate to almost every word you wrote.  Every year I pare down more and more and I am truly hoping to go away one year and just ignore all of it.  My favorite holiday movie these days is Christmas with the Kranks. I just think when Blair said she was coming home they should have told her the truth. Ugh. I want to be on a beach somewhere and not buy a single gift or mail a single box or card. 

 

I'd be better if my grands weren't 1000+ miles away, my mom was still alive, or my adult children were all thriving at the same time.  But until that happens, I'm with you- I just wish it would be over. 

[Cinder]

Then shame, shame on them!!! They're supposed to wait until Dec 27th for that. Dec 26th is for 1/2 off sales. Then Dec 27th is for Valentine's day stuff.

 

The 1/2 off sales were in full swing already. There won't be anything to shop for come Dec 26. :svengo:

 

:laugh:

[Harriet Vane]

I checked "Other".  I strongly prefer that Christmas not exist, but it is because I do not like how it is currently practiced in the USA.  It is commercial, noisy, greedy, overwhelming to my senses, and exhausting.  I would prefer something quieter, family-oriented, and charity-emphasizing.  But I'm not going to get that in this country and my kids would hat me for it.  But once they're grown, I'll revert closer to the Christmas I used to enjoy and the Christmas I really want. 

:iagree:

[mamiof5]

I checked "Other". I strongly prefer that Christmas not exist, but it is because I do not like how it is currently practiced in the USA. It is commercial, noisy, greedy, overwhelming to my senses, and exhausting. I would prefer something quieter, family-oriented, and charity-emphasizing. But I'm not going to get that in this country and my kids would hat me for it. But once they're grown, I'll revert closer to the Christmas I used to enjoy and the Christmas I really want.

No reason why that wouldn't work if that's what you'd like for your family? There are so many charities where families can help. Christmas doesn't have to be all the noise and chaos that everyone has, you can start family traditions that work for you :)

[Word Nerd]

I don't enjoy the stress of pre-Christmas, and this is the time of year when SAD starts draining all my energy. I still like Christmas.

[Violet Crown]

I love Christmas; twelve days of relaxing, festive time with family and friends.

 

It's Advent that is driving me to the funny farm. Aaaaaaaaaaa....

[mamiof5]

Voted other. I absolutely love Christmas! I just love it, stress and all. Have young kids, older ones too...and will love it regardless of their ages. Granted, it is a busy season, but life is busy...I have come to terms with that. Not letting busyness ruin it for me.

[Guest]

I enjoy Christmas mostly because of my kids and others. I'm not a big gift-giver, but I go to a lot of effort to give great gifts to those I give them to. I like the holiday from work and school; I like cinnamon rolls and cookies. :)

 

I don't like the commercial racket. I am becoming very disenchanted with putting up trees and decorations. Again, the only part of decorating I love is the kids and DH sharing memories and stories about personal ornaments. Our tree looks like hell, but I get a lot of joy out of all the ornaments that were hand-made, some by family members no longer here.

 

I LOVE Christmas music. It can bring tears to my eyes, easily. I also love church on Christmas/Christmas Eve. I adore seeing little girls in their fancy dresses and little boys in sweaters and slacks. So precious!

[Jenny in Florida]

There are lots of things I love about Christmas and that I would miss enormously if we skipped it for some reason. However, I don't love everything about the way we too often celebrate it. 

 

My kids are older.

 

I voted "other."

[gardenmom5]

I'm about ready to skip a tree this year (we won't go there) - but not Christmas.  never Christmas.

[Tap]

I love Christmas, and have a young child, but my love of Christmas isn't about the little kids. I love buying presents for people and surprising them with fun things.  I do this all year long, but Christmas is a great excuse for me to go a bit crazy. 

[AimeeM]

I love Christmas. I have two young children and one teenager. I love gifting others and I love the overall feel of the holiday season! I love the decorations, the music, and feeling of warmth.

[creekland]

I really enjoy Christmas, though like some others in my category, I pick what I like and skip what I don't.  It takes pretty much all the stress out of it keeping it enjoyable.

 

Things I like:

 

- music

- meals

- being with family (esp kids home from college)

- kids and hubby decorating tree

- watching the "same old" movies and videos

- time off from work

- reading cards with notes or letters in them to catch up with far flung friends and family (don't care for those with just sigs)

- picking out gifts I think the receivers will like (we don't do oodles of gifts, so this is easier)

- emphasis on giving to charity (even the red buckets)

 

Things I skip:

 

- crowded shopping

- buying oodles of gifts

- extensive house cleaning for guests

- extensive cooking for guests

- most decorations - though I like seeing the lights others put up outside

- Happy Holidays vs Christmas fighting

- my charity beats your charity fighting

- family issue fighting

- sad reminiscing (enjoy the good reminiscing)

[Night Elf]

When my kids were younger, I loved everything about it. Now it's stressful and I seem to be the only one who likes it. I almost didn't have a tree this year but finally decided that even if I am the only one to enjoy it, I would put it up. I can't love this holiday anymore because the people around me don't love it. So I said I'm okay with it and I don't have young children.

[DawnM]

I would LOVE it if Christmas were simple and enjoyable and not so blown up.

 

Family, friends, gatherings, small gifts possibly, homemade or simple, etc.....

 

I hate, hate, hate the craziness, the waste, the commercialism, etc.....

 

[UCF612]

I love Christmas and even though we are busy it is FUN busy! I love looking at lights, the glow of the tree, music, shopping, wrapping, anticipating surprise reactions, all of it!

 

 

The only thing I don't like about it is that I get high anxiety over the fear that something bad will happen to us at this time of year. A lot of that is related to the mass quantity of food treats and guests around this time of year and a kid with life threatening allergies. Some is just that I have anxiety anyhow.

[marbel]

I'm not bothered by commercialism because I don't participate in it. We do shop and buy gifts, but we don't go crazy and we don't get frantic.  (We also don't have a lot of people to buy for.)  When my kids were little, I was always amused at people who went to great lengths to buy the "hot" toy of the year.  My kids never had *that* toy.  The only real gift stress I have is figuring out something for my in-laws, because they are hard to buy for.  My husband shares that stress, at least.  (He is also a little stressful because he's hard to buy for, but we always figure something out.)   

 

I get stressed and sad because of things I want to do that I can't get to due to my own poor planning, but that's my own fault.  I don't feel like there's anything I *have* to do to make Christmas wonderful for everyone.  

 

Homemade gifts would stress me out.  That would require even *more* planning!  

[Lolly]

Define "skip". I have skipped the decorating before. We are skipping gifts this year (other than grandparents and kids are getting each other gifts/dh and I are not getting any presents for anyone). We have always had a big Christmas meal and celebrated Christmas. But, yes, we sometimes skip the decorating and gifts.

[Lawana]

Define "skip". I have skipped the decorating before. We are skipping gifts this year (other than grandparents and kids are getting each other gifts/dh and I are not getting any presents for anyone). We have always had a big Christmas meal and celebrated Christmas. But, yes, we sometimes skip the decorating and gifts.

Skip as in Christmas as a holiday with its associated trappings not existing at all.

[SporkUK]

We skip Christmas here. I have no happy memories of it from my childhood, just stress and anxiety and guilt and more, and my partner wasn't fond of it for...less extreme reason so we chose not to bother with it after we got married. We literally sat down [and have revised since] and discussed what holidays we wanted to do and what parts were important and how we would deal with not doing the main ones that didn't feel like us/ours. We have lovely New Years celebrations because the whole renewal mindset is important to me. It doesn't have any Christmasy stuff other than gifts and crackers [i find the most neutral ones I can find and the kids like pulling for the pop and funny hats and it just feels very British and fun]. Our only tradition on the 25th is both my partner and I work to cover others [he works nights and I do it online during the day] and we watch the Hogfather movie because we love Pratchett and it was the best way to explain Christmas to my autistic eldest when he was 6 and got really irritated by all the costumes and lights and such [same child who did not get birthdays until he was 5 and only after hearing people talking about birthday cakes and asking if we had birthday cakes] so now we do it each year for fun and cultural education kinda. We decorate a tree for Earth Day with bird friendly stuff as it was the one thing the kids liked about their friends/club's celebration. 

 

I don't wish Christmas didn't exist even though thinking on it too much upsets me because the memories are still powerful decade+ on, I just wish it wasn't everywhere for months. I'd like to watch TV or videos on youtube or go to the shops without it being everywhere for months. In October, I heard young school age kids - the target market I think - complaining about decoration being in shops - I think it's too much even for those who love it so for those who do not it feels like being drowned out and playing dodge for months now. If I could ban it in public space/media until like a fortnight or so before or just from the start of Advent, I would happy and I think many who enjoy Christmas might enjoy it more if it didn't pull at them everywhere for so long. 

Edited December 17, 2015 by SporkUK

[Cindy in FL.]

I wouldn't skip it, but I really wish it didn't drag on so long!

[J-rap]

I liked your post to show support, not to like the content. I feel your pain and anguish.

Yes, I wanted to show support too.  I'm sorry.  

[Bluegoat]

I really like a lot of things about Christmas.  My kids are young, but I like it anyway.

 

I like the whole movement from Advent to Christmas to Epiphany.  I like Christmas music, both the fun kind and the religious/liturgical kind.  I like the midnight Christmas service.  I like all the family events and dinner. I like cards and special Christmas foods.  I even like some of the Christmas shopping.

 

What I don't like is that crazy gluttonous orgy of overconsumption.  I especially cringe at all the gag gifts or things that get bought just to give something, but which no one really wants.  It isn't just the effect I think this has on people, psychologically and financially.  I find myself thinking about a plastic bass that sings Christmas songs, and all the resources that were mined or drilled, the people in nasty factories who built it, and the fact that soon it will be mouldering in a basement or in a landfill. 

 

It seems deeply wrong to me, I think of fat Romans eating hummingbird tongues while the barbarians are descending on the city. I have been told that this makes me a humbug who doesn't enjoy nice things.

 

I don't think this is true.  I do think people were just as satisfied with Christmas when it only included a few small gifts.  Maybe more satisfied as there wasn't a lot of the shopping stress.

 

So - humbug.

[J-rap]

I absolutely love Christmas, and honoring the day and what it means.  I love most of the added-on traditions too, though they aren't necessary.  Even in its very simplest, basic form, I think I would find meaning and joy in the celebration.  That doesn't mean there isn't sometimes feelings of sadness and despair surrounding it.  But at its very core, I find hope and a message that defies anything negative.