*anj* Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 I feel like such an odd duck. For the past few years I have felt increasingly irritated by Christmas and its trappings. The shopping, the planning, even the decorating and the carols just bug me. The whole thing just makes me cranky. And I know that plenty of people choose to focus on the religious aspect in order to tame the craziness, but that isn't working for me. Don't get me wrong, I am strong in my faith, and every single day I'm thankful that Christ was born. And then I think of how this is truly a pagan holiday, and not a Christian one. We Christians get all agitated about putting Christ back in Christmas, but was He ever truly, truly there? I saw something on Facebook that said "Let's put the Yule back in Yuletide." And I have to say that I'm kind of sympathetic to that. I don't happen to practice Yuletide nor do I mean to show any disrespect to Christ, but church people took a pagan holiday, "baptized" it, and now we're upset that it's getting harder and harder to convince people of the (Christian) religious significance of it. I think that maybe we Christians should start celebrating His birth closer to the time that it seems to have occurred. Maybe every December we should just go ahead and enjoy all the trappings that have nothing to do with the birth of the Savior. Go ahead and deck those halls, trim that tree, hang the stockings, put a pretty wreath on the door, and grab a kiss under the mistletoe. Those things are a fun part of the December holiday. And then in late May or early June we can have a solemn, yet joyful remembrance of the mystery of the Incarnation. And we won't have to worry about shopping or decorating or parties competing for our attention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danestress Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Christians have been celebrating Christmas a great mass for hundreds of years, and that's a tradition I am willing to respect and participate in. We follow a liturgical calendar here, and I am not willing to toss it just because there are ancient pagan roots. But all the trappings? I'm becoming pretty scrougy. I started with Thanksgiving. Can I say that I hate Thanksgiving? My entire family lives within 150 miles, so I see them all the time. By Mom and MIL live within 2 miles of me. I don't need TG to get together with family, so for me, it feels like a holiday that exists just to force me to clean, cook, iron linens, polish silver, and basically pretend I am a serf. I hate it, lol. I know we could just eat of paper plate and order dinner from Harris Teeter, but for whatever pathetic reason, I just can't. I don't even want to start on Christmas. Sigh. I do love it in some ways, but it's just so much work. And we have never been over the top as far as presents, but there are still a lot to buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted November 30, 2008 Author Share Posted November 30, 2008 We follow a liturgical calendar here, and I am not willing to toss it just because there are ancient pagan roots. Oh, I understand that. I hope I didn't come across that way. My irritation isn't because of the pagan roots. My irritation is because of the hoopla that has nothing to do with the birth of Christ, which is why many of us say we're celebrating it. I don't think it's wrong for people to celebrate it however they like. I'm just saying that I am pretty much weary of it, and I think I might like to just travel to some warm place and live in a cute little hut near the beach for the whole month of December. I don't even want to start on Christmas. Sigh. I do love it in some ways, but it's just so much work. And we have never been over the top as far as presents, but there are still a lot to buy. I know. And there are some things that I will always love about it. But wouldn't it be nice if we could just go back to stringing cranberries and popcorn and giving everyone a new pair of socks and then just sit by the fireplace reading from the gospel of Luke? LOL I guess I'd need to resurrect Pa Ingalls, eh? It sounds like I'm looking for a Little House Christmas. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 I'm not even Christian but I can relate to what you are saying. But Christmas has been stolen by commercialism, consumerism, and advertising. If it weren't for that I am sure it would have found a healthier and more personal, authentic expression by now- or just quietly disappeared for those of us not celebrating Christ on that day. We are made to feel guilty for not buying masses of gifts for everyone in our lives- that is a bad start to celebrating anything authentic and meaningful. It seems to me there is a swing away from the mass hysteria around Christmas, but we can only do it one family at a time. Its hard with kids though. Dh and I wouldnt do anything much at all if it werent for the kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muffinmom Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 This is the first Christmas in a while that I feel more in the spirit of things. I swear it's the progesterone cream!!:thumbup1: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karenciavo Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 We are made to feel guilty for not buying masses of gifts for everyone in our lives- that is a bad start to celebrating anything authentic and meaningful. I was watching the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, which was quite bizarre because most of the entertainment was focused on Christmas :confused:, and the crew from Sesame Street sang "Feliz Navidad" (video #15) with lyrics I had never heard before: Feliz Navidad Feliz Navidad Feliz Navidad Prospero Ano y Felicidad. I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas With lots of presents to make you happy :001_huh: I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas From the bottom of my heart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jami Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas With lots of presents to make you happy :001_huh: :001_huh: Niiice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprouts Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 I'm with you, anj. I posted my discouragement already in the thread about the Wal-mart incident. That was pretty much the last straw for me. This morning dh and I discussed the matter (we have both been struggling with Christmas for years) and we decided to buy each child one gift, and let "Santa" stuff their stockings on Dec 24th. Today we took the kids out to browse the toy department and see what sparked their interest. When it was time to go, my 4 year old threw a fit because I hadn't bought him a toy. He head butted me in the face and split my lip. I'm done. I would rather never buy another gift than see my kids turn out this way. I can't imagine what Christ must think as we celebrate consumerism and materialism and behave horribly to anyone who gets in our way while we attach His name to it all. We should call it something different: maybe "Stuff-mas". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Once Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 This is the first Christmas in a while that I feel more in the spirit of things. I swear it is the OmergaBrite. Thanks to who ever recommended it. It is saving my Christmas spirit this year. Anj, I know what you mean. Many years I have given up before it has even started. I looked for the least amount of work to do and cut the list in half. I felt tired of daily routines and too tired to make special holiday routines. I could never afford what I wanted...even though we had so much. These were the things that kept me going: focusing on helping one person that was not expecting it, limiting my time out of the house to avoid the commercialism, letting myself take time off and caring for me. We all survived and found that Christmas does too. It became the meals shared and the memories made and it was good. Maybe next year will feel better, then again maybe not. But it passes and January brings new days without the hoopla. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthwestMom Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Christmas is not as fun as it used to be since I am now the point person for presents, cards, cookies, etc. Too much responsibility! Just last night I downloaded Flylady's Christmas control journal. It is free on her website, and even if you don't like her method of organizing by e-mail, I find the Christmas planner very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Love it, love it, love it! However... we celebrate very simply. We don't start anything until 12 days before Christmas and then it's not very hectic. I really love getting presents for other people and I really love receiving presents. But for the most part, my December isn't much different than any other month of the year. Just a change of knick knacks, a tree, a family dinner and a few gifts. I love Christmas. (especially the music!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Though we talk about Christ (and love and adore Him!), we celebrate the season mainly as traditional festivity of men. I will refrain from repeating what you said. I will just tell you what has helped last year and hopefully this one as well. We make a concious decision to simply ignore Christmas until Thanksgiving has passed. Now my husband and I did go on a date night about a month ago and shopped for the kids, because we had the money set aside. And we knew what we wanted to get them. It was the most relaxing, no-hype shopping evah! And we enjoyed a nice dinner for two to boot. So the shopping for immediate family was conservative and stress free because we beat the shopping season that came all too early this year. Sure, we probably could have gotten things cheaper had we been wiling to fight the crowds this week, but dh and I knew that we just weren't willing! By ignoring, I mean, no talk of it, no decor put up unless the weather is good for putting up out door lights and dh has nothing better to do. We are festive people, but we keep the outdoor decor simple. No Chevy Chase light scene here! We focus on Thanksgiving, spending time with others, getting involved in food drives and service projects to focus on that holiday before Christmas begins. Last year our family (extended, on dh's side) decided to simplify gift giving by doing a family name draw. I cannot tell you how liberating that was, to eliminate a ton of that depressing obligatory gift giving. My older dc (14, 11, 11) are pretty much entirely responsible for selecting and paying for the gifts they are to give to their designated person, though dh helps them with ordering online and/or taking them to a shop if need be. I may help if they ask for a suggestion, but whatever they decide to give is what they give, because it comes from their hearts. Decisions off my plate, my mind not burdened. And each os only has to focus on one person. On my own family's side, I have just started sending a reasonable amount of cash to the one niece and nephew I have on that side. For many years I sent them really nice, thoughtful, even costly gifts with nice letters inviting them to write back. NOT ONCE did I receive any kind of thank you note or acknowledgement for these gifts. Well, I am not in it to receive thanks, but all the same, I have in the last 2 years decided that sending them a reasonable amount of cash in a Christmas card best meets that obligation. As far as Christmas cards, I have pared down that list as well. We used to send out about 150 hand made Christmas cards each year. Now I prepare a stack of cards, and a stack of current photos of my kids, and a bunch of stamps. As we receive a card, I write a personal note in response and drop one in the mail right back to the sender. The week of Christmas I think of any one I really wanted to stay in touch with but haven't yet heard from, write them a personal note and then send them when I can. No more huge list of cards to send, and I feel like I have done right by the personal note. We start our decorating on St Nicholas Day. In the past two years i have let my kids handle much of the decorating. They love to do it, and I have learned to relax and be satisfied with whatever they put up. Perhaps these strategies can help you in a practical way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Oh! That's right! The Christmas cards! Nope. We don't do them. I think that when I stopped doing the cards is when I finally started reeeeally enjoying Christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffeefreak Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 I felt that way a couple of years ago. My parents come every year (let's just say they are NEVER invited), and they seem to take over our lives. So, 2 years ago I was stressed, fed up and miserable. Then I really started praying about how I could change it and I discovered that I simply needed to "take Christmas back." I am a Christian so obviously I celebrate it with the birth of Christ in mind, but I'm not talking about taking it back in a religious way like others do. I'm kind of talking about what Peela was saying. Each family should be able to celebrate in their own way without all the commercialism, peer pressure, and junk that goes along with it. Here's what I decided to do: 1. I refuse to be bullied into exchanging gifts with people I don't know (husband's co-workers), going to parties that I don't want to go to, or buying things I don't want to buy. I politely decline invites based on what works for OUR schedule. My kids know that we cannot make every activity that is offered. I also avoid gift exchanges like the plague. There are so many people who are unable to provide gifts for their children, why do mine need one more toy under $5? 2. I refuse to get angry at long lines or crabby people. If people want to be rude, I tell my girls they are waaayyyy too stressed out and we'll just let them go ahead of us. Long lines give me time to practice my yoga breath:D. 3. I allow my parents to come, but I no longer allow them to run the show. Last year, this caused an argument where my mother left in a huff for several hours. :glare: I figure she'll learn because if she tries that this year, I'll tell her she might as well not come back. It's not that I don't love her, it's just that she's not respecting my authority as a parent. However, this year is already better. She has actually checked all her presents with us. Usually she buys out Toys R Us - we literally have had no room for new toys in the girl's rooms for 3 years straight! 4. I don't allow my children to make Christmas Lists. I know, I'm a mean horrible mother. However, the "I want, I want, I want" mantra was contributing to my scroogieness.:thumbdown: My children are told they should be thankful no matter what they get. We also look at this from a religious perspective and discuss this with our girls. 5. I make my kids get rid of toys/stuff if they expect to get presents. The funny thing about this is, it has made my parents more careful in choosing the gifts they buy my kids. They have seen Christmas gifts disappear within a year and gotten angry. I simply tell them they should consult me first to see what the kids really want or need.:thumbup1: So anyway, sorry for the long post. I LOVE Christmas, and it makes me sad when people are frustrated with the season. I've always loved Christmas even before I was a Christian, and I will not let anything steal my joy at this time of year again. If you're feeling scroogie, figure out what's stealing your Joy and TAKE CHRISTMAS BACK!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 I have had the Scrooge-hat on for the last few Christmases. My problem is that Christmas has turned it a whole lotta work. So this year, I have decided to simplify it as much as I can. I went shopping last week and bought all of the presents in one day. We have the tree up. I am going to do some Christmas baking. That is it. We are not going to do Advent. We are not going to do a Christmas-themed unit study (I try this every year but never finish it.) We are not going to do Christmas cards. We are not going to do Christmas pictures to give all of the relatives (I figure if the relatives want to see what the kids look like then they should visit.) I am feeling very unburdened by all of this. I am praying that in simplifying things our Christmas will be a happier one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprouts Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 We are not going to do Christmas pictures to give all of the relatives (I figure if the relatives want to see what the kids look like then they should visit.) :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Yes indeed, Christmas makes me pretty cranky too. The two-month-long kitsch-fest makes me sick, and I spend those months fighting for all I'm worth to retain some sense of focus. I cannot stand the constant muzak, the crowds, the shopping (I loathe shopping under the best of circumstances), the constant parties, candy, rich food, and unnecessary STUFF. It got so much worse when I had kids--every activity they participate in has a party, performance, candy, and cheap plastic gift attached to it. It makes for an overly busy, stressed season. Aside from the rampant consumerism and overkill on the theme, my dysfunctional family manages to spill some ugliness on the holiday somehow. In many ways they just cannot help it--they're unhappy people, and don't know how to be otherwise. My dh's family are remarkably good at making the holidays lovely, and I am very thankful for them. They truly have taught me that love makes all the difference, cliche as that sounds. These are people who truly like each other, who enjoy spending time together. I feel like I am fighting the culture, the consumerism, the expectations, my own unhappy family, right up until the party with dh's family. Once with them, though, everything relaxes. We laugh, we chatter, we play games, we enjoy each other. I am reminded each time I am with them that the reason I fight so much against all the other excesses of the season is so that my children can grow up as my dh did, with love and faith as the focus of the season. I pray they never have the dread for the season that I do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted November 30, 2008 Author Share Posted November 30, 2008 Wow, look at all of the great ideas. I have felt burdened by the cards for the past several years. Our list was quite long, and honestly the cards are our only communication with some people. I know that some of the elderly people in particular really look forward to seeing how the children are growing, and they just like to be remembered. So maybe I'll make a collage of pictures from different times throughout this past year and send that with a little note. Not a newsletter, just a note. But that's another job too. I love that idea about nixing the Christmas lists. I wish I'd known that two weeks ago. I hate these lists. And despite the fact that my kids know very well what Christmas is supposed to be about, they can't help but get the "gimmes." Who wouldn't? Everyone likes a present. Or two. Or three. Or twenty seven. I really do have to work through these feelings either way. It's not nice or fun for me to be bah humbugging everyone all the time, but I seriously cannot bring myself to sing "Silent Night" anymore. I'm over it. It just all feels so cliche to me lately. I think I need to go to bed now. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aggie Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 4. I don't allow my children to make Christmas Lists. I know, I'm a mean horrible mother. However, the "I want, I want, I want" mantra was contributing to my scroogieness.:thumbdown: My children are told they should be thankful no matter what they get. We also look at this from a religious perspective and discuss this with our girls. Same here. Our issues come when relatives and friends ask, "What do you want for Christmas?" The first time dc were asked this, they were so confused! LOL Although, ds's cousins had him write a list last week while I had dds at rehearsal. :glare: Debrief. Debrief. Debrief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 But I celebrate it starting on Christmas Eve, and continuing until Epiphany. Right now I am celebrating Thanksgiving. Tomorrow I will start celebrating Advent. It's a great system for relieving stress. I reccommend it! I usually mostly shop before Thanksgiving. Then during the Thanksgiving and Advent seasons I focus on experiences--making up cookie bags for the poor, going to a Sing Along Messiah, going to extra church services, visiting Christmas in the Park, looking at the Christmas lights around the neighborhood, directing the Children's Christmas Service at my church, visiting gingerbread house displays, and eating higher than normal amounts of sugar, butter, and chocolate! The house is pretty and festive but the tree does not get decorated until Christmas Eve, and that is part of our celebration. To me, the hardest part is all the end of the semester stuff that DD has to do, not necessarily related to Christmas. During the last few weeks before Christmas she has a robotics competition to prepare for (meeting 3X weekly on this--it's crunch time), a confirmation Christmas party, a nature awareness winter celebration, work samples in every subject due to her ISP, the children's Christmas service at church to prepare for and attend practices for, a choral workshop, 2 major choral concerts in which to perform, and presents that she has decided (rather late, in my view) that she wants to make, in addition to all the normal school work and all the extra family stuff that we do for Advent. I am always so relieved when all of her classes die down for their long holiday break. That's when we can really relax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 (edited) I understand where you're coming from, anj, and I'd be right there with you if ~ and only if ~ I allowed myself to get distracted by the junky, kitschy, consumeristic aspect of our society. More often than not, though, that's not the case. I also don't try to force myself to make it all about the birth of Christ. No "birthday cake for Jesus!" here...good grief, no!. And please: Never, ever utter the phrase "Jesus is the reason for the season!" in my presence. I just...please. No. Don't get me wrong. I love the liturgical church year, and I appreciate the Christian aspect of this season. Advent is a perfect example. Observing Advent reminds me to slow down. It provides focus. I love the Advent season ~ lighting candles and singing on the four Sundays preceding Christmas Day. I enjoy slowly approaching December 25 with little traditions and observances on St. Nicholas (December 6) and St. Lucia (December 13). And many of the traditions really have nothing whatsoever to do with my faith. They're simply lovely things to do, lovely ways to cherish friends and family. There are a myriad of things I take pleasure in at this time of year that aren't linked to Christianity and I see no reason whatsoever to try and put that "spin" on it. And you know, the "myriad" of things doesn't involve spending a great deal of money, or rushing around like a chicken with my head cut off. I can not ~ can NOT ~ fathom the consumer-driven aspect to this season. The thought would never cross my mind, or the minds of my boys, to make lists of what we want. What on earth...?! You know, if I shopped at mainstream stores and took part in what mainstream society embraces as "the holiday season", I'd be so ding-dang depressed I'd have to pack up and leave the country permanently. If that lifestyle doesn't float your boat, if it strikes you as empty as it strikes me, make different choices. When I make my annual visit to the fine paper store in downtown Seattle where I purchase cards and a few sheets of lovely gift wrap, I am genuinely happy to see the owner. She is genuinely happy to see me, and my boys. (When we were in the other day, in fact, she treated my boys to hot chocolate at a cafe next door.) It's a tradition. It's a shop I enter but once a year, right around Thanksgiving and it's a joy to patronize. Likewise, I gain great satisfaction, frequenting the shops where I purchase gifts. Where I shop is a huge, huge part of what makes me happy. I don't do malls. I don't do hectic. I don't go in for buying oodles. Better one item, bought from one unique shop, accompanied by one truly personal connection, than a dozen forgettable purchases and forgettable moments. Live sustainably, anj. It can be done, and the rewards are manifold: Children who are genuinely thrilled to find a mandarin and handful of chocolate coins in the shoe they left out for "Sinterklaas" on the eve of December 6. Relationships with the people whose businesses you frequent. A community supportive of and know to one another ~ rather than a sea of big box stores where individuals, sellers and shoppers alike, are akin to robots. Popcorn and cranberries strung and hung on a tree outside. (If you want to go back to that, just do it! The birds will thank you.:)) Christmas carols sung with glee while heading out to cut a fresh tree. (Don't forget the hot cocoa!) Feelings of pleasure, rather than angst, when sending out cards. (Do a handful each evening, with candles lit, a glass of mulled wine on hand, and a classic holiday movie playing in the background.) The simply beauty of brown paper packages tied up with string. The satisfaction of serving others ~ a hot plate of food at a mission meal, a visit to a nursing home, a book gifted to a needy child who has yet to own a volume of his very own. These things are precious. There is so much to dislike about this time of year and about the state of the world in general. It disturbs me beyond description to think of people literally fighting over unnecessary material goods, spending more to save more, and so on. Rather than allow myself to be weighed down by such depressing realities, I strive to make my own reality ~ and, in turn, the reality of those around me ~ something else. Something better. Something memorable. Now go ahead. Make this the very best season ever. I dare you.;) Edited November 30, 2008 by Colleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovemyboys Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 I'm with you, anj. I can't imagine what Christ must think as we celebrate consumerism and materialism and behave horribly to anyone who gets in our way while we attach His name to it all. We should call it something different: maybe "Stuff-mas". Good one! Sorry to hear about the crummy moments in your day. Hope your resolve to make changes bears fruit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted November 30, 2008 Author Share Posted November 30, 2008 Now go ahead. Make this the very best season ever. I dare you.;) Uh oh. You obviously realize the weight of those last three words for a stubborn girl like me. ;) Thanks for this perspective, Colleen. I really appreciate what you and so many others have said in this thread. I really can choose not to get bogged down in the irrelevance of this month. I'll have to consider the best way to do it. And I think that you really "get" what I was saying about the religious part. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovemyboys Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 I feel like such an odd duck. For the past few years I have felt increasingly irritated by Christmas and its trappings. The shopping, the planning, even the decorating and the carols just bug me. The whole thing just makes me cranky. And I know that plenty of people choose to focus on the religious aspect in order to tame the craziness, but that isn't working for me. Don't get me wrong, I am strong in my faith, and every single day I'm thankful that Christ was born. And then I think of how this is truly a pagan holiday, and not a Christian one. We Christians get all agitated about putting Christ back in Christmas, but was He ever truly, truly there? I saw something on Facebook that said "Let's put the Yule back in Yuletide." And I have to say that I'm kind of sympathetic to that. I don't happen to practice Yuletide nor do I mean to show any disrespect to Christ, but church people took a pagan holiday, "baptized" it, and now we're upset that it's getting harder and harder to convince people of the (Christian) religious significance of it. I think that maybe we Christians should start celebrating His birth closer to the time that it seems to have occurred. Maybe every December we should just go ahead and enjoy all the trappings that have nothing to do with the birth of the Savior. Go ahead and deck those halls, trim that tree, hang the stockings, put a pretty wreath on the door, and grab a kiss under the mistletoe. Those things are a fun part of the December holiday. And then in late May or early June we can have a solemn, yet joyful remembrance of the mystery of the Incarnation. And we won't have to worry about shopping or decorating or parties competing for our attention. anj, you rabble-rouser you! Thanks for posting this and starting the thread. Good food for thought. I remember someone in my son's sunday school class last year asked how the baby was born so fast, since Thanksgiving.... But I agree, and dh and I have been actively discussing this. There have been holiday displays and items for sale since last summer. :001_huh: That's just a bit too long for my taste. For our family, one of the things we're doing is making more gifts to make it more personal. Good luck with your decisions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 ... There is so much to dislike about this time of year and about the state of the world in general. It disturbs me beyond description to think of people literally fighting over unnecessary material goods, spending more to save more, and so on. Rather than allow myself to be weighed down by such depressing realities, I strive to make my own reality ~ and, in turn, the reality of those around me ~ something else. Something better. Something memorable. Now go ahead. Make this the very best season ever. I dare you.;) Beautiful post, Colleen! (Bill McKibben would be proud.) If I may add: I love the traditional music of the season but not the pop schlop that is pumped through speakers across America. This year we are attending performances of Messiah and Amahl and the Night Visitors. I will not attend the feel good "Christmas Cantata" that blends a few traditional carols with "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". Other people can fill the pews. Carol touched upon another issue in her post: celebrating the twelve days of Christmas from 12/25 to Epiphany. I fail to understand the rush to Christmas followed by the rush to toss the tree out onto the street on 12/26 before running off to the post-holiday sales to buy even more. While we may remove our tree before Epiphany, we at least keep it up until 1/1; the creche and Moravian Star will be up until 1/6. We have not been home for several Christmases due to my Mom's declining health, her subsequent death, and a desire to be with my Dad. But as we were returning to NC last year, my son requested that our next Christmas be at home. He has missed our family's traditions: fondue on Christmas Eve and the Moravian Lovefeast. Listening to A Festival of Nine Carols and Lessons from the BBC. Just hanging out in our home (not someone else's). I am truly looking forward to this Christmas and am enjoying my Handmade Holiday projects beforehand. To anj and others, let me wish you a truly joyous Christmas. To those who celebrate Advent, let the season of great anticipation begin! Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprouts Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Same here. Our issues come when relatives and friends ask, "What do you want for Christmas?" The first time dc were asked this, they were so confused! LOL Although, ds's cousins had him write a list last week while I had dds at rehearsal. :glare: Debrief. Debrief. Debrief. My parents call me every year asking for mine and my kids' Christmas "order". I am glad I'm not the only one who finds the lists extremely tacky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Even though we are no longer practicing Episcopalians, I still love ritual of Advent. I enjoy very much this time of year, and keep this feeling by focusing on the small things, traditions, and time with family. My family has never been one to put emphasis of hoards of gifts. I honestly think my kids like the trimming of the tree and their advent chocolates as much as opening their gifts on Christmas Eve. So we still sing the songs and enjoy the smell of cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, and the Yule log along with our Pagan, Jewish, and Christian heritage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 4boys Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 I can't imagine what Christ must think as we celebrate consumerism and materialism and behave horribly to anyone who gets in our way while we attach His name to it all. We should call it something different: maybe "Stuff-mas". My husband and I jokingly say "Merry Gift-mas" to each other. :D I love the things about Christmas that are dear to me from childhood: listening to Handel's Messiah, the smell of a real Christmas tree, lights, candles, etc. But we also struggle with Christmas in some of the ways previously mentioned because it is a pagan festival that the church adopted and tried to makeover. The question I want answered is what to do instead. What should Christmas be? Or shouldn't we participate at all? That's what we are trying to figure out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsMe Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 (edited) I'll have to download the Flylady Christmas thing. I feel the same way. I find that I enjoy it more if I wait to put up a tree. The less time it's up, the better. But in all I despise this entire season. It starts in Sept. We can't enjoy Halloween or Thanksgiving, then bam!! Let the stress begin. Where to put a tree? The schlepping, the shopping, the money, then the clean-up, the school days lost because of business. The crowds, the driving, etc. I find it a major hassle. So yes, I'm a scrooge. I've simplified my decorations and now don't want anything but tree stuff. And not even the fake tree. I want to buy a real tree then toss it. Buy real boughs and wreaths then toss them. I don't even want to house the stuff. I want natural smell of pine then I all want it in the garbage can at the end of the year. I could free up a ton of space! Then I find it stressful, should I be teaching my 8 yr old how to bake cookies that nobody eats? Should I be doing crafty Christmas activites with her? If so, what? How does that go w/the regular school day and we're already behind from being sick and just having "life" get in the way. But every time this year comes around, i just go "UGH". I have to figure out where to put a tree in my house. More stuff to stuff into the house it seems. Drives me batty. We live in the desert so all the decor just gets dusty. I do all the decorating and undecorating, so it's not fun at all. And for what? Nobody sees it but us. I'd rather buy things throughout the year just because. I'd rather do crafts when they fit in, just because. Ugh. Edited December 4, 2008 by alilac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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