Anyone else feel like a Christmas grinch?

[BWchicken]

My DH calls me a scrooge, joking of course, but still. Please don't think I'm a bad person, but I've never been big on Christmas. I don't mean that I don't appreciate the meaning of Christmas because I absolutely do, I just feel dismayed. Every year, you see videos of people on Black Friday trampling each other, last minute shoppers being mean or fighting over the last 'whatever' on the shelf and I just think Wow, Really?! It's Christmas, for God's sake. I just don't get it because I don't get that bent out of shape over things like shopping. Life is too short.

Now I really enjoy the holiday family gatherings and dinners, but shopping/Christmas preperations sometimes feels like a chore. People get so stressed out this time of year. I'd rather buy presents for loved ones throughout the year (and I do), than deal with the mayhem of holiday shopping. But of course I do it anyway and I really do enjoy giving the gifts and seeing the happiness when the presents are opened. I always say I'm gonna Xmas shop in June, but I either don't do it or I do, but end up giving the presents immediately lol.

Does anyone else feel like this or am I really a scrooge? I can't help it, I just don't think the 'true meaning' is what drives Christmas. I don't let on that I am feeling so dismayed, no need to dampen the spirits of my loved ones with my inner dialogue, but I wanted to tell to y'all because even though I'm not looking to change the way I feel, I do wonder if anyone else feels this way.

 

[bufforp89]

I dislike this time of year as well. No such thing as celebrating Christmas for what it really is anymore, now its just a huge, frantic, gift giving palooza.

 

[Dar]

this is the exact reason i quit christmas 15 years ago

I got tired of the rat race the rudeness of others... the debt that all this craziness creates

my kids grow and change so much that what I buy in September may or may not fit in December.... and they change their interests so the hottest toy that they were jumping up and down for in October is sooo last season by December...

I dont spoil my kids dont misunderstand.... but I do buy them stuff all throughout the year... clothing... concerts... phones ... gadgets..

I will buy them one big gift and a stocking each year... the big gift this year is laptops... dont get in a twist they are refurbished and were only $179 each .. so for ~ $300.00 mu Christmas shopping is DONE!

 

[BWchicken]

I'm so glad I'm not alone. I'm disgruntled that the almighty dollar has largely taken over peace and good will. I would give it up if not for DHs family, they wouldn't understand, and they'd take it personal, so I do it for him.

 

[Jay262]

It not money thats changed christmas it is people who have changed christmas. There are many ways to stil celebrate christmas and not be involved with the hussle and bussle of the season. Christmas for my family isnt about the money its about taking the time out of the year to be thankful for what you have and to reflect on the year gone by in the everyday rat race we call life its one of the few times everyone gets a chance to just be togather for a few days.

 

[Linn Bee]

My DH is a true Christmas Scrooge. I've been working on him for over 40 years and that's one 'quirk' I just can't love out of him.

I blame it on his childhood Christmas's. His family was so poor that the holidays were always a disappointment to him.

He is caring, giving, and very un-Scrooge all the rest of the year, but around Christmas it is like he's just itching for a fight as an excuse to skip the celebration.

I can understand feeling Scrooge-y when all the commercials and flyers hit (some time around Halloween), and people try to sell me on "Our Bug Service is the best Christmas present you can give your family" and all the other excuses to materialize the season. All that commercial money is wasted on me. I plan what I'm giving and stick to it so January isn't filled with bills and regrets.

Love, Linn B (aka Smart Red) Gardening zone 5a - 4b in south-est, central-est Wisconsin

 

[BWchicken]

Quote:
That's exactly how my family is, I believe that's how it should be. DHs family is more about the 'airs' of it all. They are good people and I love them, I'm just not crazy about Christmas with them.

 

[canesisters]

AMEN!
This year I convinced my family to 'do Christmas' for a local family who can't afford to get presents for their kids.
Maybe it won't feel quite so forced and fake if it's actually being given to someone who needs it.

 

[Dar]

Quote:
I can understand why he feels this way... my dad was brutal this time of the year... with beating my mom because things weren't "just so".. or yelling at me and my sister for whatever floated his boat that day... to buying my sister something and making me pose beside it so he can send all the pictures to his relatives.. oh and dont forget the fake "happy family christmas" pics that went along with it...

I dislike christmas and my picture being taken now

 

[flowergirl60]

Add me to the list. I used to love Christmas but retailers have taken the joy out of it for me.