Anyone else feel like a Christmas grinch?

[sheaviance1]

Me.

I don't get it. I love Christmas, but really dislike what it has become. I don't participate in the commercialism.

 

[3goodeggs]

We decorate, have a tree a few days before Christmas, Listen to carols, bake cookies... and if presents are given, they are homemade.
We have enough 'stuff' and everyone else that I know does too, but we are all having hard financial times and no expects anyone to do anything more that greetings and good wishes.

I try to find a different cultural tradition to do each year: Cookies, a meal, a homemade decoration.
The pace is s-l-o-w, and my son enjoys it more that way. More family time, more board game time, more hot chocolate and talking about 'stuff' time.


I have felt like a scrooge when I could not afford to shower the extremities of family in presents and did anyway, but now that I do not, I feel less scroogie than ever.

you are not a scrooge, you are a non conformer. And that can be a good thing.

 

[sheila3935]

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I would start early so I didnt have to deal with the craziness. We were always poor but mom and dad made sure we had at least something under the tree and a great meal with family. We always got a new pair of pjs from one grandparents and new house slippers from the other. We always knew thats what we would get but loved it. My kids are grown and I sorely miss having them home when I wake up Christmas morning to see their faces opening presents. Money for us has always been a struggle, but I wouldnt trade the wonderful inexpensives Christmases we have had. My DH isnt a scrooge but he isnt into the holidays like I am. He would prefer to be alone and because of family problems he had as a child it is a depressing time for him. For me and the kids its all about the time we spend together, the love we have for each other and having 5 kids and 4 grandkids all together in the small house they grew up in making a meal in the tiny kitchen and laughing over what food got ruined this year. My kids have crazy wonderful sense of humors so there is always laughter and silliness on that day with at least one kid laying with their head on my lap at the end of the day. Its sad that people let all the bull get in the way that they cant enjoy the true meaning of love and family. God sent his son to us, in love for us, so that is the true meaning to be with family loving each other. For all of you I am wishing you a wonderful love filled blessed by God Christmas.

 

[BWchicken]

Quote:
Hey, I like the sound of that

 

[terrilhb]

I personally refuse to give into commercialism. I buy what we can afford. But never until after Thanksgiving. Christmas has become to commercialized. I love the real meaning of Christmas. I do not think you are a scrooge at all. Stick to your beliefs and stay the way you are. We need more people like you in this crazy mixed up world. To me it is all about the real meaning and family. Not all the craziness.

 

[BWchicken]

Quote:
Oh no, my thoughts on the commercial aspect of Christmas don't keep me from enjoying my family. I cherish that time when all my family there and I'm thankful the holidays give me that. I love that part. I just can't help but feel negative about how commercialized it is. It's a huge money maker and it's expected that we'll spend too much and fight like dogs over a tickle me elmo doll. I just rebel against that part of the holiday and what big business 'expects' me to do. Now we do still buy for the kids of DH family, but my side of the family doesn't do Christmas gifts. We'd rather hang out together, cook together, do things together, we have a blast. Some think it's odd that we don't do presents, but it is so right for us. Less shopping and preperations, just simple times being together without the fanfare.

I wish each one of you a holiday filled with peace and good will.

 

[Marcymom3]

Quote:
X2

 

[kuntrygirl]

#1 grinch checking in for roll call. I"m here !

No, you are not a grinch neither are you a scrooge. I totally understand where you're coming from.