Is there anybody who just isn't into Christmas?

[country lady]

I agree with Terrielacy. (like your new avatar) It is the same with me since my dad died--he loved Christmas. I still love the spirit of Christmas and enjoy sending Christmas cards. I have just a few decorations and personal gifts. I think what changed for me was simply getting older and so many family members have died--there's a sense of loss. As a child, we spent Christmas at my grandmother's house. As southerners often do, she rounded up all the "orphans" and invited them to dinner. So there was always at least 35 people at her table. Now, DH and I have a small dinner and watch Christmas movies, if our sons can't come home. Playing Christmas music puts me in the mood too. It's not about gifts and shopping; it's about family and love.

 

[brandibaby23]

Quote:

I also Had my brother AND cousin die a few years ago and the holidays weren't the same, but use christmas and holiday's to remember them. It is "Christmas" a time for love and miracles. So Kathleengp get out your ornament box and remember him, love the memories you have and be happy for Christmas, I'm sure thats what he wants this year! For his mom to remember him and love him still in his absence. Do what makes you happy, if decorating makes you happy then decorate, make a few ornament with his picture, or whatever it might be to help you revive the christmas spirit. You are still here dear. Hugs to you. It isn't easy but shed a few tears, both of sadness and of fond memories.

 

[speckledhen]

I really despise the whole season, from Halloween through New Year's Day. Well, Thanksgiving I can get behind, but not the others. And I ain't saying anymore.

 

[Mattemma]

I am not into the holidays,but I do get a kick out of watching those funny holiday movies.I could not imagine having holidays like those!

I am glad my dh is home for more than 3 days,and my kids are home from school for atleast 2 weeks.We relax and enjoy our meals,and everyone plays with their gifts.And we don't go crazy in debt for the holidays.I used to buy the kids a lot of little stuff,but after seeing it collect dust I decided they get a video game and a toy(or another game).Dh likes to buy his own stuff.Me, I like to wait till spring to get some seeds,dirt,and animals!

Oh and we felt bad about using a real tree so we bought a fake one a few years ago with lights on it.It sits by the front door behind a old large screen tv.We dust it off and decorate it some time in December.Being home together is what really makes us happy.Even without gifts I think we would be fine.I must admit we don't wait till special days to buy gifts for each other.

No lights outside either.Cost to much $$$$ to run all those deocrations.

Good health and happiness to everyone!

 

[raroo]

Me! But I already posted my Scrooge-dom on the other Christmas thread, no need to reiterate it here.

 

[Acre of Blessings]

I love, love, love Christmas but I Do not like what it has become!! It is to commercialized.....people killing people over a $100 touch ipod just isn't my cup of tea at 5 a.m. on Black Friday. Who cares if the coffee pot is only $3.....I'd rather pay $30 and live a bit longer. And no one really needs a 60 inch plasma tv hanging on their wall, even though it was only $698. Go to the movies with your kids for a night out!!

And parents that buy all this high-end, over-priced, JUNK for their kids so they can be the awesome parent of the year.....

GROW UP!!!!! And we wonder whats wrong with kids today. Some kids get something just about every single day of the year. Then all you hear is complaining about how they can't pay their electric bill, and their mortgage is 3 months overdue......Well DUH!!!!

I love Christmas and I definitely love the Savior that it stands for, but just because a lot of people want to go out and blow every dime they have.....don't let it steal your Joy.....smile and just think about Christmas and how lovely it really and truly is.

This is all just my 2 cents.....nothing said above was typed to upset anyone.

 

[moonlyghtegirl]

not a big fan......at all

 

[bargain]

I love Christmas for religious reasons but not the commercial clutter and undue pressure it has become....Fighting at malls, pressure for bigger and more at every level.

I also recognize it can be a most difficult time emotionally. My father died just before Christmas 12 years ago. I always think of him so much at Christmastime and it was still a mournful time. As Christmases past, it was easier... Christmas can be a time of too much partying, family feuds and more, office parties where things are said and done that can mar the employee or the employer.. I used to be a volunteer Crisis Counselor and during the holidays, zoowie our calls went up so much for domestic violence, fighting, depression, suicides, etc., etc.

How did this get so convulted?

I like White Elephant gift parties (with drawing for the family members)...We've now instituted those and it truely helps.....Also, it becomes even more fun when the gift swap exchange starts...

I just try to stay with simple basics that matter and share with those who may not expect it as well. But I won't cut a cedar tree this year like we did last year....smile.....when the tree started to shed, it got everywhere, including on and in our socks....very very painful....LOL...That's one lesson learned I won't forget.

Have a blessed day and for our household we won't say xmas but Christmas on our cards.

 

[Kansaseq]

Since I started working for the emergency dept, I rarely get to spend holidays with my family, especially since most of them live out of state now. I do enjoy making my own cards, and have REALLY enjoyed making the egg ornaments this year. It started out as a cheap way to be able to give presents, but to be honest, I've loved the whole crafting process, as it's been a while since I had a project. Christmas as a whole is a big let down for me. It always seems so depressing in the end; all the hype and build-up for one day. Maybe if I got to spend it with family it would be different. As for decorations, I have a small, flocked pup up tree I got from Walmart a few years ago for like $5. I leave it pre lit, pop it up on the table (away from the dogs) and pop it back in the box after the holidays. I still get the holiday feel, but without all the fanfare and work.

 

[bargain]

kathleengp I just read through the post and just want to extend my heart and prayers to you right now.