Author Topic: The War(s) on Christmas (Read 6949 times)

ChaplinGuy · « **on:** December 12, 2006, 11:50:42 am »

Sorry all, I thought that would get some attention.

So is anyone else a little bi when it comes to Christmas. (This is after all the poz boards, so the use of the term I think fits well.)

By this I mean: on the one hand, it somewhat infuriates me to see the Seattle airport drama over the Christmas trees - there are a lot of things I hate about airports, but I could give a shit if they put a gigantic commercialist pine in their terminal. (But could someone PLEASE open another check-in counter so I can make my flight!)

Then on the other hand, I am rather sick of being marketed to, targeted and pressured to buy more, buy bigger and buy buy buy stuff for my family and friends. The pushing of Christmas down my throat whenever I leave the house (ney, even in my own home) makes me feel, well, not as good when I do buy gifts for people. I constantly wonder, "am I doing this just to compete or do I really mean this"? (And if I have to hear Celine Dion sing "O Christmas Tree" one more time, I swear...)

I propose that in 2007 we all just take a year off - no fights about symbols or titles, and no buying stuff. Let's just have a day (or 3 month, as that's usually when this crap starts) when the nation has a mandatory "sleep in" policy. (And by law, the "Today Show" cannot cover Christmas or shopping or whatever the hell Al's doing with Martha Stewart.)

So Merry Christmas - and see you in 2008.

thunter34 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 12, 2006, 12:12:46 pm »

I'm with you! The stampede of pressure that comes with this holiday drives me crazy! It's also the only holiday where people feel free to call you names if you don't participate: Scrooge, Grinch, Ebenezer.... Ya ever hear that kinda thing happen for any other holiday? Didn't think so.

Strayboy74 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 12, 2006, 12:53:07 pm »

I find it more rewarding to make and give gifts only to those people I truly care about.

You would be surprised at how easy it is to knit a scarf, and what a conversation starter it is for someone when you whip it out on the bus. Not to mention, when the intended person wears it, and someone asks about it, they'll think of you.

I just wouldn't recommend taking the knitting needles on the plane. Apparently Pine needles are okay - you'll just have to make little scarves while flying.

-joseph

woodshere · « **Reply #3 on:** December 12, 2006, 12:59:17 pm »

While I agree with the idea of getting over the symbol, display, Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays controversies, I must respectfully disagree about the spirit of Christmas. I don't worry about the marketing, shopping or spending money part. I don't pay attention to that, instead I concentrate on the things I like about Christmas. I love to drive around at night and look at all the homes lit up for the holiday. (Typically I am a less is more person, but at Christmas the more the better) Love seeing the plastic nativity yard display all lit up right next to moving reindeers and flashing candy canes. And forget about the pretty icicles lights, give me a house that looks like the runway of O'Hara in the middle of the night. I love to plug in my plastic 4' Santa so the 100 watt bulb sets him aglow, put my aluminum tree together, plug in the color wheel and put in a Bab's Christmas Cd. I love getting those cheesy family year end letters sent in Christmas cards if for no other reason to ask the question could anyone's year have been that good. I truly believe the holiday is what you make of it.
Wishing you a Bright and Merry Christmas,
Woods

ChaplinGuy · « **Reply #4 on:** December 12, 2006, 01:20:26 pm »

Woods, you shared some excellent moments that truly do make the season a reason for being happy, jolly and festive. I, too, enjoy a good drive around the 'hood at night to check out the lights - especially in my parents neighborhood back in my hometown. And I love the smell of the chimney's burning at night, too.

And what's great, if none of that can be sent to you via FedEx, put in or charged to a card, or experienced at a drunk holiday office party.

Life · « **Reply #5 on:** December 12, 2006, 01:48:04 pm »

It is sorta fucked up when last year we were told that the tree in the hotel is to be refered to as the "Holiday Tree"?? And this year its back to a dam Christmas Tree... WTF!?!? I suippose the 12 candle thing is a

?

I don't know, I am in the midst of Christmas all about me... People spending 3 thousand a night plus for a bloody room and fighting for dinner reservations and the best gift.... I just love watching the poor fools as they support my payceck....

ACinKC · « **Reply #6 on:** December 12, 2006, 02:52:54 pm »

RapidRod · « **Reply #7 on:** December 12, 2006, 03:05:10 pm »

AC, now can you pronounce that real slow for me.

GSOgymrat · « **Reply #8 on:** December 12, 2006, 03:07:45 pm »

Just remember when it comes to Christmas:

you don't have to decorate
you don't have to send Christmas cards
you don't have to watch Christmas specials
you don't have to shop
you don't have to give gifts
you don't have to go to that office party
you don't have to go see the relatives

If Christmas stresses you out "just say no". The fun gets sucked out of stuff when we feel forced to do things. I've had years when I didn't participate in Christmas. I just went to work and it was a normal, if slow, day that I got paid time and a half for.

ACinKC · « **Reply #9 on:** December 12, 2006, 03:21:25 pm »

Quote from: RapidRod on December 12, 2006, 03:05:10 pm

AC, now can you pronounce that real slow for me.

HAAAAPPPEEEE KRIST-MAH-HAH-NAH-KWAHN-ZIKUH

anniebc · « **Reply #10 on:** December 12, 2006, 04:00:24 pm »

I'm with Woods..I love taking the grandkids around the estates and showing them the christmas lights,so many homes lite up, it's nice to see people getting into the Christmas spirit, visiting Santa and seeing all the big department stores all decked out with their decorations..the look my their faces when the lights go on or when Santa smiles at them is something I treasure...I think we forget it's not for us grown ups anymore (although I do love it), it's for the kids..and yes two of my grandkids still believe in Santa clause....and where I live it's still ok to wish everyone a "Merry christmas".

Edited to add...AC you are a very sick man...

Hugs
Jan

GSOgymrat · « **Reply #11 on:** December 12, 2006, 04:02:42 pm »

Children really do make Christmas special.

RapidRod · « **Reply #12 on:** December 12, 2006, 04:09:47 pm »

AC, that guy must have gotten to much snow and ice for his past few Christmas's.

ACinKC · « **Reply #13 on:** December 12, 2006, 04:21:16 pm »

Quote from: RapidRod on December 12, 2006, 04:09:47 pm

AC, that guy must have gotten to much snow and ice for his past few Christmas's.

Im having TOO much fun with pictures today!!!

ChrisNCoronado · « **Reply #14 on:** December 12, 2006, 05:05:50 pm »

Quote from: ACinKC on December 12, 2006, 04:21:16 pm

Im having TOO much fun with pictures today!!!

Yeah, DUDE!, you are. But keep 'em coming; the applause pic over in Living With is the best-timed one yet

-Chris

Longislander · « **Reply #15 on:** December 12, 2006, 06:03:17 pm »

Children to make Christmas special, as long as they're not yet at the age when they're bitching over what they DIDN'T get!

It also has a lot to do with a loving family. Those are hard to come by.

I know it seems pathetic, but I'm still waiting for the Christmas moning when I can wake up with my man next to me.

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #16 on:** December 12, 2006, 07:56:37 pm »

Paul,

Since we are both alone, how about I wake up next to ya!!! You better not scream either!!!!!

Longislander · « **Reply #17 on:** December 12, 2006, 07:58:20 pm »

(Would you make me breakfast?

)

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #18 on:** December 12, 2006, 08:10:07 pm »

Sure, I would if you cook dinner.....

(who has now gotten hungry and am going to cook a steak..)

Strayboy74 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 12, 2006, 10:55:56 pm »

Quote from: Queen Akasha on December 12, 2006, 08:10:07 pm

Sure, I would if you cook dinner.....

(who has now gotten hungry and am going to cook a steak..)

BACK OFF BITCH, I GOT A BLADE IN MY WEAVE !!! (PUBIC WEAVE)

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #20 on:** December 13, 2006, 02:23:33 am »

LMFAO....Oh, you trying to get ghetto fabulous on me now....

alisenjafi · « **Reply #21 on:** December 13, 2006, 07:46:44 am »

I posted my feelings on another thread . Anyway the rabbi who was suing said he never wanted the trees taken down just recognition of his faith. So trees are up.
I would love to see some people put a menorah as a gift to the airport, after all this was a holiday Jesus would have celebrated and the Jews did Christians their messiah- now that would be a great xmas gift.
On another note some guy is complaining because someone has a peace sign as a reef- saying it is unpatriotic or something. Once again forgetting this is the season of peace- or so Hallmark tells me

Strayboy74 · « **Reply #22 on:** December 13, 2006, 10:05:57 am »

Quote from: Queen Akasha on December 13, 2006, 02:23:33 am

LMFAO....Oh, you trying to get ghetto fabulous on me now....

You know it, my dear!

*hug*

-joseph

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #23 on:** December 14, 2006, 07:26:54 am »

((((hugz))))

Gary85741 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 14, 2006, 08:05:24 am »

Since I've never been one to do things just because (supposedly) everyone else does them...much of this whole Xmas ritual just cracks me up. The word, more than any other which comes to mind is...HYPOCRITICAL!!

You see the local and national news reports around this time each year. People tramping through malls, spirits broken, and bitching about how many more people are on their gift list. Whether a gift purchase, or the sending of a Xmas card, some of the recipients are people from whom the giver doesn't give the time of day to the rest of the year. Then there's the squabbling in the aftermath...I didn't want that...how could you get me that...I spent more than you did on your gift...on and on. What in the hell does any of this have to do with what Xmas is supposed to be about (not specifically religious to me, but more a spirit of treating people as we would wish to be treated.)

Then...December 26 is the busiest day of the year in terms of retail foot traffic. Back all the stuff goes by people who didn't want what they got...LOL!! What's worse, actually, is the pressure (but it's self-imposed) to buy something for anyone with whom you've practically even spoken to during the year, when a lot of people can't afford to buy all this stuff and have to put it on credit cards which they slowly have to pay off over time. I saw a statistic recently which stated 46% of people right now are still paying off their 2005 Xmas purchases.

I buy gifts for only a few people who are meaningful to me in my life, parents and REAL friends, because I want to, not because I'm "supposed" to.

What would mean more to me than some commercial thing would be a hug and knowing someone really cares. Those things last much longer than a present. I also think it would be nice if we gave a present to someone meaningful in our life at some point during the year to say I care, or a result of something especially nice they did for us. NOT on Dec. 25th, simply because it's expected.

Gary

aztecan · « **Reply #25 on:** December 14, 2006, 10:10:14 am »

I love children at christmas - on a spit, roasted slowly with a blackbery/habñero baste.

Just kidding, but I do use that combination to baste the goose I like to make.

This year, since I really don't like all the crappola that goes with this holiday, I am doing something a bit different. Aside from my nephews, who will receive gift cards, I am making food for everyone.

Traditional stuff but more fun that dealing with the malls, shops, etc.

So, to date, I have made posole, halupki, (both traditions in our household) and fruitcakes. This weekend, I will be finishing off a traditional English holiday pudding, baking 12-dozen kolatchis, probably another 10-dozen biscochitos and making chocolate covered peanuts, some with cocoanut, and chocolate covered cherries and other assorted dried fruit.

This is what folks will be getting. No knick-knacks, ties, shirts or I-pods.

Screw convention, do something fun!

HUGS,

Mark

woodshere · « **Reply #26 on:** December 14, 2006, 10:45:09 am »

Mark, I am on my way to your house!!!

Strayboy74 · « **Reply #27 on:** December 14, 2006, 12:13:22 pm »

Quote from: aztecan on December 14, 2006, 10:10:14 am

This is what folks will be getting. No knick-knacks, ties, shirts or I-pods.

Screw convention, do something fun!

How very Auntie Mame of you!

-joseph
*scratches Mark off of his christmas card*

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Author Topic: The War(s) on Christmas (Read 6949 times)