Alright People...

1. 89

   gamergirlposted 16 years ago

   Seriously..
   
   let's get in the holiday spirit.
   
   Stop bickering at each other and let's get back to that happy go lucky funtime that Hubpages was a few months ago.  I'm sure that HP has it's own cyclic thing going on where folks get catty at each other then simmer down, but sheesh.
   
   It's nearly Yule, how about some peaceful vibes here... is that too much to hope for?

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2. 84

   livelongerposted 16 years ago

   I just got back from my workout so my body is coursing with enough endorphins that I can't tell if your hair is blond or purple (or maybe that's just the lack of oxygen).
   
   Hear hear!
   
   I'm not religious at all but I always look forward to the Christmas season. The Christmas trees, brisk evening air, smiles, mulled cider, even the cheesy carols, TV specials and fake (at least here) snow.
   
   Makes Christmas shopping more than worth it.

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3. 89

   Paragliderposted 16 years ago

   Because of where I'm living, I see no visible sign of Christmas. So when I go home (on Christmas Eve) I plunge straight into a UK Chr!istmas without the months of build up. And you  know, I really like it this way.

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4. 60

   Apaeposted 16 years ago

   That seems strange to me. I've always been a Christmas scrooge but I can't help but get optimistic when school's almost over for the year lol.
   
   But yes, gamergirl is very right about all the cattiness lately. It bums me just a little bit to see people so hostile. And some even directing it at me - no names mentioned.
   
   Let's all just cheer up for the holiday season and get some hubbing done, I guess.

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5. 89

   Paragliderposted 16 years ago

   Not so strange. They don't do Christmas in Islamic countries. No trees, cards, Santas, turkeys, and no manic buying. It's quite refreshing!

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   1. 71

      Isabella Snowposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      Santa isn't popular in Eastern Europe. Or much of Central and Western Europe, for that matter. Baby Jesus / Ježiš brings the gifts in that part of the world.
      
      And Christmas is celebrated in some "Islamic" countries. Iran, for example, which some say is where the 3 Wise Men are thought to have originated. Christians feast for 25 days  - thats 24 more than most Christians get!
      
      And Santa visits them, too.
      
      Pics: http://conflictiran.blogspot.com/2006/0 … -iran.html

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6. 65

   Mishaposted 16 years ago

   Not only Islamic Paraglider
   
   The majority of the World's population do not celebrate Xmas. However, the majority of English speaking population do

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7. 84

   livelongerposted 16 years ago

   In Poland, gifts aren't given at Christmas, but on a different day, St Nicholas's nameday (Swiety Mikolaj). That falls actually on December 6th (Thursday!)

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8. 71

   Isabella Snowposted 16 years ago

   Evening of 5th Dec is the CZ/SK version of what you're talking about, it's called Mikuláš. But Christmas gifts are exchanged on 24th Dec in CZ/SK. I dont think any are given out by family on the 5th, but "good" kids get candy from Mikuláš, I think. And maybe a little toy. But the 5th is pretty much just a night to terrify small children.

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   1. 84

      livelongerposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      LOL. A slight variation on the traditions, I suppose. It might vary depending on the region of Poland, too, come to the think of it.
      
      In the southwest portion of Poland where I lived, people celebrated their birthdays. However, in most of Poland, you actually celebrate your "name day" (imieniny), or your saint's day.
      You can find your name day by going here:
      http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imieniny
      It's actually all in Polish, so some names are different-looking (like Mikolaj is Nicholas, Grzegorz is Gregory, etc.)
      Some have multiple days, so people usually pick one.
      
      It looks like CZ celebrates the tradition, too.

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9. 64

   stubbsposted 16 years ago

   I hate Christmas, I'm probably gonna be disliked for that however for me Christmas just triggers bad memories of what i don't have, what ive lost etc.
   
   i perfectly respect (right word) christmas and throw myself right into it but mostly for the benefit of others (family) so i guess in a way im getting into the what i see as the real spirit of christmas which is to be acting out of the ordinary for those you love but i don't enjoy it myself, just to know that others i care about is enough.
   
   there we go thats all you'll hear from me on christmas
   
   xx 
   
   happy holidays

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   1. 77

      Lissieposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      
      Ditto -  I am so over it - you eat/drink too much and spend it with (some) people you dont like very much.  It totally excludes those who dont have famliies and is really difficult for families where the parents are split!  Couple of years ago had a very pleasant Xmas in Singapore (heaps of people out having fun on the streets  ) and Hanoi - not much in the way of celebration. 
      Xmas is the start of the travelling season for me normally - not this year though!

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10. 72

    Maddie Ruudposted 16 years ago

    I hate Christmas trees.
    
    Not to put a damper on anything... 

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11. 71

    Isabella Snowposted 16 years ago

    Yeah, but the Czechs do *both* -  name days and birthdays! I'm thinking of asking for gifts on the day for Izabela

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    1. 84

       livelongerposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, maybe, but in Poland, at least, if it's your birthday or nameday, you have to *give* out candy and little gifts the whole day....

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12. 71

    Isabella Snowposted 16 years ago

    You realize the joke potential there.. right??
    
    I love the Polaky, though, so I'll be good and let it slide.....

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13. 89

    Paragliderposted 16 years ago

    Yes, I was generalising! In Saudi, Kuwait, Qatar, you'll not see a lot of Christmas, but in Dubai the shops are full of it. For the western tourists & ex-pats, mainly. Needles to say, Dubai has embraced the commercial side. Not too many carol services though

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14. 60

    Apaeposted 16 years ago

    This just reminds me of how much I'd like to travel during the holiday season. As a kid in primary school [which wasn't too long ago], I remember watching shows about celebrations in other countries. It might be good to get a different outlook on some things =]

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15. 60

    Caregiver-007posted 16 years ago

    Apae, I understand your wanting to travel.  So true.  Christmas travel can be exciting and colorful - especially if you travel to a country which celebrates Christmas.  Most of the Latin countries go all out! 
    
    Ever been to Mexico?  Costa Rica?  Panama?  Ecuador?  You could be in for a real treat. For me, I love the Italian Riviera, too.  But then, having spent one summer on the Riviera when I was early 20's was quite a "spoiler!"
    
    Travel extensively while you are young and single.  But keep your values, and remember that YOU are precious, special, not to be used by anyone.  Then enjoy!  Later you will understand how precious and special it is to be home with loved ones.  But somehow that cannot be fully appreciated until you have a chance to spread your wings and just FLY! 
    
    Have to kill the wanderlust...
    
    For all things in life, there is a time and a season... Think about it.  The Proverbs 31 Woman couldn't have done all those incredible things at once.  (She's the ideal woman, a guide to all women young and old.  If you don't know her, go read it.  Wow!  Talk about "SuperWoman!"  Over at Squidoo, Connie did a really great lens about "her" - the Proverbs 31 Woman - called "Wisdom".  I just read it last week, and it really touched me.

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16. 84

    Zsuzsy Beeposted 16 years ago

    I'm a sentimental old fool when it comes to Christmas. You would not believe the lenghts I have gone to, to make my childrens Christmas-es as magical as they should be. *BUT* (yes Isabella I'm shouting) the radio stations and the stores that have those radio stations blurring the ...I'll Be Home For Christmas, Jing-Oh-Bell Rock and so-on and on for 5-weeks 24 hours a day is like a toothache, annoying as hxxl. I vote we all start writing new songs for next year. Please forgive my ranting, I've just been to Walmart to buy Shampoo it took an hour+ at the cash-out with the same songs playing on and on
    Happy Holidays to you all regards Zsuzsy

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17. 85

    compu-smartposted 16 years ago

    The dreaded C word..... Christmas!!..
    
    Having said that, i Hope those who do celebrate it have a fab one:)

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