The Anti-Christmas Thread

1. 86

   WryLiltposted 13 years ago

   I personally am not a big fan of christmas. Let me rephrase that. I can't stand christmas.
   
   There are so many reasons - from the fact that letting our kids sit on a strange old man's lap is in direct contradition to what we tell them about stranger danger through to the deep pagan ties it has which christians blindly ignore.
   
   So why do YOU dislike christmas?

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   1. 70

      tonymac04posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Because of Boney M and the dreadful, tasteless commercial feeding frenzy it has become. The tacky music (like Silent Night with a back-beat, for goodness sake!) and the tacky products and the sentimentalisation.
      I do like family get-togethers and good times with friends. But we really don't need the excuse of Christmas for those things!

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   2. 65

      Ivorwenposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Besides the reasons you mentioned, it is too much fuss.  I have not cared for Christmas for more than 20 years, and I am a Christian.  For a long time I celebrated it as little as possible without being completely anti-social.
      
      Since I have children of my own, I am less of a Grinch than I use to be, but that is for their sake as much as anything.  I think, to completely ignore the holiday would be as harmful to them as going all out in a commercial manner.
      
      Another thing that has helped to change my attitude is Trans Siberian Orchrestra.  'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' on electric guitars?  I did that! 

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   3. 83

      CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      But you are enjoying the surge in your Amazon earnings - that wouldn't be possible without Christmas?

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   4. 70

      waynetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      All the fuss! It annoys me and all the food and money we will waste!
      
      If it wasn't for the kids I'd be a right scrooge... bah humbug!

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   5. 65

      Mishaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Because of hysteria around it, especially shopping hysteria. Though paradoxically I must like it cause it makes me some extra money LOL

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2. 59

   MPG Narrativesposted 13 years ago

   I don't hate it but I'm not a huge fan. It's such a crazy time of year, so busy, so commercial. The only thing I look forward to is a couple of weeks off work.

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3. 89

   RedElfposted 13 years ago

   I have tried hard to hate Christmas, but no matter what life has thrown at me over the years (deaths, taxes, loss, grieving, drunken relatives, going without) I just can't. I worked up a solid dislike for a couple of years, but it just didn't last.
   I still LOVE Christmas - love the (Thank God) decadent Pagan roots of the winter festivals. Those earlier Christians were clever borrowers, no?
   Without those lovely old pagan traditions, it could be deadly dull - only a few prayers - no lovely candles, no lovely carols, no lovely turkey, no family get-togethers... Look what Cromwell and that Po-faced lot did to a lovely celebration.
   I don't spend a lot of money at Christmas, but I love all the lights and pretty decorations. I love to watch the "shoppers rush home with their treasures."
   Then I go home to our little church (actually three churches to sing in this Christmas Eve) and sing carols, and reflect on the "reason for the season" - then go home to my kids (son and daughter-in-law) and have a nice dinner and family time.
   
   I don't care for the excesses, nor for folks bankrupting themselves so their kids can have the latest what-not. I am sad when people find themselves alone at Christmas (been there, too), and have put in my time at support-group meetings on Christmas Day, as well.
   ...but for all its ills and over-commercialization, it is still a beautiful, magical, and blessed time for me.
   
   ...and especially with the Trans Siberian Orchestra - "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful" on electric guitars - CRAZY GOOD!

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   1. 76

      Uninvited Writerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I feel the same, other than going to church. And I really don't mind being alone on that day because I like to watch what I want on TV...and Doctor Who on Boxing Day.

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   2. 72

      Freeway Flyerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I'm pretty much with you. There are some annoying things associated with Christmas, but that is not the fault of the holiday itself. For me, even some of the stupid stuff stirs up feelings of nostalgia. Anyway, if you can't beat them, you might as well join them (as long as this does not involve too much shopping.)

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4. 60

   Betty Reidposted 13 years ago

   I like Christmas, but sending Christmas cards is kind of a hassle.  It seems like it should be so quick, just buy cards, sign, and address them.  But it always takes longer.  It was even worse when I use to write a personal note in each one. At least I stopped writing a personal note.  That really helped.

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   1. 72

      Freeway Flyerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      In the social networking age, Christmas cards seem unnecessary to me. We now have the opportunity to easily communicate with people we actually care about. This should save us the trouble of licking all of those envelopes.

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5. 66

   2uesdayposted 13 years ago

   Well said RedElf, i can echo much of what you said.
   
   
   I too have had Christmas with problems, but I just love the cosy feeling of the family around a Christmas tree and even though cooking Christmas dinner is always a bit stressful when everyone is happy with the gifts and food,I love that.

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6. 79

   Sufidreamerposted 13 years ago

   I worked in retail for a few years and grew to hate the commercialism, peer pressure, and tackiness associated with Xmas. It is very low key in Greece, which suits me just fine

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   1. 57

      Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Christmas is not such a big deal in France either - it is only the US and UK that go nuts. Germany does the best Christmasses though. Holland is good also. Very festive and genuinely "Christmassy" - not this hyped-up Christ Mass on Steroids.. Since I started celebrating the winter solstice instead of Christmass - I enjoy it a lot more and feel no pressure.

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      1. 79

         Sufidreamerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Easter is the big celebration over here and is always great fun - much more about getting together with family and friends than buying cheap crap.
         
         I heard many good things about the German Christmas - it would be nice to sample that, one day

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      2. 72

         Freeway Flyerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         How do you go about celebrating the winter solstice? I'll have to try it sometime.

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   2. 60

      tony0724posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Sufi well said. If there is one aspect of Christmas I can't stand it is the consumerism aspect. I was at a mall a number a  of years ago looking around and said to myself that at this supossedly joyous time of year I did not see to many happy people. The mass marketing commercial aspect has really ruined alot about Christmas. But on Christmas morning when I am with the family and we have breakfast and the kids are excited and opening presents I do feel a sense of unity and warmth that to me represents what Christmas should be.

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7. 76

   sofsposted 13 years ago

   You must be joking  but this season is getting you your sales and Amazon bonanza how could you hate it? LOL

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   1. 60

      Denseposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I am just starting to love Chistmas!

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8. 86

   Polly Cposted 13 years ago

   I like Christmas Day as it is generally a special day spent with extended family. However, I really, really hate the commerical build up to Christmas, and the feeling that it has become all about buying, buying, buying. I also don't much like the high expectations of my oldest child, mostly fuelled by adverts and peers (especially peers). I can remember being a child at Christmas, yet I feel things have changed and children, especially older ones, expect a lot more now.

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9. 63

   prettydarkhorseposted 13 years ago

   I love Christmas because the children's faces lit up and they are happy. It is the time and an excuse to pamper them with gifts, nice gifts which they will use. I love receiving and sending out Christmas cards. I love decorating and the Christmas wind always remind me that the year will end soon. I don't shop always, I shop one time only and that's it. I love to see old couple walking down and opening their doors to children singing - caroling. Most of all the extended vacation time is much needed. As long as the children are happy and they have something to look forward to, I am happy.

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   1. 63

      pisean282311posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      her pretty nice profile pic...wryllit question was why you dislike christmas and not why you love christmas....

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      1. 63

         prettydarkhorseposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         hi pisean LOL,,,,but I love Christmas!!!

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   2. 81

      Aya Katzposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I feel the same way. It's a wonderful time for children. You don't have to believe in anything to enjoy that, and you don't have to spend a lot of money to make it magical for a child.

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10. 0

    Deborah Sextonposted 13 years ago

    No Christmas for me.
    We have neighbors who have decorated everything possible on their houses and in their yards. It's really beautiful, but that's all.
    
    The electric companies love Christmas

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    1. 0

       EmpressFelicityposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       
       
       Yeah, I bet.  Actually that "let's stick loads of flashing lights on our house and an inflatable lit-from-within Santa in our garden" thing is definitely one of my least favourite features about today's Christmas. 
       
       Another thing: I'm not keen on the people who seem to idolise the rituals/customs associated with Christmas (tree, decorations, cards, turkey etc.) and expect you to be similarly inclined. And when you say to them "well, actually we don't bother with a tree or decorations", they're either totally puzzled or even in some cases, offended!  What's up with that?

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       1. 0

          CrisKatposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          yeah, what's up with that?

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11. 69

    travelespressoposted 13 years ago

    I'm really surprised that there are quite a few places with pretty Christmas decorations here in Vietnam.  A few cafes have Christmas trees complete with "presents" and even displays of the Virgin Mary.
    There are also many stores with massive displays of Christmas decorations for sale along with Santa outfits and more.  It seems incongruous.

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12. 0

    PrettyPantherposted 13 years ago

    Christmas just "is."  Why not enjoy it and not worry what everyone else is doing?

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    1. 84

       rebekahELLEposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       exactly. I love the family traditions.
       
       I don't like that it's especially sad for many, so we help with giving to a family in need.
       
       maybe this will get you in the mood
       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwN_Kcb- … embedded#!

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       1. 0

          PrettyPantherposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          That was beautiful!  I especially loved the scenes from Germany. 

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       2. 0

          CrisKatposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          pretty! that made me go to paris!

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13. 77

    skyfireposted 13 years ago

    Working in corporate environment for 14 hours a day including Saturday will tell you what is the meaning of any festival out there. Here in India people celebrate festival from various religions, even if they don't belong to that particular religion.  For me it's just another way of taking stress out. I don't celebrate any festival religiously but these festivals gives me much needed break. Being tolerant towards festival also let me access other religious festivals celebrated throughout the year. Even weekend church gathering is foolish and BS, but if it's for taking stress out of your head then go for it. Though these days every religious festival has consumerism touch,but i still feel that necessary because we're going away from our friends and family and we spend lot of time on work, personal demands. I don't see any other way than festival to bring family and friends together, so i feel even consumerism in festival is essential.

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14. 90

    gracenotesposted 13 years ago

    For quite some time, I have disliked Christmas, even though I am a Christian.
    
    There are inevitably heightened expectations among families.  I heard a note of wistfulness in my mom's voice when I phoned her last night.  She would like all of her adult children to be together for Christmas, but for various reasons, that usually isn't possible.
    
    In many families, there is a lot disagreement about how much time should be spent with your in-laws or parents, and that goes on ad infinitum.  Over time, it adds up to some pretty hefty resentment.  And it's a shame that it has to be associated with the holidays (Channukah, Christmas, New Year's, and the like).
    
    As a church choir member, I've found that singing in my church's Christmas concert helps my mood a lot.  I don't know what I'd do without that concert.  I think of it as singing/verbalizing my truth about the Savior's birth.

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15. 60

    SomewayOuttaHereposted 13 years ago

    ...i don't like the commercialism surrounding it in NA....it's over the top....so i close my eyes to it as much as possible....it starts in November now...it's ridiculous really....some people feel the pressure to buy 'stuff'...i don't....
    
    ...this time of the year family violence goes through the roof....ask the cops and social service groups.....crazy times for some.....and you know January is divorce month....lawyers love it i'm sure.....ha ha ha......
    
    ....do like gathering with family to have a nice dinner, laughs, etc....and taking off for a vacation....
    
    ...presents are for the little ones...but i don't go over the top...try to continue with the tradition but the way it used to be....

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16. 0

    CrisKatposted 13 years ago

    I am still not sure if i love or if i hate christmas. I hate all that buying frenzy and Christmas carols. Ugh!
    
    But I love Christmas lights and mulled wine.
    
    But the best for me are our traditions. Our Catalan christmas traditions are the best!

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17. 79

    mega1posted 13 years ago

    It's the season we humans worship light - in all its manifestations, because in nature this time of year there is less of it.  So, basically, it's our nature to want to gather up the light and use it to see the world in a new way? yes?  - oh hell, I'm trying.    The nostalgia is killing me, but I can't stop indulging - remembering those pageants where we carried real candles up the aisle of the church wearing our white angel robes with our hair all fluffed out and tinsel crowns on our heads.  Being part of the festivals of light and renewal is exquisite.  I wouldn't trade it for everything.  One of the best memories I have ever had.  So find whatever it is in this season that appeals to you, and focus on that!  is my advice

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18. 0

    Onusonusposted 13 years ago

    The only thing I can't stand during this season is hearing people belt out the politically phrase; "Happy Holidays." I'll go for a "Happy Chaunikkah," "Merry Christmas," "Happy Quanza," "Merry Rammadan," and to the athiests, "Don't all those lights look pretty."
    
    Oh yeah, and to all the Pagans out there, "Ha, Ha! We stole your yuel log and we're not giving it back!"

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19. 92

    habeeposted 13 years ago

    Okay, I shouldn't be posting here because I LOVE Christmas - everything about it! As a Christian, I always remember the birth of Jesus and share the story in Luke with the grandchildren.
    
    I also love all the pagan-inspired traditions and the other trappings of the season:
    
    tacky lights
    gaudy ornaments
    candles
    evergreens
    baking goodies
    festive parties
    parades
    Christmas songs and carols
    Christmas movies
    trying to see Rudolph on Christmas Eve with the grands
    family meals
    shopping in decorated stores
    giving my adult children things they need
    giving my grandkids things they want

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20. 67

    lindajotposted 13 years ago

    Funny that this year, we have little to no money to spend on Christmas, and neither does most all our family, and this has been the best Christmas we've shared.
    We have all suffered losses, and hardship, and we have lifted spirits with sharing songs and lots of food and thanking God for what we do have.
    I am always amazed at how many atheists participate in Christmas - I had a sister-in-law that tried to dictate all the festivities, and she doesn't believe in Christ - don't get that.  I have no problem with others beliefs as long as they leave me to mine

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    1. 57

       Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       That is because Christmas was originally a pagan celebration - the winter solstice, where trees were cut down and decorated, gifts were exchanged, communities got together to share winter stores, etc. Humans have been celebrating this season for many years and certainly well before Christianity violently inserted itself. You do know the bible specifically prohibits the cutting down and decoration of trees - right?
       
       "Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen....For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers, that it move not."
       
       I have no problem with other people's beliefs, even if they adopt the heathen practice of cutting down trees and decorating them, but I do wish they would educate themselves and stop with the holier than thou stuff - don't get that. 

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21. 67

    lindajotposted 13 years ago

    I would never suggest I'm holier than anyone, and I'd be the first to admit I'm not an expert at Christianity - I just thought I'd put in a note on this thread.
    Won't make that mistake again . . . didn't intend to start anything.
    Merry Christmas to you all.

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    1. 57

       Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Well, you certainly don't want to learn anything new do you? Happy Winter Solstice yourself.

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22. 67

    lindajotposted 13 years ago

    wow - way too much anger here

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    1. 81

       TamCorposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       
       
       lindajot--Just ignore Mark--he just can't help himself...
       
       You know, I was starting to feel like Wrylit, so I clicked on this thread...
       
       But, as I read it, and saw what so many others loved about Christmas, I started remembering what I loved about it, after all...
       
       I will always miss the family members who have passed on, of course, but if we all talk about them, and remember them, then it helps.  My grandmother died on Christmas Eve seven years ago, so every Christmas Eve when we get together, she is always remembered with love, and stories of how she affected our lives...
       
       
       Thank you. 

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23. 60

    paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

    Bah, Humbug!
    
    And…
    
    Merry Christmas!
    
    

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24. 59

    evvy_09posted 13 years ago

    I'm losing interest in Christmas fast.  Tried to get in the spirit but now I just don't care.  I'll problaly change my avatar back tomorrow
    . I only bought gifts so the people insisting on buying me one won't feel like I forgot about them.  I'm missing too many people that aren't here anymore.

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25. 68

    Joy56posted 13 years ago

    yeah it is sad at this time of year when many people you once shared the holidays with are no longer with us

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26. 61

    Extinct Soulposted 13 years ago

    I love Christmas when I was a kid..but i was starting to become a grinch as I grow older.. I don't know why..sadder and sadder as i grow old with the world.
    
    I hate the fact that everybody's happy and I can't come up with the same big smile..

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27. 60

    BobbiRantposted 13 years ago

    Christmas benefits the merchants of the world, no more, no less.  I agree.

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28. 0

    klarawieckposted 13 years ago

    I love Christmas! The only thing I hate is going to the mall and listening to some happy, jolly, ding-dong christmas carol while you are being harassed by hundreds of rude people who push you and shove you around to try to get to the merchandise you are trying to view.

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29. 60

    calpol25posted 13 years ago

    I hate the christmas shoppers and the christmas adverts that storm on our televisions and remain until the new year constantly reminding us how we should have bought this product!!! Then in the New Year the Tv slaps you one again with the holiday adverts "AAAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!! You seriously cant win!!
    
    Its so maddening I even wrote hubs about it !!!!!

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30. 81

    TahoeDocposted 13 years ago

    As a child I was very, very poor. I didn't care much about 'stuff' because I knew my parents couldn't afford it. I thought for sure though, that I was a really good kid and Santa would reward me. He didn't. I couldn't understand why even Santa hated poor children and the rich kids still got all the good stuff.
    
    I have some money now and always adopt a family through the women's shelter and make sure the kids get what they really want. It breaks my heart to think that kids are thinking what I used to think, and Christmas is an acute reminder of that heartbreak.
    
    I love that my kids will never know what that's like though, and probably go a little overboard with them.

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31. 66

    megmccormickposted 13 years ago

    Yeah, OK I see all you Scrooge's points, but what about the eggnog? I really like the eggnog (with a wee nip)!

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32. 84

    Maria Ceciliaposted 13 years ago

    I love christmas because of family reunions and reunions with friends which we cannot do on ordinary days.. Christmas is also the time when everybody is off from work so gathering is always possible.
    
    If there is one thing I hate about christmas, it is the christmas rush, for someone like me who does not have a car I experienced waiting for a cob for almost midnight..
    
    I stopped christmas decorating my house when my mother died in 2005 but it does not mean I hate christmas....

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