Christmas
jewel December 7th, 2008
Well, the Christmas season is now upon us. I am really not fond of the whole thing, to tell you the truth. Never have been. Even as a kid I didn’t really enjoy it. Being forced to hang out with the extended family I didn’t really know and had little in common with was excruciating and never fun. Also, I find that the level of expected cheerfulness goes into the absurd. And don’t even get me started on Christmas music. I’m not really a “bah-humbug” kind of person, I don’t go around telling people they shouldn’t celebrate it if they want, but when they ask me what I’m doing for the holiday’s or whatever, I don’t lie either. I just don’t get into it.
Shoppers are out in full swing, of course, making my usual weekend errands take twice as long. It’s a good thing I prefer parking at the far end of the parking lot. Between the aggressive drivers, the rude shoppers and the insincerity of the whole holiday, I’m happy to sit it out.
I’ve got to say, though, that when someone asks me if I’ve finished my Christmas shopping, I do love the look on their face when I say “Yep. Finished it about 15 years ago.” That really is priceless, and almost worth having to put up with the rest of it.
That said, if I had kids I would probably participate along with everyone else (although I would likely do most/all of the gift shopping online — avoid the traffic!). I wouldn’t, of course, inject religion into it, but I would probably put up a tree and do the presents thing. Maybe even tell them about the myths that bought about the whole tradition. I’d certainly want them to enjoy the holiday more I did when I was a kid.
I certainly agree with you about Christmas. I actually enjoy a small helping of Christmas music, once a year. Alas, several of the local radio stations play it 24/7, and, IIRC, one started well right after Veteran’s Day.
I agree it is enjoyable if kids are involved, and I really enjoyed spending time every Christmas with my cousins when I was young.
Much more fun to treat your friends to an occasional surprise during the year when you just happen to run into the right thing, or just feel like it.
The worst part of it is the “What do you want for Christmas?” Truth be told, I don’t need anything, but if I don’t find an answer, I’ll likely get something I really don’t need or want. And if people know me, should they need to ask?! Good conversation over lunch once in a while would be a good choice…
Yes, exactly!
I thought about your essay when I went out today, and found yet a third preset station on my cars radio is playing Christmas music full time. My journey took me to the mall. As I looked around, I realized that one of the saddest things about the Christmas season is all the junk people buy and gift. There are just so many things in the stores that no one really needs – just more clutter to take up the nooks and crannies for a time. The herd of unthinking, uncritical consumers really expands around the holidays. Alas, I heard an economist claim our country’s economy – more than any other – is based on people spending money. Sad.
Clear skies, Alan
Wow, I’m really flattered.
I couldn’t agree more that all the useless spending is a real problem. Most of it is junk no one needs, and will likely never use. And year after year people go further into debt to continue this tradition of waste.
My husband read a couple days ago that Redhat (Linux) had been planning a great big bash for their employees for the holiday, like they have every year. But then, they decided to take the money they were going to spend on that one night of partying and give it to Feeding America instead. Now, that is a beautiful thing, and something worth doing.
That’s nice of Redhat. I heard one of the larger local employers simply canceled the festivities to save money. My wife and I went to my work parties for a while, but we much prefer smaller gatherings and gave it up.
At this time of year, I always think about Christmas, faith, and religion, so your essay struck a cord. I also enjoyed your writings about faith and atheism. I am not religious, but I find religion interesting. I just finished an audio course on Hinduism, and am working on Judaism. Any particular books you’d recommend?
There are a few nice things about the holidays. I get to see a few old friends from work for pizza today, which is always enjoyable.
Clear skies, Alan
My wife, Amy, and I don’t like celebrating Christmas either (we just call it ‘X’). We put up a little optical fiber tree and that’s the extent of our decorating. We have a kid, but we don’t do the Santa thing at all. It’s just too messy, and I am not going to perpetuate lies to my son just for the sake of ‘tradition’.
I do enjoy celebrating Boxing Day, though, and always have some little thing going (although we didn’t last year because of house renovations).
Good call Brett.
Alan — I’ve never read any books on Judaism, so I’ve got nothing for you there. I have read a few on Buddhism, many years ago, but I admit I don’t remember much about them at this point. I’m glad you enjoyed my posts on faith and atheism. Writing them helped me get my own thoughts in some kind of order.
And I agree, hanging out with friends is indeed enjoyable, no matter the occasion.
Obviously, I should have written “chord,” and not “cord” previously.
Writing is certainly a wonderful way to put thoughts in order.
It was nice to see everyone yesterday. Next year I’ll have to find out when the big, informal holiday lunch at the old office is being held, and drop in and say “hi” to a wider selection of the old co-workers.