Why we don't do Christmas.

[cloudybay 17]

Originally posted by Jamie

What *****es me off most about it all ... is having to trawl around the shops looking for pressies for people ... that those people probably don't even want / need ... having to do all that ... not because you've found a suitable gift that you want to give ... but just because it's the done thing.

 

The fact that it's expected of you ... I feel detracts from the giving aspect of it.

 

If being a people pleaser makes you unhappy and you feel it's pointless.............stop doing it. Take control of your life and say a big, fat NO ! I very often ask people why they do what they do and most of them haven't got a clue. Some say tradition, but that's an excuse NOT a reason. Some will call you selfish............I would suggest that THEY are the selfish ones for trying to make you do something that only pleases them.

[saxon51 10]

BAH....HUMBUG!

[Debk 10]

For all on this thread who think Christmas is too comercial, make a wish list from here to send to family & friends http://www.oxfamunwrapped.com/WishlistInfo.aspx

[youwhatref 10]

I haven't read the entire thread so my comments may be a repeat. I have not been massive on Christmas for many years since i was young and my family split, there appeared no point. However this year is the first for my little girl and i will enjoy it. I understand that Christmas has become over commercialised but for the first few years my little girl will believe in father chistmas and I so much look forward to the joy of talking about him, wtaching the films and then seeing her face when he's been. Plus the joy on my Lab's face when he gets to eat the mince pie!

[Funke88 10]

Call it what you like - cos I'm doing it. Religion or not, it's a good thing. Gifts or no gifts is okay too.

[Pseudonym 10]

Originally posted by youwhatref

..... I understand that Christmas has become over commercialised but for the first few years my little girl will believe in father chistmas and I so much look forward to the joy of talking about him, watching the films and then seeing her face when he's been....

And IMHO, that sums up the best possible reason to celebrate Xmas...

 

Ah, happy memories of Xmas's when the kids were little, how much I envy you, my friend!

[madowl 10]

christmas might be over commercialised, and the true meaning of christmas might mean nothing any more. (Im atiest) but i love christmas..... its the one time of year i think the world feels like a good place to be... from the xmas carols to the mince pies i lv it!

 

I still belive in father christmas too!!

that explains why i get sod all year after year.... im a naughty boy!!

[discovery 10]

I'm no fan of Christmas either. I hate the way most people over indulge with food and drink and think its so unecessary and completely over the top.

 

Wouldn't want to go on a works 'do' at Christmas either as you don't get the best service as staff are stressed, you won't get the best quality meal (which my husband confirms as a qualified chef), and anyway - why wait till Christmas to have a get together with people you enjoy being with, why not be different and do it in January when the hype is over or a lovely summer do in June?

 

I don't do Christmas cards - I quit sending them about 14 years ago - one of the best things I did. Most people complain about having to sit and write them, its a chore- so are people really sending greetings of goodwill when its 'oh, I've got a pile of cards to write tonight'. I would rather not receive a card from someone when thats how they are really feeling about writing them. Go on, liberate yourselves - QUIT SENDING THOSE CARDS and when you're not bogged down with having to write them, you can really get on with the important things like spending that time you would be bogged down doing cards doing something else like having quality time with those you care about.

 

We do have Christmas dinner etc but we definitely don't overspend on food and drink, we have never gone mad spending on presents and my Dad and sister and I don't present buy for each other. This doesn't mean we don't love and support each other.

 

Its about seperating the hype and greed from what really matters...... and it can be done, its just a choice. Make a point this year of noticing how most people actually ALLOW Christmas to stress them out. When you know how NOT to let this happen, you really experience its true meaning.

[Jamie 10]

Originally posted by cloudybay

If being a people pleaser makes you unhappy and you feel it's pointless.............stop doing it. Take control of your life and say a big, fat NO ! I very often ask people why they do what they do and most of them haven't got a clue. Some say tradition, but that's an excuse NOT a reason. Some will call you selfish............I would suggest that THEY are the selfish ones for trying to make you do something that only pleases them.

 

Being a 'people pleaser', has never made me unhappy. I think, perhaps you didn't understand what I was trying to say?

 

Giving is something that people should be free to do when and as they please, and infact, it's best done, when there is no pressure, when it's not expected.

 

However, we get this constant barrage of adverts around this time of year, and the message from the companies is load and clear, SPEND SPEND SPEND.

 

The motivation, the instigating force, for the selfless act of giving, should come from within a person, we shouldn't be forced in to it by the companies who's only concern is profit.

 

That's the part of it that I resent, that the free spontaneous giving aspect, has been destroyed by the commercialisation of it all (which to be honest, is pretty ugly IMO).

[discovery 10]

Totally agree with your comments there Jamie.

 

I don't feel pressurised at all to spend like mad and its a fantastic feeling when you can still enjoy your daily life without being drawn into all the commercialism and advertising and therefore overspending. It takes some discipline though but once you crack it there's no going back.

 

Its also a fab feeling having a positive bank balance when the January statement comes through and you've still enjoyed getting together with your family and loved ones over the festive season.

Its all about being in control of yourself really.

 

It can be done ....