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DEL.ICIO.USDo you live with a Grinch?
What is at the root of the bah-humming? Do you overdo the holidays? How can you simplify for a more joyful, restful holiday?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While the kids and I are gleefully pulling out holiday decorations and making our lists for Santa, my husband has begun his annual festering over how much he hates Christmas.
Like the Grinch holed up in his cave, my husband begins his slow boil a few weeks before Thanksgiving as soon as he sees the first ridiculously premature TV ad.
He grumbles; he groans: “The stores, the radio, the TV are turning what should be a magical couple of weeks into a slow death march of shopping, unnecessary decorating and burdensome tasks.”
My husband smolders over holiday traffic, unproductive employees, wasted money and the excess of the holidays. A Charlie Brown disciple, he thinks the holiday season is overblown and over-commercialized. His basic complaints are as follows:
It starts too early and lasts too long.
Workers don’t want to do anything — “It’s the holidays,” they say.
Schools don’t accomplish anything.
Every weekend is just a list to get done - shop, address and mail cards, shop, decorate.
He hates decorations. He finds them to be wastes of money, time and energy. And they clutter the house to boot.
He hates lines. He hates crowds. He hates traffic. All of these are in abundance at the mall. And, by the way, if you haven’t guessed, he hates malls.
He hates shopping in general, but especially at Christmas. It’s crowded. It’s gluttonous. He thinks Dante’s Inferno has a special level just for catalogs - especially the ones that come multiple times a week and display mostly candles.
And it all ends with that magical trip back to the miserable crowded mall to return all the stuff that you didn’t want or need in the first place.
Depressed yet? Bringing you down?
I usually just try to ignore his Scrooge imitation, but as I have been working on this piece and talking with him more about his feelings, I started to think maybe all his negativity could be used to improve our holiday experience. Maybe we could simplify to make it more enjoyable for everyone in the family.
Serendipitously, I ran across a book this week at the library called ‘Simplify Your Christmas - 100 Ways to Reduce the Stress and Recapture the Joy of the Holidays,’ by Elaine St. James.
She suggests that families first make a list of the things they like about their holiday and the things they remember from their childhood. Then make a list of everything they don’t like. Narrow down the lists and choose a few things to continue.
Don’t buy into Madison Avenue’s image of what Christmas is supposed to be like - floor covered with toys under the tree, complicated parties and meals, expensive gifts.
Don’t buy the women’s magazines with “simple” projects that took three editors and a stylist weeks to create for publication.
She points out that organizing to get through all your holiday tasks (like shopping in June) is not simplifying. Start the holiday closer to the actual date and truly eliminate tasks.
Focus more what you can do with your family, but even that doesn’t have to be complicated. She gave an example of a family who used to drive into the city to see a big Christmas musical each year. It was stressful and expensive. They decided to skip it one year and heard carolers singing close-by. The family had a wonderful inexpensive musical experience in their own town.
Focus on charitable acts.
Reduce the amount you are buying. Give your time and talent instead - such as coupons to take adventures with your kids each month. If you must buy, she suggests giving consumable things (such as movie tickets, restaurant gift cards), not things that clutter.
The book is from 1998 and has a few dated references, but overall was a fast read and helpful at refocusing me for the holiday season.
I am decorating this weekend, and I will probably do less after reading this book. We already had limited the number of gifts per child this year, and I’m almost done with my shopping.
I want us to read, watch our favorite Christmas shows, bake and cuddle as a family. If the mood strikes to go and see lights or have people over, we’ll do it simply.
We’ve started our charitable acts, and I want the kids to do several this month. I liked the author’s suggestion of having the children do at least one kind thing a week.
I think maybe by simplifying a little, my Grinch will be more relaxed and happy and in return the whole family will be too.
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By JJ
December 3, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Your husband doesn’t sound like a very happy person at all. I don’t think I could put up with all that negativity. Is there anything at all that makes him happy this time of year?
This is by far my favorite time of year. It starts at Halloween. I love the crispness of the air, the color of the leaves, the cool air finally giving us a break from the heat.
I have a small family, so I don’t get stressed about the holidays. I don’t have to travel more than 20 miles to my Mom’s house for Christmas.
I love having a small family at the holidays and I love knowing that I don’t have to travel anywhere either.
By Anne
December 3, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
The early “holiday” promotions almost put me in that mood. I mean really, do we need to see anything Christmas oriented before Halloween? But once Dec. 1st hits, I can’t help but smile at the homes that are decorated, carols on the radio and all that goes with the season. I’m lucky that I have no grinches in my immediate circle of friends. It makes for a warm and wonderful time of year. Your hubby needs to lighten up, that or hibernate until after the first of the year!!
By lovelyliz
December 3, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
I don’t live with a grinch, but the people in my circle are turning me into one.
Whether it’s 2 hours of getting pelted with wads of gift wrap thrown hard enough to leave a welt, the thoughtless gifts that are given out of obligation (note: potpourri is not an appropriate gift for an asthmatic), or as the result of divorce the different factions of the family and their never ending belly aching over who spends how much time where and their never end guilt trips. I’ve just about had it.
By Jeff
December 3, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
I’m somewhat like Mike. Traffic isn’t an issue down here in Central/ South GA. (The most traffic I encounter is within about 10 miles of my office in central Macon.) However, I DO try to avoid stores this time of year (online shopping is SOOOO much easier!!). I HATE 24/7 Christmas music any earlier than Dec 23 or so, though I do like stations to throw Christmas music into their normal rotations as early as the day after Thanksgiving. I don’t mind putting up outside lights, as long as it isn’t so bad that you can’t run your dishwasher, washer, and dryer while they are up. (T’s grandmother’s house is LITERALLY that bad!! Even when they are turned OFF, she has so many lights that she can’t use her dishwasher, washer, or dryer due to the sheer amount of electricity going through the Christmas lights!) However, other than the tree, any inside decorations are hands-off by me.
My overall outlook for both Christmas and Easter though can be seen in The Nativity and The Passion of the Christ. The original people involved in both events had only their faith in God. EVERYTHING else was going against them. So I try to remember how they felt. But on the day in question I remember what they knew: Because of these two events, the battles would still rage, but victory was assured. Indeed, much like Andrew Jackson in 1812: The war was over. The bad guys just didn’t know it yet.
So my style of celebration is more muted, more realistic. But even more heartfelt.
By fk
December 3, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
I love this time of year. My husband is the type who complains about everything up until two days before Christmas. All he has to do is pull out the Christmas stuff from the attic and I do the rest. He used to help with the outside lights, etc., but our son is now old enough to handle that task. I do have to say that this is one of the busiest times of the year for him at work, so he has outside stress. Once the house is decorated, in the evening, he enjoys sitting in any one of our decorated rooms, lights off with the glow of the Christmas tree, soft holiday music playing or a holiday movie, and a cocktail. Saturday night, we attended a nice Christmas concert at a local church. It was wonderful and a nice way to kick off the holiday season before the craziness starts. Sunday, we cut down our tree. Drove up north with the Christmas music playing. Each evening when we pull into our neighborhood, we drive thru it, just to see the newly added decorations.
A few years ago, we were not able to go “home” for Christmas. The night before Christmas Eve, we ate dinner in ATL, overlooking Centennial Olympic Park and watched the ice-skaters…beautiful sight. Then went to the Woodruff Arts Center and saw “A Christmas Carol”. It was a nice night and our teenager, then 14, enjoyed it as much as his goofy parents.
When our son was younger, and I shopped at the toy store and the mall, my husband would drop me off at the door and wait in the car. When I was in line to pay, I would call him and he would come back to pick me up. That plan worked out well, especially if I had to go to multiple stores. He would drop me at the door, I’d shop, jump into the car and go to the next destination. He stayed with the packages in the car. Saved a lot of time, arguments and worry about theft.
By Kimi
December 3, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
My husband can be the Grinch, but usually loosens up as it gets closer to Christmas. I have always loved the holidays, although I can understand why people don’t want to think about or see it before Thanksgiving.
Last year hubby even helped me put up Christmas decorations … every years he gives in a little more & hopefully by Christmas 2008 we’ll have a child to share all this with. I’m sure he will be into it 100% then. Part of the reason he’s held back is because we have no kids yet & he believes its a kid’s holiday.
I disagree with that book re: shopping early.
If I see something a loved one would like & I can get it on sale earlier in the year, then I’ll pick it up. But I don’t make a conscious effort to Christmas shop prior to Thanksgiving. Doing so has eased my wallet at Christmas.
Another great thing about picking up a few gifts before the holidays officially starts is that keeps me outta the mall when there are hordes of people trying to find that perfect gift at the last minute.
To each his own though.
I do love the idea of having kids do one kind thing a week & some charitable work.
By Claire
December 3, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
I can totally sympathize with your husband. Traffic, crowded malls, and worst of all…the never ending Christmas music! My children are asking “when can we decorate the tree?” and all I can think is what a pain it is to drag all that junk out, clutter the house up, and then have to take it all down. My neighbors have had outdoor decorations up since the weekend prior to Thanksgiving (thanks for that added pressure!)and I’ve already been to two parties where gift giving was required. It’s only December 3rd! Six weeks of “holiday cheer” is more than this grinch can stand!
By lovelyliz
December 3, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
I hate traffic period. Thank God for Amazon.com
By JJ
December 3, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
I love the stores, the malls, etc. I get all my shopping finished by the 20th of this month, and will not go near a mall the weekend before Christmas. We made that mistake about 4 years ago. We TRIED to get to the Mall of Georgia, and sat in traffic for over 2 hours. NEVER AGAIN……we finally got to the mall, shopped with 1,000s of people, and then went to eat at Olive Garden. By the time we left Olive Garden, around 3:00, it took 45 minutes to get from Olive Garden to Best Buy, which is practically across the street.
I am ordering some items from the internet, but most of them will come from the stores.
By Ron
December 3, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
I don’t live with a Grincg,I am the Grinch.I think it absolutely asinine to spend money you cannot afford to buy gifts that people don’t need.People go deeply into debt for this craziness simply so others won’t think badly of them.This year ,due to the Christmas draw,I am obligated to purchase a gift for my brother-in -laws wife,a woman whom I could gleefully strangle.I won’t succumb to my desires and I will buy the gift,but it’s ridiculous.
By Racebaiter
December 3, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
Your husband sounds like an a**.
By Katie
December 3, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
I am the grinch in my house. I agree with Ron. Why buy stuff for people, they can buy their own stuff if they want it. I’m not wasting my hard earned dollars on anybody and I dont’ expect any gifts in exchange.
By Katie
December 3, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
I am the grinch in my house. I agree with Ron. Why buy stuff for people, they can buy their own stuff if they want it. I’m not wasting my hard earned dollars on anybody and I dont’ expect any gifts in exchange.
By Katie
December 3, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
I forgot to say. I like your husband, maybe you should send him on over to me—we’d get along great.
By WTF?
December 3, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
I’ve already been to two parties where gift giving was required Huh???? How can anyone “require” you to give a gift?
By Ooooohhhhhh
December 3, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Ooooooohhhhhh, Katie said she’ll take Theresa’s grinch, oops, I meant husband!! j/k
By Stacey
December 3, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
I don’t consider myself a Scrooge, I HATE the crowds at the stores during this time of year. I do, however, LOVE the sights and sounds of Christmas. I decorating is limited to a tree (with lights) and a wreath on the door but my husband and I love driving our son through different neighborhoods to see other people’s lights and decorations. Like Jeff, I love hearing the Christmas song sprinkled throughout the regular programming on radio but I only play my Christmas CD’s Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. I also love watching all of the Christmas movies on TV.
By lovelyliz
December 3, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
How can anyone “require” you to give a gift?
You shouldn’t be obligated to give a gift and there shouldn’t be retribution, but have you ever tried to tell the boss - NO!!!!
By Mandy
December 3, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Katie You sound very selfish and lonely. I hope your family doesn’t expect anything from you, or vice-versa.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
By WTF?
December 3, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
but have you ever tried to tell the boss - NO!!!! Heck yeah, he’s a boss, not God. I am sure to let him/them know that my finances won’t allow me to participate at this time (even if it’s not true)…………maybe if I made a better salary/had gotten that increase/a bigger bonus/etc., but my family comes FIRST!!!! Simply put (to the boss)…”sorry, but my finances will not allow me to participate at this time!” Try it, and stop letting someone force you to do things (we deal with that enough at work)!! Hellz, I’m too grown for that (in my personal life)!
By PeachyCrab
December 3, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
I love how everyone is calling this man an a* for not wanting to deal with all this blown-up bullsht. I have not celebrated Christmas for like 4 years! Like someone previously stated..people put theirselves in debt trying to make the most of the holidays when they really dont have the funds to do so. I gave up a long time ago. I look at it as another attempt merchants and credit card companies put in place to keep sucking you dry. More money to put away for my kids to go to college…is my holiday cheer!!!
By Katie
December 3, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Mandy why do you think I’m lonely?? Just because I don’t celebrate Christmas, aka Consumer Day? How judgemental of you. I simply don’t fall for the Happy Consumer day. I don’t know how you can call me selfish either. You are either very narrow minded or very dumb. I voluneer my time at my local food kitchen and teach underprivledged children to ride horses—my own horses. I don’t need to spend money on things people don’t need. I don’t like to waste electricity by putting stupid lights on my house. I don’t buy trees that have been hacked from the ground. Everyone buying live trees should be ashamed of themselves. Maybe you should look in the mirror when you say the word ‘selfish’.
By Racebaiter
December 3, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
PeachyCrab, you sound like a lot of fun. I’m sure your kids understand that idea that you’re sacrificing their Christmas for their future college (sarcasm). When they’re grown and are no longer innocent enough to believe in Santa, you can take solace in the fact that you can send them to college having missed a great part of childhood.
By Stacey
December 3, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
My husband hates to shop even more than I do so he gives me money to shop for our son and my mother-in-law. He is often just as surprised as my son to see what Santa brought. We decided not to exchange gift with each other the last few years because money has been tight (plus we don’t really need anything). Each will take our son to buy a gift for the other and my gift is often scratch off lottery tickets or something that can be purchased at a store with no line. I got office supplies one year.
By Jane
December 3, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
I enjoy Christmas and I believe that the joy of Christmas is in giving. I have successfully given this belief to my children. Their father has different views—but is being brought around. I am not a big fan of the mall during December but will go to have coffee and enjoy the music, decorations etc. I love taking the kids and grandkids to see “The Nutcracker” Creating our own traditions. Baking cookies for Santa and all the fun that comes with little hands learning how to make and decorate that perfect cookie. Christmas is not how much you spend but what you choose to make of it—time with family, photos and tons of memories are best.
By PeachyCrab
December 3, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
@ Racebaiter: If I did decide to celebrate a holiday with my kids…trust that your so called Christmas holiday would not be it. This day has been brainwashed into your head that Christ was born on this day…which is a bunch of bologna. But cool I’ll play into it. My husband and I have created our own little holiday with our kids( you know kinda like christmas is made up) anyway they’re having a great childhood…they will suffer no internal brain damage because we did’nt subject them to Santa Claus…Ho Ho Fake…Merry Christmas…LOL!!!!
By Wow
December 3, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Sounds like a bunch of crappy people are posting here. Anywho………..if Dec. 25th is not the actual birthday of Christ, who can tell me when it really is? And why was Dec. 25th chosen?
By Kimi
December 3, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
Jesus Christ was actually born in March, do not know the exact day.
Dec. 25th is the “observed” day for us to celebrate.
For those who are not into Christmas - why ruin it for the rest of us who do enjoy celebrating?
By Wow
December 3, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Thanks, Kimi (although someone else has said it was in January), anyone else? Anyone know the whole story?
By Robin
December 3, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Katie is always blogging and bragging about how wonderful she is. C’mon - don’t you know she is perfect? Quite frankly, Katie has no life because all she finds time to do is blog and insult people. The internet has really shed light on how disfunctional our society has become.
Merry Christmas!
By PeachyCrab
December 3, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
@ Wow and Kimi, I’m not here to ruin your holiday festivities…by all means celebrate!!! Dec 25th was choosen because so many Gods and historic features before Christ was “born” on this day. Do some research before you all throw yourselves into the three wise men story. And again Happy Holidays to all….not matter what holiday you decide to celebrate!!
By JustME
December 3, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
I so agree with your husband, at last I am finding more and more people who agree with me. Christmas has become a big commerical, and I have nothing against celebrating Christmas, I just choose to celebrate the real reason for Christmas. The three wise men took gift to the baby Jesus. You don’t hear of them GIVING GIFTS TO EACH OTHER.
By Jj
December 3, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
The actual celebrating of Jesus’s birthday is on December 25, because the christians stole it from the Pagans. The pagans always worshipped the changing of the seasons, and the Christians couldn’t have that, so they took it away. This is from an agnostic atheist.
I feel bad for alot of people on this blog today, some of you sound just miserable. I love this time of year, but then again, I am a very happy person. I don’t feel pressure to give the “perfect” gift, as my family is fun to shop for, and everyone is very happy to receive a gift period. It doesn’t matter what it is, there is always a smile on the receiver’s face as the present it being opened. We take turns opening presents, so every can see what one person is opening. It takes us close to 3 hours to open our presents.
By Wow
December 3, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Wow and Kimi, I’m not here to ruin your holiday festivities…by all means celebrate!!! I don’t know about any one else, but you (and no one else) can’t ruin anything for me (you don’t even know me). Thanks for the apology though (the thought was nice). I’m not that shallow a person, I believe what I believe, I go/do/say as I please (as much as possible), and I allow others to do the same without judgement. This allows me to live a stress/drama/bullshyt free life………..nice and easy! Happy Holidays All!!
By kimi
December 3, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
to WOW - I have always heard Christ was born in March, but one thing I can say with certainty is he was not born on December 25!
But … out of all the holidays we celebrate year round, how many actually fall on the actual date?
By PeachyCrab
December 3, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Okay, this post was supposed to be about Grinches am I correct?? Some of you act like someone has put a bug up your a** because of our opinions. Who died and made you people “Blog Kings & Queens”. Get a life….Everyone does not share the same beliefs or celebrate the same holidays!! GET OVER IT!!!!
By Kimi
December 3, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
Well said Wow … let me just add nobody on this blog ruined my holiday.
But a lot of stuff goes on in this world that I do not believe in or agree with. Just do not have the time to go around trashing it. Life is too short.
Merry Christmas to all!
By lovelyliz
December 3, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
I for one am not willing to risk my next raise by being labeled as anti-social. Luckily the company I now work for doesn’t do gift exchanges, but for those that do in a dream world it doesn’t matter if you participate, but in the reality of many it does.
By Atlanta Pearl Girl
December 3, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
I used to live with a Grinch…… In the words of Amy Winehouse “No No No No”…..
Divorce was the solution.
Now I can be as freaking MERRY and BRIGHT as I want to!!!!
::::::ho ho ho ho
Atlanta Pearl Girl
By Pete
December 3, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
Christ’s birthday was in September some time. Sorry I don’t remember the calculated date but it has to do with the weather detailed in the Bible and the religious celebrations and the census that was taken. As others have said, in the Middle Ages, Christmas was celebrated on December 25th to co-opt a pagan holiday.
As my wife and I have had to deal with both jobs that required holiday work, kids from previous marriages spending time with the other parent and families 300 miles apart, we have learned that the holiday is the day you choose to celebrate it. It may not be Christmas Day, or Thanksgiving or any of the other holidays but it is the day that you gather to gether to celebrate. My daughter asked why a house had lighted Christmas lights in February and I explained to her that they might be waiting on a family member to come home from the hospital or a family member in the service to come home on leave. She thought that was cool.
I personally enjoy the season and the giving. While I enjoy receiving gifts, I much prefer to watch as others open mine. I enjoy putting up the decorations. This year, counting the outside ones, we will have 5 or 6 trees up and decorated. I think I enjoy it more than my wife! To me, there is no such thing as too much Christmas music. I recognize that everyone does not feel the same way and don’t let that impact my feelings. Some people believe, some don’t. In our home, we do the thigns that we enjoy and don’t worry about the opinions of others.
I hope everyone has a safe and merry Christmas and a happy New Year’s!
By JJ
December 3, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Pete I like your attitude. Especially where you said we have learned that the holiday is the day you choose to celebrate it.
This year, we have to push Christmas back one day. Both my brother and I are single parents, and my brother won’t get his kids until 2:00 Christmas Day. Then we will all go to my mother’s house, and have Christmas Eve on Christmas Day, eat a wonderful standing rib roast dinner, let the kids open one present, play Monopoly, and we all spend the night. Then we will get up, and open presents on the 26th. That’s ok with us, as long as we are all together.
The kids like it too because they get an “extra” christmas day!!!
By Wow
December 3, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
Well said Pete!
It’s very interesting to hear the different answers to Christ’s actual birthday. So far I’ve heard January, March, and September. Interesting……….
By Jackson
December 3, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
Damn! I like the way your husband thinks. He may be my role model for the Christmas Season.
By Becky
December 3, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
I love Christmas & all the shopping that goes with it..I’m one of those people that shop all year long, so that makes things easier come the big day..I’m like Pete, I enjoy the season & the giving..People stress out for all of the wrong reasons..Just relax & enjoy…
By Eva
December 3, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
I hate this time of year; it’s a huge slap in the face that I have absolutely no family. All my friends are leaving town this year and my boyfriend has to work.
I will not decorate my home/car/workspace. The worst feeling in the world is waking up alone Christmas morning. With Christmas being shoved down our throats sooner & sooner each year, it makes that homesick feeling last even longer.
Bah humbug!
By FCM
December 3, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
Wish they would move the blog before I write to it….oh well No Grinch for me.
Mom had a long talk with my Dad….after many decades and 2 grown kids tired of hearing him ‘Bah Humbug’ she told him he could get over it. She also told him that he was not ruining for the Grandkids.
My house is simplified this year in that only the big stuff (trees, plants, collections) went out. I did not change out the christmas drapes, bedding, shower curtain etc like I have in years past….it is festive w/o being obnoxious….or looking like it came from Southern Living….I just don’t have the energy to do it all this year so I am doing what I can.
By Mark
December 3, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Xmas is for retailers and children. Anyone who thinks different is a gullible lemming. Cmon, who actually uses the holiday season to celebrate the son of a magical man in the sky?
Grow up
Merry end of December everyone!
By momtoAlex&Max
December 3, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
I love this time of year. I look forward to it all year! Hubbie, kids and I do it all: Santa, trees, cookies, shopping, church, candles, parties, advent calendar, Christmas Eve dinner and church service, Christmas morning presents, Christmas breakfast with the rest of the extended family. We even celebrate the 12th night of Christmas (Jan 5th). Where I am from, kids get presents on the 12th night from the “Three Wise Men”.
I LOOOOOOOOVE IT!
If feel not only sorry for the Grinches out there, I feel sorry for your kids. And don’t bother telling me not to. Whatever.
By David K.
December 3, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
MELISSA BUCCI is the GRINCH all year round.
Just ask any of her husband’s employees at Niche Cubed, LLC, in Atlanta.
By abc
December 3, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Jesus was born on or about September 11th, if dates at the time are extrapolated per our modern calendar. December 25th was a Roman pagan holiday celebrating the sun god Sol, sometimes referred to as Saturnalia. Christians were influenced to celebrate Christ’s birth on that day so as to coincide with an existing recognized holiday at the time.
By Racebaiter
December 3, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
PeachyCrab is not only an a, but also a b**. She’s just like too many others who like to criticize Christmas for one irrelevant reason after another (who cares when Jesus was ACTUALLY born?), so she’s decided to subject her kids to creating a leaf collage, protesting the Patriot Act, or firebombing churches on Dec. 25. Poor kids.
By FCM
December 3, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
According to Macabees, Dec 25th is the day the Jews took back the temple and had what is now Chanukkah. Incidentally Chanukkah is the only non-God mandated Holy Day Jesus ever celebrated. When the Church (thats the universal Church) was being formed Peter and Paul (both Jews)were determing how to bring the Gentiles into the fold….YES many of the ‘pagan’ holidays and other traditions (like women serving as high ministers) may have had to be ‘warred’ with….however, it is my understanding that the Dec 25 was picked due to the fact that both Peter and Paul recognized its significance…..Those with Catholic Bibles, which carry the Macabees may have better insight into this idea. Protestant Bibles do not have these 2 books in their canon.
By Jennifer
December 3, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
My husband isn’t too bad of a Grinch. He’s not falling over himself to drag the Christmas stuff out on Thanksgiving weekend but he doesn’t gripe and act like a brat when I ask him to help me out. I do my part for his sanity and don’t accept every single invitation extended to us but we do hit a party or two where he ends up having a good time in spite of himself. I would be really upset if he was pouting and grumbling around about every little thing during such a good family time. For no particular reason, I get to assemble a gingerbread house with my kids and tell them the stories behind our Christmas ornaments as we decorate the tree. Christmas isn’t about shopping and hassle, it’s about making great memories. I know you can do that every day of the year, but there is something special about Christmas.
By Peg
December 3, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
My husband’s faith does not celebrate Christmas. He was raised in a household that stood firmly against Christmas celebrations. His previous wife doesn’t celebrate Christmas. THIS wife loves Christmas! After a few miserable Christmases fighting over my “rights,” I decided to enjoy big holiday festivities with my adult daughters and grandchildren. My husband and I head off to the Bahamas or somewhere tropical the first week of the new year. It’s wonderful. By the time we get back home, trees, jingle bells and Santa are all gone for another year.
By cjc
December 4, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this
I used to be grinchy about Christmas, but after going through some life-altering times (you know, a major illness that brings you to the brink of death) this year, I am appreciative of all of it—the early Christmas displays in the stores, the kids running around, carols, decorations, etc. After going through an ordeal, I am grateful for what I have and to simply be alive.
By I'm a grinch
December 4, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
I have not participated in any Christmas activities for years. After years of enforcing my position I do not get anything and don’t give anything. I won’t even go near a shopping establishment for 2 months. The immediate benefit here is that I save a TON of money by not participating in this orgy of mass consumerism. I also did not like receiving gifts that I could not use and knew that they represented hard earned money that was wasted. Now, before you think how much I’m missing out on this holiday, bear in mind that my vehicles have been paid off for years and I paid off my house this year (year 10 in a 30 year loan). I am debt free and have money in the bank. That is solely as a result of my hard work and careful spending. HoHoHo
By CTU Director
December 4, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
Well, my wife and I got into an arguement over the decorations and I am now staying with a friend.
I have had it with the holidays and the expectations of happy, happy, happy times.
If I want to have a few brews and watch the games, let me. Don’t nag me about the dang lights!!
I feel bad about breaking her Grandma’s favorite Xmas vase, but I was heated up a bit.
F’ing Xmas, maybe next year?