I Hate December And Christmas.

December 4, 2006

Steven... why not make every season meaningful? That is not a humbugger thing... is it? And why change expectations for everyone just because it is the season? If I went around in March saying why do you all have to be humbuggers about Shaven Yack day? why can't you get into the spirit of things? wouldn't that be unreasonable?

December 4, 2006

actually, steven, that's not x-mas - that's life, and how people should be all the time.

the way i see x-mas in popular culture (here in the US, anyway) it's an over-coomercialized media blitz of "buy this, buy that, if you don't, you're a cheapskate scrooge, and shame on you! you're a horrible person!" FUCK the commercialization of holidays like x-mas!!! you want to make an impact on people's lives on x-mas? just say NO to paying out the wazoo for gifts! set a limit, make it a drawing, or better yet, take the entire gift giving process out of it altogether, and just commune as a family and appreciate the fact that you have family to spend time with. still want to buy gifts!? great! do it next month, or even last month... or, i dunno, how about april, or august, or something unexpected!? this country carries enough debt per capita as it is! then we get a holiday that *requires* people buy gifts they can't really afford for someone who most likely won't really appreciate the effort OR the gift anyway! (why do you think stores are so busy on the 26th? people taking back all the crap they so unappreciatively didn't want! (ok, generalized, but still). the "holiday spirit" is a joke - well, ok, not the spirit itself, but the reason behind it. it shouldn't be reserved for a special occasion, to be whipped out for a couple weeks every year - it should be a way of life. GAH!!! i so dislike "the holidays"!!! :doh

:erm

:fear

Again I refer you my friend, to my Mac and Cheese or Boloney suggestion, or my suggestion to jsut hang, or my suggestion to hit up the 99 cent store.....don't miss my point Bro, because at no time at all have I been championing the cuase for irresponsible spending or social pressure to look good.

I almost feel as if your countering my post with something that was never part of the equazion. I'm talking about community and bridging the gap - your talking about the stigma's of $$$. Did you notice my Porsche outside the red apple that nigth we all hooked up? No? ITS A FUCKEN RUBBER BAND POWERED KIA.

If you want to rebel against what Xmas has become, that's cool, don't be a lemming doing what everybody else does, do something real and meaningful. There was a time Bro, when all of this commercial madness did not exist. The holiday "spirit" is a personal thing, at least it should be to all who have the ability to make up their minds. My Christmas spirit does not come from advertising. And to me, its no joke, just becaus eother's fold and let their ideals become polluted does not mean I have to bow out of the whole thing because the crowd flows a certain way. I do beleive that in side of most of us, especially at this time of the year, we all want something real.

so be that.

December 4, 2006

Steven, your heart is in the right place. It's one of the things I love about you. As for everyone else: You all bring up some valid feelings. And I love that about you as well.

December 4, 2006

Steven... why not make every season meaningful? That is not a humbugger thing... is it? And why change expectations for everyone just because it is the season? If I went around in March saying why do you all have to be humbuggers about Shaven Yack day? why can't you get into the spirit of things? wouldn't that be unreasonable?

Again Dude - your opposing an argument that I'm not making.

and honest question Phee, with what little you know about me thus far....would you picture me as a person who does just that - makes everyday as real as he can? Connects as much as he can? Or do you think I just save up all of my goodwill for December?

December 4, 2006

Steven, your heart is in the right place. It's one of the things I love about you. As for everyone else: You all bring up some valid feelings. And I love that about you as well.

Thank you Bren. You get it.

I'm late for band practice. My my my what a revealing topic this has been.

December 4, 2006

Again Dude - your opposing an argument that I'm not making.
and honest question Phee, with what little you know about me thus far....would you picture me as a person who does just that - makes everyday as real as he can? Connects as much as he can? Or do you think I just save up all of my goodwill for December?

I am mainly responding to the original post... she stated that she hated the season, and seemed to have a valid reason why. And I have my own reasons as well. By calling that a humbugger thing, it's kind of picking on people... not saying that you save up or anything just saying that the thread was not picking on people who have good will, I am picking on people who PICK ON people for not feeling the holiday spirit in the same way that they themselves do.

December 5, 2006

Of course I agree with this Mike, but we're posting about this season, and this seasons epic tales of whoa, and this season's potential to actually having meaning.

And in a nutshell I'm saying to you bah humbuggers....perhaps you can change what you hate about Xmas, right here in your inner circle. I'm saying hate it? do something about it.

i think that your take on this season is admirable - i wish more people thought the way you do... i'm arguing that the generally accepted version of x-mas that's currently the societal norm has nothing to do with the approach to which you're reffering. and where do you think these "tales of woe" come from? the events to which you've referred happen all the time, all year long, to people all over. why is there not a huge push to help those less fortunate all the ime!? because this society is so focused on gifts and presents for this holiday, that we're actually using that as a reason to get people to help.

"so-n-so" just lost their job/relative's sick/(insert catastrophic loss), and now they can't afford presents for their kids/family, so let's do something for them so they can have gifts/presents just like all the rest of us sheeple! gee, now i can feel less guilty about giving my kid a several-hundred dollar video game/dvdsupersystem/whateverthelatestgadgetis!!!

i say, tell your kid to get a job and earn it, take that *thousands-of-dollars* worth of x-mas gift money your entire family would normally spend, and really do something for others! :doh

(ok, i'll shut up now...) :fear

December 5, 2006

I am mainly responding to the original post... she stated that she hated the season, and seemed to have a valid reason why. And I have my own reasons as well. By calling that a humbugger thing, it's kind of picking on people... not saying that you save up or anything just saying that the thread was not picking on people who have good will, I am picking on people who PICK ON people for not feeling the holiday spirit in the same way that they themselves do.

I can accept that. If I came across as condescending, I didint realize it and it's nto what I'm trying to do.

to be honest with you Phee I often feel as if I'm surrounded by people who have just throw up their hands and given up on so much, and it disturbs me, because to me that feels like a social trend, and I'm a pretty passionate beleiver in risk.

What we seem to have here are two opposing lifestyle choices.

and that happens.

Kudos to you, for making this point to me.

Steven

December 5, 2006

i think that your take on this season is admirable - i wish more people thought the way you do... i'm arguing that the generally accepted version of x-mas that's currently the societal norm has nothing to do with the approach to which you're reffering. and where do you think these "tales of woe" come from? the events to which you've referred happen all the time, all year long, to people all over. why is there not a huge push to help those less fortunate all the ime!? because this society is so focused on gifts and presents for this holiday, that we're actually using that as a reason to get people to help.

"so-n-so" just lost their job/relative's sick/(insert catastrophic loss), and now they can't afford presents for their kids/family, so let's do something for them so they can have gifts/presents just like all the rest of us sheeple! gee, now i can feel less guilty about giving my kid a several-hundred dollar video game/dvdsupersystem/whateverthelatestgadgetis!!!

i say, tell your kid to get a job and earn it, take that *thousands-of-dollars* worth of x-mas gift money your entire family would normally spend, and really do something for others! :doh

(ok, i'll shut up now...) :fear

I've been thinking about this, and so I'll do my best to offer up an answer:

The epic tales of whoa was a referral back to the original posts as to why XMas is a hated season. It sounds flippant, but its not meant to be flippant. It's meant to say "everyone has their stories and can relate to personal tragedy - especially in the Holiday season".

In regard to the huge push to help people all of the time, this is where our lifestyles tread different roads.

In mine, I beleong to a community that does exactly that on a habitual basis all year long, msoit of it done thru my local church body. And I'm not pluggin church - I'm simnply saying that in my particular case, for many years, the types of helpful social clicks gather in that particular format. None of it is ever convenient and it is always quite challenging personally. This is one of the reasons I passioantely present my case....because for me....this is not a pipe dream, it is a lifestyle choice that I have seen exemplified by countless people for many years. Most of those people, were throwaways, they have stories that can match any of our own. They chose at a point in their lives to redirect their focus, resources, talents, tihtes, and energy away from self and outward toward community. It does exist.

Bear with me on that one Bro - because that is my particular "society".

Yours differs, as do your expereinces. And I'm in no way trying to say that only the church body invests into society, I'm simply saying that my core group exemplifies exactly that which you suggest.

December 5, 2006

Steven, your heart is in the right place. It's one of the things I love about you. As for everyone else: You all bring up some valid feelings. And I love that about you as well.

so true. me too.

*but i must clarify when i say "LOVE" to you all - you know i just mean i think you are pretty fucking cool. because my "husband" stalks me... i mean, reads this and when i tell you guys "i love you" he thinks i am going to run off and marry you*

December 5, 2006

I helped someone out a great deal this year only to get stabbed in the back. I think this is part of why I am bitter.

The hardest part HH is figuring out who you can trust. When someone breaks that trust or is not honorable in their actions you need to keep them out of your life. You honestly want to help people, the community, and the planet, but please remember not everyone wants to be saved. In fact, people generally resist help to the very core of their beings. I really wondered why, when the air was cleared with us, that you and I never really became friends. Honestly, I've been through alot of the trying to help thing and I'm getting better at the "who to help" part. It just takes time and a thickening of the skin, figuratively.

What ever happened to the moral of Xmas "its the thought that counts,not the amount"

I still stand by homemade gifts and I've done it for almost half my life. I have throughly encouraged family members to "just bake me some cookies" especially when I know they're having a hard time financially. Hell, I've had "cookie years" because I can't afford much else or I gather up the scraps of fabric I have and make ornaments, stockings, tree skirts, etc.... It is still the thought that counts. Some of us actually spend months before December thinking long and hard about what the theme of the gifts for this year will be.

I'm with Stephen, its all in what you make of it. I know I can make it a great season, even with all the problems my family has. I have a whole chunk of family that I can't bear to talk to after my grandpa died because of all the problems they've brought to the situation with my grandma. But, I generally enjoy the holidays- heck technically I don't consider myself as "celebrating" the holidays, more of a family get together with food and presents- bonus!

December 5, 2006

As if Christmas, birthday, and a family affair weren't enough, I've a new reason to dislike this month in particular.

December 5, 2006

so true. me too.
*but i must clarify when i say "LOVE" to you all - you know i just mean i think you are pretty fucking cool. because my "husband" stalks me... i mean, reads this and when i tell you guys "i love you" he thinks i am going to run off and marry you*

Oh, I know exactly what you mean.

Therefore, I love you in a non-sexual, "hey-buddy-wanna-get-a-cophee" kind of way. I'm not putting out, so don't let that wreck your holiday season.

December 5, 2006

Oh, I know exactly what you mean.

Therefore, I love you in a non-sexual, "hey-buddy-wanna-get-a-cophee" kind of way. I'm not putting out, so don't let that wreck your holiday season.

strip.... NOW

December 5, 2006

Oh, I know exactly what you mean.

Therefore, I love you in a non-sexual, "hey-buddy-wanna-get-a-cophee" kind of way. I'm not putting out, so don't let that wreck your holiday season.

Damn that's hot

December 5, 2006

The drama here is overwhelming...

December 5, 2006

Well I am tired of people being selfish towards me is all I guess.....today I have two people who I am close to who want to see me but for whatever reason they want me to drive all the way to their houses instead of driving to my side of town.

I figure if you want to see me you will make half the effort......seems I do all the driving these days and all I get are excuses as to why they can't come this far.

December 5, 2006

Oh then we have a reletive who acts like none of us is good enough.....like their house is better than anyone else' so we all have to go over there.

Its not like its cleaner.......just bigger.

And then they show off things....brag the whole time.....everyone says it bugs them but we still end up over there....its just family politics and something ya gotta do.

I am glad it only comes around once a yr because these blow hards really get on my nerves.

We went HERE in August.......want to see our video?

Long family movie of some boring place while they talk about how much it cost.....I hate the whole mo money mo money attitude of this certain family we are related to.

You should see the Christmas card they send out to everyone.

Ok, its expensive custom, computerized....and they don't even bother hand signing them.....its all printed.

And, its got a letter printed on the inside with the exploites of the year.....how much money they spent on what......the trips....brag, brag brag......no how are you doing.....hope you are well......it is totally outrageous.

December 6, 2006

Life does suck sometime, but hopefully things will be better for you. hang in there, i like to tell myself, it could always be worse.

December 6, 2006

Well I feel allot better. The friend I went out of my way to help this year.....loaned 300 bucks too? Gave me a sweet ass deal on a leather coat last night.

He is trying to make up for it in his own way......

Its the effort for me really. I just want to see you care. It is NOT about the money so much.....

December 7, 2006

Heres my xmas tree :happy:

This will be our lovely wal-mart xmas future, enjoy ladies and germs :ice:

December 7, 2006

Now before if anyone gets there panties in a bunch.

Im a good boy, its just my good-sported way of showing that I hate christmas.

December 7, 2006

I don't give to charity.

I don't go to church anymore, and am stuck somewhere between Catholicism, Paganism, and agnosticism.

I have been known to steal from major store chains to provide some of the necessities of life.

I have wept at stories of people in worse circumstances than I, yet I was near needing charity myself.

I have had good times, bad times, all sorts of "times".

And...

I have had Christmas's when I purchased all my gifts from the dollar store.

I've had Christmas's when I was able to PURCHASE lots of gifts for family and felt great watching everyone open up these huge piles of gifts while my sister noticed I didn't have a pile half as big as everyone else - yet I was smiling my head off.

I've had Christmas's when a sister I thought loved and knew me bought me 2 pairs of socks... SOCKS?!?!?

I've had Christmas's when my dad had been in the hospital just the day before, and I was scared to death that Christmas Eve would thenceforth be known as "the day Dad died".

I've had Christmas's when everything I gave was hand-made - and unappreciated.

I've had Christmas's when my gift wrapping was elaborate, time-consuming - and totally unappreciated.

I've had Christmas's when I was, for the first time, away from family, poor, scared, and with people who didn't like me.

I've had Christmas's when my sister - the only family within 1000 miles - said she'd have me & my new husband over for the holiday - and then when I called to confirm, she said she'd changed plans to have dinner with "friends" (read: people in the theater business who might be a connection to the busienss).

I've had Christmas's when my gift to my newlywed husband was a book - just a book - and his gift to me was an adorable, beloved, $3.00 tiny black & white mouse whom I cherished for the three years she lived.

I've had Christmas's when our "tree" was a barren sapling next to a picnic table in a Florida park that my husband decorated with dollar store decorations.

I've had Christmas's when I was so depressed I was almost immobile, and family was hundreds of miles away.

I have had lots of happy Christmas's. I've had damn near tragic Christmas's. I've been inundated with the same barrage of too-early Christmas songs on the radio and in stores. etc. etc. etc.

And I love Christmas. If tomorrow I find out the fuel pump in my truck that started making worse noises dies - I will still love Christmas.

If that fuel pump dies, I will sell the boots I just bought, explain to everyone that I can't afford gifts this year, and I will get together with family - and still love Christmas.

I love snow. I pray for a white Christmas. I hope my sister and her ailing husband can make it in for the holiday get-together on Christmas Eve. I am thankful that on Christmas last year, a sister I haven't spoken to in 3 years shared tentative hugs with me and opened the door to liking each other again. I love the fact that my husband and I both would rather just go on spending sprees to buy stuff we've wanted all year, and don't get caught-up in the "will he/she like what I bought him/her?" worry.

I love the fact that there are people out there who like to buy and receive gifts on Christmas - and don't get caught up in the push to spend outrageous amounts, or receive outrageously expensive items.

I love that my husband's favorite Christmas song is "I Want a Hippopotomus for Christmas" and that I always hear it when I'm at the thrift store and am reminded of how much I love him.

I love Christmas. I love the holiday season. I refuse to let outside influences "make" me hate it.

I wish this kind of enjoyment on those who have been consistently beat-down by life's nastier circumstances to the point where they can not find any joy in what I believe is a truly magical time of year.

December 7, 2006

I just hope city club will be open again on xmas like last year. (even though cc is getting to the sucking point these days but it sure be hell of alot better than being stuck at home hearing xmas crap tunes throughout the night).

December 8, 2006

I don't give to charity.
I don't go to church anymore, and am stuck somewhere between Catholicism, Paganism, and agnosticism.

I have been known to steal from major store chains to provide some of the necessities of life.

I have wept at stories of people in worse circumstances than I, yet I was near needing charity myself.

I have had good times, bad times, all sorts of "times".

And...

I have had Christmas's when I purchased all my gifts from the dollar store.

I've had Christmas's when I was able to PURCHASE lots of gifts for family and felt great watching everyone open up these huge piles of gifts while my sister noticed I didn't have a pile half as big as everyone else - yet I was smiling my head off.

I've had Christmas's when a sister I thought loved and knew me bought me 2 pairs of socks... SOCKS?!?!?

I've had Christmas's when my dad had been in the hospital just the day before, and I was scared to death that Christmas Eve would thenceforth be known as "the day Dad died".

I've had Christmas's when everything I gave was hand-made - and unappreciated.

I've had Christmas's when my gift wrapping was elaborate, time-consuming - and totally unappreciated.

I've had Christmas's when I was, for the first time, away from family, poor, scared, and with people who didn't like me.

I've had Christmas's when my sister - the only family within 1000 miles - said she'd have me & my new husband over for the holiday - and then when I called to confirm, she said she'd changed plans to have dinner with "friends" (read: people in the theater business who might be a connection to the busienss).

I've had Christmas's when my gift to my newlywed husband was a book - just a book - and his gift to me was an adorable, beloved, $3.00 tiny black & white mouse whom I cherished for the three years she lived.

I've had Christmas's when our "tree" was a barren sapling next to a picnic table in a Florida park that my husband decorated with dollar store decorations.

I've had Christmas's when I was so depressed I was almost immobile, and family was hundreds of miles away.

I have had lots of happy Christmas's. I've had damn near tragic Christmas's. I've been inundated with the same barrage of too-early Christmas songs on the radio and in stores. etc. etc. etc.

And I love Christmas. If tomorrow I find out the fuel pump in my truck that started making worse noises dies - I will still love Christmas.

If that fuel pump dies, I will sell the boots I just bought, explain to everyone that I can't afford gifts this year, and I will get together with family - and still love Christmas.

I love snow. I pray for a white Christmas. I hope my sister and her ailing husband can make it in for the holiday get-together on Christmas Eve. I am thankful that on Christmas last year, a sister I haven't spoken to in 3 years shared tentative hugs with me and opened the door to liking each other again. I love the fact that my husband and I both would rather just go on spending sprees to buy stuff we've wanted all year, and don't get caught-up in the "will he/she like what I bought him/her?" worry.

I love the fact that there are people out there who like to buy and receive gifts on Christmas - and don't get caught up in the push to spend outrageous amounts, or receive outrageously expensive items.

I love that my husband's favorite Christmas song is "I Want a Hippopotomus for Christmas" and that I always hear it when I'm at the thrift store and am reminded of how much I love him.

I love Christmas. I love the holiday season. I refuse to let outside influences "make" me hate it.

I wish this kind of enjoyment on those who have been consistently beat-down by life's nastier circumstances to the point where they can not find any joy in what I believe is a truly magical time of year.