Anyone wants to avoid Christmas?

[girlhappy]

I know it is a bit old subject, but i really wonder.... anyone wants to avoid Christmas for some reason? I can tell you mine...but..i always wnated to escape in Christmas time even when the times were better. THere is something in the whole thing that makes me sad?Anyone with me?

 

[hedgehog]

The fact that everyone is stuffing their face with food and presents whilst people are suffering bothers me at this time of year.

Many people in my family are extremely ungrateful for what they get when there are people around that have much less.

I know one particular family who, because of an incident earlier this year which Id rather not go into, who are going to have a terrible Christmas this year - whilst the greedy lot in my home moan about their expensive gifts the thought of what that particular family will be going through will be running through my head all Christmas.

At the end of the day, Ive still got my home, family and food - that for me is enough, the presents are a bonus.
But no, most people I know are so obsessed with getting things they don't really need.

I know it sounds pathetic, but theres so much greed around Christmas when theres people out there that don't even have their loved ones, homes, food or are going through no end of other problems... it makes me feel kind of sick to be honest.

Im grateful for what Ive got, shame the same can't be said about many other people I know.

 

[reptile]

I'm over it! (call me scrooge) I'm working this christmas and im kind of glad. There is so much pretense and nonsense involved i really couldnt be bothered this year! Maybe next year i might make an effort again? Im also thinking maybe if i had kids i might feel different ??

 

[girlhappy]

Hegdge, nice way of thinking
Reptile, i always try to be occupied

 

[MrsSpringsteen]

Something about Christmas always makes me "sad", I am an emotional person so I guess it all tends to be magnified at this time. It's the societal pressure to be "jolly, perfect, sociable" etc. I have many family problems so that makes it difficult for me as well. It's tough not to think about the hurts of the year, the mistakes, etc. That's what New Years Eve is for, to get depressed about that This year I don't have much enthusiasm for it- I treated myself to a pretty new velvet blazer and blouse to wear for Christmas and it's still hanging there, I never even tried it on. Usually I love buying gifts, this year I'm ashamed to say I just don't have the enthusiasm.

I am just going to do my best to try to focus on the religious meaning like I always do and just deal with the rest the best I can. It helps to try to do things for others-charity type work or just small things for friends, neighbors, etc. I haven't done that and that's one reason I'm so down. A few years back I had one of the lowest periods of my life at Christmas, I don't want to feel like that again so I'm doing my best to avoid that. Sometimes you can have the power of choice regardless of circumstances.

 

[hedgehog]

Christmas for most people I know is just nothing more than an excuse for self-indulgence (i.e. over-eating, getting drunk, getting what you want, etc...).

Thats not to say Im against presents or enjoying/ treating myself, but many people I know just seem to care about what they are getting for Christmas and how upset they will be if they don't get everything they want.

Whereas I believe Christmas should be about joy, giving, being grateful for what you have and togetherness with friends/ family.
Most of the time, the family can't even be bothered with Christmas dinner (they sit at the table for five minutes, barely touch their dinners and go off to do their own thing, leaving myself and my mother at the table at a time when the family should be together).

Im probably alone in this house in thinking that though, maybe Im just a bitter little sod but I too am losing enthusiasm for Christmas time.

 

[Nube Gris]

It's Jesus birthday, that's what we are remembering, and its beautiful so share that moment with the family and the people you love the most
Christmas=Love=Jesus

 

[nbcrusader]

It's Jesus birthday, that's what we are remembering, and its beautiful so share that moment with the family and the people you love the most
Christmas=Love=Jesus

Secular Christmas with all its commercialism is depressing. A simple look at the true reason for Christmas is uplifiting.

 

[Liesje]

Our family has never really had the money to get into serious gift-giving. For that I'm glad b/c my Christmas = everyone getting together at my aunt's house cus it's the biggest and eating random food and playing games. I like Christmas b/c it's really important to my grandma that we all get together and have fun, and if it's important to my grandma it's important to me b/c she is in constant pain everyday and I like to see her enjoy herself for once.

Girlhappy, I'm sorry it make you said. I've read your threads recently and I feel bad you have a lot to be sad about. Maybe for Christmas you could do something really nice just for yourself, something that might make you feel better instead of getting all caught up in the commercialism and having to please everyone else.

When I'm down I try to think of something simple I enjoy. For example, I like Christmas tree scented candles so from now on whenever I'm alone in my room I light my Christmas candle and it helps a little bit.

 

[redkat]

I normally love it but I just want it to be over this year. Every bit of it!

I don't want to do any of it. All of it feels like such a chore and obligation.

 

[youtooellen]

I love Christmas but I always tend to get a bit more.. moody-ier/emotional than usual during the season.

I think it's because for the past four or five years, I've had some really bad experiences on Christmas Eve and Day or New Year's Eve and Day.
So whenever the time comes around, I have this tendency to fear the unknown.

 

[For Honor]

I know it is a bit old subject, but i really wonder.... anyone wants to avoid Christmas for some reason? I can tell you mine...but..i always wnated to escape in Christmas time even when the times were better. THere is something in the whole thing that makes me sad?Anyone with me?

Yeah, this year I do. I'm losing tolerance for translation..... there are a lot of things going on around me, and it takes more energy away from my ablity to cut through the crap and understand the more true purposes for the holiday.

But writting this post makes me remember...

Maybe I should try harder to be happier aroud the holidays, like I normally am, instead of feeling down, because of myself and/or other people's influences......

.........

...............

 

[starsgoblue]

I totally want to avoid Christmas. As of now I can't make it out to my mother's (basically my own family) house and am mostly likely spending Christmas alone. I mean it's just one night out of the year, but everyone makes me feel like I'm a leper because of it.

 

[LyricalDrug]

I just bought a house, so I'm sitting tight, watching my expenses, and concentrating on moving in this Xmas. My parents are going to England, and my brother is in South America, so for the first time ever I'll be alone over the holidays. Makes me kind of sad to think about, but I'm going to try and volunteer on the day to make up for it. It will feel weird being alone this year.

 

[girlhappy]

Originally posted by LivLuvAndBootlegMusic


Girlhappy, I'm sorry it make you said. I've read your threads recently and I feel bad you have a lot to be sad about. Maybe for Christmas you could do something really nice just for yourself, something that might make you feel better instead of getting all caught up in the commercialism and having to please everyone else.


Thank you so much, LLBLM. You see, its so nice to see how some people are thoughtfull and caring. Yes, you are right. I have my reasons why i am not thrilled about Christmas. The thing is: i had so many bad days lately, that Christmas cant be that bad . At least,i hope so Last year i had the opportunity to help people while working in humanitarian Christmas project. I can try do a bit this year also. As for your granny.... It is so beautiful to feel that way.
Ellen,i know that you are very young(16,right and i am sorry to hear that you have been through a lot already. I was carefree at your age, i must admit. But, maybe you will be in mine, who knows? I believe you dont have to worry. Maybe this Christmas will be bright for you.

 

[snowbunny00774]

I too am just not into it this year. My family have been doing stuff to satisfy themselves all year and I don't think I can really be around them. Right now I have another browser open looking for flights to vegas. A couple of friends are going and I think I might join them. My parents will lay on a guilt trip even though they will try to be good about it (maybe that is me projecting my guilt onto them..maybe) but I haven't even put up my tree this year. I have little things out but I just am so removed from it this year and I really don't have an explanation. Hopefully next year will be better. I think being away from here (even somewhere like Vegas - I don't gamble) will let me think more about religious aspect of Christmas. I really miss the focus that was put on that when my brother and I were little.
Should I stay or should I go?!?!!?

 

[youtooellen]

Ellen,i know that you are very young(16,right and i am sorry to hear that you have been through a lot already. I was carefree at your age, i must admit. But, maybe you will be in mine, who knows? I believe you dont have to worry. Maybe this Christmas will be bright for you.

wow thanks a lot
I'm trying to be really optimistic about this upcoming Christmas, so thanks for your kind thoughts

(I didn't think you'd remember me from the previous thread involving you.. but I'm glad I left some kind of mark on ya )

I really hope things get better for you girlhappy, and like LivLuv said, you should do something really nice just for yourself.
I'll pass on some good thoughts your way

 

[forbonou2]

(To Snowbunny: YES!! Go-and please, have a good time! i used to live in Las Vegas-there are Lots of things to do, besides gamble there!!! i.e., tour Liberace's musuem, there's a chocolate factory u can take tours of, also, and the raceing experience there at the Dunes hotel! go w/ friends, and Don't feel guilty! And, Merry Christmas! )and Livluv thanks for the 'gift' idea!! I am divorced, and my family live 3,ooo miles away this christmas-so I will be alone christmas! That christmas candle is a gr-8* idea! I don't have a whole lot of money this Christmas, like in times past, but by reading others' post here, I CAN be greatful for what I do have-my own home, a work-I work at a labor pool- a place that get's you work daily,pays daily, but no OT, no benefits, like health etc..,-but at least I can be greatful it IS a 'repeat ticket' for work 5 days a week, other times I have gone every day, but not got out on any job tickets! And, I for one am one that eats at the dwntwn missions for lunch, dinner and holidays cus I don't have the money to buy food everyday. So, i can be greatful I don't not going hungry everyday! And, friday, 12/16 the folks at the labor pool served US christmas dinner!! So, even tho I feel like it's the worst year of my life-having missed All of U2's tour this year-first time since I have been become a fan in 1981! I still have shows to look forward to-somewhere! So, I suppose this Christmas has been a lesson well learned about the True Meaning of Christmas! I don't think it all involves money anymore!! Merry Christmas Everyone!

 

[greeneyedgirl]

I'd rather just stay home this year.
I didn't enjoy shopping.
I still have stuff to wrap.
I don't feel like traveling.

 

[the rockin edge]

I used to love it when I was younger but the last few years I can't get excited about it anymore

 

[briarrose]

I'm being a Scrooge this year. I refused to put up any decorations. I did buy presents though.

 

[indra]

I've purchased one gift (for my niece who's 11), put up no decorations, and haven't even sent out my grumpy cards (a mean looking Santa saying Bah Humbug ) yet.

Yeah baby, I got that holiday spirit!

 

[Sevikins]

Personally I couldn't care less for the material portion of the holidays... that and this year so much crap came up in my life that I didn't even notice that today marks the Winter Solstice (perhaps I should celebrate that instead ) that and there's four more days until Xmas itself. Ah well. Looking forward to New Years more though.

 

[MsGiggles]

It's the most wonderful time of the year
(sorry had to do that)

I love Christmas for many reason - the main reason is because of the true meaning (it's why I never use the word "Xmas). Other reasons is just being with the family and friends and making memories with them - not the presents

 

[VertigoGal]

I really don't like the holidays...I don't know why, but they depress/annoy me sometimes. The material thing is part of it, and I think it's the tv commercials that drive me over the edge. also, similar to youtooellen, the holiday season hasn't historically been a happy time in the vertigogal household!



I am excited about seeing my new cousin this new years though.

 

[For Honor]

The more I detachmyself, this year, the more I'm enjoying it. SO maybe it won't suck as bad as I thought it would.

Like I've said, I usually like the holidays alot.

but this year, eh...

Having lots of things to do to keep myself busy, though, that helps. I recommend it

 

[dommer96]

Secular Christmas with all its commercialism is depressing. A simple look at the true reason for Christmas is uplifiting.

I could not agree more!!

 

[bsp77]

We need more happy people in this forum

 

[Carek1230]

I am not very much in the mood for Christmas, although I have done my annual charity donations and gift buying, wrapping, card sending, baking, decorating etc. I even snuck in a trip to see my sister in Portland for the show. I am listenign to Christmas music since Thanksgiving, but I don't have close family and my son who is nearly 20 and only 30 miles away at college doesn't visit me much. So I don't have plans. I put myself on call for work and I hope they call me. I could use the OT. I plan to spend the next week and a half to relax, to play with my dog, watch some TV and catch a few movies, and on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to do what I normally do since the fun days with family when my son was young (Christmas is fun with young kids before they become greedy and materialistic or hormonal) and my dad died....I sleep in, I make a nice brunch, I enjoy the warmth of the furnace and listen to carols and call old friends or just do whatever my heart feels like doing. Sometimes I go to a Christmas Eve church service and sit in the back. Sometimes it makes me sad seeing the groups of people, the couples or the families all together, in their festive Christmas clothing. I really don't mind being alone so much and I think because I realized about 5 years ago that we for the most part have really managed to get away from the true meaning of the holiday as we have gotten so materialistic in our society. Christmas has become a retailer's gold mine and gift giving does not seem as heartfelt as it once was.

Anyway that's my two cents worth. I am lucky to have so much in my life, blessed really.....and I remember that at Christmas as well as Thanksgiving and I enjoy giving to others less fortunate or volunteering and donating money and gifts to various organizations. That makes me feel good inside. My Company shuts down between Christmas and New Years.....it is a nice break and I enjoy the time off.

I hope everyone celebrates their holiday in whatever spirit they choose....and if anyone is sad or lonely, don't be afraid to reach out to ask for someone to talk to or to share with during the holidays!