Christmas. Ah, that time of year when we all go out and buy things we can’t afford for people we don’t see the rest of the year. And when we are bombarded by crass commercials on TV and radio. Now before you all start thinking that I am anti-Christmas, let me tell you that I certainly am not. I am for the true meaning and reason for this season. What I am “anti” is about how commercial it has gotten, to the point where stores are putting up Christmas decorations before Labor Day. How did we ever get to that place?
I guess I am just so fed up with it this year because a popular store’s ad campaign actually says “Christmas costs less at XXX-XXXX.” Does anyone besides me find that offensive? Does anyone else think that is so far off from the idea of Christmas as to make you want to vomit?
I don’t decorate my house, because I don’t feel the need to do so. I used to do it when my children were younger, and even after they grew up I did it while I still had a house. Now that I live in my RV, I just don’t, because I have no desire to do so. And that doesn’t make me a scrooge, it just makes me a person who doesn’t want to.
FabGrandpa and I don’t buy gifts for each other, either, because we don’t feel like we need to. We have everything we want, and if we do want something, we go buy it. But that is NOT limited to just Christmas. We don’t buy birthday or valentines, or Easter gifts for each other, either. We never have. And that doesn’t mean we don’t love each other. It just means we don’t buy gifts.
And while I am on the subject of gifts, let just say that when you buy a gift for someone that is what you can afford, then find out later that the gift was ridiculed when you were not around, how would that make you feel about giving that particular person another gift? And if you made something, and found out the person you made it for didn’t appreciate the gift because it was “home-made”, how would that make you feel? Either way, the gift was from the heart, and was rejected.
What ever happened to “it’s the thought that counts?” As in, “I thought of you and wanted to give you something, but this is all I could afford to do, so you should feel honored that I didn’t buy that chicken for my dinner next week and got you this small gift instead.” So, instead of thinking “that’s a crappy, cheap gift” you should be thinking, “gee, she was willing to do without dinner to do this for me.”
Luckily for me, we are past that poverty stage of life, but I have never forgotten how it feels to be that poor. One of the reasons I DON’T spend a lot of money at Christmas time is so that the people I love who ARE still in their lean years won’t feel so bad when they can not reciprocate. What I truly want for Christmas is for my family to love each other and enjoy each other’s company, without the pressure of feeling like they have to do without dinner for the next week. It’s not about the gifts and glitter, it’s about the hugs and kisses.
If people around the world treated everyone with love and kindness year-round, with a “Christmas” kind of attitude, I wouldn’t mind having Christmas all year. And if the gifts I gave were accepted in the spirit in which they were given, I would give them year round. But it seems to me like we only get “Christmas” for one day out of each year, and that makes me sad. I want people to love each other and be happy and loving every day.
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Talina says
December 11, 2009 at 12:18 pmSo true! We are right there in the dealing with expectations and disappointment this holiday season.
We just closed on our home, moved across country and paid 100% out of pocket for the birth of our daughter. We can hardly buy things for ourselves and feel pretty bad about not being able to spend tons on others that we wont even see this holiday…
🙁
Jo says
December 11, 2009 at 12:50 pmKaren, you summed up in the post exactly what I feel about the whole "Christmas" business. I decided two months ago that I wouldn't be putting up decorations (yes, I also just decided that I'm not decorating, period!) I'm not making a big fest on the 25th, I'm not buying gifts or don't expect any in return. All these decisions stem from the reactions/reasons you give in your post which I have experienced (so many others will have as well,) My husband is in North Africa and there is NO Christmas celebration. I'm here in South Africa without him. My older son, dil and our grandchildren are here with me over the "season" but we all feel the same. This year we have all downscaled and simplfied so why max out the credit card for this season? I cannot tell you the liberation I am experiencing with my decision. In the city this week, I had NO Christmas shopping and I was HAPPY and relaxed. Makes you wonder, hey? Thanks, thanks and thanks again, for these pertinent thoughts. My comment is almost a post, but I laud and applaud you on your post. (((Hugs))) Jo
LceeL says
December 11, 2009 at 12:53 pmWith you 100%. Happy Holidays, Darlin'. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I wish you all those things – in whatever form that means for you.
Sandra says
December 11, 2009 at 1:03 pmI do sooooo agree with you! I would rather serve dinner at a homeless shelter than give gifts to people who don't need them and don't appreciate them.
Susan says
December 11, 2009 at 1:57 pmI can so understand what you are saying. I have felt the same for years and a "friend" who goes totally out of control at Christmas just doesn't understand my attitude. God Bless and enjoy the season.
Sallie (FullTime-Life) says
December 11, 2009 at 6:00 pmMe too! (Or three or four). I haven't read all the comments yet, but I'm betting you have lots of people agreeing with you. (And wishing we could say it as well.)
Here are some virtual hugs. ooooo
Gaelyn says
December 11, 2009 at 9:06 pmAll this is one of the main reasons I don't get too excited about Christmas. I will give a gift whenever and love my friends and family always. Well put Karen.
Marilyn says
December 11, 2009 at 9:15 pmI couldn't agree more. The years past are full of story's that match yours. The wishes you send to us and we send to you are really what Christmas is all about. We have never meet but we share the same feelings and we share them with each other… isan't that what its all about??
Merry Christmas
Cathy says
December 12, 2009 at 6:47 amI completely agree. I have spent a lot of money on gifts that I had no idea if the person would enjoy or not and have made many homemade gifts because it makes me feel closer to the person I am giving the gift to. However, except for the kids, our gift giving is pretty minimial too.