I do not like Christmas.

[tonywiltshire]

I do not like Christmas and will be pleased when it is all over and we can get back to what passes for normality, I will go to Church tomorrow, probably for all the wrong reasons, then it can end. I dislike the consumerism and, what I consider, false bonhomie that has now overtaken what should be just a celebration. Unfortunately other members of my family do not see it the way I do. Does anyone else dislike Christmas?

A happy Christmas to everyone, even those who do not believe in any God, and do not want to celebrate tomorrow and rather enjoys the consumerism and bonhomie (Real or false) of the holiday.

[B00]

Christmas is what you make of it though isn't it?

For some of us, me included, it's a time to spend with the family, but it needn't be just that for you. It is after all a religious holiday- why don't you celebrate it that way instead?

[Mamyalynne]

There are lots of people like yourself Tony and each have their reasons.

I personally love it because am surrounded by small children and their enthusiasm and joy is wondrous, no falseness in this household.

I wish you a peaceful time xxx

[Mikjac]

Well your a bundle of joy.

[MarkRae]

I agree with you, Tony, and Mikjac's comment illustrates precisely why! It's the ludicrous notion that if you're not doing cartwheels and grinning from ear to ear just because it's Christmas, then there must be something fundamentally wrong with you, right?

[Euphemia]

Right!

[cazzz1975]

mikjac must have felt strongly to make this his first post :)

[B00]

"It's the ludicrous notion that if you're not doing cartwheels and grinning from ear to ear "

Admit it Mark, you're like that all year round anyway aint ya? ;-)

[MantaRay]

Consumerism...has destroyed the whole meaning and purpose of Christmas, and the bulk of what I see and hear at Christmas time now actually saddens me.

[Mikjac]

Second post if you don't mind

[cazzz1975]

I like christmas but I think the build up is way too long, i will be glad its over from that perspective

[MarkRae]

Boo, I'm perfectly happy, thanks for asking. What I object to is being told that I need to be even happier at this time of year.

MantaRay, I completely agree with you, but people like Euphemia et al seem to believe that you're not allowed to feel like that! They love Christmas for whatever reason, so feel that you must too and if you don't then there's something wrong with you.

[China Doll]

This year I like and am looking forward to christmas. Most years I'm not that arsed. I mainly just like the spending time with the people you love cliche and the giving of presents (I really like giving people presents). I think each to their own and have done with it, I don't expect people to be turning cartwheels but if they are, and as long as they don't do it the middle of the shopping centre, then leave them to it. S'none of my business.

[tonywiltshire]

Boo, I try to but others do not see it like that (just a religious holiday).
Mamy, Yes small children make Christmas.
Mikjac, You are right and others have said similar things but not as kindly.
Mark, Right.

[B00]

When you say others tony, do you mean your family? or the populace at large?

If it's the latter- sod 'em, you celebrate how you want to. And to echo Mamya, hope you have a peaceful time of it.

[DTCwordfan]

Tony - a bit off subject so excuse me, but wasn't it you on the other day getting some flack about wanting to make charitable donations.....

If it was, here is a cause that could do some serious assistance Christmas.

http://www.theanswerb.../Question1088382.html

If not, excuse me for getting you muddled with someone else.
Happy Christmas

[tonywiltshire]

Thanks Boo, both and I am much to soft (or kind) to say sod them, as I should.
DT, no it was not me that mentioned charitable donations.

[DTCwordfan]

Ok, sorry, hope whoever it was picks up on one of these two threads.....

[Euphemia]

Sorry MR, you misunderstood me. I agree that it is generally perceived that one must feel euphoric because its Christmas. For so many it is a time of stress and I feel very sorry for the parents who just cannot afford it.
This morning the supermarket assistant remarked that in twenty years working there she had never seen hysteria as she had yesterday.

[wolf63]

I hate this time of year the thought of it fills me with dread in the period leading up to Christmas. I know that part of the reason is my ongoing mental health problems but part of it is just 'me'. I don't like the disruption to my routine and the isolation of everything (GP, vet etc) being shut - even though I will probably never need their services.

I will be spending Christmas with my cats - but this doesn't bother me. Most people that I know of who are spending Christmas alone are quite happy to do so.

Having said all that - Christmas and the 'Santa conspiracy' make the whole time magical for children. Seeing the look of wonder and excitement on their faces is what it is all about.

[boxtops]

The commercialism is out of hand, tony - I don't find false bonhomie, I find genuine bonhomie, but the spend, spend mentality (and people's Christmas trees going up on 1 Dec, if not earlier) have taken away some of the magic we felt in earlier years.