Is Christmas On The Wane?

[naomi24]

This year, apart from the presents, there seems to have been a distinct lack of general interest in Christmas. Definitely not so many fairy lights outside houses, and I’ve received – and sent - fewer cards. Easter used to be observed in a similar way to Christmas. It was a big occasion. All the shops were closed and the family gathered, dressed in their best, for a big turkey lunch on a special day, but people now spend Easter Sunday in their jeans and use the holiday to do DIY, etc. Is Christmas going the same way?

[mallyh]

less lights because of cost
less cards because of cost
but for the children its still the same .

[RATTER15]

I really dont enjoy Christmas, I know many people who think the same way, it has just become over commercialised and so expensive. I never send cards and I receive very few.

Easter to me is just another day, However may get some chocolate that is very much appreciated.

[RATTER15]

New years Eve is still a big deal in the pubs, that is usually my best night of the year. We had a great night!!

[jomifl]

That'll be from the tooth fairy then....?

[hellywelly4]

I do tend to agree with you Naomi. Perhaps if we weren't bombarded with adverts for so long in advance. I am always glad to 'get back to normal' these days. I haven't sent cards for several years - got up to 150! No-one seems to mind although a lot of friends still send them to me.

[grumpy01]

MallyH has it spot on.

[woofgang]

i think the lights and external decs thing was affected by the weather. many folk around here, including me, took theirs down very early because they were getting blown around and damaged

[SeaJayPea]

Oh I do hope so.

[ChillDoubt]

I agree with hellywelly4.
As far as I can recall this was the first Xmas where a supermarket started it Xmas campaign with ads in November.
Should we start getting ready for Easter at the end of this month?
No magic or wonder left in it, it's pure commercialism, nothing else.

[LazyGun]

Funny how peoples perceptions differ. Certainly around where I live, and indeed on my christmas holiday travels to meet with family and friends, it seemed to me that the external christmas lights were as prevalent as ever, and I actually thought that the xmas TV adverts started later this year than in previous years - although to be fair I do not watch a lot of television.


I do agree with the decline in sending christmas cards though. Once upon a time, I would slavishly work through my addressbook, sending cards to all or sundry, more or less - nowadays, I confine my cards to family, close friends, and friends living on the other side of the world :)

[woofgang]

I think the cost of stamps has had an effect on card sending

[Canary42]

I haven't worn jeans for years.

[woofgang]

Are we having a moment Canary???

[Mrsspagnoli57]

Cadbury cream eggs on sale in Poundland on New Years eve. Received same number of cards but can understand people not sending at 50p a go second class. Outside lights? only people to gain from this is electric companies so have never bothered but distinct lack around here so must be thinking of cost. Having said this I and family love Christmas and hate the false bonhomie of New Year celebrations,usually alcohol related so no no for me.

[keyplus90]

It is same for me every year.

[boxtops]

I expect it would be, keyplus - but my Muslim friends have always said that although they don't celebrate the religious aspect of Christmas, they don't miss a chance to get together with family, exchange gifts, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere!

[modeller]

There was a time when close neighbours posted cards to each other. Not often now , they deliver them by hand if at all.

I stopped sending cards some years ago except to children.
I think for many people they prefer not to receive cards from people they met on holiday 20 years ago. They then feel duty bound to send one back.

Some years ago there was a poll which showed 90% of cards were sent as something you just did. No thought of why .

I would love to send you all a big beautiful card as thanks for all your posts.
Happy New Year to you all.

[starone]

Dare I say "It'll soon be Christmas again".

[saxy_jag]

I certainly hope so, Naomi. Apart form those who celebrate for purely religious reasons, it is pure sham. Run around like a mad thing, get stressed out and spend all your money trying to make it look as though you've made one day of the year perfect. Then you spend three-quarters of the year paying for it all and other three months wondering how you're going to make it even more perfect next year.

We didn't do 'Christmas' this time round, and we didn't do New Year either. No cards, no decorations, no fancy or special food. Instead, we're having the family round tomorrow for lunch and some fun, and will exchange presents then. We'll have a few drinks, watch a bit of telly and maybe go for a walk. No pressure, no hiked-up, pre-Christmas prices for anyth

[saxy_jag]

... BL**DY FINGERS!!!

As I was saying, no hiked-up prices. Just a nice, relaxing day enjoying each other's company and celebrating the return to normality of the western world.

And then when everyone's back at work moaning next week, we'll be enjoying a nice break away in the country - at low season prices.