How about a "I hate Christmas thread"?

[scottmandue]

Actually I'm doing pretty good for a middle age guy.

My parent s are in their 80's and still around.

I have a good job that is pretty secure.

I have a nice house in a nice neighborhood and my mortgage is about twenty percent of the value of the house.

So I am better off than the vast majority of people in the world.

But I'm just not in the holiday spirit... maybe it is because I am finding myself with out a lady friend this time of year... facing the evil triad of depressing holidays alone = Christmas/New Years/Valentines day.

Oh I will be with family for Christmas... watching my rich brother hand out cell phones and laptops.

Anyone else not having a great holiday?

[porsche4life]

MEH. Im anti social. I would rather stay home then pretend to act surprised/excited at some of the absolute crap people will give me.

[VINMAN]

I always enjoyed it, but now I really just hate what Christmas has become. It is nothing but a materialistic, commercialized circus.

[Jim Richards]

Christmas/Festivus is OK. A bit too commercialized, but still, OK. I like the lights, the music, the catching up with family and friends, and the food.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Actually I'm doing pretty good for a middle age guy.

My parent s are in their 80's and still around.

I have a good job that is pretty secure.

I have a nice house in a nice neighborhood and my mortgage is about twenty percent of the value of the house.

So I am better off than the vast majority of people in the world.

But I'm just not in the holiday spirit... maybe it is because I am finding myself with out a lady friend this time of year... facing the evil triad of depressing holidays alone = Christmas/New Years/Valentines day.

Oh I will be with family for Christmas... watching my rich brother hand out cell phones and laptops.

Anyone else not having a great holiday?

I'm in. Scott, sorry you're feeling the blues 'cause of the lady scene. Maybe a good drive on NYD or next Sunday will help.

Me, I've become jaded about the whole mess.

[ruf-porsche]

Yes Scottmandue there is a Santa Claus and he lives in the heart and mind of children.

I took my daughter last night to a tree lot to pickup our Christmas tree. She was down because I have told her that with the economy the way it is, there might be no Christmas tree this year. But a tree lot owner had advertised in craigslist that he was giving away the remaining trees on his lot. We drove 2 hours to the lot and sure enough there were Christmas trees. The excitment and the sparkle in her eyes as we pick out a tree is what the season is all about.

The trip back to our house was filled with Christmas songs that children love to sing.

She and her mom are busy decorating the tree while Christmas music plays in the background.

Merry Christmas Scottmandue

Ruf and the family

[nynor]

i get pretty sick of it, especially being that the stores put up their christmas stuff BEFORE HALLOWEEN!

i also get tired of the expectation of going to umpteen parties and family get togethers. i think i've been to 3 a week starting the first of december. i am just not that social. plus, seeing my family can get tedious (i broke away from their church years ago and it makes for some interesting moments).

[RPKESQ]

It should be just a family and close friends type of holiday. That is what it still is in most of the world. If you haven't family or close friends, then the problem is within yourself. If you are just feeling blue and lonely than go volunteer to help others less fortunate.

Sorry, I don't do "feeding the blues" too well.

Have a very good holiday to one and all.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Like anything in life, Christmas is what you make of it. I'm perhaps at my poorest point in life and working 24/7, but today I'm greatly looking forward to going home to my mom's and having a great linguini with clam sauce dinner, spend time with my 85 year old grandfather and hopefully hear the story of the widow in WA state that took him and his buddies in at Christmas and made them a big dinner when they were on their way back home from WWII, one more time. Always look forward to that simple story.

[Zeke]

Shaun, that's a nice post. I miss the old timers in my family. Well, sort of.....

[Christien]

Forgive me for being the optimist, but it's possible to just ignore all the commercialism of christmas and enjoy it for what it is, a chance to take a few days off, spend it with family and friends, eat lots, drink lots, and yes, give and get presents. I absolutely abhor over-commercialization of anything, but more out of hatred of the hyper-materialism of our culture. Even still, I don't find it hard to ignore. I didn't get to shopping until a few days ago, and if you just accept that the parking lot at the mall will be a b!tch, it's much easier.

I'm spending a few hours at work today getting last minute details finished up, but then I'm off until Monday, and looking forward to it! And then only working a couple days next week.

Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning, now that we have kids. They become the focus, which makes it WAY more fun!

[911Rob]

Attitude and Gratitude. I love Christmas!
You started off right Scott, but then you took a dive?

Life is what you make it.
You are exactly where you want to be; no further or behind, just exactly!
I wish everyone could realize this?

For those Grinches out there..... I hope your heart grows 10 times this Christmas!
Merry Christmas from up here in BC, Canada! 'eh.

[Christien]

Rob, are you into the sauce already?

[TerryH]

Christmas is fun as long as children are around. Once the greedy/grinchy shows up, it's no fun any more. Unfortunately, our youngest guest, a niece, is already 9, so the fun is almost over.

[Rick V]

My Daughter is home from the holidays (Army leave) Christmas this year is good.

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by Christien

Rob, are you into the sauce already?

Cabin fever has made Rob delerious.

Stay classy, Pelicans!

[911Rob]

Hey Christian, I agree; Christmas is very special for kids; but also family!

My kids are growing up; 4 of the 5 have jobs; its difficult to buy them things.
I've got friends with small kids and I go and buy them presents that their parents would never buy them. Ha! I'm more exciting about seeing these kids open their gifts than my own (somewhat).

I've got this one 4 year old boy who just loves "Rob".... he always asked his mom and dad if they can go over and see Rob. Warms my heart with joy! I spoiled him this Christmas with a remote control tower crane set that is in this huge box.... his eyes are gonna light up I love it.

Christmas has always been special to me, always will be.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by ruf-porsche

Yes Scottmandue there is a Santa Claus and he lives in the heart and mind of children.

I took my daughter last night to a tree lot to pickup our Christmas tree. She was down because I have told her that with the economy the way it is, there might be no Christmas tree this year. But a tree lot owner had advertised in craigslist that he was giving away the remaining trees on his lot. We drove 2 hours to the lot and sure enough there were Christmas trees. The excitement and the sparkle in her eyes as we pick out a tree is what the season is all about.

The trip back to our house was filled with Christmas songs that children love to swing.

She and her mom are busy decorating the tree while Christmas music plays in the background.

Merry Christmas Scottmandue

Ruf and the family

Merry Christmas to you Ruf!

We were talking about this Monday night while singing Christmas carols at the Sushi bar (yeah, you read that right).

The friends I was having dinner with (previous to singing... which they didn't believe was really going to happen) talked about how in years past they would go out on Christmas eve to the tree lots and get a free tree. They said that stopped happening a few years ago.

I'm not here to piss on anyone Christmas, I will be having Christmas at my brothers house with mom and dad and my niece and nephew. I still put on a happy face and go through the motions.

Not sure why I'm in such a funk... could be lady problems (or the lack thereof )... or that everywhere I look people are getting laid off and stores are closing.

[Seahawk]

Scott...simple things, small joys make Christmas for me.

My 78 year old Father is in town. My son Jack and I manned the shovels today as my dad expertly drove the front end loader to bring us gravel to fix our pot-holed road.

A good four hours of work for three generations of men. Smiles all around.

I agree with RPKESQ...volunteer, get outside your normal routine for the holidays. You may meet a like minded lady

[imcarthur]

Just finished cooking my world famous shortbread cookies & now I'm starting on the Nanaimo Bar (New York Special to some). Holiday traditions.

Do I hate Christmas . . . no. But without young kids around, it is not the same.

Ian