Often you hear people complain about Christmas. The most popular statements are that we have forgotten the original meaning of Christmas or the cost of Christmas overpowers the enjoyment of the occasion. I always find this really depressing, why should we celebrate something when no-one really wants too? In today’s world people vary in what makes them happy. We live side by side with the highest variation of beliefs then ever before. Celebrating Jesus’s birth may not suit everyone’s point of view either but one thing we all have in common at the end of December is the pleasure of seeing a hard year almost finish. Many people have had a difficult year in their own way and some more then others. We have had a year or three of hard work so why not take a moment to reflect and say goodbye. Lets forget the pressure of Christmas and give ourselves the pleasure of the spirit that December brings. Have a coffee in town and watch the people come running in with red noses and thick coats relieved to find the heat. Watch the shop assistants gathering decorations, stalls that only come around at this time of year. You have to smile when you see a new couple discretely pointing out things they would like. Let this Christmas be your Christmas., do what you want to do, we only have the perfect excuse to get together and have a laugh once a year.
Not sure I agree I'm afraid - I celebrate various things throughout the year, as and when I see fit. What I fundamentally object to is having something imposed upon you - religious or commercial or whatever. I'd love to get away from tinsel and carols, and enjoy a public holiday with my family - alas, if you are seen as not joining in it's bah humbug - ah well, bah humbug!
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned on a previous blog comment, the only reason I enjoy Christmas is to see children happy. The rest of it pure commercialism. Having to send Christmas cards to relatives you haven't seen for years, buying presents for your Auntie Hilda who you don't even like, having to cook a massive gut busting lunch and having leftovers available for two and half weeks after, need I go on?
ReplyDeleteI knew this would be a topic that people would have strong views on, great! Well I couldn't agree more about Christmas being for kids but what about the rest of us...? Christmas is all about the food for me.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there is a male/female divide appearing here? Bah humbug you two! We all celebrate lots of different things throughout the year but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate Christmas. But we don't all have to do it the same way surely - who said you have to have leftovers for two and a half weeks? Go mad and cook a goose - it's gone in one sitting. It's just a pagan festival so cut Aunt Hilda loose and do your own thing.
ReplyDeleteYou're such a romantic Jo. But for some reason, I just can't imgine you sitting on your comfy sofa surrounded by moaning family, burnt gravy, two and half tons of expensive wrapping paper to contain, and smiling contently. Ha ha.
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