Is it wrong to hate xmas?

[Donor]

I can see my family any time I want.

I can buy token gifts any time I want.

I can eat a lot any time I want.

I can love anyone I want, anytime I want.

I can be thankful for what I have anytime I want.

So what the hell is xmas about?

The churchies tell us it's all about the birth of Christ - well, according to what I have read, it's actually nowhere near when his calendar date of birth should be, has been sprinkled like most other christian celebrations with multiple pagan ideas and rituals, and is SO BLOODY COMMERCIALISED!

It really is "just another day" to me, and though I try to be christmassy for my kids, I find myself hating xmas more and more every year. In me younger years, I'd try to spend the day sleeping off a hangover, just to avoid seeing people waffle on about what a wonderful day they were having, and how great it was to see dear old Aunt Mavis (you know, the one that smells like cabbage and mothballs...)

These days, I just want to go postal every time I am forced near a shopping mall, I want to destroy my TV whenever a xmas special or charity show is broadcast, I want to hack the NZSE and cause the Warehouse share price to plummet, breaking the bastards, for hammering us with xmas ads 4 months out.

I just want everyone to get along EVERY day, so that schmucks like me who don't have time nor inclination to feign the empty happiness the rest of the populace do, can just get pissed and enjoy the sun.

Rock on New Years though! :Punk:

[riffer]

Perhaps this site (http://pw2.netcom.com/%7Espeaker6/MrScrooge/) will make you feel better …

[Flyingpony]

I started buying Christmas presents in June and finished early last month. Not sure what I spent but it's less than $70 and that includes the one for next door neighbour. None of my gifts are rubbish, they either have practical uses or are food. Christmas is the one day in the year, well two, when I throw caution to the wind and eat what ever food I want in the pantry.

Do love going for a ride/drive on Christmas day. There's not much traffic but have to keep an eye on the go-go juice level encase stations are closed. Normally have Christmas with family, but this years gathering location hasn't yet been decided. Going near shopping centres around now is okay, my shopping has been done.

Put up my Christmas tree last Saturday. Keep it stored in the garage so enjoyed my 3hr adventure to fetch it (got side tracked and did some tidy up and cleaned some garden tools :mellow: ).

[Goblin]

Is it wrong to hate christmas? No, not at all! It has to be the most stressful time of year with pressure on everyone to "buy" your loved ones gifts. I don't fall for it myself....christmas day for me has nothing to do with gift giving and being with loved ones. It has everything to do with packing my bike and fucking off to Wanganui to watch the racing!:headbang: Selfish eh!

[Paul in NZ]

Its up to you but try not to hate things - it warps your thinking and makes life harder.

Just don't buy into the commercial crap and make it into a fun day for your family. Try a family jigsaw, board game or anything like lawn cricket etc if the weather is good. We try not to go stupid on the pressies but make an effort to invite someone for lunch or just generally do 'something' selfless - it is about giving but not just in the physical sense..

There are bugger all times of the year where it's great to make an effort, just don't buy into the mall christmas idea.

If you really don't want to participate - don't ruin it for you kids - 'cos kids love the idea of chrissie or perhaps you can pop down to the salvation army and help with lunch?

Cheer up - it's only one day...

[Donor]

I started buying Christmas presents in June and finished early last month. Not sure what I spent but it's less than $70 and that includes the one for next door neighbour. None of my gifts are rubbish, they either have practical uses or are food. Christmas is the one day in the year, well two, when I throw caution to the wind and eat what ever food I want in the pantry.

But why buy anything? Isn't that what birthdays/anniversaries are for?


Do love going for a ride/drive on Christmas day. There's not much traffic but have to keep an eye on the go-go juice level encase stations are closed. Normally have Christmas with family, but this years gathering location hasn't yet been decided. Going near shopping centres around now is okay, my shopping has been done.

I hate going anywhere. Sick of almost running down idiot kids half prepared with ill fitting safety gear on dangerous bikes/scooters/rollerblades that don't know how to use them, and think the road is a testing ground.


Put up my Christmas tree last Saturday. Keep it stored in the garage so enjoyed my 3hr adventure to fetch it (got side tracked and did some tidy up and cleaned some garden tools :mellow: ).

Got ours out last night for the wife. Spent 2 hours fetching, erecting, decorating and then an hour cleaning up the mess and listening to how much of a hassle it's going to be keeping the 18 month old away from it, so it doesn't get destroyed. This morning was round one, and we have at least another bloody fortnight of it... *sigh*

[Donor]

Its up to you but try not to hate things - it warps your thinking and makes life harder.

Just don't buy into the commercial crap and make it into a fun day for your family. Try a family jigsaw, board game or anything like lawn cricket etc if the weather is good. We try not to go stupid on the pressies but make an effort to invite someone for lunch or just generally do 'something' selfless - it is about giving but not just in the physical sense..

There are bugger all times of the year where it's great to make an effort, just don't buy into the mall christmas idea.

If you really don't want to participate - don't ruin it for you kids - 'cos kids love the idea of chrissie or perhaps you can pop down to the salvation army and help with lunch?

Cheer up - it's only one day...

Exactly - it's only one day!

We should be doing these things every day we have some time, and if there are those that say they don't have the time, then they are in need of some serious time management training.

Why should I show more love and affection to my family and friends on one over-hyped day than the other 364?

[bobsmith]

What I really hate are the fucking christmas lights they put up everywhere...

I should sue my work for putting them up without consulting occupational safety people and causing me undue mental stress...

[Donor]

What I really hate are the fucking christmas lights they put up everywhere...

I should sue my work for putting them up without consulting occupational safety people and causing me undue mental stress...

Mae sure they have an inspection and safety compliance cert. If they don't rip the bastards down and bin them. Report them to your OSH nazis, and then follow up with a cultural insensitivity complaint.

That'll learn 'em.

[Mr. Peanut]

People die on the road, I have to work harder, listen to stupid christmas music, advertisments, money gets spent on trash... Santa - Satan :mellow:

I don't celebrate it. Nor would Christ.

[Donor]

I don't celebrate it. Nor would Christ.

I used to be a churchie - I would wake up in the morn, sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus, and then go about my day as per normal.

That seemed fitting.

[chanceyy]

I detest xmas with a passion .. :angry:

I used to take my horses to the beach & try hide .. a few freinds tracked me down .. & made me come to their place for xmas .. now since olds are no longer young & only see them twice a yr its the obligitory trip up north ... but i detest the whole commercialism of christmas .. :shit: :shutup:


ROCK ON NEW YRS .. :D :done: :dodge:

[Bend-it]

Christmas is great!! Only weak-minded people incapable of independent thought and actions get sucked in and so adversely affected by the commercial hype. Tell ya what... You can cancel Christmas for yourself, go back to work, don't go to any Christmas party, pissup, bbq if you hate it so much...

For me, I love it!

[Donor]

Christmas is great!! Only weak-minded people incapable of independent thought and actions get sucked in and so adversely affected by the commercial hype. Tell ya what... You can cancel Christmas for yourself, go back to work, don't go to any Christmas party, pissup, bbq if you hate it so much...

For me, I love it!

I've already put me name forward for overtime through xmas - that's my gift, penal rates!

I don't intend on doing anything out of an ordinary day, because it's just that - an ordinary day!

But do share, why do you love it? Spiritual/religious reasons, or a paid day off?

[ceebie13]

I'm still coming to terms with Christmas being in Summer...I mean, how stoopid is that? But I must admit I know where Donor (interesting handle considering this subject) is coming from. It's strange to be stuffing your face with hot turkey...hot spuds...hot brussels, hot everything on a hot day (well supposedly!) ...makes me feel bloated just thinking about it. Nah, don't actually hate it... just find it a chore to get through the whole Christmas/New Year thing. What makes it worse is that the whole country buggers off on its hols afterwards. When you work for yourself like me it's almost six weeks of "down-time" and that ain't good! We have a pact in our family. "Don't buy me anything cos I ain't buying you anything." (Doesn't apply to Mrs CB of course!)
Then of course there's the other can of worms.... you know, the whole JC thing... I mean, is it hypocrictical to celebrate Christmas if you aren't really a devout Christian?

[Donor]

I detest xmas with a passion .. :angry:

I used to take my horses to the beach & try hide .. a few freinds tracked me down .. & made me come to their place for xmas .. now since olds are no longer young & only see them twice a yr its the obligitory trip up north ... but i detest the whole commercialism of christmas .. :shit: :shutup:


ROCK ON NEW YRS .. :D :done: :dodge:

Another thing that peeves me is, people will inevitably turn up. I have no problem with this, I love me family and will never turn them away ANY day of the year.

What does get me, is how people will come around and be all "christmassy" and then proceed to launch into me when I don't reciprocate. But I'm not an actor, I wear my emotions on my sleeve, if I don't see the point in something, I sure as hell ain't going to ham it up for anyone else!

[chanceyy]

Christmas is great!! Only weak-minded people incapable of independent thought and actions get sucked in and so adversely affected by the commercial hype. Tell ya what... You can cancel Christmas for yourself, go back to work, don't go to any Christmas party, pissup, bbq if you hate it so much...

For me, I love it!

its not just the commercial hype its the whole deal

the pressure ppl feel to get pressies ( I don't apart fr my olds)
the many kids, the many ppl who blow up & abuse, its the main season that womans refuge is full to bulging, the animals who are abandoned while the family goes for a "nice holiday" those who are alone who do not either have family or those who just do not care, those who can not handle being part of a family & walk out right on xmas ... its the bigger picture ... not just commercialism ..

so when you sit down to your family dinner spare a thought for any of those above who are having an absolute shit day (not to mention those who have lost loved ones around this season & are spending their first xmas without that person .... )

[Squeak the Rat]

Any one got any ideas on how to get ones family to stop buying into the bullshit? I'm sick of acting all surprised and happy getting a really expensive piece of crap present from my parents who should be saving for retirement. And yes I've told them but it never registers.....

I'd be more happy if they said they'd mow my lawns instead of some stupid $300 george foreman wankmeharder present from Westfield mall. At least it's something with some thought.

Bastards.

[Donor]

Then of course there's the other can of worms.... you know, the whole JC thing... I mean, is it hypocrictical to celebrate Christmas if you aren't really a devout Christian?

Waiting for that - interesting that of the replies so far, only a comments have been made in relation to it.

Begs the question again - what IS xmas, I mean REALLY what is xmas?

Family? Fat Guy in a suit? Warm fuzzies?

Where is it rooted? How did xmas come about?

Personally, I wouldn't miss xmas if it was to be abolished. It's just an advertisers dream, coupled with a guilt reduction period for those too sad to give a shit about others the remainder of the year.

[Donor]

Any one got any ideas on how to get ones family to stop buying into the bullshit? I'm sick of acting all surprised and happy getting a really expensive piece of crap present from my parents who should be saving for retirement. And yes I've told them but it never registers.....

When they hand you the gift, pull out a sheet of new wrapping paper, wrap it AROUND the gift, and hand it back.

Works.

[Mr. Peanut]

Yeah people can really press it on you. I don't want a present, I DONT WANT A PRESENT, yes I will come to your christmas party, I will bring food, but I DONT WANT A P R E S E N T.

"Look I know you said you didn't want a present but...."

:mellow:

[bluninja]

Other than Easter, Christmas is the one time when trhe kids are off school and all families (not raking in the overtime) don't have to work. If your families are spread out it's the one time of year that you can all get together easily.

Even forgetting the hijacking of the european midwinter pagan celebrations, Christmas day has changed in the last 1000 years, and is different in eastern orthodox tradition anyway.

Hate christmas if you want, I think it's nice that we can have a common holiday and celebration to come together and have fun. How you celebrate is up to you.

[Flyingpony]

But why buy anything? Isn't that what birthdays/anniversaries are for?
Sometimes I buy a triple pack set of something that doesn't look like it's a triple pack set. Then I give one item from it for the next three events.



Got ours out last night for the wife. Spent 2 hours fetching, erecting, decorating and then an hour cleaning up the mess and listening to how much of a hassle it's going to be keeping the 18 month old away from it, so it doesn't get destroyed. This morning was round one, and we have at least another bloody fortnight of it... *sigh*
That's an easy one. Got a table you're not going to be using for the next few weeks? Put your Christmas tree on top of that.

[terbang]

I'm still coming to terms with Christmas being in Summer...I mean, how stoopid is that?

Whaderya mean Stoopid..? As a born and bred Dunnunder, we had family barbies at the beach, rode horses, bikes or whatever and had a great outdoor christmas day playing sports & stuff well into the warm evenings. Later living in the Northern hemisphere I struggled with it. It was cold and miserable, we had to drive in a heated cage and sit indoors stuffing ourselves with rich food and warm beer. Then it got dark at around 3 PM so we stayed indoors and ate some more! Hah they can have it..

[Bend-it]

I've already put me name forward for overtime through xmas - that's my gift, penal rates!

:p


I don't intend on doing anything out of an ordinary day, because it's just that - an ordinary day!

But you don't hate ordinary days do you? So why the violent reaction to a day that you don't see the point off, so don't take any special notice of, but other people enjoy?


But do share, why do you love it? Spiritual/religious reasons, or a paid day off?

Both. Spiritually, I love it 'coz following Jesus gives me a purpose for life like nothing else, including biking (Granted, people have differring opinions, but this is mine right?), and His physical birth marked a new chapter of reality for that. So that's what I'm celebrating in the spiritual sense.

Other reasons, Christmas is when people have an extended period off, so families travel to be together, have holidays, hang out and generally have a good time. I'm sorry about people who don't, but I love my family and enjoy having them around.

Right now actually, I am reminded about people who have lost family, and maybe instead of whingeing to no end about Christmas, maybe we could BE a KB family to some of those who have lost theirs this Christmas eh?

[ceebie13]

Whaderya mean Stoopid..? As a born and bred Dunnunder, we had family barbies at the beach, rode horses, bikes or whatever and had a great outdoor christmas day playing sports & stuff well into the warm evenings. Later living in the Northern hemisphere I struggled with it. It was cold and miserable, we had to drive in a heated cage and sit indoors stuffing ourselves with rich food and warm beer. Then it got dark at around 3 PM so we stayed indoors and ate some more! Hah they can have it..

Hehe... touche my friend!
What is it with antipodeans about warm beer.
There's more to beer than lager you know.... (although that is my preference)
A good pint of "Old Speckled Hen" or "Abbots Ale" or "Hook Norton" should always be drunk at room temperature. Bootiful.

[Bend-it]

its not just the commercial hype its the whole deal

the pressure ppl feel to get pressies ( I don't apart fr my olds)
the many kids, the many ppl who blow up & abuse, its the main season that womans refuge is full to bulging, the animals who are abandoned while the family goes for a "nice holiday" those who are alone who do not either have family or those who just do not care, those who can not handle being part of a family & walk out right on xmas ... its the bigger picture ... not just commercialism ..

so when you sit down to your family dinner spare a thought for any of those above who are having an absolute shit day (not to mention those who have lost loved ones around this season & are spending their first xmas without that person .... )

So we shoul all sit in a hole and never celebrate anything! 'coz-

- Don't celebrate graduations, think of all the poor illiterates feeling bad
- Don't celebrate new licenses, think of all the poor pedestrians
- Don't celebrate success, think of all the short poppies...

Instead, why can't we find a way of celebrating that builds other people up? One of the many ways people I know celebrate Christmas are:-

- Adopting an animal from the SPCA
- Visiting and giving gifts to kids whose parents are in prison
- I am making a trip to Phuket to help comfort people who've lost people in the Tsunami 2 years ago.

Just because some people do it badly is no reason to cancel Christmas!!

[Donor]

But you don't hate ordinary days do you? So why the violent reaction to a day that you don't see the point off, so don't take any special notice of, but other people enjoy?

I wouldn't call it a violent reaction. Nor would I say I don't see the point. What I fail to see is why people seem to celebrate it for apparently selfish and self centred reasons.


Both. Spiritually, I love it 'coz following Jesus gives me a purpose for life like nothing else, including biking (Granted, people have differring opinions, but this is mine right?), and His physical birth marked a new chapter of reality for that. So that's what I'm celebrating in the spiritual sense.

*raucous applause* Kudos! Finally!


Other reasons, Christmas is when people have an extended period off, so families travel to be together, have holidays, hang out and generally have a good time. I'm sorry about people who don't, but I love my family and enjoy having them around.

Right now actually, I am reminded about people who have lost family, and maybe instead of whingeing to no end about Christmas, maybe we could BE a KB family to some of those who have lost theirs this Christmas eh?

It comes back to this for me - enjoy everyone, everyday, everywhere. Don't settle for ONE day to love one another - do it every day, not because you feel you HAVE to, but because you WANT to.

THIS is what Jesus would have wanted for his birthday I reckon...

[Goblin]

Got ours out last night for the wife. Spent 2 hours fetching, erecting, decorating and then an hour cleaning up the mess and listening to how much of a hassle it's going to be keeping the 18 month old away from it, so it doesn't get destroyed. This morning was round one, and we have at least another bloody fortnight of it... *sigh*



That's an easy one. Got a table you're not going to be using for the next few weeks? Put your Christmas tree on top of that.

Aaahh the old christmas tree! Way back when I was sucked into the commercialism, the ex went and got us a nice little pine tree to decorate and the first night we turned the lights on a huge motherf*cking huhu beetle flew out of it and terrorized us. It was chaos! Kids screaming, me trying to be brave in front of them and the ex laughing his arse off! Now days we have a two inch tall plastic tree we put ontop of the prezzies....yeah I have told family not to buy us presents but they are all so set in their ways they do anyway.

[terbang]

Oh groan I know (married to one) we are stuck with the "pommy" christmas traditions for a while yet.

[Bend-it]

It comes back to this for me - enjoy everyone, everyday, everywhere. Don't settle for ONE day to love one another - do it every day, not because you feel you HAVE to, but because you WANT to.

THIS is what Jesus would have wanted for his birthday I reckon...

Aye! KERREKT! Unfortunately, us humans are a selfish and wretched race who can't stop ourselves turning inward and taking care of No. 1 at the expense of other people...

If Christmas 2006 sparked this thread, which reminds us to turn outward again, and consider others, then it has served its purpose!

Same with any other holiday or rememberance. The purpose is not for us to think about that only that one day, but to act like a "bump" in a forgotten thread on an internet forum.

- ANZAC/Rememberance day reminds us to remember those who have fought and died for our freedom, not that we spit at their graves the rest of the year.
- Rememberance Rides remind us of bikers who have fallen, not that we should forget them the rest of the year.

What other celebrations / commemorations can you think of?

[Motu]

There are some things I dislike about Xmas.On a personal level I hate the hype,the rush,packed shops and parking,having to buy a present or two.On a business level I hate being made out as the bad guy.....so,you car needs a headgasket and that's going to cost over $1200,oh and that means the kids can't have any presents or go for a holiday,their Xmas is ruined - and why is that my fault? So they say do the job and turn up with no money to pay for it.And...and...and - oh give me a break! The Xmas rush,it's always been a lot of pressure...but good to look back on and say we got through.

As far as Xmas itself...it depends on how it was for you as a child I think.Looking back my childhood Xmas was really special,my fathers family had a real need to be together,after some very bad times early in their lives...and us kids we always there when they were together,us cuzzies were truely cuzziebros.My grandmother lived at a beach,my childhood was spent there...at least in my memories.My wife's family are much more gushy and false,I dislike their Xmas,but go anyway and get grumpy.Now it's my own family that have a family Xmas....I'm enjoying that.

[LilSel]

I dont hate xmas... but dont love it either.
I get people staring like they've just learnt how to use their eyes lol (what you havent seen tattoo's and peircings before?? geesh!! :angry:):whocares:

[Motu]

What makes it worse is that the whole country buggers off on its hols afterwards.

Huh? You weren't here pre 1990 were you? The whole damn country shut down for 6 weeks! Seriously,auckland city was a ghost town,nothing was open,all factories shut.Everyone was at the beach....in those days we had access to all beaches,there were no huge pink buildings everywhere....

[Donor]

Aye! KERREKT! Unfortunately, us humans are a selfish and wretched race who can't stop ourselves turning inward and taking care of No. 1 at the expense of other people...

Let's be honest - people enjoy the present buying because of how it makes THEM feel about the giving. The bigger the reaction, the more the ego is stroked. This is why people just HAVE to buy for kids. Kids will do somersaults over a lump of clay wrapped in toilet tissue, let alone the latest trendy toy!


If Christmas 2006 sparked this thread, which reminds us to turn outward again, and consider others, then it has served its purpose!

This thread came about after self reflection of ALL the Christmases I can remember. Even as a kid, spending all my money that I had earned collecting bottles for recycling, and doing other 20 cent jobs around the house, was because it was what everyone else did. What a good retail Lemming I was...


Same with any other holiday or remembrance. The purpose is not for us to think about that only that one day, but to act like a "bump" in a forgotten thread on an internet forum.

Aye. Don't make it a day of excuses for poor social network upkeep, or ego stroking... instead it should be used to highlight the importance of sharing time and loving EVERY day.


- ANZAC/Rememberance day reminds us to remember those who have fought and died for our freedom, not that we spit at their graves the rest of the year.
- Rememberance Rides remind us of bikers who have fallen, not that we should forget them the rest of the year.

What other celebrations / commemorations can you think of?

Any day that has given us freedom, or taught us the joys and wonders of enjoying life, and the company of friends, family and even those we don't normally see as integral parts of our lives, should be given some time and energy is being maintained.

From battles fought, to rides ridden, to beer/coffee shared of an eve on a deck watching a setting sun.

[Bend-it]

There we have it! Christmas, like anything else, can be good or bad, it's what you make of it... :)

Let's make it a good Christmas this year... Find the roots of and re-invent some of the traditions that have gotten stale and commercialised.

What's the point of giving gifts? What's the point of family get-togethers? What's the point of holidays? What's the point of Santa? Christmas trees?

Bin ones that have no point and celebrate the ones that do like there's no tomorrow!!

Smile everyone, it's Christmas!! Ho Ho Ho!!!

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

I don't do Xmas at all - I have a lovely day, go riding, Sometimes I will have breakfast with friends - me cooking it. But I do exactly what I want to. My one treat is a punnet of raspberries, icing sugar and cream eaten totally guiltfree. I don't do presents at all - don't have the money and I don't stress over it. I couldn't give a flying f what other people think - that is their business not mine. But I take it as another weekend day. Been doing this over the last 5 years - except for one when I was roped into my friend's family Xmas - I hated it - we got up early to go to breakfast at inlaw's, got back to house, prepared lunch, had that - 2 hours later we were at the other friends inlaws - NEVER again.
I see the decorations up - doesn't phase me - I just look forward to a holiday break.

[Donor]

Smile everyone, it's Christmas!! Ho Ho Ho!!!

Haha... and yet the western bastardisation still has its claws entrenched in us!

:P

[Bend-it]

Or... Melly Klistmas my fliend!"

if you prefer! :)

[Donor]

I have to say one thing though.

I am the Grinch, and proud of it.

...but...

I THRASH SNOOPYS CHRISTMAS EVERY YEAR!

...it's my ONE concession to the season... :D

[placidfemme]

*fucking hates christmas*

[Bend-it]

But hey, you're still invited to Christmas!! :) It's the season for forgiveness and loving and forgiving!! Haha! Or am I crossing the line to sickly, pukily sweet now?

Behind the tough biker image, helmet, gear and armour, I'm really just a softie at heart...

[bobsmith]

The only thing I like about christmas is that it's soo commercialised and meaningless that it's an insult to christians... :Punk:

[Flyingpony]

....yeah I have told family not to buy us presents but they are all so set in their ways they do anyway.
I've always said to people buying me presents. If you can't find one that's useful for my life, then don't just give something for the sake of giving, instead, give me a gift voucher or cash equivalent and I'll take care of it. At the same time I also warn that unwanted gifts may be returned to them as a gift at a later date - this I have done, typically a year or so later so the memory has faded.

If you've got children, then it's always good to add, given my little ones a bigger present and don't give me any.

[Squeak the Rat]

You scumbag, you maggot
You cheap lousy faggot
Happy christmas your arse
I pray God its our last

[Goblin]

At the same time I also warn that unwanted gifts may be returned to them as a gift at a later date - this I have done, typically a year or so later so the memory has faded.

Yeah I've still got smelly bath stuff from last year...are they implying I stink or something?:confused: Any useless stuff I get this year will be returned as a birthday gift next year.

It's all well and good for the kids and all, but I have to get the junkmail before the tiny or he just goes on and on and on about wanting all this crap for christmas!


You scumbag, you maggot
You cheap lousy faggot
Happy christmas your arse
I pray God its our last
That's the only christmas song I can handle!

[Swoop]

you know, the whole JC thing...
THE MESSIAH!!!!!! John Cleese!!!!!!!!

[Oakie]

My contribution.
Unless you have very good eyesight you'll have to click on the image and view it full size to really appreciate it.

[MattRSK]

<img src="http://pw2.netcom.com/%7Espeaker6/MrScrooge/calvin6.jpg">

[Colapop]

I can see my family any time I want.

I can buy token gifts any time I want.

I can eat a lot any time I want.

I can love anyone I want, anytime I want.

I can be thankful for what I have anytime I want.

So what the hell is xmas about?

The churchies tell us it's all about the birth of Christ - well, according to what I have read, it's actually nowhere near when his calendar date of birth should be, has been sprinkled like most other christian celebrations with multiple pagan ideas and rituals, and is SO BLOODY COMMERCIALISED!

It really is "just another day" to me, and though I try to be christmassy for my kids, I find myself hating xmas more and more every year. In me younger years, I'd try to spend the day sleeping off a hangover, just to avoid seeing people waffle on about what a wonderful day they were having, and how great it was to see dear old Aunt Mavis (you know, the one that smells like cabbage and mothballs...)

These days, I just want to go postal every time I am forced near a shopping mall, I want to destroy my TV whenever a xmas special or charity show is broadcast, I want to hack the NZSE and cause the Warehouse share price to plummet, breaking the bastards, for hammering us with xmas ads 4 months out.

I just want everyone to get along EVERY day, so that schmucks like me who don't have time nor inclination to feign the empty happiness the rest of the populace do, can just get pissed and enjoy the sun.

Rock on New Years though! :Punk:
Bah humbug! Give presents when you want to. Visit with family all year round. If you believe in religion go anytime not just at xmas. If you really love her/him, tell them every chance you get. Life is short why wait for a season to be merry?

Exactly what you already said!

[NighthawkNZ]

I just love to hate xmas... full stop :dodge: :zzzz:

[Paul in NZ]

That's the only christmas song I can handle!

Jeeze you lead a sheltered life... Check out just one of Robert Earl Keens xmas jems...

Mom got drunk and Dad got drunk
At our Christmas party
We were drinkin' champagne punch
And homemade eggnog
Little sister brought her new boyfriend
He was a Mexican
We didn't know what to think of him
'Til he sang Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad

Brother Ken brought his kids with him
The three from his first wife Lynn
And the two identical twins
From his second wife MaryNell
Of course he brought his new wife Kaye
Who talks all about AA
Chain smokin' while the stero plays
Noel, Noel, The first Noel

Carve the turkey turn the ball game on
Mix Margaritas when the eggnog's gone
Send somebody to the Quik-Pak store
We need some ice and an extention cord
A can of bean dip and some Diet Rite
A box of tampons and some Marlboro Lights
Hallelujah everybody say cheese
Merry Christmas from the family

Fran and Rita drove from Harlingen
I can't remember how I'm kin to them
But when they tried to plug their motorhome in
They blew our christmas lights
Cousin David knew just what went wrong
So we all waited on our front lawn
He threw the breaker and the lights came on
And we sang Silent Night
Oh Silent Night

Carve the turkey turn the ballgame on
Make Bloody Marys cause we all want one
Send somebody to the Stop 'n Go
We need some celery and a can of fake snow
A bag of lemons and some Dite Sprite
A box of tampons and some Salem Lights
Hallelujah everybody say cheese
Merry Christmas from the family

Feliz Navidad.

[Steam]

Statistics show more people commit suicide in the two days following Christmas than any other week in the year. Yip, xmas sucks.

[McJim]

I work in Advertising.

Christmas = $$$$$

Thanks Santa.

'Nuff said.

[Joni]

There is no Christmas in my house.... unless you are talking about the day we ride up to go to wanganui :mellow:

[Trudes]

My mum, gran and boss get a bit pissy with me when they ask what I want for Xmas and I say "nothing", them "you have to have something", me "ummm, why? Well then cash",them "oh, what a very meaningful present", me thinks 'what you mean less meaningful than a pair of socks?', me "gift vouchers or petrol vouchers then", reply, "Huff". Well don't get me anything if you don't like what I would like, I didn't want anything anyway! I started asking for a bottle of Jack Daniels from people, and one year I got four bottles, that was a good year as I got pissed and had fun.
Fuckin Xmas, it causes so many fights and upset people and lonely people are usually made to feel even more alone. :done:

[Donor]

I work in Advertising.

Christmas = $$$$$

Thanks Santa.

'Nuff said.

You utter... utter...

[Lou Girardin]

It's 4 extra paid days off. That's good enough for me. Thank you Jesus.

[Meekey_Mouse]

Yuck... christmas... it's so stressfull if you buy into the whole commercial thing. So much easier just to skip it ^_^

[eliot-ness]

Christmas can be a wonderful time. A time to reflect, to think back over the past year and plan for the next one. A time when you can sit back and have a few quiet drinks and not have to worry about anything or anybody. I love it.



















Oh, forgot to add. The wife goes to the UK on wednesday and won't be home till mid January. The kids and grandkids will be at the beach house in Opito Bay, and me? I'll be on my own with a bottle of rum. Yippee Merry bloody Christmas everybody

[Trudes]

Party at eliot-ness'es Boxing day!!!

[Lissa]

I love xmas!! Always have. The pressure of buying presents is easy, I dont give any to anyone except the kids. Grandparents usually get the handpainted calenders from the kids, which they can look at all year round.

I just LOVE watching the kids open their presents from Santa. Thats the best, dont care what I get, or if I get anything... its the kids excitiment I love.

Have a tradition that I was brought up on since I was a child. Xmas day, there has to be a Water Fight... buckets, water guns, hoses.. it doesnt matter, and anyone whos outside.... gets it! Fun!! And now I'm alot a bigger, my three older brothers are easier to catch! (well they are old men now) :dodge: dont tell them.

I dont cook the xmas meal, so no pressure for me, thats the grandparents. So ususally its just a fun day.

[MadDuck]

Christmas can be a wonderful time. A time to reflect, to think back over the past year and plan for the next one. A time when you can sit back and have a few quiet drinks and not have to worry about anything or anybody. I love it.

Yippee Merry bloody Christmas everybody

OH yipee Christmas. I myself will be going for a ride. Then a stop to the local soup kitchen to offer my help.

[Maha]

OH yipee Christmas. I myself will be going for a ride. Then a stop to the local soup kitchen to offer my help.

If they are serving tomato soup with fried ham for dipping give me yell would ya please?.....:yes:

[Hillbilly]

C'Mon you lot. You all *know* that Chrismas is to celebrate a man called Jesus who died to save Santa!!

If you haven't seen that episode of Southpark yet, you oughta. I love Xmas. I get paid double (2x) time and a half to work on a otherwise uneventful day.

So i get $20/hr, and it;s time and a half, so that $30/hr, and it'll be double that so it's $60/hr. Gee I :love: Christmas

[Biff]

Bahhhh Humbug

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6213012.stm

[Motu]

Two years ago on Xmas Eve one of my daughters turns up with a guy she knew from work - he was an American,had no family in NZ,had just seen a good friend die in hospital and was kicked out of his flat.We always have some ''just in case'' presents and were able to give him gifts and a family Xmas.He's still here and the father of my new grandaughter.

I am antichristian....but believe Xmas is a time of peace and goodwill to all....

[Biff]

I am antichristian....but believe Xmas is a time of peace and goodwill to all....

Are you a muslim then by any chance?

Here in the Middle East there's Crimbo decorations and parties galore going on all over the place in celebration of Christmas.

I've been stopped twice in the last couple of days by total strangers wishing me peace.

It's a funny ole world where we 'infedels' see christmas as a commercial thing, while non-christians see it as a religious festival.

For those that didn't know - Muslims believe in Jesus too. He was a prophet who prophesised the coming of Muhammad.

Salam alacomb to ya'all. (or however you spell it)

[thehollowmen]

I don't like christmas.
Christmas is the time of year when the family disolves in to arguments and fights and sulking.

I vividly remember at christmas when I was young, my parents both telling me that I was never a part of the family and never would be.

It is supposed to be time for family and peace and goodwill but I never have seen that.

[Trudes]

I don't like christmas.
Christmas is the time of year when the family disolves in to arguments and fights and sulking.

I vividly remember at christmas when I was young, my parents both telling me that I was never a part of the family and never would be.

It is supposed to be time for family and peace and goodwill but I never have seen that.

Adults can be so cruel sometimes aye.
I agree, the family thing can be so stressful, there's always a few that don't get on and it just makes life shitty for a day or two. I know you should make an effort for one day, but I just can't be arsed always being the one to make the effort and comprimise when others don't. Nuff said.

[Paul in NZ]

I was thinking about this last night - it disturbs me....

Please don't be so miserable at this time of the year. Christmas is about giving but it's not measured in $$'s.

[Dooly]

Can't be bothered with Xmas anymore.
We don't celebrate it.
Just carry on with a usual day. Might have a bbq for lunch, but thats it, no pressies.
This Xmas day I'll be painting the house and shed roof.
Come to think of it.............maybe celebrating Xmas is better than that.........

[Alice]

I work in Advertising.

Christmas = $$$$$

Thanks Santa.

'Nuff said.

Thats a sad reflection on how society is today.

For me there is to much emphasise on the material things in life, I dislike seeing kids been given over the top presants for the sake of it and getting into one upmanship with other kids over what they have recieved.I have seen kids from well off families having things in life to easy, anything they want they get, parents running around after them, indulging there every whim, parents have the best intentions but somethimes all it teaches the kids is to self absorbed brats, with to little consideration and respect for other people.I know a kid that killed himself on his 17th birthday, waited until all his friends where there then hung himself, so his mates had to find him and cut him dowm, and looking from the outside you would think he had it all, but there was something missing,.... its sad.Its not doing kids any favours or teaching them what to truely value in life.

We live in a priveldged society, life has never been easier for any generation we just have to learn how to handle the stresses life throws at us.My father grew up in the depression years, he lived in a foster home as a young child because his father died and his mother could not look after him, no PDB in those days.When he died recently I found out that one of his mates had asked him if he felt sucessful in life, and he said did because in the depression years when he would go down to the wharf in Wellington to try to get work, (at an age when today kids are still been potty trained almost ) standing with the other group of boys and men, cause they where just kids having to grow up to fast, they stood waiting to see if they where lucky enough to be picked out to get work that day, he wondered it if would be possible to own his own house, and have enough food to eat each day.How life has moved on.I learned from him the pleasure of the simple things in life, beautiful sunsets, all that stuff, sounds a bit corney but its real, saying that, I own and enjoy the comforts and benefits of our affluent lifestyles and consider myself fortunate.I think there is to much focus on wanting more, when if we look at what we have, we have much to be thankful for.I am not religious but I believe there is a spiritual aspect to life that gives it more depth which has come about from the knocks recieved going through life.The setbacks cause us to take a good look at we value and what is really important, they shape us.
Shit get back on track, that was a bit of a rave on materialism gone mad and how fuked it is.
christmas, small c, maybe its a reflection of where society is at now, its gone a bit mad to.
I will be enjoying it, 8 days off work, only loose a few days annual leave, new bike, what do I want for christmas, bloody good weather, I'm going riding and riding and riding and tramping. bring it on, eat to much, drink to much, well mildily to excess, hangovers are a waste of the next day.A time to enjoy with friends and family, just like most weekends really.
Hope yu all have a good one.:scooter:

[Bend-it]

Salam alacomb to ya'all.

Peace like a comb to you too!! Haha! That came out funny...

[Donor]

eat to much, drink to much, well mildily to excess, hangovers are a waste of the next day.

...not a problem if you don't stop drinking! :D