Bah Humbug be buggered!

[Mom]

This is always a stressful time of the year. For some it is their first year, or another year without a loved one, for some it is money (or lack of) that makes it tough. For others it is estrangement from families, for some it is simply families. I have been a member of a few of those classes over the years. The stress and negativity surrounding this festive season is emphasied all over the place, this year worse than recent years due to the recession.

While I am not going to say life is never a shit sandwich, because my experience of it to date proves otherwise, it really can be :yes: I want to share the past 36 odd hours that show despite LIFE attempting to overtake you, the simple things are the best.

Went outside for a smoke break yesterday, to hear a voice say "I thought you would have given that away by now" from a young man I have not seen in 5 years, he is back from overseas sorting out his mothers estate. So lovely to see him and talk shit.

Finished up early and wandered up the road, bumped into some people I have not seen in 8 years, they live in Aussie, and are home to stay with her Mom in the end stages of her life. They have a 16 month old son!! Now while that is not so amazing to read, it is when they are in their 40's and could not have children! Came home from work with such a good feeling.

Have run the gauntlet of the Christmas supermarket shop today, it is full of S.O.A.Ps, already over them and we are only at the start of the season. Had a visit from a good friend, and one of my special children (who lives in CHCH now) paid a surprise visit for a few hours. She brought along her partner, a young fella that worked for us for 4 years or so.

When I rang my Mom tonight at Mom o'clock (5pm) she had already received my gift, she was rapped! We have a couple of good friends coming to join us on Christmas day, will help to make up for not seeing my eldest daughter, and be a shit load of fun to boot, I cant wait :blip:

So there you have it. Take the good shit out of this season. Even the simple stuff, if it is good embrace it! Dont allow the negatives to outweigh all the good little things that make life sweet!

Happy Christmas everyone. Travel safe, and smell roses every chance you get :done:

[MsKABC]

Nice one Mom! Wanted to bling you but none left in the tank :)

Merry Xmas!

[98tls]

Nice read Mom,took some whitebait over the road this afty (i have some old folk flats across the road) to a real sweetheart and the look on her face will be better than whatever i recieve from Santa.To be honest the older i get it seems i get more pleasure from giving than getting at Xmas.

[chanceyy]

nice one Mom

I have always detested xmas .. not so much for the family stuff more the commercialization of it all.

most of the time its about what ppl get rather than the time spent with ppl

I have just had quality time with my nieces & nephew (4 of them in two by two turns) they are absolutely super kids, about to hit teenage yrs so that could be interesting.

My folks are also very elderly & not in the best health, so who knows how many more times we will all be together .. Quality time is limited

anyhow our xmas day is tomorrow so it will be absolutely full on

have a great time Mom :hug:

[Mom]

Truely though, this is supposed to be the season of good will towards man. I am sure I dont need to remind any of you of all the people we bump into at this time of the year (or any time of the year to be fair) that are short tempered. They display it by bitching in shops, or to call centres, or on the roads. They are even us sometimes :yes:

[MadDuck]

They display it by bitching in shops, or to call centres, or on the roads. They are even us sometimes :yes:

Now this I can relate to. I kind of work in retail. Due to the current economic downturn which has resulted in 30% lower sales than last year.... we have had to reduce hours and staffing levels.

There are certain times of the day we were stretched today and yesterday. But people can be so bitchy at this time of year if they dont get seen to immediatley. Spare a thought for those you abuse or a rude to that may not have a job next year.

There are people far far worse off. I have been fully engrossed in a neighbourhood problem that is all consuming yet for a moment forgot two of my staff members that are having their first Christmas without their mother and father.

To the awesome people that have offered me somewhere to spend the day on Christmas day I love you! I would have been alone. To those having a first without loved ones...I feel for you. I have been there.

I am a Bah Humbug from way back. But I fear that may be changing.

Merry Christmas.

[ynot slow]

Yep pressies aint everything,this will be the last xmas with ma in law,doesn't matter when parents leave the first xmas afterwards is hard(so I am told,mine still alive lucky for me).

Xmas is for the giving of pressies for kids,they love anything hehe,and the looks they give is the true meaning of xmas,as we age the expectations get worse due to the commercialism which is the marketing merchants job,man have they conned us well,we all need brand gifts eh?Nope we don't.

[MisterD]

A message from Half Man half Biscuit:

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[AllanB]

All go at my house with a 10 & 6 year old killing the day waiting for Santa to arrive!

I feel it would be only right to treat the Hornet to a chain clean and adjustment - just for being so good this year :woohoo:

[NighthawkNZ]

Nice read... but my ha still says it all :)

[martybabe]

Well clearly the tone of that post was upbeat, so why do my eyes glazeth over with sadness.

A lovely thoughtful post from an outstandingly beautiful soul.

Did I give you my phone number? :love:

[blossomsowner]

nice post mom


we all sometimes need to just slow down and focus on the good side of life, especially with friends and families.

I feel for those that work in any sort of retail environment at this time of year.....however mostly have received very pleasant service so far.


top tip for this time of year...........
do not take the cage into the city...........traffic is worse than ever .........take the bike and fully utilise all advantages such as lane splitting/filtering, quick getaways from the lights, and priority parking whereever there is a space of pavement big enough.

[Lissa]

What I love about Christmas, is watching my kids open their presents and watching their faces light up. I love the compulsory cigar my Dad makes me smoke every xmas day... (although I cant really stand the smell), I love the water fights after lunch, the food, sticky wine, the food and my family. Just so happy that my family is fit and healthy.


Happy Christmas everyone. Travel safe, and smell roses every chance you get Ditto :)

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

During the last week I have been in shops and the assistants have apologised for the delay in serving me - I realised they were busy and said I'm in no rush. I don't do Christmas so just don't get stressed I have a peaceful time and people are more important to me.

[raftn]

Christmas makes me stop.................

It is a funny time of year, always busy, last minute stuff at work, running around trying to get pressies. Crowded malls and grumpy people....

But it does make me stop....

It is not what i dont have , but i what i do have that is important.

My parents are still alive and active, and each year i have grown closer to them, i consider them my best friends.

My two kids are happy, well adjusted, loving and are the light of my life, no matter what sought of day i am having, they always bring a smile to my life.

I am blessed with a fantastic partner who accepts me for who i am and loves me all the same. Lets me indulge in my passions, while being a rock in my life.

I am grateful that my health is good.

I am learing more and more every day, the important things in life can never be brought, they come about from what you are prepared to put into other peoples lives, wether that be family, of freinds or complete strangers.

Some where living close to you some body will be spending xmas alone, or tinged with sadness because of events throught out the year. Dont be afraid to buy a few boxes of chocos and give them out to your neighbours....you will be amazed at what you get back......and i dont mean in material things.

I hope every body on here has a safe and enjoyable xmas and holidays, keep it rubber side down, remember to hug those your love and smile at those you dont know.

[slofox]

Personally I suffer a lot of angst over Christmas. My children are grown and gone. I am divorced and live alone. I spend Christmas with my lady friend and her mother so have something good to do on the day. But I still miss my family....and I guess I always will......'cause Christmas is about family to me.