What There Is to Enjoy About Christmas

by WTWizard 13 Replies latest jw friends

  • WTWizard
    WTWizard

    As witlesses, you always hear about Christmas in a negative light. All the running around to get gifts that will be returned the day after, the bills that come in January, the drinking and driving, and all the energy "wasted" on Christmas lights and the headaches they get listening to Christmas carols all day.

    There is a good side of Christmas, independent of the religious aspect of it. I remember when I was little, I most looked forward to the gifts. Of course, I looked forward to the ones for me the most (who wouldn't). But, that didn't stop me from having some fun when the others were opened. Of course, when I was little, there would be little or nothing from me because I wasn't in a position to buy gifts to others.

    Very closely associated with this is the decorating. First up was the figurines that went on furniture. We often had decorations that hung on the wall, too. We would gather the Christmas cards we got and put them on the door frame. The one thing I looked forward to most was setting up the Christmas tree. Even though in those days, light sets were the C7 bulbs and clipped onto the branches, it was always fun to watch them go up (all 35 of them). Then there were bulbs of various themes, including those with Jesus. We also had pictures of Jesus from Christmas cards cut out and put on small coffee can lids (that were trimmed to about 3" across) and hung on the tree. There were also cherry bulbs. Back then, we used real trees that were not perfect as the one I have now is. Finally, we had a top. After all that went up, we put loose tinsel on the tree. And, even though the lights were sparse by today's standards, it looked spectacular then.

    There were other events that added to the fun. Notably, we had two all-day trips. One was about 60 miles long and took us to the southeast part of [state omitted to force the hounders to think]. This one I tended to find rather dry. The other was to my mother's mother, in another state and about 100 miles each way. That one I found more interesting, as there was more lights there and we exchanged presents at that place. That one also included a trip to my great-grandparents' place about 10 miles away. That was predictable, and added much to the fun.

    Another thing that was fun was the Christmas shopping. When we got old enough, we would go to a store that was about 75 miles away from home (the big shopping was done at a mail-order store that ordered out the items and you came back a week later to pick it up). I remember getting a budget (I don't remember how much) to spend on gifts, and we would be turned loose in the store for this. There was an eatery in that store that was somewhat better than the tacky ones found in today's places. That was part of the treat. Usually, that trip lasted most of the day.

    Finally, I remember the old Sears Wish Book. That thing was about 2" thick in those days. The first 2/3 of it was clothing, watches, electronics, and other items that I had little interest in. I did find the watches with alarm functions more interesting, though. The back third was all toys, and that was the section that I liked browsing through. I found all sorts of toys, including ones that were not appropriate for my age. However, I still liked looking at the descriptions. Of course, I didn't always get everything I wanted, but I didn't really expect it anyways. Half the fun is just looking at the book.

    Then, after the morning, there was the week off from school. I remember looking forward to playing with all those toys I got for Christmas. Whether or not the item was for me, often I got to see it in action. Some of the toys played best with two or more people, so occasionally I would get to play with the others' toys (race sets with two or more controllers and two or more cars, for instance). And there was always the new toys at the babysitters' place after Christmas to look forward to. (Of course, they also had a nice Christmas tree).

    Then, in January, when we went visiting, part of the fun was wondering what they got for Christmas. Again, occasionally they got things that I had some fun with, and would play well with two or more people. All in all, for me the fun lasted from about Halloween when we got that Wish Book into February when the finding out what others got was finally exhausted.

    Now, compare that with not being able to look at the lights, no Christmas tree, no presents because all the money went into the Worldwide Pedophile Defense Fund, not visiting anyone that did get presents, no Wish Book, no school party, no holiday art projects, no singing Christmas carols, no baking Christmas cookies, having to spend the whole week off from school out in field circus, boasting sessions as usual, and no holiday shopping. Those children that are born in do not realize that they are missing, not just one isolated day of fun, but a whole season. It isn't just that one day (even though while I was in the Tower, I used to highlight that). For me, Christmas started as soon as the Wish Book came (usually right after, if not before, Halloween) and didn't come to a full stop until sometime after February recess. That is more than a quarter of the year!

    Hopefully, children will be able to enjoy Christmas, or some facet of it, for more than one day. For those who left the cult and are now raising worldly children, I am glad you are able to enjoy those holidays. Whether it lasts from Halloween through much of February for you is another story. But, it for sure is more than one big blow for three months of hassle and five months of bills.

  • Rooster
    Rooster

    Never celebrated it,,,,, but... Merry Christmas to you.

  • Dorktacular
    Dorktacular

    Sadly, I don't have any really good memories of Christmas as a child... But the good thing about Christmas now is that I get to watch my daughter open presents on Christmas and see her be happy.

  • Sunspot
    Sunspot
    There is a good side of Christmas, independent of the religious aspect of it.

    Okay, I can list all the great stuff about Christmas and leave out the religious aspect (If I MUST, LOL!).

    A few of us gather at my son's house on Christmas Eve, we eat snacks chips and dips and holiday dessert breads, cakes and assorted goodies that everyone has brought. We all trim the freshly cut tree with old and antique ornaments that my mother gave him before she died, and we usually watch a Christmas movie on TV or DVD. Most often there are frequent visits from friends, other relatives and neighbors, popping in and out throughout the evening. I end up putting my grandson's stocking on the fireplace mantel just before I turn in (hoping he won't wake up while I am doing it!) I can't TELL you how much I always look forward to this night.

    My hubby, myself and my grandson spent the night (what's left of it, haha) and open our gifts in the morning. Depending on the weather, we either go out to eat breakfast at a restaurant or my son and grandson make a big bacon-and-egg breakfast and then we begin our Scrabble Marathon. Whoever is around gets to play. We then have a turkey dinner that we all help prepare. The kitchen is a very busy area! There are ALWAYS a few extra faces there at the table, those who are less fortunate or have no one to spend the day with. I know of two that will be there this year, at my son's invitation.

    I am hoping to get out (between snowstorms) to get all the ingredients for several recipes I have been collecting for months, and get busy baking and freezing for the Big Day. Hubby and I have volunteered to supply the turkey and a few side dishes. I LOVE that we can all just put all our cares and problems away for a few days, and just focus on having a great time and enjoying each other the very best we can.

    Having raised our grandson since he was five months old, and him not having a Christmas until he was eleven....I am SO thankful that this Holiday has worked out so nicely for him to have such pleasant memories of as he moves into adulthood. (He is an excellent Scrabble player and really enjoys our family marathons LOL!) He is now nineteen.

    hugs,

    Annie

  • worldtraveller
    worldtraveller

    Hey! There is no time like the present to get in the spirit. BTW, we all got 2 weeks off and played in the snow. Not much snow here these days.

  • Carmel
    Carmel

    Two four day week ends in a row! carmel

  • Abandoned
    Abandoned

    The good side of Christmas?

    Today at work, Jenean and I were singing Frosty the Snowman, alternating lines and I kind of forgot where I was. I felt eyes on me and looked up to see a customer with the coolest look on her face. She loved our little informal singing duet. I wouldn't doubt if it made her day.

  • WTWizard
    WTWizard

    What a shame for those born witlesses. They missed out on so many potential good experiences and so much fun. Whether it lasted only one day or was enjoyed through a period of several months, whether you got into the religious aspect or primarily enjoyed the secular portion, Christmas provides a good break in the routine. All those that are born in Witlesses missed out on all this when they were children, but they have the chance now to build some of their own good experiences (though it probably will not last for months). And they can allow their children to enjoy it.

  • Barbie Doll
    Barbie Doll

    The beautiful lights and watching people happy faces and children being happy. People singing.

    Its the most beautiful time of year. It makes me feel good in side and want to sing.

  • Barbie Doll

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