I like the Christmas lights, but not the Commercial part of Christmas (page 2)

designs

I completely forgot that Dec. 25th is also Free Carol Day, how long has Carol been incarcerated, we must sign a petition!

wha happened?

I hate every part of Christmas. The fact that the sales and music start earlier every year. And the whole artificial feel to everything. Never wanted any part of it

Finkelstein

Things I don't like about Xmas is the overly extenuating commercialism, the stress and emotional pressure that it puts people through,

the seemingly pretentiousness surrounding of the day itself and those very old so traditional Xmas songs, that are boring and a bit annoying.

On the other side I like the lights in how they brighten up the environment indoors and outdoors.

Since my departure from the JWS I've taken Xmas lightly, do the social get togethers, whatever comes up and even sometimes

pass on everything by taking a couple of weeks vacation during the holidays.

Hortensia

I don't like the message that the way you prove your love is to buy expensive stuff for everyone you know. But, the festive aspect is great. I like a special meal, the lights and the cheerfulness.

Years ago my mother and stepfather, little fuddie-duddies, lived across the street from the woman who put on the most elaborate christmas display. Loud christmas music, flashing lights, santas and elves and reindeer. My mother would mutter and grumble about how pagan it was, but the problem was the woman across the street was a very nice person and my mother liked her. Caught in a conundrum. LOL

WTWizard

If you don't like the commercial aspect of Christmas (or all the news about how everything is going just fine and dandy, the unjustified philo-Semite stand that Israel is always right no matter what (which led to the 1973 energy crisis, and the excuse that the world was running out of oil), houndings to hound your doctor about the latest antidepressant or cholesterol medication, and all other crap like that), then turn off the cable or network TV. Online, at least you get a balanced viewpoint and will probably miss most of the commercials about needing to go into debt for Christmas. You also get a more diverse viewpoint about these wars, that we are in a major Depression, and that those psychiatric drugs are not all they are cracked up to be (along with instant resources about something you think could be a scam).

I would rather see Christmas preparation being an all-year deal. Get your decorations in January when they are on sale, or July when supplies are at their highest. Get most of your major gift shopping done between February and October--when a category of items goes on sale, buy then. And, in January, get equipment to wind your Christmas lights up so they don't get tangled when you need them (I did that, and rarely have to deal with tangled lights). Know what you wish to do for baking and prepare ahead when possible (get non-perishables in September when they first come out, not at the last minute). Only perishable items need be picked up late.

You still can have your fun in December. Despite having most of your shopping done, you could make a trip to the mall in December to look at the Christmas decorations. At this point, the children can get their shopping finished, and so can you (hopefully, it is mostly those last decorations, wrapping paper, and a last-minute gift idea). Enjoy the Christmas music, enjoy the lights, and don't be pressured into running up big debt. One thing I do not recommend is drink driving.

As for lights around here, they seem to have been going on strike since 2007. In 2006, there were lights virtually everywhere. Since 2007, they have been thinly scattered. And much less in the way of quality--usually a few candles in the window or putting a single run of lights on the porch is it. Used to be that they would put up 50 strands of lights on the roof, decorate every bush in the yard, put up 5 or 6 inflatables, and have animated reindeer, Santas, and candy canes lining the walkway. Not any more. Energy crisis? As of this writing, there is no declared energy crisis or ban on displaying these items (though that could change). And I recommend using LED's, since they use 90% less energy than old incandescent and about 75% less than the newer incandescent lights and are more reliable (and safer, and you can run more on a circuit without popping your fuse). Besides, a well-lined walkway with LED candy canes (I recommend warm white for "clear") is safer and more secure than one that is pitch dark.

I quit!

There is a lot of human tradition in Christmas, both Pagan and Christian. I enjoy most of it. I don't enjoy the greedy retailers starting it off by trying to ruin Thanksgiving with their Black Friday shopping insainity.

Satanus

Me too.

S

Quarterback

Thanks for your comments, and have a happy holiday, friends.

mind blown

I "LOVE" the commercial part of Christmas!!! The sales have been fab!! I bought a few things for family who aren't JW's....but most of what I've bought has been for myself....... great deals on shoes/boots.....clothes.....nstuff.....yippeeeeeeeeeeeee........ Oh and I love how sparkly everything is.....makes me feel all warm and cozy inside.....

I like the Christmas lights, but not the Commercial part of Christmas