by minimus 53 Replies latest jw friends
I love the Christmas music, Thunder and I listened to some of the old stuff tonight and then the new stuff like Adam Sandlers Happy Hanakuah song ?(sp)
I think if you do what makes you happy and don't do the obligatory gifts stuff your fine. Thunder felt that Christmas had to be just obligatory crap but we have made our own traditions.
As crass as commercialism can sometimes be in North America during the Thanksgiving, Christmas season, the celebrations are a huge boost to the economy and provides millions of individuals, including Jehovah?s Witnesses with decent employment, the exercise is truly a gift in its own right.
Let's face it, IF? the Patterson Book and Real Estate Corporation had its way and actually believed their controlling, seemingly endless, forever re-hashed, pseudo-religious marketing rhetoric, the North American economy, other than themselves, would be in the toilet and they would have a heck of a time finding any military left to fight for and protect their own vast real estate acquisitions other than their in house lawyers shielding themselves with official, Jehovah (TM) approved legal sized yellow note pads while attempting to use ball point pens to impale bored and disinterested "enemies" .
The lights are up, the tree is decorated, presents ready to go, donations made to my favorite charities, free-range turkey dinner arranged at my favorite in-laws followed by a bunch of us on Friday going to see LOTR3 for the first time.
During this time of year, the horror of alienation I experienced during my childhood as a Jehovah?s Witnesses is almost a thing of the past and I'm loving it.
The best of the season to everyone here!
Flip
It STILL feels weird, but each year is better and better. After holiday shopping this weekend and getting almost everyone on my list taken care of, I'm almost excited about it. I still halfway look over my shoulder when in the "Christmas/Lawn & Garden Center" at Wal-Mart, but then I remember, "Oh, yeah! I don't care!"
Seasons Greetings to you all.
For those feeling a little pinched.....
The kids & I just spent some "quality time" baking some goodies for our "love" baskets. We then took a trip to the "dollar rama" & got a bunch of stuff. Clear wrap, candles, baskets, snowmen, mugs, etc. Some fancy chocolates, gum drops, nice wrapped candy, tea bags, etc. When they're all done they look great and for about $50.00 - $60.00 we made about 12 great gift baskets with stuff left over for more - we just ran out of wrap. The assembly room was a mess but we had a great time. - especially testing the samples.
We make them for neighbors, to take when visiting, or if someone just drops over. All the cards say "made with love"
We love the holidays.
For all those parents out there feeling guilty for not having done Christmas with their kids, I just wanted to agree with Princess. I have have absolutely no feelings of having missed out. None whatsoever. It would be like telling me that there are kids in Africa who celebrate National Gazelle Day and have such a great time. Sounds fun, but I don't really weep over having missed it myself.
I never felt deprived of toys because my parents made sure we did gifts on other occasions. Other kids got race cars on December 25, but I didn't particularly notice. I had a fort in my backyard! Everyone's experience, of course, is different, but I think parents can probably cut themselves a little slack.
Seattle
After all, you can't say Merry Christmas, because the person might be Jewish.
Pardon me for asking , but what is it with America these days? I notice the satelite news channel from USA says "Happy Holidays". Why wo'nt you say Happy Christmas? and what was that about someone being ordered to remove a nativity scene from a window?
I work in a very mixed city and my workmates include Hindu, Sikh and Moslem people, but they all celebrate Christmas with great enthusiasm
Is not America the "Land of the Free"?
After all, you can't say Merry Christmas, because the person might be Jewish.
I live near a strong, rich Jewish area and they celebrate Christmas. OK, they don't believe it's the birth of the Messiah day, but they use it as a good excuse for a merry old time! Further up, in the next town, is another Jewish enclave - this time orthodox. They're not affluent at all and don't celebrate Christmas. Another example of why religion is crap. It's divisive even within its own belief system. Men setting the rules and not God. Fortunately, the children of families who don't celebrate Christmas don't really know any difference, so don't miss it. Me, I wish it was Christmas every day!
Ian
19 years later.
Here I am, writing/talking about Christmas.
I don't mind it one bit.
Folks can rag on about the 'pagan' and 'non-christian' aspect of it.
But, for what it is worth, I have not seen a time of year that has united so many people. Folks are generally good natured, friendly, happy, carefree and jovial.
Is there anything wrong with that?
For the tight asses and theocratic schizophrenics: yes.
Otherwise: whatever floats yer boat.....go4it.
But, for what it is worth, I have not seen a time of year that has united so many people. Folks are generally good natured, friendly, happy, carefree and jovial.Is there anything wrong with that?
Amen, Rayzor, me old buddy! Have a GREAT Christmas and a WONDERFUL 2004.
Ian
I absolutely love Xmas, the rampant comsumerism is something to laugh at rather than the jealous sneering of those still trapped within the Jehoovers witlesses. I love seeing my wife's face when she tries to work out which of the presents is this years sexy undies that I have got her and she loves the fact that I am like a big kid on Xmas day making up for the 18 that I missed
