I hate Christmas. (Warning: Plenty of cusswords)

You say:
- There is no Christmas spirit. Only free ****. That's all everyone cares about.

Wrong. Of course there is Christmas spirit. Sure, I like gifts. But giving is even better. And even without the gift giving, Christmas is wonderful in and of itself. Seeing my family, being around them...doing things together, sharing eachother's company and celebrating and praising the birth of Jesus Christ...that's why I love Christmas. Not because of gifts.

- Being nice on Christmas is bullcrap because we have 11 other months that we don't pay attention to.

Who says we don't pay attention to them. December is not 'be nice' month. Never seen that anywhere. Know why people ARE so nice though? See my description of Chrastmas spirit, above.

- Unwritten rules about how we have to be in a Christmas mood, send each other cards and buy trees... All of it is bullcrap.

There are no rules. We send cards to spread hapinness, we buy trees to carry over traditions that we respect. They're not rules, no where are they rules. But people do them, because they have a heart.

- Your family? **** them, free crap!

Wrong. See the Christmas Spirit one again. I love them more than anything. Christmas would be just as wonderful without the presents. Presents aren't what I care about, get that through your thick skull.

- Buy our ****.

It's advertising and that's the way the economy works. Get over it.


And, that's how it is for me.
But seriously, after reading many responses to this thread, it makes me sick how greedy people really are.
FD, I think you should be a little bit more open. I don't like your generalizations, because not all of us are greedy pigs.

By the way, just to straighten things up.

Every Reason to Love Christmas:
Giving
Family
Celebration of the Birth of Jesus
Spreading Love
Traditions

Every Reason NOT to Love Christmas:
Getting gifts for the sake of getting
Celebrating it 'cause you can, even if you're not Christian
Greediness


I'm very disappointed how many of you like Christmas for the reasons you should not.

It's about the coming of God's son, the year the world reversed it's order. It is about the wonder, and the power, of our Lord, and the love he spread that night. It's about the way things used to be, and how far the world has come. It's about love.

Originally Posted by Anime_Queen

Hero of legends, who are you kidding?
You don't have to give away presents? maybe so, but if you expect/deMAND presents, then it's a darned shame on you to not give presents back. (not you personally, I mean theoretically! >_>)
Now if you said "You don't HAVE to ask or expect ANY presents, and just go out there and have a good time" that would have been a more genuine approach :p

Alright, let me clear this up. When I said "giving" I was ment everyone, not an individual. I was trying to say X-mas should not be about giving and expecting something in return, or, not giving and expecting to receive. It should be about sharing, Time and Memories that is.

Now that I read my earlier post I realized it seems to be lacking that sentiment I was trying to share across. So I can understand why you got that idea A_Q.

My, oh, my. FD, you freakin' Grinch XD. *dresses FD in Santa suit* Now down the chimney with you, my good sir! *pokes and runs away* XD

I love Christmas. I love Christmas carols. I even like Christmas fruit cake (and that could go in the Unpopular Things You Love thread). If I was to hate things because there's too much advertising/commercials, I would hate almost every special day - Easter, Halloween, Valentine's Day yada yada yada. A day like Christmas is an awesome day to spend with the family and friends. Sure, you can do that any time of the year, but it's not every day that my entire family can be together. We all have jobs/school/obligations, and often don't get much time together. Plus, it's not every day I actually *celebrate* the feeling of giving/recieving and being with loved ones. It's like Valentine's Day - people say it's a big cop out because you should make your significant other feel special every day. True, but, in all honesty, I don't often spend an entire day celebrating the fact I'm in love. LET'S NOT GO OFF TOPIC LIAH.

Gifts - my family don't really get into that stuff. Spending the day together is more of the focus. However! I would love to get something for them. Why? Because I want to (: I admit that I do look at advertising for ideas, but it's not like I feel I have to buy something. I sometimes draw pishars, paint stuffs, make things... as gifts (:

Anyway, FD, I think I'm gonna make you a present for Christmas. Why? Because I CAN . NOW MERRY SPIRITS WITH YOU, MY DUTCHMAN OF FLYING *runs away*

Originally Posted by Gracie

Every Reason NOT to Love Christmas:
Getting gifts for the sake of getting
Celebrating it 'cause you can, even if you're not Christian
Greediness


I'm very disappointed how many of you like Christmas for the reasons you should not.

That's ridiculous. Just because there is commercialization, it does not mean that we shouldn't also enjoy receiving presents. Everyone should enjoy receiving presents. I don't like the way people are being guilt-tripped away from loving the things they receive, because they'll be labelled as "greedy" for it. Sure, I do love giving (especially when I'm there to see them open it :3), I do love the way the family get together, I do celebrate it as a holiday for the birth of Christ, but I also enjoy receiving presents, which seems to mean to a lot of people that I'm some kind of Greed Monster.

Originally Posted by Gracie

Every Reason to Love Christmas:
Giving
Family
Celebration of the Birth of Jesus
Spreading Love
Traditions

The issue that I have here is that you tell non-Christians that celebrate Christmas that they're doing the wrong thing, when four out of those five reasons of yours apply also to non-Christians. What's wrong with an atheist sharing dinner with their family, or giving gifts to each other? Why should they miss a day of the year that brings families together?

Thats why this topic is iffy. Your reasons for hating Christmas is probably behind the meaning of it... not what you do during Christmas time.

So, don't call it Christmas and do all the same things if you choose to. There, problem solved.

Originally Posted by Gracie

FD, I think you should be a little bit more open. I don't like your generalizations, because not all of us are greedy pigs.

No. I believe I mentioned this SEVERAL times. Not everyone is all about gifts.

But that's, what, 5%? Maybe 10%? MAYBE? The huge part of the population are all about the money, gifts, greed, etc. There are some who really don't care (like you, Gracie!) and those people are awesome. And sure, if you ask people what it's all about, they'll say "Family and love, of course! What else? (nescafe)". Of course they'll do that. That's what you're SUPPOSED to say, after all.

Now, I'm not saying everybody here is lying. Of course not, it's the internet and there's no reason to keep a politically correct image. Some people were just completly honest and said it was all about the gifts.

If I decide to look at everyone personally when giving an opinion, I would be done around 2010-ish. Instead, I look at masses, numbers, percentages and pure FACT.

And if I WOULD go personal - then no, I don't have any sort of feeling for Christmas at all. Why? Because I don't like my family. For me, Christmas is hollow and empty. More reason to hate it for me, but that's just personal, so I can't bring it up since it doesn't apply to everyone.

Originally Posted by Liah

My, oh, my. FD, you freakin' Grinch XD. *dresses FD in Santa suit* Now down the chimney with you, my good sir! *pokes and runs away* XD

*shakes fist* I'll get you for this!

Originally Posted by sugarpoultry

Thats why this topic is iffy. Your reasons for hating Christmas is probably behind the meaning of it... not what you do during Christmas time.

So, don't call it Christmas and do all the same things if you choose to. There, problem solved.

Stop overreacting.

Christmas is a holiday some people actually relish for the right reasons: love, family, and giving. There are always exceptions to the rule. Christmas simply happens to be popular enough to the point where seeing those who celebrate it for selfish reasons is common, and is thought to be the norm. If people feel obligated to celebrate, then they're no better than those who participate in Christmas gift-giving just for the presents.

Originally Posted by Flying Dutchman

If I decide to look at everyone personally when giving an opinion, I would be done around 2010-ish. Instead, I look at masses, numbers, percentages and pure FACT.

How hypocritical.

Woah.... Dude. *Hands you a paper bag* You gonna be alright?

i really think you need to calm down about it. It won't change. Your just reminding me of someone......




Till next time.

-Linkrules.

Well, Flying Dutchman, get the hell over it. Christmas isn't going anywhere -- perhaps you should. Change your hate.

And does it not please you to see your family happy? I assume Christmas makes your family happy.

As for me, I don't care much anymore, but I don't dislike Christmas.

Right. I agree, Christmas is without a doubt the most materialistic, commercial festival. But is that really Christmas, or is that what you think Christmas is?

For me, Christmas really isn't about receiving. I like to give people gifts, I love going to my family's homes, to eat with them, and spend a day, one day free of the stresses of life, when everyone can come together and have a great time, and have a 'reason' for doing so. Personally, I am an atheist, but to be honest Christmas really isn't about one child who claimed to be the Son of God, its about my family, and making them happy.

I do hate Christmas in a sense but that is only because they rape T.V. with countless Christmas specials and also the sheer fact my uncle dos not give any presants to anyone. I also agree that Christmas is the most materialistic holiday, but just think if Chrismas did not exist, what do you think would happen?

Originally Posted by Galedeep

So, um, yeah, I'm a Jewish kid. But fun fact: My dad converted to Judaism, so everyone on his side of my family is Christian, and so of course they celebrate Christmas. Two of my very close friends are also really into the holiday. Before I would never really give much thought to the holiday, since I don't celebrate it. It was just something that would come once a year, and for about two months there'd be lots of Christmas decorations all over and carols playing on the radio and in stores and TV ads would get a bit of a Christmas theme to them.

Then when I became friends with those two I mentioned earlier, I began to be curious as to why they loved the holiday so much. While I enjoy receiving gifts as much as the next person, I also really like giving them, perhaps moreso. Though with Channuka, only the parents are supposed to give gifts to the children, in our house me and my siblings also buy gifts for eachother, and I always found picking out the perfect gift and giving it to be rather rewarding in its own right. So I never really assumed that Christmas was all about getting gifts. The fact that these two friends never talked about the gift part of the holiday, but rather more of the atmospheric elements also never led me to think that's what they liked about it.

Still, they were never really able to explain to me why they loved the Holiday season. But I think I figured it out myself. Because I experience it too. On Christmas Eve, like most Jewish people (or at least the joking would have you believe), me and my family usually order food in or go out for dinner, and then go see a movie. Together. As a family. Ever since we were kids. It's pretty much the only time of the year that we all go someplace together. The fact that me and my sister (and next year my brother as well) are away at university eight months out of the year, the winter break is also one of the only times that our house is "complete" again.

Then, last year, after we had moved my Grandmother into a nursing home because my Grandfather was too sick to take care of her anymore, my family and my dad's brother's family and his sister decided to have a big Christmas Dinner at the nursing home. The food was all prepared at my grandparents house, and then was brought over. We all sat together and just had a good time as a family. For the occassion me and my brother had learned a couple of Christmas songs that my grandmother had liked, and played them for whoever was in the nursing home's common area. Some of them sang along, some of them just tapped their feet, but it felt good to be doing it, and it was fun.

So when I was talking about Christmas and holiday spirit with one of those two friends I had mentioned earlier, I finally figured out what it was that her and my other friend loved about the Holiday season. Even if it has been commercialized and even if it does have a level of greed to it, its still brings families together, and I guess for my age, when I'm starting to leave the nest on a more permanent level, that's really important. So I don't think it's even Christmas in particular, but the whole winter Holiday season. At least for me.

My opinion exactly. I couldn't have possibly worded that last part better!

Originally Posted by Flying Dutchman

But what I hate even more is the so-called Christmas 'spirit'. Seriously, what the ****. You have to be nice to each other during Christmas.

LOL

WE HAVE ELEVEN OTHER MONTHS, BUT HEY **** THOSE

HEY YOU IT'S JANUARY - I HATE YOU!

It just annoys me. You have to be nice during Christmas, but being a jerk during all those other months is a-okay! Give money to charity during Christmas and people will like you! **** it when you do it all those other months!

I have to admit, I agree with you completely on this. I'm so glad someone said something.

Though I'd would of respected you just a tad bit more if you could of stated your opinion in a more collected way. Not that I care you ranted, it's good to let out like that sometimes. But, hey, expect some people who strongly disagree with you, and don't complain (which I'm not saying you are). When you present an opinion in an over-opinionated fashion, the other will be more inclined to retort back in a more cynical fashion...and you may not get the best discussion.

SO! That being said...

Well, first of all, Christmas is a religious holiday that has been commercialized. Duh. Everyone knows Christmas is the most whored holiday of the year for media, gifts, and the materialistic society. That's just how it works. We could probably even go on and analyze by delving into sociology as to WHY Christmas became that way - but I think that would be boring and ... well just beating around the bush.

So, I believe, the true meaning of Christmas is in fact about the celebration of the birth of Christ. NOT about "giving" and "charity" and "loving thy neighbor". Those are simply factors within the true meaning of Christmas.

So, considering the fact that society can not always celebrate religion in everyshape or form because of political correctness, people start to gravitate to the more general aspect of the holiday - which is giving and being thankful for one another. Which to me, is not the true meaning of the Holiday. I'm not saying it's bad. But face it - Christmas is in Christianity, the celebration of the Birth of Jesus, or at least, by my knowlege.

But hey. NObody says you have to like Christmas either. So just take pride in the fact that everyone else is hypocrites. *shrug* Not sure what to tell you.

Amen, Gracie! Agreed! Quoted for win. ^_^

Christmas was once my absolute favorite holiday and favorite time of the year.

Nowadays it's not so much that I hate Christmas--that would mean I still had some passion for it left. But now it's more like I'm completely and utterly meh to it these days.


That, and capitalist consumerism is so diametrically opposed to everything that Jesus stood for that I confess I'm at a loss to see how people can connect the marketplace frenzy of this time of year with the self-sacrificial message of Jesus, but that's just me. *shrugs*

EDIT:

Originally Posted by Mr. Fromage

"Hey Jesus, what do want for Christmas?"

"I want everyboy to be happy, forgiving, to forget their sins--

Eh, Scratch that.

Get me a Xbox360, a PS3, a Wii, Twilight Princess, some DVD's, some money, more money, oh, and some more money..."


Hell yeah man.. Christmas is ALL abot our best friend Jesus.

BTW, this is the smartest thing that's been said in this whole thread so far. *thumbs up* (Not that other smart things haven't been said of course, mind you....)

Originally Posted by William

Well, Flying Dutchman, get the hell over it. Christmas isn't going anywhere -- perhaps you should. Change your hate.

Oh, let's see. How about no?

Originally Posted by Alonely

Christmas is a holiday some people actually relish for the right reasons: love, family, and giving. There are always exceptions to the rule. Christmas simply happens to be popular enough to the point where seeing those who celebrate it for selfish reasons is common, and is thought to be the norm. If people feel obligated to celebrate, then they're no better than those who participate in Christmas gift-giving just for the presents.

Point. But is that not the reason why I hate it? Christmas changed into a fake, overcommercialized, overmaterialistic holiday. People buy themselves into bankruptcy, or they feel left out otherwise. And when you do ask them, it's supposedly not about gifts at all. I'd put it the other way around - the ones who do it for their religion or for their family or love, they're the exception to the rule nowadays.

Originally Posted by someone I forgot.

but just think if Chrismas did not exist, what do you think would happen?

Nothing. One doesn't miss what one never had.

I certainly dont hate christmas (hate is such a strong word!), but it is often celebrated in such a way that it defies what the holiday is supposed to encompass. I dislike the advertising, the greed, the spending, and for some people on lower incomes, the debt. Thats right. They feel the need to spend up on their loved ones that they go into debt. It has even been a major factor in some people and families going bankrupt.

Even what you are actually purchasing can go against the theme of giving. Most people are unaware that those lovely shoes they were given were made by a teenage girl who works in horrible conditions and barely gets by.

I understand the theme of giving in christmas, and it does exist, but it would be far better, more tasteful, if people bought things that were more personal, meaningful and useful, instead of being crappy plastic junk. I remember a documentry I once saw on christmas merchandise and its popularity - one of the most popular christmas themed gifts was a cow that mooed to the theme of jingle bells. When I heard the sheer volume that this cheap trash was selling I couldnt help but think it was a huge waste.

The Religious meanings that surround christmas still exist for those who celebrate them, but I cant help but think that it has been overriden by a complete conquest that consists of Boxing Day sales, cheap novelty items and Santa being printed on the outside of a Coke bottle.

I do still like some small aspects of christmas, but I cant help but feel daunted by what looks to me like an unmistakeable sea of crap. Therefore I understand where Flying Dutchman is coming from, and quite simply, I can celebrate family and giving at any other time of the year (giving especially because it is actually giving, you arent so obligated). I also do not want to associate family quality time and giving with rampant consumption and indulgence.

Does that make sense?

Originally Posted by Gracie

I'm very disappointed how many of you like Christmas for the reasons you should not.

It's about the coming of God's son, the year the world reversed it's order. It is about the wonder, and the power, of our Lord, and the love he spread that night. It's about the way things used to be, and how far the world has come. It's about love.

Quite done?

People have been giving gifts, decorating trees, burning logs, singing songs, blah blah blah looong before the Catholics decided to make Jesus' birthday the 25th of December.

The only thing Christianity has given Christmas is a new name, dreary songs and amature theatre for children. So no, you don't have to be Christian to enjoy this time of year, or any of the traditions associated with it - which are mostly PAGAN in origin btw.

Float your yawns.

Gracie: That's all fine for christians, but there are many agnostics/atheists and whatnot (including myself) (also, not including people in other religions) who have always celebrated christmas on a purely non-religious level. The de-christianing of christmas only applies to those of us who like to celebrate it purely as a family celebration because we don't actually believe in christ. I don't think that's a bad thing; it means that more people can enjoy the christmas season.