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About this time every year I hear lots of stories about trying to keep up with the Jones, stress about finding a gift for the "difficult" person on the list, and dread over who will and will not have to be tolerated at the annual Christmas bash.
We participate in none of it, so the weird looks, discomfort and name calling from holiday revelers ramps up a few notches.
Their attitudes are a symptom of people conditioned to follow the crowd. Financial risk or ruin and "being left out" are to be avoided at all cost. Doesn't matter if they're complaining about the cost, the rush, the worry, the strain on relationships and the relief they'll feel when it's all behind them.
Today, while shopping for my elderly friend, I ran into five people in our writing group. All were in Meijer' stocking up on candy, fruitcake, cookies, hams, cheese balls, presents, cards, decorations and "last minute ideas." In comparison, my cart held TV dinners, donuts, bananas, dog food and red delicious apples. And even though they've all know I don't participate in Christmas, they couldn't resist asking: was I "tired of being Grinch" or had I "realized I was missing out."
I just shook my head and said, "I'll do as I please, you do likewise."
Like a chorus of the faithful, they felt bad" that I was "in the doldrums!"
No appreciating another person's choice to GIVE to strangers from this crowd. No wonder Jesus wanted the money changers out of the church.
I too will be glad when the holiday frenzy passes.
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6 comments:
I'm not a fan of the holiday. Looks like a crazy destruction of resources and a rush into debt, among other things.
However, I do have family members who love this time of year. At least they've deemphasized the whole present thing and now focus on getting together. As long as no one goes nuts on the commercial end of things, I can survive this.
I hear ya. I had to stop at a store to get a special tea. When I paid, the guy tried to give me all of these coupons for xxx off and free this and that. I said, politely, "No thanks, I don't shop." He looked at me like I had three heads and was actually speechless. You'd thought I'd pulled a gun or something. Hey, I can't help it if my older sis got the 'shopping gene' for both of us.
The complete commercialization of it has made me come to despise the "holiday season" (TM). Seeing red and green hit the stores in OCTOBER is a bit much. I'm like you, can't wait 'til it's over.
I'm there with you. Mom wants to do type of Xmas. All gifts must be bought at a thrift store or made. I'm sure we will here much wailing and nashing of teeth but they will have a year to get used to the idea.
Amen.
And I am not religious.
It is amazing though that the folks who are only come up with the scriptures they want to abide by.
No slam to those who are religious...it just isn't my thing and if it is yours, embrace it all. :)
I was thinking earlier today that I would rather my mom go to yard sales and pick me up things that she knows I will like, rather than go buy them new. I feel bad wearing new clothes. :)Beth
Thank God I am working Christmas (RPN, Nursing home), I dont have to worry about it that much. My husband has been an orthadox Christmas hater since we met, he likes the dinner but not the stress, finacial burden, family disagreements etc. I am getting everyone I have to buy for either cash or gift cards...yes I know now I've made my loved ones "just another one of my bills" instead of running around wasting time I don't have to buy crap they don't want/need. Oh well, I've been called a "Grinch" before for less than that, screw the haters:)
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