As a kid I loved it. As an adult I absolutely dread the holiday. There's stress in stretching a thin budget, the "pretending" you have to do with family that you do not like, and even in accepting gifts from people when you can't reciprocate.
I know it's not supposed to be about those things, and if it wasn't I would still be looking forward to it. In reality however, Christmas is commercial - a really long commercial...........
Anyone have any ideas on how to overcome the stress and feel what the season is supposed to be about? I'm looking for answers other than "getting drunk" because been there, done that (although I will be doing it again no doubt!).
Anyway, Merry Christmas from me to all of you. If you don't celebrate it, accept my warmest wishes.
Thanks for all your answers!
2006-11-27 03:41:58 · 28 answers · asked by Nikki 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
You poor Dear! The road to enjoying Christmas is short. First you must get rid of all annoying relatives and friends. Only buy for the person whose name you drew out of the hat. (this works best when others put their names in as well, You can't just put your own name in) It doesn't work that way lol. This helps a GREAT deal on budget. Think happy thoughts. Enjoy those you LOVE and never take them for granted. You never know when anyones time is up on earth. A lady at my bank whom I spoke to quite often (only in her late 50's) just had a heart attack. So take every minute and enjoy!
Forget the commercial aspect of Christmas. Make gifts for people. The things I like the best are made by those I love. They are unique one of a kind gifts from the heart. Ideas - paint a picture, sew something, take a nice photo of something that means alot to you, create a clay coffee mug, etc. Good luck!
Merry Christmas to ALL!!!!!
2006-11-27 03:50:39 · answer #1 · answered by Lori 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I am 35 and I love Christmas. I don't expect anything, just enjoy the music, the smells from baking cookies and cakes, the snow and watching the children get excited and open presents and see their eyes glisten with surprise. I don't stress over Christmas. I know what I can do and don't worry about what anyone else think! I've been blessed with a family both my side and my husband's side that have come to realize that it's all about loving each other and making the children happy. Some years we draw names, some years we adopt a family and provide a good Christmas for them. We pick names off an "Angel Tree". We go caroling at a shelter or Elderly/Nursing (my husband's side of the family can SING and my dad can play any instrument and sing very well). Instead of getting caught up in the "hype" I remember the true meaning of Christmas, the ultimate gift given to use from God.
2006-11-27 11:52:49 · answer #2 · answered by Sweetie 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The greatest part of being an adult is...you're not at powerless when the holidays come around.
I think it's all up to you on how you will spend the holiday. If you're worried about the stress of presents and worries of budget, propose something different for the family. Suggest each person donate to charity as opposed to give presents. Or maybe draw people's name from a hat and each person who draws only buys presents for that person.
Maybe you could make things, use some talent of yours and try to make some sort of craft to give. Now there are photo sites that could make pictures into items that you could give, which could be a personal gift that is inexpensive.
If the family part is stressful, try to limit the time with family and try to arrange a get together with friends who you do want to be around. Maybe do something like see Christmas lights, see a play, or just go to a house and watch corny Christmas movies. Whatever you want!
2006-11-27 11:48:47 · answer #3 · answered by David M 2 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Yes I agree, fond childhood memories, but that's because our parents created this fabulous Fantasy world of Santa, Elves, Reindeer and sleigh, not to mention cookies, candy and presents
Now that were grown, reality sets in.
I have kids so out of tradition and love of my childhood memories I've carried on the fantasy.
However now that my kids are older its become more of a gift certificate, check and cash exchange which to me is so ridiculous! I do it for the kids, get something heartfelt for my parents, but husband and I do not exchange and wish we didn't have to stretch our paper thin budget, but we do.
In my perfect world it would only be about spending quality time together w/ my loved ones, cooking, eating, music, candles laughter and love. Yeah it has become soooo commercial! Hate the getting drunk idea, alcohol is a depressant, so it sure isn't a help! We have slowly over the years started making Christmas more simple and down to earth, it feels better to us adults and the kids still enjoy. It's never too late to modify life when somethings not working, make changes. Take care...enjoy...
2006-11-27 11:56:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I hear ya. Last Christmas I had an anxiety attack and have been getting them off and on all year. It is a challenge with buying gifts and dealing with family. There are a lot of good answers on here from others. I would listen to some of their answers about the gifts. You don't need to give alot. Just something heartfelt. Try to avoid giving lots of extraneous gifts to "extra" people and concentrate on seeing the people you love and want to spend time with. Go see the lights and bake some cookies. Try not to spend too much time in the mall! Good luck, I feel your pain.
2006-11-27 12:13:40 · answer #5 · answered by Rhianna 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
my husband used to feel this way he worked retail for so long we changed Christmas we buy what we can I make a few things but Christmas to us is stringing popcorn and cranberries for our tree making Christmas cookies to give to family taking rides to see the lights we sometimes cannot give anything to each other but we have each other life is one day at a time and it is a hard time of year treat yourself to bubble baths or long showers hot cocoa I am knitting my sister mittens this year I have not done it in a long time but she always loved them Be very kind to yourself and don't take it out in yourself do what you can and accept others spirit and wishes if join a choir so much to do to actually celebrate Christmas and if you want take a time out for yourself and celebrate with a great meal with friends take the stress out of Christmas it is still a magical time I am 44 and still believe in Santa Claus best thing about it people think I am way younger and probably because I still believe. Have a Merry Christmas don't let others dictate to you what you should be doing
2006-11-27 11:50:45 · answer #6 · answered by Cheryl J 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
see your point as I'm tired already and it isn't December 1ST yet. think the commercialism has hurt many people from looking forward to the Christmas Holiday. perhaps thinking about others by volunteering at a soup kitchen, helping the Salvation Army, Marine Corps League, Goodwill, Churches etc. might help.
2006-11-27 11:50:43 · answer #7 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Imagine yourself removed from Christmas. Now, put yourself in it. What, if only one thing, can you do to make YOU happy? Do it. I had one really bad Christmas in '98. I took a flu shot on October 30th, thinking that I would miss it ( I have since learned I can't take those bloomin' things because I get really sick after I do.). I stayed sick and asked the Lord to make me well to enjoy Christmas. On Christmas Eve, I got more well than I had felt--but not totally. I considered my prayer answered.
2006-11-27 11:55:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well I like Christmas! I would never like to sleep through it! Even though my brother and sister wake me up around 6:00 I still like Christmas. It's an enjoyable holiday.
2006-12-03 15:10:24 · answer #9 · answered by Ashlyn E 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
tell those people who you cant afford gift for not to buy for you as you cant afford it this year or even make gifts like fudge, cookies, candels and bath salts they are much more personal and usually more appricated. and just think how happy your kids are as they open their persents if you have any that is or if its just you and a partner plan to go away or just say you are!! and you dont have to worry about buying those people who you only see over the holidays persents whilst you two share a relaxing break instead of buying christmas presents etc MERRY CHRISTMAS
2006-11-27 11:54:20 · answer #10 · answered by -x-caroline-x- 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋