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I may look into a community event instead of staying home and subjecting myself to being a doormat. I am sure there are more pleasant things to do..like volunteer someplace.
problem is, i am not very healthy, being out and about alone in the cold weather is not good for me.
it is sunny today and i will go do a few errands and check the local network and see where I can help this weekend.
All my family is far away.. can't wait for new years!
I'm single, atheist, have no contact with my family for the most part, and broke as . I have no use whatsoever for Christmas. I haven't had a tree up in my place in over 10 years. Yes, I volunteered to work Christmas Eve so my other reps can enjoy the holiday.
That was very kind of you.
A wonderful gift.
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I am wondering if I am a bit of a sociopath for having these feelings. Right now I am feeling a lot of stress/anger over the fact that I'm obligated to participate in this holiday. I don't have anything that I need (as far as physical merchandise) and I can't think of anything to buy anyone else in my family. I know that a backup plan is always "buy them a book that they'd like", but the reality is that no one these days has the time or concentration to read books because they're too busy with school or work or cellphone/laptop/Facebook/etc. I also have so much to do that I can't afford to take 3 days off and relax because I am behind at work.
Stop stealing my identity LOL. I am totally with you on this. My recently being laid-off sealed the deal with my siblings and nephews this year. Not a big deal as I live alone, but I told them I am simply not participating this year.
It is not just about the money, as I could afford it, but I have considered it silly for a long time as we are all adults that none of us need anything and many things I have received are unwanted and I can tell things I have bought for others have also not gone over well.
I feel the money can be put to much better use by all. If one feels the Christmas spirit they can volunteer or buy presents for kids at a hospital.
I am wondering if I am a bit of a sociopath for having these feelings. Right now I am feeling a lot of stress/anger over the fact that I'm obligated to participate in this holiday. I don't have anything that I need (as far as physical merchandise) and I can't think of anything to buy anyone else in my family. I know that a backup plan is always "buy them a book that they'd like", but the reality is that no one these days has the time or concentration to read books because they're too busy with school or work or cellphone/laptop/Facebook/etc. I also have so much to do that I can't afford to take 3 days off and relax because I am behind at work.
We completely solved this in our family with the grab bag. The budget is $100 and I only have to buy 1 single gift. Suggest that for next year. Saves time, saves phoniness, and you never have to see the inside of a mall.
Suggesting that someone who hates Christmas "needs a little Christmas" is exactly what drives people who hate Christmas crazy vis-a-vis the rest of the world during December. I don't "need a little Christmas." I need a little January. And then March, April, and May.
Except those of us who aren't happy, and who find the period between the day after Thanksgving and January 2 the least wonderful time of the year.
BINGO for many of us.
I am not Christian and have no positive memories and dislike being around children for any reason, so... At present, I work every holiday and get time and a half and allow people who want the holiday off to be home. I worry about what I'll do in two years when I'm retired. Thought maybe the animal shelter would need someone to be there and feed the animals on the holidays so the regulars can be wherever they want to be.
I always say, I think we should have food and lights all year around.
-written from work at 5am on the night shift and glad to have the option to work. Plus, we have food treats as a rule.
One Christmas I went to an afternoon movie with another non-holiday friend. We figured we'd be the only people there.
We got sold out and had to go to a later show of "My Dinner With Andre."
When I was three, my sister told me there was no Santa. I hadn't really considered Santa one way or the other, so that was fine with me. All I do remember is being astounded that our new puppy peed in the house on the rug.
It was all downhill from there. I just don't get "the season." Nothing against those who do for whatever reason (and I'll happily eat the brownies and candies and stuff at work, with thanks) but it really does seem like an alien ritual every year.
Life - including but not limited to the Christmas season - is what you make it.
Without going into detail, let me just say that I have every reason for being depressed and hating on Christmas this year - if I chose to focus on the negatives that have happened to me over the past several months...no, wait...the past year...no, wait...the past several years in a row.
I have every reason to be blue at Christmas if I choose to be. I could absolutely wallow in grief and loneliness and sorrow and frustration and even anger if I wanted to, and believe me, I have the legit excuses if I choose to pull them out.
Top that off with my dislike of the commercialism of the holiday. I hate the crowds, the incessant Christmas music and faldera that starts BEFORE Thanksgiving, and I really dislike those ugly blow up things that so many people have bobbing in their yards at night (and crumpled in their yards during the day - UGH).
But guess what - I'm not going there in my head. I am not going to allow transitory, external elements - including some unpleasant people, and including a huge dose of personal grief - to ruin this very special holiday for me. No, I'm not ready to give up Christmas.
And that's because to me, Christmas isn't about gifts. It isn't about parties. It isn't about gorging on heavy holiday foods. It isn't even about family - heck, it isn't even about kids.
For me, it's about the birth of Christ first and foremost. But if I wasn't a Christian, I could still find plenty to celebrate quietly - the depth of cold, winter nights (love the passing of seasons and I always raise a glass to honor each solstice throughout the year), the peacefulness of hearth and home, the ancient traditions (not just Christian traditions) that my ancestors have celebrated for thousands of years in some form or other, candlelight, eggnog, beautiful music, the poignancy of entering into the coldest, darkest time of year but finding the beauty in every season, including this one.
I can also celebrate the happiness that others feel at this time of year, even if I'm not an active participant in their fun. They're having a good time - good for them!
This will be a very different holiday for me this year - but that's OK. I have found the beauty of it in different forms and experiences and I'm grateful for the insight.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to each of you.
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. I have no use whatsoever for Christmas. I haven't had a tree up in my place in over 10 years. Yes, I volunteered to work Christmas Eve so my other reps can enjoy the holiday.
