yeah. it's a festive break as people acclimate to the season. but the whole "gotta go shopping and get the perfect gift" thing just ruins it. christmas is all about spending time with family. not going broke or getting stressed out trying to do so.
Well placing the material things aside there is a spirit within this time of the year and I tend to think there is more with the season in comparision to the material things.
Yep there's too much pressure to spend. But we don't have to. We can write a letter, draw/paint a picture, knit, bake and present a token of appreciation and love. If we choose to participate in the spirit of the giving then it is a positive thing...the act of loving kindness takes over.
Too much I am not sure if you get the daily newspaper but there is more ad papers, than the newspaper as of today. Certainly so Mel. Some feel this pressure to buy and buy, I think it's how we have went all to far in giving in replacement of what giving is all about.
I agree Julie and good morning to you there within the exact same time :) If we placed as much as we do within spirit with this very one occassion....well just a thought.
My holiday is actually a few days before Christmas. Because we are not mainstream the malls, advertisers etc leave us alone. You have no idea how good that feels. I still have family that celebrates Christmas and of course friends who do and I have to say I hate the holiday. There is so much pressure and emotional turmoil for many that it causes them pain. People also expecting me to conform to their beliefs is also an issue. It becomes a season of pushing beliefs. There is a drive at this time of year for Christians to shove everyone into the christian mold and I don't fit there. So from that angle I dislike Christmas even more. There is no reason why Christians can't celebrate without pushing their theology on he rest of us. I am fine with Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, manger scenes, Christmas caroles, Christmas trees and the lights. I even put lights up outside some years because it is the season of light to most religions but I stop there and people tell me I have to celebrate Christmas and I HAVE to do this and that!
Maybe Jack you need to sep back from the main stream and enjoy the holiday for the food, lights and friends. Throw religion out of the mix and enjoy what it tangible and important - those around us.
The commerical hype is awful .... kind of ruins it all for me ~grin~ ..... Me and mine kind of overload on the food and meal and basically just have a huge dinner .... no matter where we are in the world ... we always get together for Chrismas Eve .... have a great meal and spoil Ceirra rotten. The fantasy of Christmas is a magical time for children .... I guess once Ceirra has grown up we will probably just have the dinner ..... we use this time of the year to remember all those who have passed on ... especially my late father in law. Its kind of like a rememberance day for us.
yeah. and i am not feeling it at all this year. i don't have my kids and i work ALL the time. just another day for me.
ReplyDeleteWell, I think that often there is too much placed on the time but as well it's the nicest part of winter if you ask me. Peace there.
ReplyDeleteI think it IS a feeling. For me it is creating ways to tell others I appreciate them. All in the spirit of God's desire for us to love one another.
ReplyDeleteyeah. it's a festive break as people acclimate to the season. but the whole "gotta go shopping and get the perfect gift" thing just ruins it. christmas is all about spending time with family. not going broke or getting stressed out trying to do so.
ReplyDeleteMel kinda like the Golden Rule.
ReplyDeleteWell placing the material things aside there is a spirit within this time of the year and I tend to think there is more with the season in comparision to the material things.
ReplyDeleteYep there's too much pressure to spend. But we don't have to. We can write a letter, draw/paint a picture, knit, bake and present a token of appreciation and love. If we choose to participate in the spirit of the giving then it is a positive thing...the act of loving kindness takes over.
ReplyDeleteToo much I am not sure if you get the daily newspaper but there is more ad papers, than the newspaper as of today.
ReplyDeleteCertainly so Mel. Some feel this pressure to buy and buy, I think it's how we have went all to far in giving in replacement of what giving is all about.
So true Jack a feeling that you should have all the time not just once a year...
ReplyDeleteI agree Julie and good morning to you there within the exact same time :)
ReplyDeleteIf we placed as much as we do within spirit with this very one occassion....well just a thought.
It's a warm - 4 F here in Saskatoon :)
Good morning Jack ..:)
ReplyDeleteGm xxx hope you have a great day
ReplyDeleteMy holiday is actually a few days before Christmas. Because we are not mainstream the malls, advertisers etc leave us alone. You have no idea how good that feels. I still have family that celebrates Christmas and of course friends who do and I have to say I hate the holiday. There is so much pressure and emotional turmoil for many that it causes them pain. People also expecting me to conform to their beliefs is also an issue. It becomes a season of pushing beliefs. There is a drive at this time of year for Christians to shove everyone into the christian mold and I don't fit there. So from that angle I dislike Christmas even more. There is no reason why Christians can't celebrate without pushing their theology on he rest of us. I am fine with Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, manger scenes, Christmas caroles, Christmas trees and the lights. I even put lights up outside some years because it is the season of light to most religions but I stop there and people tell me I have to celebrate Christmas and I HAVE to do this and that!
ReplyDeleteMaybe Jack you need to sep back from the main stream and enjoy the holiday for the food, lights and friends. Throw religion out of the mix and enjoy what it tangible and important - those around us.
The commerical hype is awful .... kind of ruins it all for me ~grin~ ..... Me and mine kind of overload on the food and meal and basically just have a huge dinner .... no matter where we are in the world ... we always get together for Chrismas Eve .... have a great meal and spoil Ceirra rotten. The fantasy of Christmas is a magical time for children .... I guess once Ceirra has grown up we will probably just have the dinner ..... we use this time of the year to remember all those who have passed on ... especially my late father in law. Its kind of like a rememberance day for us.
ReplyDeleteAnd YES ... it is definitely a feeling ~smile~
ReplyDeleteExactly! And Santa Claus is the spirit of giving.
ReplyDeleteSo true, when I hear people say they do not like Christmas, I wonder what is happening in their life to make them feel this way.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for the picture Lynne.
ReplyDeleteI will say I am cold as heck and just after doing many things I had to take a hot shower Tee.
ReplyDeleteGood afternoon Julie...been there and back literally. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Cinn...
ReplyDeleteI have to come back to this Sharon...
ReplyDelete... you are more than welcome!!
ReplyDeleteit's a feeling... but strongly connected to the season... in my opinion it's a fact
ReplyDelete