Is that activity really necessary?
12-09-2010, 08:41 AM
#61
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,131
Being almost 71, I think I have earned a free day. I haven't decorated at all. No baking either.
I would much rather try to make little gifts for the children at church, the elderly in the nursing home, visiting someone who is unable to get out.
I made some of the tissue holders for some assisted living residents and they were thrilled to death. Gave the man socks.
Made different candy cane treats for the children.
Merry Christmas to all!!!
I would rather give than receive if I have something to make items with.
Just thank God I am still healthy enough to do some of these things.
I would much rather try to make little gifts for the children at church, the elderly in the nursing home, visiting someone who is unable to get out.
I made some of the tissue holders for some assisted living residents and they were thrilled to death. Gave the man socks.
Made different candy cane treats for the children.
Merry Christmas to all!!!
I would rather give than receive if I have something to make items with.
Just thank God I am still healthy enough to do some of these things.
12-09-2010, 08:57 AM
#62
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Raleigh,NC
Posts: 1,962
Like skydiver said, make the gifts to those children, the people in nursing homes, even your next door neighbor, that cake & cookies sounds great. Evewn a mom that just had a baby would be grateful for that baby quilt!
we don't have to be scrooges in this season, if we just give to those who are in need, Isn't that what Jesus said? I was hungry and you fed me, Thirsty and you gave me drink, sick and you came to see me, in prison you visited me?
So why can't we do just that little bit of kindness and share Gods love like that instead of being concerned of what to get our family this year.
guess I better write this ; Matthew 25;35- if you need reference. His command for us to do, so why not?
we don't have to be scrooges in this season, if we just give to those who are in need, Isn't that what Jesus said? I was hungry and you fed me, Thirsty and you gave me drink, sick and you came to see me, in prison you visited me?
So why can't we do just that little bit of kindness and share Gods love like that instead of being concerned of what to get our family this year.
guess I better write this ; Matthew 25;35- if you need reference. His command for us to do, so why not?
12-09-2010, 09:49 AM
#63
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 486
I'm not a big fan of Christmas (not the least bit religious), but for my dh I have to do some decorating since every time I suggest skipping it he protests. He's not willing to do it himself though!! I put up a small pre-decorated tree and a few other bits and that's enough to keep him happy. Homemade gifts for a few family members, cash to the nieces and nephews because it's what they prefer, and those (expletives deleted) cards and I'm done.
I wish I were brave enough to do like my brother and sister-in-law who just refuse to send cards! I don't really mind sending to the elderly aunties, but don't see the point in sending cards to people I see on a regular basis anyway.
I wish I were brave enough to do like my brother and sister-in-law who just refuse to send cards! I don't really mind sending to the elderly aunties, but don't see the point in sending cards to people I see on a regular basis anyway.
12-09-2010, 12:17 PM
#64
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 1,216
Originally Posted by sandpat
I'll start by saying that I LOVE Christmas- always have...but....times change, people change, our lives change. I think that people see the Norman Rockwell pics and thing "Wow...Christmas is supposed to be like THAT". Well, no, its not. Christmas is not about gifts..not about lights...not about decorations or cookies and candy or well, things. Christmas should be about family. As time rolls on and our families change (older members passing away and new members joining in one way or another)...enjoy each one. You really need to do no less than tell each one that you love them. Really you need to do no more than that either. All the rest is just frosting. Merry Christmas!
This is also why I have chose to no longer "hold" or "host" the Christmas Eve get together present unwrapping mania. I have informed my boys and hubby if we have the "Big Family" (35 or more normally) Christmas Eve No Gifts Allowed! Bah Hum Bug, well maybe, but the family is what I want not the gifts or the stress and craziness that it can and at some point usually happens. I love Christmas and Jesus the Reason for the Season not the Materialism.
12-09-2010, 01:27 PM
#65
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: VA
Posts: 424
Originally Posted by Melinda in Tulsa
I guess I'm the real scrouge in the bunch. I do not enjoy Christmas, in fact I hardily dislike it. 20 years ago I suffered a devastating loss on Christmas Day. Ever since then, I just can not get into Christmas. Early Dec each year I sink into a depression that I just can not pull myself out of until after the holidays. My wonderful DH understands this and humors me and supports me thru this time.
My children (all grown) just do not understand. I only give gifts to the grandchildren (now I have 2 of them) and I resent the time and money spent there as it is NOT appreciated. I don't decorate, or do anything extra. Sorry to be a party pooper friends. I have finally realized that this sadness will never go away, since it has been 20 years and shows no sign of abating.
But I cheer all of you on that enjoy this time of year!
:thumbup: Have a very Merry and enjoyable Christmas!
My children (all grown) just do not understand. I only give gifts to the grandchildren (now I have 2 of them) and I resent the time and money spent there as it is NOT appreciated. I don't decorate, or do anything extra. Sorry to be a party pooper friends. I have finally realized that this sadness will never go away, since it has been 20 years and shows no sign of abating.
But I cheer all of you on that enjoy this time of year!
:thumbup: Have a very Merry and enjoyable Christmas!
12-09-2010, 01:28 PM
#66
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: North of Boston, MA, USA
Posts: 3,524
What bake cookies from scratch? Put away my no seaonal decorations, clean them first, and do a spring cleaning to put out the Christmas decorations all over the house inside and out? Yep did it all when the kids were little and I didn't work 48 plus hours a week outside the house.
Now, a small tree, and I had the space like my MIL did I would put it away all decorated just like she did:)
Don't know when was the last time I had time to put out(and put away my Santa collection).
Now, a small tree, and I had the space like my MIL did I would put it away all decorated just like she did:)
Don't know when was the last time I had time to put out(and put away my Santa collection).
12-09-2010, 03:32 PM
#69
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 2,723
I am so saddened by some of the comments I just read and delighted with others.
Christmas is about our Savior. He is the only "gift" any of us shall ever need. For those who do not believe, I respect your stand and pray that even though you are not religious, you find joy in the season; because you are precious, you are treasured, you are loved.
No matter what tragedy anyone had had in thiei lives, it should NEVER overshadow God's gift to us. We loss a son when he was just 25, we loss a grandchild and great grandchild, but those losses have nothing to do with the celebration of the birth of Christ.
Oh, how I pray that those of you that are sad, those with tragedies in the past, find the reason for the season and can celebrate again with loved one. I am sure they miss you being a part of their celebrations.
For those who want to simplify the season, keeping it less complicated, I applaud you - a celebration need not be so intense that you can not enjoy it - I do what I can and if something does not get done - who will know but me - and I never get frustrated over what did not get done, but just happy that I got the most important things done. As some of you stated, it is NOT about getting and giving gifts, but a celebration of the PERFECT GIFT...THAT IS ALL THAT IT SHOULD BE ABOUT.
I so enjoy this board and all of you ladies and gents and the wonderful work you do and the sharing of your work with others, so unselfishly and in such a beautiful way through giving to those in need. You are giving gifts all year long to very special people in a very special way. It makes me emotional just thinking about how beautiful your spirits of giving are.
In His precious love, I can say I love you all in sincerity.
CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS TO ONE AND ALL. Char
Christmas is about our Savior. He is the only "gift" any of us shall ever need. For those who do not believe, I respect your stand and pray that even though you are not religious, you find joy in the season; because you are precious, you are treasured, you are loved.
No matter what tragedy anyone had had in thiei lives, it should NEVER overshadow God's gift to us. We loss a son when he was just 25, we loss a grandchild and great grandchild, but those losses have nothing to do with the celebration of the birth of Christ.
Oh, how I pray that those of you that are sad, those with tragedies in the past, find the reason for the season and can celebrate again with loved one. I am sure they miss you being a part of their celebrations.
For those who want to simplify the season, keeping it less complicated, I applaud you - a celebration need not be so intense that you can not enjoy it - I do what I can and if something does not get done - who will know but me - and I never get frustrated over what did not get done, but just happy that I got the most important things done. As some of you stated, it is NOT about getting and giving gifts, but a celebration of the PERFECT GIFT...THAT IS ALL THAT IT SHOULD BE ABOUT.
I so enjoy this board and all of you ladies and gents and the wonderful work you do and the sharing of your work with others, so unselfishly and in such a beautiful way through giving to those in need. You are giving gifts all year long to very special people in a very special way. It makes me emotional just thinking about how beautiful your spirits of giving are.
In His precious love, I can say I love you all in sincerity.
CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS TO ONE AND ALL. Char
12-09-2010, 03:40 PM
#70
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
Originally Posted by bearisgray
Some of you are writing to say how overwhelmed you are with holiday preparations.
At the risk of sounding like a Grinch or a Scrooge - how many of these preparations are REALLY necessary?
If the cookies don't get baked - will it really matter? Leftover Christmas cookies are kind of depressing in February.
If the candy doesn't get made - will it really matter? Most of us get enough sugar in our diets as it is.
Are you spending more money than you can afford to?
Are you giving/exchanging gifts with people you are not particularly fond of?
Are you neglecting your own health and well-being "trying to get everything done"?
This is a perfect time to cut back - if you want or need to - one can always blame "the current economy" if one doesn't have the gumption to say "I don't want to any more."
I have total admiration for those that can and do all the activities associated with the holidays.
I'm one of those that "hanging on to sanity" during this time of the year is a major accomplishment, so I've learned that for myself - not raining on other people's parades is about as good as it's going to get.
At the risk of sounding like a Grinch or a Scrooge - how many of these preparations are REALLY necessary?
If the cookies don't get baked - will it really matter? Leftover Christmas cookies are kind of depressing in February.
If the candy doesn't get made - will it really matter? Most of us get enough sugar in our diets as it is.
Are you spending more money than you can afford to?
Are you giving/exchanging gifts with people you are not particularly fond of?
Are you neglecting your own health and well-being "trying to get everything done"?
This is a perfect time to cut back - if you want or need to - one can always blame "the current economy" if one doesn't have the gumption to say "I don't want to any more."
I have total admiration for those that can and do all the activities associated with the holidays.
I'm one of those that "hanging on to sanity" during this time of the year is a major accomplishment, so I've learned that for myself - not raining on other people's parades is about as good as it's going to get.
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