Bah humbug!!

Oddly enough, I don't think that the USA will be all about the C word, as yet, though there may be some of it about. At the moment the big promotions will be all about Halloween (the "H" word for me - I hate it!) then it will Thanksgiving (this takes place towards the end of Nov). Then the C word....!

Thank you! I actually hate the whole thing. It’s only saved by seeing my daughters. And the shops! Someone already took her child to a Christmas ‘fayre’. It was the 9th October. Look out for all the ‘gifts’ - wasteful ‘stuff’ no one really wants or needs complete with tinsel and music for the next 90 days. All for one single day which is meant to be a religious holiday to begin with. Aaahhhh. Rant over. Thank you for the opportunity.

Hear Hear- I do NOT want to think about it until Dec 1st.
Then I will get enthusiastic. Plenty of time!

Bloody hate it, sodding waste of time and money. Would love to go away and miss it every year but regrettably my wife loves it.

Not really started buying for the dreaded c word, each to their own of course I’m not a lover of loads of decs plastic this n that, but nor am I a misery guts, I do feel that Xmas is for the children I love to see their faces all happy opening their presents, I’m just not liking all the ads on buy this buy that, I do send cards but I have noticed we get less n less each year, don’t think so many ppl are really into it,

Got the wrong end of the stick here, I thought you meant a completely different ‘c’ word, more of the Old English variety! Whoops.

I have a friend plus a grand daughter who start posting on FB and sending messages in August about how long it is until C and how many 'sleeps' there are. Really winds me up .
I do shop for gifts throughout the year as I can't afford to buy it all at the same time. I tell them end of November is early enough to start talking about it. Also charities that send catalogues for C items and raffle tickets in Sept go straight in the bin.

I adore Christmas, but hate how commercial it's become and HOW EARLY it's starting! I think there should be a rule that no seasonal music should be played until at least December. And no merchandise on sale until November (I'd rather it was December but I know some like to be prepared or have to send things overseas)

I think the problem is that we have so much all year now. When I was a child Christmas was a bright interlude in a cold, rather dull winter, with chicken ( a rare treat,) tangerines, sweets, toys, new clothes, visiting, and a break from the usual routines. It was also the only time of year we had heating upstairs ( a smelly, smoky paraffin stove.) So there is a need to ramp up the festivities to make it even more extraordinary. The origins of Christmas as a midwinter celebration, ( if we’re taking the bible literally, Jesus was a summer baby,) make sense when most people lived frugally, often saving scant resources for a few days of feasting to break up a winter when food was running low and the days where cold and short. In fact, it marks the winter solstice, with the “ renewal” of the sun as the days get longer. Last year the adults in our family made a contribution to the charity of choice of the receiver, while the children, all under three, had a very small present. We’ll probably do the same this year, and just have a nice time together, with everyone contributing to the Christmas dinner.

A couple of years ago my friend and I decided not to send any Christmas cards at all, I caved at the last minute and rushed out and bought some, when we started receiving them, my friend stuck it out, but gave in last year, under pressure from her husband,

Going back to DoraMarr's post yesterday - oh how I would like to think that my children were having a 'Who's having Mum?' conversation. They won't be - they all expect to come to me every year (except when DS and family go to in-laws). I shall look through the C---- decorations mid-December and hope that my 'C---- spirit' is still lurking there.

i like christmas but not all the mass media/buying rubbish.christmas time for families to get together.and give gifts .this year just my close family. dairy diary for friend in australia been doing this 25 years now.calendars for brother and sister.and maybe dvds(used) for friend in ipswich. niece/great niece ,daughter and grandchildren. outlaws think i forget.last year they returned my gifts .so no way .just a card...c/cards well homemade as usual.....

It only comes once a year and it up to you how you spend it . You can spend as much of as little as you like . We always buy to much food , so we are cutting down there . I shop early for presents and pick things up throughout the year if it's a bargain . That way there is no rush and I can sit back and enjoy the festive time .

Once a year for 6 months.

My DS’s two children, 14 and 11, live near us. We do a car boot sale once a year, and the last couple of years have taken various books, games, toys which they have outgrown.
Pleased to get rid of stuff for 50p or £1, but personally I think what a waste. Most have been Christmas presents from DIL’s family, she has four siblings plus ten nieces and nephews.
Why don’t they just stop the cycle and concentrate on giving a few decent things to their own children, as I’m sure her family chuck a lot of it away eventually.
I suggested this to DS once, only to be likened to the title of this thread!

Several of us kept waiting in the checkout queue this morning whilst an assistant, with no sense of urgency, sauntered off to find a barcode - for a cheap Christmas tree ornament! I just wanted to scream -'Get a grip, it's only October'!!?

I love Christmas, but I wish it didn't start so early.

I don't like Christmas or this time of year. Unhappy memories for my family. Can't wait for spring. I'm hoping to move soon so l will have no spare money for Christmas. It would just be nice to be together with family and friends.

I think C ........... is difficult for anyone coping estrangement from loved ones. That is the case for me. Years ago, I retreated under the duvet in bed by the afternoon of the day in question, having struggled through the (long) lead-up and part of the day. I have become stronger. There is always some sadness associated with the estrangement, but for the most part, I’m okay on that front. Nevertheless, it’s about families, so it’s never going to be an enjoyable time for me. Hubby and I go to my daughter’s for the day, but other (adult) children are missing.

In addition, I loath the consumer fest that it has become, and it’s terrible for the environment!

DoraMarr I do like your description of your childhood Christmases. It really rang a bell with me. For us it was the only time we had a fire in the little grate of our 'front room'.

Dora, I love your anecdote about the heating being on!

I'm American! and I try to remember why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. We have angel trees sponsored by The Salvation Army and I always get presents for children or seniors. Going to church also helps and a lovely evening sitting by the tree calms me.

No Davidal1968 it is gearing up here now. But you are right about Halloween. It is the second day where the USA spends the most. I think that has gotten out of hand. But, still fun.

Brilliant Bradfordlass!!! ?
I didn’t see you at our table last year....did you hide behind the Christmas pud???

Don’t enjoy yourself too much, though or the fun police will be after you!

Doramarr

Me too, we had a little paraffin heater, which was moved between kitchen and bathroom, Christmas for me, was the smell of paraffin and the smell of my dads and grandads Christmas cigar