Over the years I have come to enjoy Christmas less and less, to the point of almost completely opting out now. Sure, it was fun when I was a kid (many moons ago), and when my sisters’ kids were young, but now I’m just so over the whole thing. Some people can’t understand why I don’t enjoy it, others are very much in agreement with me. Here are the reasons why I’m not into Christmas (bah humbug)…
It seems that every year Christmas goods appear in the shops earlier and earlier. I find it so annoying to be reminded of winter when it’s still summer! Christmas is just one day, yet it seems to take over several months of the year. It’s hard to see it as something special when it’s everywhere you go, and the promotion starts so early.
Christmas decorations and merchandise have become more and more pervasive in our society, with stores and businesses beginning to advertise Christmas-related items in late summer. This has caused a lot of people to feel overwhelmed and even resentful of the holiday season, as it can be hard to feel the joy of Christmas when it’s in your face for months before the actual day. This is especially true for those who don’t celebrate Christmas, as the holiday can be hard to escape from. Furthermore, the early Christmas season can cause fatigue and stress, as it can feel like there is so much to do and buy in such a short amount of time.
First, the displays start to appear in the shops. Then they get bigger and bigger. Next come the TV commercials, promoting this year’s must-have toy. On and on it goes, the encouragement to spend, trying to convince people that they must make everything perfect.
The commercialization of Christmas has become a major part of the holiday season. Stores advertise Christmas decorations and gifts months in advance, and TV commercials promote the latest must-have toys and gadgets. This can create an atmosphere of pressure to buy more and more items, in an effort to make Christmas perfect. This can lead to people overspending and feeling overwhelmed by the amount of money they have to spend. This can also lead to people feeling like they have to compete with each other to buy the most expensive gifts. Christmas can become a competition of excess, rather than a time to celebrate with family and friends.
Now, we pagans have to say this every year. The Christians stole our festival! Then they complain that Christmas doesn’t have much to do with Christ any more. Still, I’d rather it was celebrated as a religious holiday than as the orgy of commerce it’s turned into.
‘But it’s Christmas!’ And …? Why should I or anyone else feel obliged to celebrate an occasion we don’t have any interest in? I’m not a party person, Christmas means nothing to me, and I’d rather save my money for something I’m genuinely interested in or need.
The pressure to celebrate Christmas can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to buying gifts and attending parties. This pressure can be especially difficult for those who don't have a lot of money or don't have an interest in the holiday. It's important to remember that you don't have to take part in Christmas celebrations if you don't want to - you can save your money and use it for something you're passionate about or something you need. It's okay to be different and not feel obligated to take part in Christmas festivities.
Spend! Spend! Spend! And then pay, pay, pay the credit card bills! Some people feel obliged to buy presents for every family member, children’s friends, teachers, neighbours, colleagues etc. Children want expensive presents. Then there’s the food, entertainment, party outfits … Then if you need to travel to be with family, the price of airline tickets goes up. Where does it stop?
Christmas is one of the most expensive holidays of the year. The costs of gifts, food, decorations, travel, and entertainment add up quickly. Many people feel obligated to buy presents for everyone in their family, children's friends, teachers, neighbors, and colleagues. Children often want the latest and most expensive toys, adding to the financial strain. Airline tickets can also be expensive if you need to travel to be with family. All of this can lead to feeling overwhelmed by the financial burden of the season.
I’m often asked if I’m going ‘home’ for Christmas, and the reaction can almost be one of shock when I say no. Well, I like to remember that I have a family all year round, not just on December 25th!
Why is it that people buy enough food to feed the five thousand when they’re only having two guests for Christmas? I don’t know about the US, but people in the UK go crazy. Supermarkets are packed throughout December with shoppers who pile their trolleys with goodies until the wheels are in danger of falling off.
It's not just the UK that has this problem of overbuying food during Christmas. In the US, grocery stores are filled with shoppers stocking up on items for their holiday meals. The average American family spends around $400 on food for Christmas, which is nearly double the amount spent on the same items during the rest of the year. This is an unsustainable practice that puts a strain on wallets and the environment. Excess food often goes to waste, contributing to the world's growing food waste problem.
Do whatever you want to the interior of your house. Decorate it with enough lights to illuminate a small town. Stencil giant Santas on the walls. I don’t care. But please, I’m begging you, please don’t decorate the outside of the house. My eyes can’t take it!
Are you on the point of saying no to Christmas? Do you find the pressure too much and the cost excessive? Or do you love every minute of the preparations and the festivities?
Top Photo Credit: otty flyer.