well, looking on the brighter side of things is one thing, but denying or invalidating the reality of those who may not have a lot to look forward to is quite another. ok, sure, see the stocking as half full instead of half empty. great. but to a lot of us, christmas is a time of obligation, it's a time where we have to be around people we don't want to be around, it's a time that reminds us of people who aren't around anymore that we'd LOVE to be with. i'll be "making the best of it" this year, but it doesn't mean i'm going to have a great holiday. sometimes it's best just to make peace with that fact instead of trying to delude myself into thinking it won't be that bad or "oh, maybe i can make it like the good ol' days". ain't gonna happen. sometimes, it's good just to know other people aren't exactly living in a winter wonderland either. if you find that distasteful, perhaps you could instead post on any number of "happy happy joy joy - it's christmas!" threads here on the org...or start one of your own!

I respect where you're coming from but my point wasn't "don't worry be happy" nor was it "I know what you are going through in your life and you should do it my way".

My point was things are what you make them and I hope everyone fights the obvious way and that's bitterness and sadness, it's hard but that's why I think it must be done. I'm not talking about being fake (I don't have a fake bone in my body) but just making an effort to take the abomination that this holiday has become and focus on ANYTHING that makes you a little less sad.

My girlfriend's Christmas was always adventerous..

She never knew what personality her mother would take on..

ok, first off, i responded to carrielee's post. is this you/her?

That sounds like it could be fun!

Who shit in your cheerios this morning? God Anx, relax!

not that i would EVER accuse you of posting presumptuously, but i was asking a sincere question.

i'm perfectly relaxed today. you, however, seem to have a somewhat more jumpy view of the world today!

I'm actually in a very good mood and just trying to spread my cheer, darling!

Mainly the commercialism. Folks seem to get hypnotized into believing that they must buy, buy, buy.


My kids are ingrates that have never bought me a Xmas present.

The fact that you can't say Merry Xmas on a television commercial or on the news without someone getting offended by it.

I never get what I want for Xmas. Ever.

Shall I go on?

Then don't raise any expectations about Xmas yourself. DOn't ask for anything.

Don't play the radio, play your OWN music.

Don't watch television, rent dvd's

So many easy ways to get around the so-called Xmas spirit.

I just enjoy the lights, try to ignore Xmas music in stores and avoid them on obvious shopping days, when the hordes ride out to shop.

That aint what the feast of light is all about.

ummmm.... i DETEST the commercialism of it YES

do i hate the holiday itself? naw... it can be fun & full of awesome memories...

girl don't let the asses bring u down!

know what i absolutely without a doubt LOVE?



u.