Beerslinger’s brought up some interesting (and certainly in the case of his grandmothers, valid) reasons for disliking the Christmas holiday. In the interest of keeping in the same spirits, I shall present my own issues with the holiday season.

1- IT STARTS TOO DAMN EARLY.

November 1st, 8:30 AM. I go into Wal-Mart to buy the Episode III DVD. My ears hear something that is familiar at first, then, fills me with a sense of dread. “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” is playing over the loudspeakers. Further, when I look up Wal-Mart already has their seasonal decorations up.

The day after Halloween, for Chrissakes.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m all for blatant capitalism. Capitalism, yay! But the DAY AFTER FRICKING HALLOWEEN?!?

Oh, and heaven forbid if you’re not in the Christmas Spirit the whole damn time- which leads to my second thing I dislike about the holidays…

2- IT MAKES FALSE FEELINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY.

People put on airs of this time of year being so much more special than any other time of the year. For a few, it really does brighten their outlook and it is a better time of year. For the rest of us, it’s not.

That’s right, I said it. The Christmas season is no more special than any other time of the year. In fact, I dare say it’s worse for many of us. Those of us who aren’t blitheringly stupid with happiness over the joy of the holiday season are called “Scrooge” and mocked, simply because we don’t get into that holiday frame of mind. You want to know why I’m not happy Christmas comes around? I’ll tell you why…

3- CHRISTMAS IS TOO DAMNED EXPENSIVE.

Okay, so I have to buy gifts for my mom, my dad, my neices and nephews, at least one of my siblings if not all of them, and a couple of friends. Oh, and then I have to drive 500 fricking miles to head back to the family for the holidays, gifts in tow. That’ll cost some money. Then of course, I’ll have to make sure I have enough money to cover the usual trip expenses- food, etc.

Oh, wait- what’s that? You mean, I still have to pay rent and my bills, too? But, it’s Christmas!

I guess those pesky companies aren’t having their spirits lifted by the next gripe…

5- CHRISTMAS MUSIC 24/7- ‘NUFF SAID.

It was subtle, at first. Christmas music all day on the day itself with some scattered throughout the days before the big day- understandable, sure. Then, it was the week before Christmas. Then, two weeks. Now, many places play Christmas music all day every day from Thanksgiving on. This was mostly limited to retail outlets but has since spread to radio stations as well.

Folks, when you start diggin into the well for Christmas music so that you don’t repeat the same ten songs over and over, it’s time to give it up. Not only that, but the Christmas music onslaught only serves to increase the final item on this list…

6- CHRISTMAS IS TOO DAMNED STRESSFUL.

Christmas was meant to celebrate one of the two holiest days on the Christian calendar. It should be a day of celebration. However, what we’ve seen rise instead is this false holday brought on by greed, disingenuousness and a desire to have something special for much longer than the shelf life on the holiday should last. It’s tough getting through the holidays for some of us, and this expansion of the “Holiday Season” does nothing to alleviate that stress. If you keep stretching the holiday out, it begins to lose some of that certain it factor that makes it special.

I’ve been accused of being a “Scrooge” in my time. I disagree. I’m more of a purist. I remember when the holidays began at Thanksgiving, had a brief rest and kicked into gear once December rolled around. I remember looking forward to Christmas with a sense of wonder and a real sense of joy. I remember when the holiday lost its luster for me, and nowadays I look upon the experience with a mixture of dread and anticipation. I will be happy to see my family and friends back home, but at the same time getting through the holidays wears me down, as it has for the last few years. I suppose that’s unfortunate, in a sense.

Out.

Tags: Christmas
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