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I do not like the holidays. Don’t like them. Haven’t cared for them for years. Usually, I try really hard to get into the festive holiday spirit, and do all the things that need to be done to have a successful holiday. Sort of the fake it until you make it (or it’s over) approach.
This year, though, is different. This year I have decided that I just don’t have what it takes to keep up the charade and that I really don’t care all that much. I have, in fact, uttered “I HATE Christmas” out loud to other adult humans about 11 times in the past 2 days. And I have to say, I am rather astonished at people’s reaction.
People do not like hearing those words.
They take it really personally. People who enjoy the holidays REALLY want other people to like it too. I’ve been thinking about this for days now, and I simply cannot understand it. See, I like Halloween. I really like Halloween; I like dressing up, I like decorating, I like the candy and I love watching the kids. But I don’t get distressed about the myriad of people that I know who roll their eyes hard enough to sprain them when Halloween comes around. And it doesn’t make a difference to me one way of the other how my neighbors feel about it.
My mother is distraught over this. My sister has called 3 times in the past 2 days. Friends are calling to “make sure I’m OK”?
I find all of this weird.
Why is it so important that I enjoy December? As long as I’m not peeing in everybody else’s Christmas Wheaties, does it really matter how I feel?
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I understand your feelings. There have been years that I have felt the same way. I enjoy aspects of the holidays but I think there are parts of this holiday that are crazy. Spending money we shouldn’t on people we don’t need to spend money on. The competition to see who does the best whatever. It has moved so far from what it is suppose to be about. Halloween has become pretty clearly defined as dressing up and getting candy. Party on!
Comment by Carmi December 9, 2009 @ 5:06 amwhen everyone down here found out that i skipped thanksgiving dinner b/c it was the only time i could find quiet and solitude in the library they were horrified, filled with pity and concern. it was akin to the mormon women who seemed about to weep en masse when they found out i had no children.
i’m with you, elmer. except i don’t think i’ll be able to skip xmas unless my perennially absent friend mike down here lets me into his locked room to share some whine and some wine.
Comment by ailise December 9, 2009 @ 11:48 amOne reason people may feel offended is if they consider themselves Christians. I mean, it’s Jesus’s birthday for christ’s sake! Not liking Christmas is kind of like a “fuck you” statement to Jesus and all of his followers.
Comment by tallulah December 9, 2009 @ 8:22 pmYou know me. I’m not offended. Drink lots of eggnog and rum and endure the days till January. It will all be over soon!
Whatever works for you, man. I like to bake and give things to people and sing carols. I also do all of those things all year round – it’s just officially sanctioned at this time of year, so I exploit it for my own personal gratification.
But I think we should put the Saturn back in Saturnalia…or something…Mithras has become so maligned, lately, poor thing…
Comment by Turi December 9, 2009 @ 9:30 pmYou should have seen the horror and hatred I endured when I decided to tell my kid there was no Santa, from the very beginning, that it’s us your parents. You’d think I was some kind of Pariah. I was like, we spent all this time saying don’t talk to strangers, don’t accept gifts or be swayed, but 10% of the year we way this dude comes into your house and leaves you stuff. WTF???
I think its some kind of messed up insanity. (PS. the kid is 17 now and OKAY, the 2 year old her father is already telling her about Santa, I could scream)
Comment by Ginny December 10, 2009 @ 1:31 amWell color me O-FEND-ED! You probably hate the Easter Bunny too!
Comment by boisecommaidaho December 10, 2009 @ 2:08 amI find your honesty refreshing. I used to like christmas. I don’t really like it anymore. The pressure and stress is enough to give me a 30 day headache. Sing it loud & proud, sister. And if you ever start a club for those folks who want to boycott the holiday spirit – sign me up.
Comment by DaNell December 16, 2009 @ 10:30 am