One week to go

[Mad Cyril]

Quote[/b] (Bob Cratchitt @ Dec. 22 2003,09:03)]It was clever planning by those early Christian's when they came to pagan europe to tie a major Christian festival to an already established pagan celebration.

Also we all know the story behind the reason for Christmas trees?

I don't know the reason for Christmas trees but I know that Leylandii trees are planted to annoy next door neighbours you don't like.

 

[Ron Manager]

Quote[/b] (mcnasty @ Dec. 21 2003,22:49)]

Quote[/b] (Ron Manager @ Dec. 21 2003,18:17)]

Quote[/b] (Surrey Blue @ Dec. 21 2003,14:27)]

Quote[/b] (Ron Manager @ Dec. 20 2003,21:37)]

Quote[/b] (Surrey Blue @ Dec. 20 2003,13:55)]you miserable old gits  

.

Yes it is commercialised but then again thats the point, well for the majority. Unless your a religous person.

What a great time of year to lose yourself in excessiveness.

The thing is rather than trying to beat it, just enjoy it.

With total respect - b******s!

1 - I'm not that old (well, 29 and that's not old as I keep telling myself)

2 - Why give in? That's the sort of attitude that allowed Hitler to take over Germany, most of Europe and nearly the world! Christmas is wrong, unless you're a Christian in which case it's a religious holiday. It should be treated in the same way as all the other religous holidays are, of all religions, to be celebrated by people who believe in those religions and respected by the rest of us who don't. However I'm not a Christian and begrudge being forced into celebrating it. And yes, I shall be eating turkey and swapping presents but only due to social pressures -ie my family and many of my friends (including the missus) have been brainwashed into following the herd.

Bah Humbug  

So why not just enjoy it?

bit harsh to be comparing Christmas to Hitler (However i like the sentiment behind the analogy)

Im afraid i dont really understand your reasoning, surely if your not religous then it should be just a fun time of year to enjoy the giving and receiving of gifts, familys coming together (For better or worse), a few sociable drinks. Just enjoyable. And i know thats not what christmas is intended for, However things evolve and change.

OK - I realise the Hitler think was a bit strong, although it was said with tongue firmly in cheek (however that doesn't always come across when typed, believe me I'm not REALLY making a direct comparison).

When all the presents have been bought and wrapped (then un-wrapped) and the dinner cooked (and eaten) and I'm finally sitting down with a beer in hand then I shall probably relax and enjoy the fact that it's a day off work surrounded by the most important people in my life. I just seriously begrudge all the grief, stress and expense that goes before that moment and don't think it's at all neccesary.

Andy , does that mean I can keep the f*c*ing great present I have bought you ? I suppose the Christmas card from you and the wife was really only from her ?

Spot on I'm afraid Ken!

 

[Ron Manager]

Quote[/b] (Bob Cratchitt @ Dec. 21 2003,18:54)]So by your reckoning all those non christians should actually be working on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Look dont blame Christmas for your own weaknesses. It does not have to be a stressful and expensive time but your too weak willed to fight the 'social' pressure.

To me Christmas has evolved as my life changes (i.e getting older and having kids) when I was young it was all about receiving but now it is the giving I enjoy most. There is nothing like giving something to the ones you love and watching their face light up. I guess that maybe too sickly for you.

I'm not too weak willed about Christmas at all, I keep it as inexpensive and low key as possible (the missus allowing, that's the one social pressure I do have to bow to a little for the sake of a bit of domestic harmony).

I don't really hate it with a passion, I'm sorry if my original post was taken a bit too literally as it was meant as a fairly light hearted opposite view point to a few Christmas-y postings on here. I don't particularly like it, and if it was up to me (which in this instance it isn't, have you met the wife? If you had you'd understand) I wouldn't bother.

The chance to spend time away from work with people you care about is the one redeeming feature of this time of year, so no I don't believe non-christians should have to work (I didn't celebrate the Queens Jubilee last year but I grabbed the extra Bank Holiday with both hands thank you very much).

Therefore I do genuinely hope that everyone on here has a great day, hopefully surrounded by their loved ones.

RM

ps - I'm sure my outlook will change considerably if I ever have kids, I'm not a totally unfeeling ******* honest

 

[Napster]

Quote[/b] (Mrs McScriven @ Dec. 22 2003,08:42)]No he was actually born in May like me!

Of course he was.

BTW- reindeer taste lovely. Bit gamey, but very low in fat, and great with some baby carrots and peas in a creamy wine sauce.

 

[McNasty]

Quote[/b] (Ron Manager @ Dec. 22 2003,19:31)]ps - I'm sure my outlook will change considerably if I ever have kids, I'm not a totally unfeeling ******* honest

I am sure you will REALLY hate Christmas when the kids come along , I know I did !