MSE Poll: If you could cancel Christmas, would you?

I don't normally post on the forums but found this poll result really sad.

Christmas is about so much more than "family units" and how they view Christmas.
It's the one time a year that MOST businesses close allowing employees time off. It's a time of remembering those years past when we spent time with those we loved. It's a time of joy and gratitude for Christ, who, even if you don't believe in Him as saviour was a great example of sacrifice for a cause He believed in to a people who needed hope after years of persecution and pain. It's a time of hope and it's a time of rest and renewal.
Yes, in the context of commercialism and debt it can be a scary time. So spend it giving to those in need. Instead of presents give people your presence. Instead of humbug give someone a hug.
Even when I was single (still am as a mum) and didn't have a child (bias perhaps now) I celebrated this day as a day off, to slow down and enjoy the quiet in my otherwise insane life.

To those who want to cancel Christmas I pray for you that someone will smile at you that day and make it all worthwhile. After all - that costs nothing but caring for another human being.

Blessings to you all this season! :A:A

Dawn

I read a while ago about a lady in America who had no money for Christmas but four children. She was knitting, sewing crafting etc. Dolls for the girls and toy monsters for the boys, making pyjamas and various other little bits. I thought how lovely and magical it all sounded. I remembered thinking how far we have come away from the true meaning of Christmas. I love making things but I know a lot of people that if I gave handmade to would look upon it as an insult.
The trouble being that if a child wants a doll they've seen on the telly(£100 on a advert the other day) and all their friends are getting it, then a handmade doll isn't going to cut it.
One doll £100 is frightening. My children are grown up but a game for a xbox my son has is about £50 he buys his own but if you have two children that's £150.
I wouldn't cancel Christmas but would go right back to days of yore.
I also saw a small wooden box with some greenery, pinecones and candles in the other day for a table centrepiece - £57. I know everyone isn't a crafter but most people enjoy a challenge and could make one of these for peanuts and the satisfaction of saying 'actually I made that' is priceless.

Most of the views here can be summed up in this conumdrum: Is there a way to enjoy the positive sides to Christmas without suffering from any of the negatives?

Whatever your religious views are, there was a fascinating magazine article that discussed this very question.

We've operated a Christmas Free Zone, complete with poster (crossed out Christmas tree) since 1988. Normally we leave the country as the rest of Europe doesn't seem so bad. This is our first Christmas as owners of a TV and I can't believe the cringeworthiness of the advertising. Thankful to have missed it for the last 50 years!

brewerdave wrote: »

Have to agree wholeheartedly with post #11 - why oh why, does Xmas have to start earlier every year?? The pub we use regularly,has had decorations up since October with an exhortation to book your Xmas meal now!!! And the supermarkets..........

I'm sure our local Toby had the "Book your Christmas meal with us" promos indoors since August...

AUGUST! W. T. A. F. ??!!