So, Christmas .... Wish Lists ?

[Galant]

... when the givee knows it represents genuine thought, not fulfilling the pain-in-the-rear duty of fulfilling a Christmas or b/day expectation.

It all changes if there's young kids involved, of course. But here, there isn't.

I agree with the sentiment but for me Christmas (and birthday's) aren't about duty. Rather they're what you make them. If Christmas is a time of reflection and appreciation for me, then it's an annual reminder to think about the people around me, and an opportunity to put that into some sort of action - be it a gift, or a card, or something else. There's nothing stopping it from being genuine.

Having said that, it's true that most people don't feel as though they can skip doing something on Christmas, that they do feel obliged to do something 'or else'. For me, I've found that it is 'more blessed to give than receive' and that if I'm honest with myself, I do need regular reminders to get my head out of the clouds, or my own rear end, and reflect more deeply on people and do something for them. So I welcome the opportunity to do so, and relish the opportunity to find some way to do something for them. I'll admit to being more stubborn or rebellious than a lot of people in terms of not caring about convention and being willing to ignore or reject it - so I don't care too much about the peer pressure. For me it's about doing what matters or what's good, and Christmas is a great opportunity for that.

I will say I only focus on close family/friends and I don't mind writing something or being creative in that way rather than buying and giving something.

I'm always adamant with people that they shouldn't follow the sheep and feel the pressure to buy things for anyone (let alone everyone) if they can't afford it or are getting into debt. There's no point to any of that - it's just keeping up with the Christmas 'Joneses', so to speak.

So yeah, if it means nothing, then why do anything? But maybe it can teach us/remind us about something meaningful?

[aramil]

An early spring......

Gave up on all this commercial bullying years ago.

One simple rule don't get me anything for nonsense-mas and you won't be upset when I do the same to you.

Not so much of a Grinch that I stop others from being festive, so a "merry Xmas" will be returned, just not going any further.

[Saracen]

I agree with the sentiment but for me Christmas (and birthday's) aren't about duty. Rather they're what you make them. If Christmas is a time of reflection and appreciation for me, then it's an annual reminder to think about the people around me, and an opportunity to put that into some sort of action - be it a gift, or a card, or something else. There's nothing stopping it from being genuine.

Having said that, it's true that most people don't feel as though they can skip doing something on Christmas, that they do feel obliged to do something 'or else'. For me, I've found that it is 'more blessed to give than receive' and that if I'm honest with myself, I do need regular reminders to get my head out of the clouds, or my own rear end, and reflect more deeply on people and do something for them. So I welcome the opportunity to do so, and relish the opportunity to find some way to do something for them. I'll admit to being more stubborn or rebellious than a lot of people in terms of not caring about convention and being willing to ignore or reject it - so I don't care too much about the peer pressure. For me it's about doing what matters or what's good, and Christmas is a great opportunity for that.

I will say I only focus on close family/friends and I don't mind writing something or being creative in that way rather than buying and giving something.

I'm always adamant with people that they shouldn't follow the sheep and feel the pressure to buy things for anyone (let alone everyone) if they can't afford it or are getting into debt. There's no point to any of that - it's just keeping up with the Christmas 'Joneses', so to speak.

So yeah, if it means nothing, then why do anything? But maybe it can teach us/remind us about something meaningful?

Well, we're close, but not quite on the same page.

At it's essence, Christmas is a religious event, and while not an adherent, I have no problem with that, for the observant, than I do for any other religious event. I respect that it has that meaning for others, so I just give that aspect a wide berth. Each to his own.

And while gift-giving has it's roots in that, I can't help but feel that commercial interests have taken it over and corrupted it. And that, I very much resent, any my refusing to get involved in gift-giving at Christmas is largely a personal backlash on that. I certainly don't mind giving gifts, but refuse to bow to the commercially-driven hype of Christmas, especially if it comes down to giving a gift because it's expected. As giver, I get more from a genuine reaction of the givee (receiver) to the pleasure of the unexpected gift. If I find something that I think would be appreciated, I'm not going to wait, perhaps months, to Christmas to give it. So Christmas then means faffing around trying to think of something, anything, the receiver might half-appreciate, putting them in the uncomfortable position of thanking me for something they didn't really want anyway.

And for what? Retailer's bottom line.

I remember an interesting conversation with a very senior manager at a large national retailer who told me, and I don't remember the exact figures, but it was something like 40% of their annual turnover was in the three weeks before Christmas, and that the extent of Christmas sales was the difference between a successful year with large bonuses, and an utter disaster. Which of course explains why retailers focus on it, and spend so heavily on advertising.

The upshot is that a real contemplative, generous-spirit, truly "giving" time is perverted and corrupted, by business, and THAT, I resent.

There's not much I can do about it, other than fall back on the donkey DNA in my make up, get stubborn about it and just adopt a "hell, no" attitude .... as long as little kids aren't involved.

I do agree about contemplation. I do agree about time with family. While not an observant Christian, I do partake in that spirit. I just reject the commercially boosted, encouraged and abused present-giving element which, over the years, has been perverted into ever-more indulgent and expensive "gifts" by business.

[Knoxville]

I'm sure I could come up with a hefty wishlist of Land Rover accessories, guitar related trinkets and other such things. In reality though, what springs to my mind and sticks there is that a couple of days off from training and someone to spend it with would be nice. I know the scrooges out there would love to tell me that Christmas is cheaper and simpler without a partner or children to buy for but I'd like the change and the challenge. It's not about what I get as far as gift giving goes, the reaction I can get out of someone else by putting some real thought into what I get them is a much better feeling in my experience.

[AGTDenton]

For the gamers out there this is what I'd happily buy myself this year:


As most close family/friends go abroad I generally work over Christmas, everyone else in the office has kids so I hold the fort (albeit from home watching what I want on streaming/dvd), its also nice and quiet to get things done like the oh so joyful tax return.

[matematika]

It is nice to have a time of year when you can give and get gifts, it can bring a lot of happiness and some usually much needed family time.

[sammyc]

(whatever happened to "our" Santa?)

Last seen mid-August, now busy with his elves presumably?

What with very modest wants from Hexus, and Ai Weiwei sorted - should be a pretty light workload this year.

[Stringent]

You buying g8nia?

I always have an Amazon wish list and point people there if they want to get me something. The amount of people I buy for has diminished though, mainly keep it to immediate family and a few close friends.

[big_hairy_rob]

Just a quiet walk, then generally to be left in peace and quiet so I can enjoy some beers while enjoying a game or film marathon. No kids, partner or immediate family & not religious, so not really a problem.

[Domestic_Ginger]

I've got to stay with the in-laws!!!


I've got my 3rd redundancy in 5 years coming up and n January. I thought I had got over the stigma but trying to be a responsible role model after only 20 months in my current role is challanging. I haven't told anyone except my wife. Hopefully i can find something better to 'pull up' so to speak. Only therapy atm is looking for Xmas presents for my kids.

If you're stuck for presents for little people; i just got haba super rhino off Amazon for 6.60 for the littlest chap. Wondering if its actually for me as I'm not sure I can wait 2 months.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B006...vML&ref=plSrch

[Jowsey]

I'm going to echo a lot of the thoughts in this thread.

I'm personally not religious in the slightest. But I understand why many people are (answers to questions, part of a receptive community, support networks, etc.) and I also appreciate that the nation is a mostly a Christian one, so when my employer gives me the 24th of as a half day and the time between Christmas and new year for free I'm not going to whine too much.

I, like many people have already stated, use this as a chance to spend time with the people I love. I moved out when I was 19 and since I work your standard office hours and my parents work stupid on call/shift hours we rarely see each other more than once a month for 30 minutes at a time.

I like to show them how much I've grown (as they still keep trying to be my parents ... ) and I've come to show this by cooking for them! I normally try and make something a little out there for Christmas Eve tea, for example this year I'm going to make Katsu curry and breaded chicken, not something my parents would normally eat! I also take responsibility for christmas breakfast. Which after the night of drinking me, my dad and my brother get up to the night before is a large task to accomplish!

We still exchange gifts, but it's become much more thoughtful or more family orientated, like we'll buy someone a board game for the entire family to play together, or a movie for us all to watch.

Me and my girlfriend mutual treat each other though. Normally one request and rest are just gifts.

I've went for a metal band for my moto 360. That's how Christmas is for me!

[Galant]

[MrNeil]

A satsuma in a sock !

[abaxas]

Katy Perry as our live in cleaner, nanny, sex slave.

Thanks

[Spreadie]

This year*, I wish for an international law banning the mention of Christmas before December each year.

Other than that, I'm fine, thanks.



*actually, I wished for the same thing last year, but Santa stiffed me.

[santa claus]

Time with family and friends and away from work please Santa

(whatever happened to "our" Santa?)

Fear not, said he, for mighty dread has seized your troubled mind.
Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all hexuskind.

I am back (ok, don't get too excited) .