| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 9:44:20 AM | Or does it seem like Christmas is changing?
I don't know if I really have a foundation for my thoughts on this but I will randomly try and explain why I think Christmas is changing.
Our lives have sped up so much, we find less time to prepare and maybe we are more frustrated with the process.
It costs so much
Families are more fragmented (more single parents)
Way too commercial, and too in our faces.
Kids see too many "expensive" toys and some are not really even toys, but the marketers have created a "need"" for things like I-Phones and PSP's ect.
Now I am sure that I may be alone in this but maybe I am not. Just wondered what others thought.
(the current financial crisis I am sure will not help either) | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 9:57:30 AM | | We were talking about this at work the other day..I remember when I was young, there were just as many tv adds about toys and what ever was the going thing.I think the big difference is as young people we knew not to ask for things, we would get what we got and be happy with that.. todays world and we created it (because of guilt of split families or whatever) we feel like we have to go far beyond our means to keep everyone happy... this year my Kids have acually asked to go back to making things very simple... stockings and 1 gift.. as they have gotten older I think they have it figured out ..good on them.. | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 10:04:39 AM | So now we want to delete a thread because of it's title?
| Invalid Thread Titles are Cause for its Deletion. Fixed / Ticketoride |
ANYWAY
I think too that part of the problem with Christmas is that the emphasis is not so much on the kids and family spending time together but more about what's under the tree and what kind of deal you can get on Boxing Day. We have all heard the news about Black Friday in the US and how some stores can make up to 85% of their yearly profit in one day. Sadly this mentality cost someone their lives this year.
Maybe it's no different than the past, and MAYBE just maybe we will see a shift in the right direction about what the meaning behind Christmas is..
As a matter of fact, what IS the meaning of Christmas?? | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 10:06:44 AM | Does feel a lot more like a hall mark holiday now than it does a religious one. The fact that stores start setting up for Christmas in September doesn't help much either. I am using Christmas this year to get back together with my family, and being able to spend time with one another... I can't think of anything better than that!
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 10:53:00 AM | This year, I noticed Christmas displays out on Nov 1, when Halloween just ended, and the marketing began. I even notice christmas lights by mid November, and advertisements for gadgets where being shown to the consumers.
I remember when growing up, Christmas lights, Ad's, Santa visit would start in December and Santa wouldn't arrive in the mall's, until Mid December. As I walk the mall yesterday, Santa arrive early, the malls have Christmas music playing and Sales for Christmas are displayed in bold.
Its sad that by the time Christmas has arrived, we're not excited for the day, children don't understand the meaning and get disappointed over their present.
The commercials, are asking how much you can spend vs the gift of giving, from the heart. The joy of christmas, spending quality time with friends & family, is lost, with the thought of Boxing day sales, and tradition from family, that we had when you're young, disappears as we get technological with urgency to spend more money.
We can make our Christmas, we can enjoy the day, and don't let the advertising give you that feeling or pressure to spend, what you can't afford. To enjoy the silly season, stick to your budget, treat yourself to quality time, do something different, visit a senior home, hospital or soup kitchen, it can be a joy to give your time, feed the soul and talk to others. | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 11:58:06 AM | Way too commercial, and too in our faces.
Don't forget, a long Time ago Santa had the Product Market himself all cornered, but today you have to pay for it yourself ...  | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 12:35:41 PM |
As a matter of fact, what IS the meaning of Christmas??
don't know if it helps, but is is what you make of it.
For me it is a traditional event which only includes close family and friends, sharing traditional decorations and foods, small personal gifts, I guess it is a time to emphasize and cherish a sense of belonging. Commercialism and broken families certainly make this a bit more trying. I am fortunate to have a very remote place to escape to where these distractions do not reach and the serenity of nature surrounding transcend.
The few times in the past when my children were not with me I simply "canceled" xmas thought that was difficult. The sentimental values change over time as my children are now young adults creating their own life. The basic values of peaceful togetherness we still keep. | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 2:28:41 PM | The midwinter festival has always been changing. In the European tradition, it was paganism appropriated by Christianity and has now been substanially appropriated by commercialism. The celebrations, rituals and artifacts have varied across geographies, religions, sects, ethnicities and time.
Your nostalgia for the christmas you remember is similar to nostalgia for a river at a moment in time: like midwinter celebrations, the river is always unique to each moment.
Cheers,
Mike (let's be nostalgic for Saturnalia while we're at it) | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 6:04:53 PM | Interesting topic, (one that i've been thinking about recently). It does see to get longer and bigger every year (the marketing). This year I made a decision not to go into debt for x-mas. If my friends/ family really have the "spirit", they will understand. And my kids, well thank goodness my son, (the oldest), knows "Santa" doesn't have alot of money this year. His list was very modest, (of course that makes me want to buy him more). And my daughter, well i'm just trying to come up with clever reasons why santa won't be going "big" this year.
I really only do it just so that I can have one whole day with my whole family, to just sit and enjoy their company.  | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 6:18:27 PM | Sorry, i was side tracked by a commercial.
I sure hope xmas is changing, i am going to purchase my own expensive
crud.
At least i will like it.
I have no need for frankincence and myrrh, i get enough sap.
PS, please leave your resin at the door.My security cam is on. | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 7:04:39 PM | It isn't just split families but our extended families live so far apart these days and are scattered all over so it is more difficult to get everyone together for larger family gatherings. I miss those. No one has the time or money to come and visit over the holidays anymore as everyone gets back to work ASAP.
I have taken to "adopting" lonely friends over to make my dinners bigger. Seems odd to cook up a feast for just a handful of people.
ugh ugh
I really only do it just so that I can have one whole day with my whole family, to just sit and enjoy their company.
goodness HOW do you find time to sit??? LOL
May you all find laughter in your homes,
Love in your hearts
And peace in your world.
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 7:12:58 PM | Not sure if Christmas is changing...or what that means... but I do know that the recent downturn in the economy has a lot of pple downscaling on their holiday shopping and celebrations.
Our family gives to each other thoroughout the year, not just at Christmastime and birthdays. We do not have a lot of disposable income we make do with what we have.
We share what we have with each other always.
At Christmas we try on focus our time and money on the celebration of having time with our family and our friends. My eldest daughter has been saving money all year to buy a goat for a family overseas via one of the Christian non-profit groups. I am chipping in some money too as I find this a great family gift of hope for another family who need a hand up. A long time acquaintance passed away this week and his family requested a gift to a Catholic charity that helps street kids in Vancouver be made in lieu of flowers, so I just wrote a cheque for them.
If the season can be spent on thinking of others in need, and focussing on the true meaning of the Gift given to us on Christmas (it being a Christian celebration)... the gift of life and salvation...then it is a good thing to think of others...and help others.
Perhaps the downturn in the economy will make us more careful ... more selective how we spend our money...and get back to basics and to consider the true meaning of the season.
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 7:16:46 PM |
Or does it seem like Christmas is changing?
I think the idea of change around Xmas is a personal thing. Xmas is made up of rituals and community and when you have neither, it does not exist anymore. To sum up the world view of Xmas as having become 'commercialized' or the demise of the 'economy' is just an excuse to be disconnected (IMO)! | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 10:58:38 PM | Christmas sure is changing, it has been changing all along. When I take the time to think back to when I was a child it was dramatically different in the commercial aspects.
We waited for the Sears catalogue to arrive so we could fantasize about all the "stuff".
I remember having a particular doll on my wishlist for 2 years before I received her. Man, that was such a thrill opening that gift.
That aside, I was fortunate while raising my family that circumstances forced me to teach my children that Love was the true spirit of Christmas. We spent time building traditions (which continue on to this day) baking and gifting home baking, preserves, our time and energy etc.
Sure, when I can I do purchase items for my loved ones....it isn't what they cost as much as the thought behind them......and like I said a gift of time spent together, making memories etc. That is what stands out.
I do everything I can to keep that in the forefront as we prepare for the festive season, and I reinforce to them that being together happy and healthy is so much greater than anything one can buy. It is true what they say "The best things in life aren't things!
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 11/30/2008 11:09:41 PM | Christmas has changed over the years, but don't let the "Christmas Grinchiness" get to you, sure there is commercialism if you let it, but don't let it, make it your own, and enjoy.
Over the years, I've found Christmas to be more of a time spent with friends and relatives, a celebration of friendship, kinship and giving of love.
A time where if only for a few days, everyone reaches out to their fellow man in some form. Maybe a Sally Ann donation to the bad looking Santa, or helping at a homeless shelter, maybe just donating something to the foodbank.
I admit I used to be jaded and skeptical about this time of year, all the sales, and hawking of cheap gifts. ( still won't buy from anyplace with an "X"mas sign, my name is not "X"topher)
Sure Christmas has been whored to the masses,but when I came to look at it for what it is under all the eye shadow, fish net stockings, and cheap perfume, it's still a lady, and that lady has some good points.
So take the season for it's good not just the bad, look beneath the surface, and maybe show some caring to your fellow humans.
Merry Christmas to all | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 12/1/2008 7:36:51 AM | Everything changes, the world is dynamic not static.
Now that said,
Why should we even care about a Pagan custom that was stolen by the Christians and then helped along to what we have today by the marketing department at Coca Cola? | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 12/1/2008 7:54:24 AM | I think Christmas should continue and like other posters have said, it is what we make of it. It is always good when you can find a few days in a row to spend with friends and family. If your religion dictates that you observe the holiday ina particular way, then so be it. For me and my immediate family, it is about spending the time together and carrying on some family traditions. In honour of my recently departed mother, I have taken to baking with my children. As a matter of fact that is what we did for a good chunk of the day together and it was wonderful to hang out and the smells that filled the house were fantastic. (Mayan Chocolate cookies.... with cayane pepper... YOWZA)
This year I choose to not buy into the hype and make the break about me and my children. The sound of their laughter is all I need for Christmas. OH and the cookies too. | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 12/1/2008 8:35:18 AM | Why should we even care about a Pagan custom that was stolen by the Christians and then helped along to what we have today by the marketing department at Coca Cola?
^^
because this pagan custom kickass!
(Mayan Chocolate cookies.... with cayane pepper... YOWZA)
^^
recipe please?
as for moi, xmas is now seen thru adult eyes instead of child eyes which is why its changed for me
I'd watch my mom set up the beautifully bejewelled tree then anxiously wait til xmas morning to open the presents
now, i get tree rash, electrocuted and cut by small ornaments setting it up, go broke getting presents, burned baking tons of xmas goodies then ubertired staying up late to make sure the kids are well asleep before putting presents under the tree
yes people... xmas has DEFINITELY changed for me!
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 12/1/2008 8:49:40 AM |
because this pagan custom kickass!
Yeah it sure does, especially the parts with the human sacrifice and the cannibalism. | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 12/1/2008 9:02:53 AM | because this pagan custom kickass!
Yeah it sure does, especially the parts with the human sacrifice and the cannibalism.
This customarily takes place boxing day at Future Shop.
I think they serve customers free coke to get them riled up.
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 12/1/2008 12:28:28 PM | Yes.. for us, Christmas is changing..
We don't decorate as much
We don't bake as much
We don't buy as much
We don't send out many cards
We don't eat as much
We don't drink as much
We don't worry as much
We take all day to open our stockings
We watch more old movies
We make a more phone calls
I'm one of the lucky ones.. my daughter is not materialistic at all and has no demands or expectations. We've chosen to recognize a few of our favourite traditions and now ignore all the rest of the hype.
Last year we had turkey and gravey... with home-made buns.. that's it... no potatoes, no brussel sprouts, no cranberrys, no dishes, no mess.
This year our Christmas present to each other is 3 weeks in Hawaii.. there was a time, I'd NEVER have been away from home at Christmas, but this is the second time we've chosen to spend Christmas surfing....
Times are a-changing.
B. | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 12/1/2008 5:02:45 PM | "A male worker at a New York Wal-Mart was killed Friday when anxious shoppers trampled him in their rush for Black Friday bargains"
Yeah I think that's an understatement. Today's events go against everything I believe Christmas to be and it is so so sad... | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 12/1/2008 5:46:52 PM |
Yeah it sure does, especially the parts with the human sacrifice and the cannibalism.
WOW I thought that was transferred to just the eating of the gingerbreadmen ( oops people)
Like you Draxx, I too can't stand the use of X instead of Christ in Christmas and if it is supposed to be a cross then it should be a "t" ya think? | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 12/1/2008 6:08:20 PM | I'm agreeing with some here that have said it's changing only because you have let it change. Took my father's death a couple of years ago to point out a few things to me and one of them was to NOT get caught up in all the hype etc.
I still do "stuff" with children (not just my own) that my parents did with me and my siblings. Things that get passed on, are only passed on if WE do it. If we wait for the stores, TV, goverments or someone else to do it,,,I'm sorry to say,,,more than likely it won't happen. As every season passes, I understand more and more how much effort it was for my parents to make the season for what it was.
So, I will carry the silly traditions, including standing at a silly height on a silly ladder to reach for that highest point to get that Christmas light in that perfect spot. This weekend I only fell three times off the ladders, and really didn't hurt myself too badly. All that just to see those wide eyes of innocent children whom come by and take a peak. It always makes my day and I can thank Ma and Pa for it all. I just hope my daughter in 30 years will be doing the same and from all reports she will be doing just that. | |
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| It seem like Christmas is changing?
Posted: 12/1/2008 6:13:48 PM | Too right, I'm not getting enough Christmas spirit! the 100% kind.
Putting on shopping list - rum and eggnog, bottle of Chardonnay and loads of chocolate liqueurs! | |
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