Christmas - what does it mean to you?

Sparked off by a discussion in another thread, what does Christmas mean to you? What do you think it means to the masses? What's your opinion on it?

Re: Christmas - what does it mean to you?

I just have the Christmas I want - I don`t really get bothered if other people want to bankrupt themselves or ignore the significance of it.
I go carol singing, and to church, and we don`t spend a lot of money, but it is nice to spend time and eat with the ones you love. Does that sound drippy?
So for me it`s all about taking stock of what good things you have, I think, as the year turns.

Re: Christmas - what does it mean to you?

I don't have any particular feelings about it at all, each to their own. I don't bother celebrating it, except glue myself to the telly, taking Loki walkies and talking to my parrots

Re: Christmas - what does it mean to you?

It used to mean a lot to me when the kids were young, . . seeing their faces as they opened their presents, . . nowadays I just like to relax and remember them when they were young.

Re: Christmas - what does it mean to you?

Christmas still has a special feel for me. Maybe it's because I have young grandchildren and share their wonder and innocence with them still. They are full of laughter and excitement at this time of the year which takes me back to my childhood.

Yes, the shopping and cooking can be a chore but I'm at my happiest if I can do things to make other people happy.

Christmas has definitely changed a lot over the years .... and not for the better in my view. I still hold the values of most of the older generation but do agree that it is getting too commercialised. I still get a tingle down my spine when I here the traditional carols sung.

Re: Christmas - what does it mean to you?

I agree it is way too commercialized. But I still enjoy it.
I guess for me the best part is the 'giving.' I don't just mean gifts either - tho I still love to see the looks on the faces of the little ones on Christmas morning!
I love it when people 'give' a little bit more of themselves! I know of some who are grumpy all year, but come Christmas, they manage to put some smiles on!
When I used to work, I found the grumpiest boss to even soften a little!
Every year, instead of giving Christmas presents to each other, we give a Christmas box (toys and food) to a family in need. That gives me so much more joy than receiving a gift.
I actually enjoy the baking, the wrapping, the decorating, all the hustle! I make our Christmas cards each year too! To me, it's all a part of Christmas!
P.S. I am wearing a santa hat as I wrote this!!

Re: Christmas - what does it mean to you?

quick reply - nothing

long reply - enough for a thesis

Re: Christmas - what does it mean to you?

Couldn't have put it better mesel' Paul

However,the grand kids enjoy themselves so that is good enough for me.

Happy whatever you like. Just be happy

Re: Christmas - what does it mean to you?

These days I find Christmas an annoying diversion from my everyday routine.
In the days when food was scarce the Christmas meal was something special to look forward to, now most of us eat well all the time so it is nothing out of the ordinary.

Christmas also means memories, some to painful to dwell on, but some happy memories too
.. going across the field on Christmas eve with my Uncle to choose the Christmas tree which was always a holly bush with red berries. Decorating it and adding tiny candles, when they were lit the light was reflected in the shiny leaves, a magical sight.
..pillowcase at the foot of the bed filled with little gifts, opening them in the bitter cold with ice clinging to the inside of the bedroom window..
..and granny killing a chicken for Christmas lunch, this put me off eating Chicken for ever.

Re: Christmas - what does it mean to you?

Christmas means to me a bit of a rest. We work from home sowe never seem to stop. However for a couple of days over Xmas we do shut the workroom and ofice doors and leave them closed.
As for celebrating I am afraid I don't. Xmas is way too commercialised and adverts and telly programs build the day up way out of proportion.
To me it's a bank holiday and the telephone is quiet other than for family.