I wrote a post about 2 years ago as to why I became a scrooge / grinch. Not much has changed. Although I’m less offended when people spread Christmas Cheer. I mentioned before that I would hold my tongue, well now I shrug it aside like they just insulted my lawn… It’s my lawn, I couldn’t care less. In fact, I feel a little pity for them:

• having to stand in lines buying gifts that are
• often likely to get the response of  “Oh…. thanks…. it’s .. great.”
• stressing out when they are not sure what to get someone, but the they have to get the other(s) something
• because they know the other(s) got them something and feel they have to return the favour.
• as a few have to endure the last minute shopping because they waited until today (Christmas Eve) to shop.
• as a few of them are getting the latest in popular items that have caused wide spread chaos as parents fight to the death to get a $20 gift that the kid will have forget about in 2 months.

I do not miss that at all.

The only thing I’m a little peeved about still is how Christmas is viewed by Christians and non-Christians. Christians are upset that Jesus is being removed from anything related to Christmas and the non-Christians are upset that Jesus is still in Christmas. Granted there is a group that doesn’t care either way, but this is not about them. I get annoyed when I see Christians putting up a fight or protesting to have Jesus returned to Christmas. If someone wants to celebrate with Santa Claus, let them. It’s not our place to impose Jesus on anyone. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. As ambassadors, we are to abide by the rules of the foreign country we live in and at the same time, live as an example (and a good one at that) of who we really are. Throwing a hissy fit  because Santa is more popular than Jesus just shows you’re not being a good enough example of Jesus in the first place…. and the hissy fit adds to that.

Either I’m numbed by what goes on now, or things are not as bad as they used to be. Not with the whole X-mas fiasco. If things are not as bad now, then that’s a good thing. It’s just something I’ve seen before and I haven’t vented about for a while, even if that whole thing is now stale.

Anyway… if the traditional gift giving is for anyone, it’s children. I’m still on the fence as to how I want my children to experience Christmas. However, anyone who tries to make that decision for me can stuff it.

I don’t celebrate it traditionally anymore. What’s more, is anyone approaching me with that annoying Christmas Cheer gets me fired up. I hold my tongue though and don’t impose my views on others, but I won’t hesitate to explain when they ask why. I find it hilarious though when I tell someone I don’t shop and get anyone gifts. It’s like I told them I kill kittens.

I’m not into the whole consumer mentality thing. Except for the marketers, who really told us we have to get someone something at such a specific date. If we are really celebrating Jesus’ birth, why do I get gifts? Shouldn’t He be getting gifts? Not that December 25th is His real birthday anyway.

Santa and Frosty are too creepy. Some magical snowman, uh, … doing what he does. I’ve seen Jack Frost. While a horrible C rated horror, he’s a cold blooded killer (pun intended). And Santa? Some fat man changing his names and spying on little kids all the time… Granted naughty had a different meaning back in the day. Plus, we all know where toys come from now. It’s marked on the toy somewhere, “Made In China.” Santa’s wooden toys just are not as appealing anymore, unless you’re out of firewood.

What’s worse than any of that, though, are the gift cards. It’s worse than money. It’s money you can only spend in a specific store. It’s like a Discover card. Gift Cards, and money for that matter, only prove that you don’t know the recipient enough to get them a thoughtful gift.

The only thing I enjoy about Christmas is the time off work and the feasts with family. All the rest of it,… Read the title.