I’m from England - we don’t do Grinchs - so I’m left asking what has happened to Christmas this year? Here we are, mid-December, and not a murmur of feeling for it. The shops I’ve been in play Christmas music but there seems no bonhomie to go along with the tunes. I can’t even work out if this void is personal or all pervasive.
Were we put off kilter by the late Thanksgiving and the drive back from Chicago? I have not bought a single present or written one card yet and in a few days it will be too late. In our house is no tree (because we will be away) but we have put up a handful of decorations. Our neighbours seem to be decoratively muted too. So maybe it is pervasive? We have only received one Christmas card so far after all. The people we normally buy gifts for have asked us not to this year and even my boys just want gift vouchers. My wife’s family have also abandoned the grab bag draw, for so long a kick-off-Christmas tradition at the Thanksgiving gathering.
Here in my sweltering office (It’ll be freezing by two O’clock this afternoon) I just tried playing some Christmas songs and still no hint of a feeling.
So I don’t know if it’s me, us, America or the world. Soon we head to the UK and it had better be going on there. I beseech my British friends rise to the challenge; buy your trees, fill the bars with our English drunk:
I see you stand like greyhounds in your slip(per)s,
Were we put off kilter by the late Thanksgiving and the drive back from Chicago? I have not bought a single present or written one card yet and in a few days it will be too late. In our house is no tree (because we will be away) but we have put up a handful of decorations. Our neighbours seem to be decoratively muted too. So maybe it is pervasive? We have only received one Christmas card so far after all. The people we normally buy gifts for have asked us not to this year and even my boys just want gift vouchers. My wife’s family have also abandoned the grab bag draw, for so long a kick-off-Christmas tradition at the Thanksgiving gathering.
Here in my sweltering office (It’ll be freezing by two O’clock this afternoon) I just tried playing some Christmas songs and still no hint of a feeling.
So I don’t know if it’s me, us, America or the world. Soon we head to the UK and it had better be going on there. I beseech my British friends rise to the challenge; buy your trees, fill the bars with our English drunk:
I see you stand like greyhounds in your slip(per)s,
Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!' It’s Christmas!!!!!
<Enter stunningly witty and clever tagline here>
Bazza
<Enter stunningly witty and clever tagline here>
Bazza
Is Christmas happening for you? Please comment
I feel the same as you. Not the same this year...
ReplyDeleteNo one wants to think of presents etc. when they worry about if they'll still have a job or a house.
OK, and you are wrong too if it makes you feel better
I have finished the shopping, wrapping and sent out the cards this week (including yours so you will soon have 2). But the Christmas spirit is not really in me, and have not seen it around. The only ones that feel it our the young innocents in our house. I am hoping it will be catching soon.
ReplyDeleteIn my current situation I don't feel to have christmas. In fact I hated christmas all my life. For some reason all my relations end around this time. Also I don't like the "let's be happy it is christmas time" feeling. Hmmm maybe I am getting an old grumpy guy... OK we Dutch have Sinterklaas and he was very generous to the kids this year; a Wii playstation. So this year no more presents under the christmas tree... Also at work it is all about saving money. OK we are aloud the sent e-mail christmas cards but nothing which cost money... What I will do in the christmas holidays?? Don't know yet... In general everybody is in a waiting mood this year as everybody is waiting what will happen the coming years...
ReplyDeleteSo in short I understand your feeling...
You want to feel Christmasy? YOU write the cards this year!
ReplyDeleteStale fruitcake.
ReplyDeleteItchy sweaters.
Crushing depression.
What's not to love about XMAS?
Now--down a good eggnog then get to the mall and buy me a present before you drag me down too.
Haven't you seen the Garmin or the Cadillac commercials yet?
I even took our dog to Woodfield when they had a pet night after hours to see Santa. I understand what you are saying about the Christmas spirit but I am doing everything in my power to keep it alive. I hope this helps and if I don't talk to you, Merry Christmas to you and Christine and your boys.
ReplyDeleteNick
Ba Humbug!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Grinch is alive and well.
I have a solution. The US government needs to send Santa a bailout to help get us through the holidays. For months we have been beaten up by high gas prices, fears of worldwide financial collapse and the fall of the American automobile industry. Everyday I look at the news someone has lost or might loose billions. We are all feeling a little tired and maybe a little lighter in the wallet at a time when we are supposed to take time out for family and be a little happy. Christmas has become such a commercial entity as opposed to a religious observance, it only seems reasonable that we should be upset about Christmas too. Christmas has become another “bill” to deal with that I would rather put off until say February-March. All in favor?
ReplyDelete