Well said that man!

[blondejamtart]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8391774.stm

 

 

This man is my new hero - we should all take his advice and bow out of the whole commercialised crap which is Christmas!

[Homme]

I think i'd rather not.

[scott_jambo]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8391774.stm

 

 

This man is my new hero - we should all take his advice and bow out of the whole commercialised crap which is Christmas!

 

Scrooge.

 

Anyway, he is just stating that it isnt economically viable - as an economist he is more interested in commercialisation and consumerism than your average punter, so rather than your hero, he should be your villain no?

 

Anyway, i like giving a gift to my loved ones. Hope this doesnt make me a slave to commercialisation.

[blondejamtart]

I don't mind being called a Scrooge - I HATE the whole thing anyway and have done ever since I was a kid. Wouldn't bother me if I didn't get any presents - although I reckon my son and daughter might have something to say...

I certainly don't bother buying meaningless crap for relatives I never see from one year to the next though - what's the point in that?

[scott_jambo]

I don't mind being called a Scrooge - I HATE the whole thing anyway and have done ever since I was a kid. Wouldn't bother me if I didn't get any presents - although I reckon my son and daughter might have something to say...

I certainly don't bother buying meaningless crap for relatives I never see from one year to the next though - what's the point in that?

 

The emphasis is on giving not recieiving.

[blondejamtart]

The emphasis is on giving not recieiving.

 

Yes, I know - but why do people persist in giving stuff which they know will get stuffed in the back of a drawer, given away or dumped before the turkey's even gone cold? It's different if you're giving a close loved one a gift you know they'll cherish, otherwise I don't see the point.

For instance, Mr BJT and I don't bother giving each other Christmas presents (or birthdays, for that matter) - we don't need that kind of gesture to prove we care about each other. Maybe some need that kind of reassurance...

[mrmarkus1981]

My wife and i never buy each other presents for Birthday's or Christmas, its fantastic

[Homme]

I bought a couple of lovely presents yesterday for two people really close to me. I felt really good afterwards.

 

Agree with what BJT is saying regarding buying for anyone and everyone. Restrict it to the people who really mean something to you and think quality not quantity.

[scott_jambo]

Yes, I know - but why do people persist in giving stuff which they know will get stuffed in the back of a drawer, given away or dumped before the turkey's even gone cold? It's different if you're giving a close loved one a gift you know they'll cherish, otherwise I don't see the point.

For instance, Mr BJT and I don't bother giving each other Christmas presents (or birthdays, for that matter) - we don't need that kind of gesture to prove we care about each other. Maybe some need that kind of reassurance...

 

...Who says romance is dead.

 

I gave my girlfriend a ncie hat and scarf for her birthday and a book that she had wanted for a while, she didnt even realise I had taken notice of that, so she was really happy when she got her gifts, it also gave me a chance to show that I listen to her and care about her. She is the most self assured girl ive ever known but your right, this is clearly because she is insecure and needs reassurance.

[Boris]

Scrooge.

 

Anyway, he is just stating that it isnt economically viable - as an economist he is more interested in commercialisation and consumerism than your average punter, so rather than your hero, he should be your villain no?

Anyway, i like giving a gift to my loved ones. Hope this doesnt make me a slave to commercialisation.

 

Correct.

 

I think Scrooge gets a hard time because he actually changes his ways and becomes a diamond geezer. So really Scrooge should be a good reference and not a negative one.

[wibble]

I don't mind being called a Scrooge - I HATE the whole thing anyway and have done ever since I was a kid. Wouldn't bother me if I didn't get any presents - although I reckon my son and daughter might have something to say...

I certainly don't bother buying meaningless crap for relatives I never see from one year to the next though - what's the point in that?

 

I'm totally with you on this. I only take part for the sake of the kids.

 

It's a hideous waste of cash and so hypocritical given that 90% don't even believe in Jeebus.

 

I'd settle for a day off and a good dinner.

[blondejamtart]

...Who says romance is dead.

 

I gave my girlfriend a ncie hat and scarf for her birthday and a book that she had wanted for a while, she didnt even realise I had taken notice of that, so she was really happy when she got her gifts, it also gave me a chance to show that I listen to her and care about her. She is the most self assured girl ive ever known but your right, this is clearly because she is insecure and needs reassurance.

 

Ouch! Believe it or not, there are a lot of women out there who DO feel that way - I know loads who would see it as some kind of personal insult if the man in their life didn't buy them presents - they would genuinely take it as a sign that he didn't love or care about them any more.

[scott_jambo]

Ouch! Believe it or not, there are a lot of women out there who DO feel that way - I know loads who would see it as some kind of personal insult if the man in their life didn't buy them presents - they would genuinely take it as a sign that he didn't love or care about them any more.

 

I believe it BJT. Bit of a generalisation there. I think its important to not take your other half for granted, my parents always gave presents to each other and their still going strong at 60. It is probably just a family thing. Neither were seeking reassurance though, at least I hope not!

[blondejamtart]

Well, me and Mr BJT have been together for 30 years and married for 25, so we're not doing all that bad either - lack of presents notwithstanding!

[scott_jambo]

Well, me and Mr BJT have been together for 30 years and married for 25, so we're not doing all that bad either - lack of presents notwithstanding!

 

You seem so defensive about it all! Im not suggesting you arent.

[blondejamtart]

Wasn't intended to be defensive - don't think it came across that way

[Beats]

Scroogeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[northfieldhearts]

What I dont understand is that if you arent religious, why celebrate Christmas? I dont celebrate Ramadan or Hanukkah becasue of my beliefs so why is Christmas different for everyone else?

[Craigieboy]

What I dont understand is that if you arent religious, why celebrate Christmas? I dont celebrate Ramadan or Hanukkah becasue of my beliefs so why is Christmas different for everyone else?

 

Just because.

 

In reality christmas has about as much to do with christianity as a jerseyboy cow sucking a toffee.

 

Still, people enjoy it & have a good time. Don't see the problem as long as people aren't getting into debt.

 

.

[Beats]

Just because.

 

In reality christmas has about as much to do with christianity as a jerseyboy cow sucking a toffee.

 

Still, people enjoy it & have a good time. Don't see the problem as long as people aren't getting into debt.

 

.

 

Well said mate

 

Can't understand people not wanting to enjoy Xmas or give gifts.

The excitment if you have kids is great and seeing there faces opening there presents is memorys you will always have.

[Someday]

Ah, the Christmas police. Surely it is all about choice? Why not let people just get on with doing whatever they think is good for them and their families at Christmas?

[scottish_chicP]

I have bought all my Christmas pressies and can't wait to give them to my family and friends. I love Christmas

[hughesie27]

I can understand why some hate the commercialisation of Xmas but I don't see why people downright hate it. It is a chance that we get once a year to catch up and be merry with relatives and friends. Rarely can so many people meet up at the same time.

Why depreciate the value of happiness?

[Miller Jambo 60]

Well, me and Mr BJT have been together for 30 years and married for 25, so we're not doing all that bad either - lack of presents notwithstanding!

 

I think the whole thing is mad now, spend spend spend.

Dont get me wrong, i love xmas day its just the 364 days build up to it.

[gadgey55]

I can understand why some hate the commercialisation of Xmas but I don't see why people downright hate it. It is a chance that we get once a year to catch up and be merry with relatives and friends. Rarely can so many people meet up at the same time.

Why depreciate the value of happiness?

 

I'm wi you Hughesie. Xmas rules! I put my tree up on November 21st.

[DikT.]

I just like getting presents. Lots and lots and lots of them please Santa.

[Tynie b]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8391774.stm

 

 

This man is my new hero - we should all take his advice and bow out of the whole commercialised crap which is Christmas!

 

You asked for a Pony as a Child, and were left a box full of Horse S*** and no Pony!!

That's the only reason I can think of why a Person would be so freakin miserable at Christmas...I don't buy for Extended Family, Aunts, Cousin etc... BUT WOULDN'T DREAM of not getting something for my wife.

I think you've said to your Husband one year "Don't get me anything this year, it's a load of Nonsense..."

Meaning "Will you get me that necklace/earings/watch, Whatever, I've been going on about all year, for my christmas"...He's took you at your word, Got you SFA and your too Proud/ Scared to tell him so your stuck with a S*** Christmas and Birthday's, so you come on here to try and convince the rest of us to do the same...I'm not buying the Scrooge act...You LOVE Christmas,BUT you're GUTTED you get Hehaw presents!!

[Eldar Hadzimehmedovic]

Just because.

 

In reality christmas has about as much to do with christianity as a jerseyboy cow sucking a toffee.

 

Still, people enjoy it & have a good time. Don't see the problem as long as people aren't getting into debt.

 

.

 

Good shout. People who bang on about how much they hate Christmas have other unresolved issues in life. It's a stick on.

[Sharpie]

I am a bit like BJT, as a boy Christmas was still not a holiday in Scotland so the old man went to work. Gifts were strictly for the kids and included usually one item as stated in the letter to Santa, bolstered by an apple an orange a couple of candies, and clothes that were due anyway. Being war years of course there were no lights or any of the decoration now present.

 

On coming to Canada it really became a big thing, and as suggested so did the post holiday bills. Our own kids became more expensive in their requests and now with grandchildren if tempted one would need to take out a mortgage to satisfy, at least for the half hour of opening gifts. The wife and I stopped exchanging gifts years ago, she has a box of jewelery she never wears and begged that she be given no more kitchen appliances.

 

This year we are flying down to Vancouver, our daughter hosts a fairly large dinner group and we have an annual visit with people we don't see much through the year. We are happy with this and the visit of three days is short sweet and successful.

[blondejamtart]

You asked for a Pony as a Child, and were left a box full of Horse S*** and no Pony!!

That's the only reason I can think of why a Person would be so freakin miserable at Christmas...I don't buy for Extended Family, Aunts, Cousin etc... BUT WOULDN'T DREAM of not getting something for my wife.

I think you've said to your Husband one year "Don't get me anything this year, it's a load of Nonsense..."

Meaning "Will you get me that necklace/earings/watch, Whatever, I've been going on about all year, for my christmas"...He's took you at your word, Got you SFA and your too Proud/ Scared to tell him so your stuck with a S*** Christmas and Birthday's, so you come on here to try and convince the rest of us to do the same...I'm not buying the Scrooge act...You LOVE Christmas,BUT you're GUTTED you get Hehaw presents!!

 

 

Well, you hit the nail on the head with the pony thing, but as for the rest of it, I'm serious! He and I agreed years ago not to bother getting each other stuff like that - and I honestly, hand on heart, don't care. I'm just not materialistic that way. My idea of the perfect Christmas would be to b*gger off somewhere where they don't celebrate it - but unfortunately, I'll have to wait until the kids are a bit older.

Neither my husband nor I come from big families, so we don't have all that "reunion" stuff at any time of the year - I invite my inlaws over on Christmas Day and cook us all a traditional meal - and that's my input into the whole shenanigans!

[scott_jambo]

Well, you hit the nail on the head with the pony thing, but as for the rest of it, I'm serious! He and I agreed years ago not to bother getting each other stuff like that - and I honestly, hand on heart, don't care. I'm just not materialistic that way. My idea of the perfect Christmas would be to b*gger off somewhere where they don't celebrate it - but unfortunately, I'll have to wait until the kids are a bit older.

Neither my husband nor I come from big families, so we don't have all that "reunion" stuff at any time of the year - I invite my inlaws over on Christmas Day and cook us all a traditional meal - and that's my input into the whole shenanigans!

 

It's not materialistic to give or recieve gifts. Couldnt you not make something for each other, or buy tickets to an event or show later in the year?

 

It is just lazyness masqurading as practicality/unmaterialistic.

[Cade]

I partially agree.

 

Rather than spending big bucks on absolute crap that has no meaning and take the entire next year to pay for it all, I would rather give gifts of alcohol or home-made food. Personalised pictures is also a decent gift that doesn't break the bank.

[blondejamtart]

It's not materialistic to give or recieve gifts. Couldnt you not make something for each other, or buy tickets to an event or show later in the year?

 

It is just lazyness masqurading as practicality/unmaterialistic.

 

It's not laziness - if we do decide to buy something, then generally speaking we'll buy something for the house, for example. Why waste our hard-earned money buying each other something which we don't really want or need? I don't really wear jewellery, for example...and I genuinely don't see the point in spending money on something just for the sake of it. We both agree we'd rather keep our cash and spend it on a holiday later in the year, for instance.

[mulleted_jambo]

Well, you hit the nail on the head with the pony thing, but as for the rest of it, I'm serious! He and I agreed years ago not to bother getting each other stuff like that - and I honestly, hand on heart, don't care. I'm just not materialistic that way. My idea of the perfect Christmas would be to b*gger off somewhere where they don't celebrate it - but unfortunately, I'll have to wait until the kids are a bit older.

Neither my husband nor I come from big families, so we don't have all that "reunion" stuff at any time of the year - I invite my inlaws over on Christmas Day and cook us all a traditional meal - and that's my input into the whole shenanigans!

 

....and then cry youself to sleep because santa didn't get you anything:th_o:

[scott_jambo]

It's not laziness - if we do decide to buy something, then generally speaking we'll buy something for the house, for example. Why waste our hard-earned money buying each other something which we don't really want or need? I don't really wear jewellery, for example...and I genuinely don't see the point in spending money on something just for the sake of it. We both agree we'd rather keep our cash and spend it on a holiday later in the year, for instance.

 

Ah, I understand now.

 

You want Jewellery.

[blondejamtart]

Ah, I understand now.

 

You want Jewellery.

 

You're all completely wrong - but I can see nothing I say is going to convince you otherwise.

[Craig Gordons Gloves]

. and begged that she be given no more kitchen appliances.

 

.

 

i would be stabbed multiple times if i even considered giving my wife a kitchen appliance for Christmas!

 

As for Christmas, my wife and I are buying something for ourselves as a couple and giving the boy some gifts - not too many as he is still too young. What scares me is the amount that his grandparents will be giving him, despite being told that we wont have room in our bags and we also don't want him to expect a massive amount of gifts every year like his cousins who get so much they don't really know what to do with it all.

 

Christmas has changed for me in recent years, it now means more about getting home and seeing family and friends that i only see a couple of times a year rather than a massive spend session.

[scott_jambo]

i would be stabbed multiple times if i even considered giving my wife a kitchen appliance for Christmas!

 

As for Christmas, my wife and I are buying something for ourselves as a couple and giving the boy some gifts - not too many as he is still too young. What scares me is the amount that his grandparents will be giving him, despite being told that we wont have room in our bags and we also don't want him to expect a massive amount of gifts every year like his cousins who get so much they don't really know what to do with it all.

 

Christmas has changed for me in recent years, it now means more about getting home and seeing family and friends that i only see a couple of times a year rather than a massive spend session.

 

 

Stop buying her knives then.

[Craig R]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8391774.stm

 

This man is my new hero - we should all take his advice and bow out of the whole commercialised crap which is Christmas!

 

I bowed out years ago. I want nothing to do with Christmas.

[northfieldhearts]

It's not laziness - if we do decide to buy something, then generally speaking we'll buy something for the house, for example. Why waste our hard-earned money buying each other something which we don't really want or need? I don't really wear jewellery, for example...and I genuinely don't see the point in spending money on something just for the sake of it. We both agree we'd rather keep our cash and spend it on a holiday later in the year, for instance.

 

Agree 100%. We will buy a few presents for our daughter but for each other we already bought our present - a new camera as that is something we both need and can both use. Why shell out loads extra for stuff for the sake of it.

[northfieldhearts]

Just because.

 

In reality christmas has about as much to do with christianity as a jerseyboy cow sucking a toffee.

 

Still, people enjoy it & have a good time. Don't see the problem as long as people aren't getting into debt.

 

.

 

I am not against having a good time and seeing family again etc. I am talking about all the people who are non-religious yet still moan about how much it costs them, loads of presents to buy etc - Dont then. You have as much interest in Christmas as any of the other religions and their festivals so why bother.

[scott_jambo]

I am not against having a good time and seeing family again etc. I am talking about all the people who are non-religious yet still moan about how much it costs them, loads of presents to buy etc - Dont then. You have as much interest in Christmas as any of the other religions and their festivals so why bother.

 

Christianity hijacked pagan's festivals such as this one apparently, so dinny worry about being a god lover.

[Craig R]

What I dont understand is that if you arent religious, why celebrate Christmas? I dont celebrate Ramadan or Hanukkah becasue of my beliefs so why is Christmas different for everyone else?

 

Exactly my thoughts and why I don't partake.

[Mr Romanov Saviour of HMFC]

I fecking love Christmas. The act of looking for a gift, buying it and presenting it to a loved one is a genuinely nice process.

 

I honestly wouldn't be bothered if I didn't get one present on Christmas day though. It's more about the having a laugh with family and drinking lethal amounts of alcohol thing for me.

[gadgey55]

Christmas is one of the fondest memories for any 30-somethin person on here. in the early 80's, Christmas was the only time of the year to look forward too! Still is in some ways. I have 4 kids and I spend an equal amount on them. All done and dusted now, so I can look forward to giving the public their xmas, and have 4 days off at the end of it!