Official Christmas Thread

[Heald]

http://www.b3tards.com/u/f94979c65cdf16050eb2/miscsanta.gif


As your benevolent overlords, we have sanctioned that, it being the season of goodwill, we ought to begin discussing what people are doing this yuletide and such.

So, here is the topic to discuss anything and everything about Christmas. Here are some starter topics to get you started off:

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?

2. What's on your wish-list?

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?

Anyway, here goes:

1) I've bought a present for my mother but that's about it. I'll probably just order a bunch of stuff on the internet for cheap for the rest of my family. I also know what I'm getting my girlfriend.

2) To be honest, nothing much really. A few video games, some clothes, some fun stuff. I'm not tempted to ask people to buy me stuff I need, for example, household stuff. Yes, I desperately need some stuff for my house, but it takes the spirit out of the gift. Instead of just asking 'get me something I'll appreciate', it is just like asking 'I can't be bothered to go buy something, go get it for me'.

3) To be honest, kids always view it as a time they get loads of free stuff, so it's always going to be commercial in that aspect. Last year was the first year I actually stopped thinking of Christmas as a present free-for-all. Yes, it's nice to get presents, but I didn't really care if people got me something I wanted or not, I was just happy to be spending Christmas with my family and friends. As for whether political correctness is ruining Christmas, I noticed that my home town had put up not only Christmas lights but also lights for Judaism and Islam. A nice gesture I suppose, although I have no idea what their festivals are (Hannukah for Judaism?). I've yet to hear of any outrageous examples of people being forced to take down Christian decorations, although I'm sure as real news dries up, tabloids will start screaming about schools that banned the nativity and the like. I think there was a story earlier that the Post Office was for the first time issuing non-Christian stamps at Christmas, since previously their Christmas stamps always had some sort of Christian motif, but I think this had little impact. Still, it's nice to keep the Christ in Christmas, even if you don't believe in him or are not of that creed. Yes, I've heard all that crap about how Christians stole the holiday from Romans or Pagans or whatever, but it is still a Christian holiday, and I don't think people should be so blasé about trying to get rid of everything Christian about it just to appease a very loud, very whiney minority.

[Bulbasaur4]

I started christmas shopping last sunday! And let me tell you... CHINA IS AWESOME. It feels amazing to buy seven gifts for people and have it total up to 35 bucks. xD Although I have a *lot* of shopping to do this year and the important people on my list I haven't taken care of yet. (Such as my mother and McNinja)

As for my wish list? Well, I don't really have much of one... or really, I didn't *have* one until my parents forced me to give me a clue. So I asked my father for a football and a WoW gametime card. Then I asked my mother for a Wii game and some cheap concert tickets. I refuse to try to come up with other ideas for my relatives. @_@ It's just hard since I don't need anything and usually if I want games, I just buy them for myself but it doesn't happen all that often. Although I am a bit excited if my mother gets me the concert tickets I want!

I'm most excited to give my gifts to people though. All the gifts I'm getting are unique and have a story behind them, and so telling that story and watching the expression on people's faces when you give them a gift is the greatest feeling in the world. ^_^

[Weasel Overlord]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?
No! I can't really start my crimbo shopping until I get my first wage over the holidays, and do my annual game/shit-I-don't-want-any-more trade-in at CEX.
Plus, I'm getting Vulps a bigass pile of raw cookie dough off cybercandy, so if I buy it now, it'll all go off!!

2. What's on your wish-list?
BOOKS! No seriously, the only thing other than books on my wishlist is a jewellery box and FFIV for the DS. My grandma's getting me the box, and the bf's taking care of the FFIV. Mum asked and she just got a big list of books to choose from, and to spread around the family, lol. Oh, and my step-dad rang to ask if I want a R4 Revolution... to which I was like HELL YES!!
I would like some coffee/hot chocolate from Whittards, cos their stuff is amazing, and I REALLY need some new boots, but hey, that's what christmas money's for (I have a HUGE family ><).

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?
It is if you want it to.I bloody LOVE crimbo. Don't give a shit that it's all "commercialised" or whatever, cos it's what you make it, isn't it? I love the chance to spend time with my family, cos I don't see them all that often during the year, cos like I said, we're a huge extended family. Crimbo is the time where we all meet at an aunt's place and play charades and eat food all day. :)
As for multiculturalism... um, well, I'm not a Christian. And if people want to get into the spirit with their own celebrations, why not! It's not just for Christians, you know. In fact, I'm willing to bet that more atheists celebrate crimbo than actual Christians, lol (don't quote me on that, though XD). And let's face it, the PC brigade ruin everything! They ruin manholes, for chrissakes (personholes, LOL). They're a bunch of tards, and if they want to spend crimbo being big fat humbugs, that's fine by me. ^_^

[Mew Master]

Ahh, Christmas. That special time of year that creeps ever closer to Halloween each following year, and Thanksgiving looses its meaning.

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?

Nope. Still trying to figure out what to get my family. I know what I'm getting my GF's parents, just because I like messing with their heads on a subtle level. I got her parents "Your Inner Fish" by Neil Shuben. Mostly I'm doing this because her dad is a Fundamentalist who I saw was reading a book saying Christianity is being attacted by Secular Humanism (whatever the hell that is), and two of the four "tennants" of secular humanism was Evolution and Athiesim. So yeah, I'm sending him a book about a fish with a wrist.

I'm an evil bastard I know...

2. What's on your wish-list?

Magic the Gathering's From the Vault: Dragons. Some World of Darkness books I don't yet have. Several books and journal subscriptions like Nature and Science (good things, I should really start reading them). Other than that... just to finally be with my family for the Christmas season for the first time in... 6 years (and with my GF for the season, the first time in 5 years)

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?

It's losing it's "spirit" depending on how you define the "spirit" of it in the first place. Since it's a subjective interpretation, here's my take.

It's losing it's spirit to me because I never viewed it as the Birth of Christ, for I don't really think it's appropriate to celebrate the birthday of someone who no one even knew when he was born (if he was born at all, nuther discussion for another topic). I never really accepted the Christian reason for Christmas, and when I was younger I thought Jesus grew up into Santa (Yeah, I laugh at myself for that one too). I'm also of the opinion that without Christianity (or various other religions that celebrate the time of giving gifts), that such a holiday would have come about either way because of human nature.

To me, it should really be more about celebrating the season changes, the Winter Solstice, above any sort of religious conentations or doctrines. I don't have an issue with other people being religious and devout to their religions, but it just seems silly to me. It even makes me a bit mad/frustrated when I hear on my radio Sunday mornings the Christian Hour every Sunday, and just the way they speak, and the way they carry themselves (not stereotyping here, but this is what I hear Sunday Mornings round Christmas) just makes me disgusted.

I was raised viewing Christmas as a time to give to others (which is closer to the original origins of the season), because it felt nice to get stuff, and everyone should get something. Friends, family, loved ones, roomates. Everyone deserves something around this time of year. So, I follow that example mixed with the traditions I grew up with. I still have a tree, I still open gifts on the 25 (not on the 21st like it should be), and I spend the time with those around me (not lately these last years in college), and I call friends and family to wish them the best. I sing any non-Christian oriented carols I can find.

But that's just how I celebrate it (lately though I've been on my own and playing video games till 3 in the morning). The Commercialization and multiculturalism isn't a bad thing, but over-emphasizing both may be a problem. Not for me though *shrug*

[Zak]

A little early are we eh?

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?
Even though I don't do it, I probably will be shopping a lot this year cause I'm gonna be away on vacation in Israel, I might get something for my Christian/Christmas-celebrating friends while I'm there.

2. What's on your wish-list?
Well, since September, tickets to fly there have been on my wish list since a lot of my friends are going there around that time. I had to pull a lot of strings in order to get them but thankfully I'm leaving on the 23rd. So pumped.

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?
I haven't really noticed much of a difference, the whole religious political correct thing has never been an issue, I mean, the holiday season in the states wouldn't be the same without the lights and the windows and the stuff downtown and whatnot, even for those who don't celebrate.
Also it's funny how here Hannukah gets the most attention when it's barely even a major Jewish holiday, it just happens to be around the same time as Christmas and that's why most non-Jews know about it. In Israel, for instance, where our holidays are actually commercialized in the same way that Christmas/Halloween/Easter/Thanksgiving are here, it's all about Passover, LB, and Purim. Hannukah is also a bit, but not nearly as much as certain other holidays. The one thing I can think of that it actually has in common with Christmas besides the time is that it's got the most songs associated with it.

[Houndoom_Lover]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?

Nope, well, yeah. Sorta. I'm making most of my gifts, and so I had to buy the material for some of them! Oh, and very nice paper- so I guess I did do Christmas shopping already! Haha~ *frolics to the next question*

2. What's on your wish-list?

I want a calander- A Lio (this - goes over the o) box comic. I need crash money, I'm so behind on my books. And I dunno, a few games and stuff, the usual. I can't think of anything I'd absolutely need or I'll die. Maybe a Wafful iron.

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?

Naw, happy holidays :D

[Heald]

A little early are we eh?
To me, the beginning of the Christmas season is when I first see the Coca Cola 'Holidays are Coming' advert on TV (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NRzqgmvcBzc). Which is kinda ironic, since I sort of hate the commercialism of Christmas lol.

Some interesting comments so far. I agree Christmas is for everyone, regardless of faith, so I don't think it is right for Christians to force their religion into it or whatever. However, I think it is wrong for people to force others to stop being Christian at Christmas, like if the nativity is banned at a school for fear of offending other faiths (I think this happened in the UK last year). If you're not Christian, fine, but don't try and ruin the holiday for Christians.

[Weasel Overlord]

To me, the beginning of the Christmas season is when I first see the Coca Cola 'Holidays are Coming' advert on TV (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NRzqgmvcBzc). Which is kinda ironic, since I sort of hate the commercialism of Christmas lol.

THAT'S WHAT I MISS ABOUT NOT HAVING A TV AT UNI!! *sobs*

[Heald]

You might think she's joking, but seriously, British television has become so bad that the only good thing on them any more is the ads.

Unless you're a fan of Big Strictly Come X-Factor's Got Talent, Get Me Out Of Here Brother, which makes up about 99% of UK TV anyway.

[MToolen]

1. No, I haven't started Christmas shopping just yet. My parents are going on a cruise next month and *just happened* to need $500 of my money. So I'm stuck without a job and $100 to eat/buy gas/buy presents, so unless I get paid back, it's gonna be a bit of a time crunch there. Not to mention I was gonna use that money to propose, but ah well, c'est la vie.

2. I'm with Kalah here. There's nothing that I really need and what would make my life easier is pretty boring (new euphonium mouthpiece, Arban book, etc.). I thought of maybe getting a guitar pedal but I dunno. It's not that big a deal anyways.

3. I'm sad to see the commercialization (that's right, mine's with a z) of Christmas, but it doesn't affect my traditions. I'll still go to my grandfather's house on Christmas Eve, stay at home in the morning with my family Christmas morning, visit with my church family in the afternoon, and have my mom's side the next day.

One thing I do love about Christmas is the music. No, not the "CHRISTMAS 24/7 YEARGH!" radio stations, but all the different things that pop up at this time of the year. Think Trans-Siberian Orchestra (whom I saw play on Friday), the Brian Setzer Orchestra (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_7AvrTnMpY), those who use the music to celebrate. Others, like the song my choir's doing, "What Sweeter Music," (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be3krLu_zIQ) are just beautiful. The season just wouldn't be what it is without the inspired and inspiring music present.

[Jeff]

A little early are we eh?
Zak, I suggest checking what month it is.:P


Unless you're a fan of Big Strictly Come X-Factor's Got Talent, Get Me Out Of Here Brother, which makes up about 99% of UK TV anyway.
Same here pretty much. Reality is killing TV.


To me, the beginning of the Christmas season is when I first see the Coca Cola 'Holidays are Coming' advert on TV. Which is kinda ironic, since I sort of hate the commercialism of Christmas lol.
They still show that old Coke commercial there? They haven't shown it here in years.

No, haven't done any shopping yet. Thanksgiving weekend is usually when my family starts decorating and exchanging names to get gifts. Since it's been hectic here with my grandfather being in the hospital and all, we only just started decorating, and it's already December!

I never have much on my wishlist, it always drives my mom nuts. I'd like to get the new Animal Crossing, that's one game I'd like to get but don't need right away. Other than that, a new watch since my old one's broke, and maybe a new calculator since I'm still using the old TI-89.

I don't mind commercialization, sometimes it's a good thing. After all, what would Thanksgiving be without the Macy's parade? What would Christmas be without the Santa Coca-Cola bottles? I always find the political correctness reaching new levels of ridiculous every year. In recent years, I've heard people saying "happy holidays" to each other IN CHURCH! And also, this year right after Thanksgiving, someone asked me how my "holiday" was. OK, who in this country would get offended if you mentioned the word "Thanksgiving". Sometimes people just go way overboard.

[Blademaster]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?
Nope.


2. What's on your wish-list?
Any of the 75 video games on the list of games I have yet to try, and a DVD of Cloverfield. That movie ruled.



3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?
If there's a spirit to be found in a holiday that is essentially a stone soup of historical misinformation and random aesthetics tossed in by about 200 different cultures, I really doubt it's in jeopardy.

[Dark Scizor]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?

2. What's on your wish-list?

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?

1. No, I'm at peasant status at the moment. Waiting till the 15-20th Dec to go to London and rush all my Christmas shopping then.

2. Nothing really, I don't mind so much anymore about what I get. I'm a bugger to buy presents for.

3. It brings families together, that's all that matters. As I get older, the family disperses further and further apart. Christmas is the only time where I'll actually see people now. Commercialism is a part of Christmas, and I couldn't give a toss about the PC-brigade, they can suck my left nut.

[Zak]

Zak, I suggest checking what month it is.:P

Yes, the first day of it, and 24 days is still a long time. I'd expect a thread with this title to appear a week or two before, but not this early. I guess considering the subject it'd make sense, but whatever, we already got an explanation.

Also I forgot to mention, my grandmother's birthday is on Christmas so maybe we'll celebrate that instead since I'm gonna be in the same country as her.

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

We Finns own Santa Claus. He lives here. There's this fjeld called Korvatunturi in Lappland and also a city called Rovaniemi has some tourist attractions.

OK, I know he lives in Canada, Russia, Sweden or North Pole.

I have already bought some presents for some of my friends. My relatives live so far away, but if I find something I'll buy some. That leads me to ask, what to do with people who insist that you shouldn't buy any presents to them? It may be just their version of politeness though.

My wish list? I'm not really waiting for anything special, I already bought a laptop last week. Perhaps I'll get some Naruto and Yu-Gi-Oh! mangas that I ordered to a book shop. I'm expecting my mother to make me some new clothes too.

About the commercialism and such, I just comment on the picture you posted, Heald. It truly compresses the commercializing of Christmas and the commercializing of war. Now what did I mean by that.

And some Finnish translations:

Joulurauha = Christmas peace
Jouluraha = Christmas money

[PancaKe]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?

No. I plan to make a list and do it all next week. But in saying that I usually buy people presents and then never give them to them LOL

2. What's on your wish-list?

I guess there's not really much I want. A few books? Some CDs? Someone to wash my car for me? a DS is definetly up there - I really want one. But I dont think soong will get one for me :)

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?

Oh, Christmas will always be about ipods and handbags and what not to everybody non-religious.

[classy_cat18]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?
Yep. Braved the Black Friday crowds for my Secret Santa! *rubs bruise on arm*

2. What's on your wish-list?
A DS Lite, Final Fantasy Tactics A2, Animal Crossing: City Folk, another Wii-mote, The Dark Knight on special edition DVD, more Naruto anime, Cowboy Bebop anime, and gift cards!

...Not that I'll get all that, so I'll just cut it down to the Final Fantasy game and gift cards.

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?
Yeah, not that I'm worried. Besides, Christmas is a pagan holiday (according to Huey from Boondocks).

[Drago]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?
Not at all. Christmas is frankly just another stress I really don't need to be worrying about right now. I'm not looking forward to unloading wads of cash in the name of Christmas shopping. I don't know when I'll start... Perhaps a week before.

2. What's on your wish-list?
Honest to god, I've got nothing. There's nothing out there on the horizon that excites me this holiday season. People keep asking me, and I keep telling them - there's nothing I want for Christmas. About all I can really come up with is just more Titans gear of any sort. Hard for the people of Aus. I just wish people would stop interpreting the fact that I don't want anything as something horribly wrong.

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?
Christmas lost its spirit when I lost my youth. Commercialism has always been part of my Christmas (American advertising is the greatest advertising in the world), I really don't care about how multiculturalism or political-correctness is affecting the Christmases of others (because in any sense, I will celebrate it however I please) - the spirit is just gone in the sense I don't look forward to it anymore.
There's no December hype, no counting down the days, no feeling lucky that I get to experience Christmas. It's an obligation now. Nothing else.

...In case you couldn't tell, I'm in a stressed out mood atm. I must admit, I do still like Christmas decorations; though only because they create fuzzy warm memories of Christmas past.

[Heald]

Here's some funny:

World's Worst Winter Wonderland has Britons seething (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/7760237.stm)

I'd recommend looking at the photos; it is frankly hilarious how bad this place looks, and the fact that they're charging £25 for admission ($37.50) only serves to add to it. Honestly, how could they justify it?

[Bulbasaur4]

Oh those poor consumers... I wouldn't dream of spending so much money on something like that! It looks like those old run down carnivals that they have in those run down towns up north that are barely clinging to tourism.

[Jeff]

That's what I thought too. These people were promised an Aspen-like resort and instead got something along the lines of a town carnival. It's amazing what people try to pull when money gets tight.

[Weasel Overlord]

Oh haha look at the state of that place! There's just that one dog looking miffed in the background, bless it.

My boyfriend's the same as you, Drago! He's all "Christmas is just another day!" They open pressies on Christmas Eve in his house. I was shocked! Shocked. I'm like... well you WILL BE FESTIVE WITH ME mwahaahah.

We had snow this morning! Although it kinda went diagonal with the rain, turned into sleet, stopped, then hailed and then rained some more, so bah. There was a "nice" slush on the way to my seminar just now that nearly made me fall over cos it was so slippy, though. That's like snow, right? Bah, I want snow. Canada should SHARE.

[Mew Master]

Wow... people are gullable.. aren't they?

Classy_cat: YES! Christmas is just a pagan holiday because it was originally the celebration of the Winter Solstice, with exchange of farm equipment and goods from the Fall Harvest. Early Christian Cults decided to celebrate the Birth of Christ on that day and exchange presents (just like was tradition) in order to avoid being killed for their heretic beliefs. Ironic huh?

Bulba4: Well... I thought you were going to say: "It looks like those old run down carnivals that they have in those run down towns in those B Horror Movies." But from what I see, I see two shacks (okay, maybe one shack and an out-house).

[Weasel Overlord]

Wow... people are gullable.. aren't they?

It's not gullibility, it's plain false advertising. All of those people went to the place expecting something that was advertised and then not provided. Not to stick up for crappy British things, of course, but still.

[classy_cat18]

Here's some funny:

World's Worst Winter Wonderland has Britons seething (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/7760237.stm)

I'd recommend looking at the photos; it is frankly hilarious how bad this place looks, and the fact that they're charging £25 for admission ($37.50) only serves to add to it. Honestly, how could they justify it?

That's one sad "wonderland". Kind of makes me angry how the people behind this are trying to justify their actions.

[Jeff]

Looking at it again, some of the stuff is pretty funny. After all, when someone says "nativity scene", that doesn't mean it has to be three dimensional :lol:

[Bulbasaur4]

Wow... people are gullable.. aren't they?

Classy_cat: YES! Christmas is just a pagan holiday because it was originally the celebration of the Winter Solstice, with exchange of farm equipment and goods from the Fall Harvest. Early Christian Cults decided to celebrate the Birth of Christ on that day and exchange presents (just like was tradition) in order to avoid being killed for their heretic beliefs. Ironic huh?




YAY! I did my final religion thesis on the adaptation of Paganism into Christianity. Essentially the Church adapted pagan symbols and placed the celebration of the birth of Christ upon Winter Solstice in a plan to "win" the pagans over and essentially gradually convert them into Christians. They realized that if they took in parts of the pagan religion and just adapted them for Christianity's use, that pagans would have an easier time being converted and then as time progressed, the symbols would be blurred into "Christian" symbols. This tactic wasn't used just for Christmas, but also for Easter, days of worship (SUNday) and other various things. Oh those clever Churchies...


BTW: I officially bought my first uber awesome nerdom present for Ninny! AHAHAHA and even if he reads this, he'll never know what it is. :3 GO CHRISTMAS NINJA!

[Mew Master]

Sneaky Religous ones are sneaky

[Heald]

It has pagan roots, but the Christmas of today is very far removed from the pagan roots. Trying to say the two are the same is like trying to compare America now and America when it was only inhabited by Natives.

[Bulbasaur4]

Well obviously they're not the same. The religions didn't merge, as I said, it was a tactic used to ease them into conversion. It is just fun to know the reason why we have bunnies around easter and trees around Christmas. (Along with many other symbols that cause people to go... Now WHERE did that come from?)

[Heald]

Well obviously they're not the same. The religions didn't merge, as I said, it was a tactic used to ease them into conversion. It is just fun to know the reason why we have bunnies around easter and trees around Christmas. (Along with many other symbols that cause people to go... Now WHERE did that come from?)
Yeah that is true. Still, Christmas trees are awesome, and I love eating rabbit at Easter.

I don't know why you Americans insist on thinking bunnies lay chocolate eggs. That's just stupid.

[Mew Master]

Yeah that is true. Still, Christmas trees are awesome, and I love eating rabbit at Easter.

I don't know why you Americans insist on thinking bunnies lay chocolate eggs. That's just stupid.

Because the other animals only laid eggs that looked like chocolate...

[Lady Vulpix]

Since Heald has asked what Christmas is like here (or at least that's what I've interpreted from his post), here it goes.

People put a fake fir in their dining rooms or halls or some other noticeable place. Thy're usually green, but I've seen some silver ones, some white ones and even a golden one. They decorate it with ornate spheres and colorful twinkling lights, sometimes greeting cards, and occasionally weirder things. And they put a star on top, or something that looks vaguely star-shaped.

Many also set up a mini replica of the barn where Jesus was born, with small figures of his family, sheppards, wise men, sheep, horses... there are many varieties, shapes, colors and sizes.

They also exchange gifts, and children ask Santa Claus (referred to as Papá Noel) for gifts which will be delivered overnight.

And the streets are decorated with lights of different shapes (trees, bells, shooting stars). Sometimes trees are also decorated wth lights, but in most places they just make a cone of lights with a star on it and pretend it's a tree. That's the city government for you.

They have a big dinner on Christmas eve and at Midnight they make a toast, usually with champagne, cider, pineapple fizz or strawberry fizz.

And many light fireworks. And dogs either start barking or cower into a corner.

Of course, I don't do any of that, because I'm Jewish. If you want to know what do, check my thread.

[Heald]

I never actually intended this topic to be about only people who celebrate Christmas, rather, what everyone was doing for the Christmas season, regardless of faith, beliefs or customs. Still, now that LV has another topic up, if you're of another persuasion, feel free to go post in that topic, or this one, or whatever.

[Weasel Overlord]

I can't wait to get home for the holidays, so I can start drinking our family's traditional crimbo booze - cherry vodka! Yum yum!

Does anyone else have a traditional crimbo drink? Or something else that your family does, if it's not filled with semi-alcoholics like mine is, lol.

[Mew Master]

My family has some interesting traditions that don't really seem like much, but I keep them in my heart.

1. The tree is up for three weeks, but not decorated and lit up until Christmas Eve.
2. Gifts are always opened on Christmas Day, never before.
3. Large meal on Christmas Day, usually copy/pasting what we had for Thanksgiving a month earlier (mmmm Pumpkin Pie mmmmm, NOM NOM NOM NOM!).
4. Call relatives and friends, as many as you can.
5. Play games, or chat, but the TV doesn't turn on unless there's a movie day tied in with it.

Even though I've spent the last, five years on my own for Christmas, I know that I can't be that sad or lonely, since my friends and family are always in my heart. Even as the day turns to night, and I have to go back to work the next day.

[Heald]

Our family's tradition:

Go to Church
Come home and open presents
Have Christmas Dinner
Play some games
Get drunk

By the way, getting drunk happens throughout the day, we just dedicate the last part of Christmas Day exclusively to getting hammered.

[Weasel Overlord]

Wow, you go to church before pressies, Heald!? I admire that. I can usually barely wait mum's obligatory coffee+toast time before opening ours.

After pressie opening, we get dressed (yes, very lazy family), have more breakfast and then mosey gently around until it's time for dinner wherever we're going that year. Then we pig out on scrummy crimbo grub (mostly turkey/chicken/MANY roast potatoes = my favourite), drink lots of booze and play charades if we're at my aunt's house.

[Heald]

The rule is if we don't go to church, then Jesus doesn't love us so we don't get presents from him. Logical, I guess.

[Pichu Luver]

Hey lookie, Christmas Topic.

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?

Nuu, but I do know what I’m getting everyone. Well mostly anyway, CT (my sis) yes but my parents are kinda so-so. I plan to go tomorrow, but ‘plan’ and ‘do’ are veeery different. Lol. I usually get it done about a week before though.

2. What's on your wish-list?

Books, mostly Serenity/Firefly related stuff. Then there others things I’d like but don’t need. Laptop for one but this comp is perfectly all right. Any games I can just snitch of CT while she’s busy playing something else. XP

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?

Ehh…somewhat. Not so much commercialism or at least it’s the same as it’s ever been but some of the multiculturalism is a tad annoying. For example the Christmas Tree in Toronto almost got converted to the ‘Holiday Tree’ a few years back. ¬¬''' Yeah…they back-tracked on that when they noticed everyone was miffed, even those of other religions. The employees in malls usually say ‘happy holiday’s’ as well. Recently I don’t remember anyone having a fit over saying ‘Merry Christmas’ or other Christmas related things in the news.

As for the other question,

The Tree is one and I don’t mean getting the nice little one that you stick in your house (not that the ones we get are ever ‘little’ but I get to that later). We have a 25 to 30 foot blue spruce pine tree on our front lawn. The last few years I have had the lovely task of climbing the ladder and putting the star on it. Then my dad and I go round and round putting the line of lights on it. He’s got the stick with a hook on it and I have to make sure it doesn’t get stuck on the branches. It’s great fun, though there is quite a bit of cursing involved. I break branches on the tree trying to get the star on; it gives me an allergic reaction from the needles scratches. Were even. Looks great though, Weasel can attest to it, she’s seen a pic of it.

There the rest of lights too, but that’s not nearly as entertaining.

Then there’s the tree to put in the house. My dad and I (at least the last few years it’s always been us two but we are dragging mom and CT this year) inevitably get one that’s two feet too tall. If we go to chop one down (more curses and much more fun) it is HUGE. The last one was almost five feet wide at the base and we had to take three feet off when we got it home. Barely fit in the netter thing. :D

We decorate the house a week before and the reindeer and sleigh set my dad got for my mom at least fifteen years ago always gets set up. Presents are opened after the parents get up and have their needed tea. Then later some relatives from dad’s side come to dinner and we go to mom’s side on Boxing Day if we couldn’t go on Christmas Eve.

The only alcohol is wine that I don’t usually have much of a taste for with the turkey dinner. Dinner is turkey with stuffing, ham, potatoes… also basically Thanksgiving but with cake tossed in as well.

[Jeff]

We have so many traditions, Christmas is pretty much a process at our house. Every year we always pick eachother's names out of a hat around Thanksgiving, and have to get one present for the person whose name we picked. Sometime during the day on Christmas Eve we all gather by the tree, where we would have already put the wrapped presents for each other. One by one we hide them, then play the hot-cold game until the person finds them, then we all open them.

We go to church in the evening, and after we get back we have the most unusual traditional Christmas Eve dinner: Chinese food. There's a good reason for that, and that's that Chinese food places used to be the only places that served food on Christmas Eve. Of course, now we could probably run through McDonald's, but why go against tradition? After dinner, we all watch a movie and drink hot chocolate, and then after the younger kids are in bed, the rest of us put our parents' presents for us under the tree and in our stockings. After that, my parents open their presents for each other and we all go to bed.

On Christmas morning, when everyone is awake, we cut our stockings off of the railing and take them into our parents' room where we open those presents, then after our parents are out of bed we go to the tree and open those presents. Then we eat breakfast, then sometime in the afternoon we go to our grandparents' house and eat some appetizers (which usually include some great crab dip which is always gone pretty quick). We also open some more presents there, and have dinner, which like most other people apparently is the same as Thanksgiving dinner. Dessert is similar to Thanksgiving dessert, except it involves cookies and no pumpkin pie. After we eat that, we pack up the car and head back home. Then we go crazy playing whatever new games we got until New Year's Eve, when we have some other traditions.

[Katie]

1. No not yet, waiting until finals week bowls me over and I go back home. I have no idea what I'm getting *anyone* so it's going to be interesting.

2. I think this is the first year I don't want something specific and expensive (game system, iPod, TV, whatever). My family's been bugging me so I made a little list to email out. Number one, I want an ax. It has to have a short handle because I'm short and have short arms, and most handles are made for big men. So that'll be interesting to see if anyone can find. I also want a new umbrella, a calendar, and any rocks or minerals I don't already have. Fossils are always accepted as well. After that, I'm a bit at a loss. Maybe itunes or ebay gift cards. I just don't know this year. :/

3. It's been fighting that for years, but I think as long as people are allowed to celebrate as they please it's fine. My family is big on the presents thing, but we also stick together around the house for a couple days straight. Yay family time. I don't care about political correctness, but you can go stuff yourself if you insist "merry Christmas" when I wish you "happy holidays" as your cashier. I personally celebrate thanksgiving, Christmas eve, Christmas, and new years - they're all holidays, jackass.


My ideal Christmas this year will consist of a massive hangover. My 21st is the 24th, and it will be a Christmas miracle if I can gather enough friends who aren't doing the family thing to have a good time. I'm not holding my breath though - maybe I'll hold off 'til New Years.

[Bulbasaur4]

A few traditions of my inner family got messed up a bit when my parents divorced, but on each side of the family there are still a few:

Mom's Side
They make Brandy slushies. There are always Brandy slushies and you better damn well have one!
They draw names- the "adults" or people over thirty draw names for eachother and then the young'ns draw names for each other.
They talk and stay up until they can't talk or happily drink anymore.

Dad's Side
Always eat dinner before opening presents.
We designate someone as "Santa" for that year and they're in charge of searching around the Christmas tree and handing out presents. Santa gives out presents one by one and the family watches every present get opened one by one. That way we spend more quality time and well...it just is really special! It takes a while, but we all appreciate and now we have "half time" for ice cream.
Speaking of ice cream, every year we place a special order to get black licorice ice cream. It sounds nasty, but OMG it is delicious- and I don't even like black licorice.


I go to church too, but I go to the evening service. Every year I alternate which family I spend Eve with and which family I spend day with, so it just depends! Although this year because of my studying abroad, I'll be spending Christmas Eve with my mother in LA. :3 The marina is soooo pretty when all the boats decorate themselves with pretty lights!

[midnightangel]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?
You bet. And finished it too since the family doesn't want too much this year.
Go Me :D
I will be going over to my mom's house for a little get-together and dessert before the "Big Day" which is pretty much the same thing we do most years since my brother usually goes away for the holidays with his wife. I'll probably be working the holiday myself which bites.

2. What's on your wish-list?
If I told you I'd have to.....kidding :P
I really don't know what I want. I can always count on my brother with something cute and my mom gives me cash to do my own shopping

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?
It is what it is. If people want to celebrate the season with alot of fanfare, or quietly, then it's fine with me.

And if someone says "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" to me I nod in acknowledgment or say something like "You too" or "The same to you." though I prefer the latter term than the former term. *nods*

I put up a small tree again this year, and closer to the end of the holiday I have my quiet celebration. Last year, I spent the time on the beach until the sun rose, and it was a breathtaking experience.

[Weasel Overlord]

I've never been to church at Christmas. My mum always says we'll go to Midnight Mass and then we never do, lol. Generally too drunk. Christmas Eve is a big thing in our house, for some reason. We get tons of the family and friends round and drink cherry vodka until about 1am, it's great.

Our next door neighbour dresses as Santa for schools I think it is, and he's taken to coming round to entertain my brother (who's gonna be 4 the day after Boxing Day :)) and the other younger kids. That's always amusing.

Kalah, we do the same thing as your dad's side do! We watch every single present being opened, heh. Take it in turns too, generally. Although we let my brother get on with it, cos he gets a ridiculous amount of stuff. That's what you get having a gigantic family, I guess. Lots of crap, heh.

Ooh yes, I also decorate the dogs... tinsel on the collars! Aah they look so cute. XD And last year we put a hat on Lewis (one of the dogs), which was hilarious. He wasn't best pleased. :D

[PancaKe]

Kalah, we do the same thing as your dad's side do! We watch every single present being opened, heh. Take it in turns too, generally. Although we let my brother get on with it, cos he gets a ridiculous amount of stuff. That's what you get having a gigantic family, I guess. Lots of crap, heh.

I thought everyone did that. At every family thing, dads or mums side, we each take a turn to open the present and so everyone can see what we got :)

I always go to chruch on Christmas day. We used to go Catholic mass on christmas eve; but that's boring so I make my mum go to my church now on Christmas day. They always do a really funny kids talk, and then we get these "international guests" via satelite link to talk to us - but they're really just my minister dressed up in different costumes. I really admire his efforts! :D

[Jeff]

When me and the other children in my family open presents, we just do it all at once, with 5 of us, it would be pretty hard to take turns. My parents do take turns the night before, when they open their presents. My dad likes to feel and shake the presents to try and guess what it is, and my mom always yells at him for it.

[Bulbasaur4]

Yeah, on my Mom's side we don't take turns. People just pass out presents and everyone digs in. I like waiting for everyone to open theirs like on my father's side. :3 It's like dragging out Christmas to make it longer.. ! Hah!

OHHHh and I'm happy! Yesturday I went to a cafe here to use the internet, and they had Jazzy Christmas music playing with Christmas decorations on the walls! The best part is, that they had little snippets of paper pinned to the decorations to explain what they were for in chinese, for the chinese people. xD It was fantastic and the hot chocolate they made was AWESOME. :3 And the grilled cheese and ham sandwich... because it was the first time the ham was actually ham and the cheese actually tasted like cheese. :3

Although, the Pizza Hut around here does Christmas decorations too... but creepily so. There are Santa faces EVERYWHERE. "He sees you when you're sleeping..." Definately come to mind here.

[classy_cat18]

My family prays before opening gifts, and we open them together. Then we get dressed and go to church for Christmas service (which is barely longer than an hour). In the afternoon, we go to our grandparents' house to spend time with my large extended family. About thirty people at one time and it's still just a fraction of it! We draw names at Thanksgiving for a Secret Santa thing we do on Christmas.

[Asilynne]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?
No, Im usually broke like all the time and plus Im not sure what to get everyone yet. Also Id rather not be trampled to death by a mad rush lol

2. What's on your wish-list?
Peace of mind....>.> seriously the year 2008 was a very shitty one for me and I just cant wait for it to be over. I want to be able to go to sleep at night not having to worry about anything major for once. So If someone could give me that for christmas that would be awesome lol. Other than that I would like rock band 2 but I prob wont get it because I dont even have an xbox 360 xD
3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?
When people die or babies get miscarried because people care more about sales than stopping their mad rush so that someone can get medical attention Id have to say yes >.> Also it pisses me off that I cant say merry christmas anymore without people being like BUT WHAT ABOUT Hannukah OR KWANZAA YOU MUST BE RACIST OR ANTI SEMATIC (I cant spell btw) Its like hey calm your ass down, I say merry christmas, you can say whatever you want, if you tell me happy Hannukah or kwanzaa Im not going to shit a brick over it so why should you? Also, I hate how on TV or in ads people can say Happy Hannukah from fox or happy kwanzaa from coca cola or some shit but yet they NEVER say Merry Christmas, its always happy holidays. If your going to block out any sign of a particular religion/cultures holiday reference do it to everyone, otherwise its prejudice. And Idc what people say just because something is the majority doesnt mean suppressing it isnt prejudice, because it is. Im not going to get all psycho and say that only christmas things should be on tv or in ads, because I actually believe in Hannukah too, I dont particularly celebrate it because its not how I was raised but I believe it happened and that it deserves celebration (kwanzaa on the other hand was an invention from a newspaper reporter in the 1950s so Im not buying it >.>). Anyway, in conclusion, I really dont like political correctness in any form least of all during the holidays. The whole point of the holidays is to help out our fellow man, reguardless if they celebrate the same things, so really everyone should stop bitching and decorate as they see fit. And if a school wants to put up a nativity scene, rather than bitch about it and get it taken down, put something from your religion up there. I dont think religion should be taken out of school because if that were so no one could practice their religion in school, not christians, jews, islams, muslims, hindu, etc, and if no one can celebrate their religion in school thats just teaching kids the opposite of what people want. Its teaching them not to embrace diversity because if something is different from something else its banned. And if you dont like any religion, then hating someone for practicing it in ways that dont harm you isnt embracing diversity either lol




ANYWAY!!! enough about that bs x.x What I always did growing up was we drew lots between us kids and each of us got a sib to buy stuff for. We d put those presents under the tree after they were wrapped so that people like me could shake them and be tempted for however many days til christmas lol then on christmas eve we were allowed to open 1 present. Since I was the oldest and I found out about santa first I made it easier for my parents to play santa at night by having all my bros and sisters sleep in my room like a campout thing and we told stories til we got tired and fell asleep. Then me and my sis would always be too excited and wake up at diff times during the night to check the stockings, because once they were full wed go look at the tree and all the stuff under it using the light from the treelights to see XD it was so magical to look at all the goodies at night when were supposed to be asleep :D then after we saw that "santa" came, wed go back to bed til morning.
In the morning after our pops was awake wed all go down and choose someone to play santa and give out gifts to everyone, but then wed get too impatient and look for our own, and everytime we got something we went LOOK DAD LOOK A -insert name here-, after all the presents were open wed have breakfast and then open the stockings. We have a tradition every christmas everyone gets a dvd in their stocking and after the stockings were done wed play with our shit and watch one of the movies we got XD Then wed have a big christmas dinner around 3 thats pretty much like thanksgiving. Now that Im all grown up and moved out its pretty much the same cept I go over on christmas day insteand of sleep there. Oh and because of the present wrapping and all the decorating we do, the smell of clear scotch tape reminds me of christmas lol

[Jeff]

We've never had to look for our presents under the tree. Ever since I was little, everyone had their own section. Even when it was just me and my sister, my presents would be on one side and her's would be on the other. Now with 5 of us, it makes things much easier.

[Heald]

With less than a week to go, I'd imagine most of you are either Christmas shopping or thinking about it. What have you bought so far, and what do you still need to get?

I have quite a large family so I still have a lot to do. At the moment, I only have gifts for my mother and girlfriend, although I have sent presents to my sister and her family who live too far away to visit on Christmas via internet-shopping.

I still need to get presents for two of my brothers and their families, and one of my brothers is a hippy who wants me to donate something to charity. That little pussy. So, I'm probably going to be buying some poverty-stricken Bangladeshi family a goat or something.

Also, my sister-in-law who is cooking Christmas dinner this year is cooking beef instead of the traditional turkey this year. What the hell? This is the only time of year I get to eat roast turkey! Man I'm pissed off.

[Mew Master]

Mmmmm Goat. Don't knock it till ya tried it.

As for Gifts. Nope. haven't bought a thing. Well, save for maybe something (surprisingly) for my GF's father. See, he's a dick. No no no, he is a dick. I was informed this last break that he thinks I'm a closed-minded indivicual (because I'm not Christian surprise surprise). And I Know he doesn't like me, and I have the same resentment towards him. Not because he is Christian mind you, I'm not that much of a bigot. It's because the way he treats his family, my GF, his wife. It pisses me right off.

He's also a staunt Christian who was reading the New Testiment and has quotes from the bible plastered allover the house. The Front door, the bathroom, the living room. I think he's trying too hard to impose his views on the rest of the family. So! What does every conservative Christian despise?

That's right. Evolution and common descent.

So what did I get him? I got him Your Inner Fish: The 3.5 Billion Year History of the Human Body by Neil Shuben. Oh, and did I neglect to mention that he's a Respiratory Therapist? So yeah, I'm getting the book for him as a subtle "I don't like you either, but at least have the decency to say it to my face and explain yourself" kinda thing.

For the rest of her family.. I don't know. Probably a record keeper or something for Crystal, since she's on her own. I already got her mother an Organizer a few Christmases back so she's in the dark. Audra just might get a gift card for some books. For Sarah... I don't know yet. Everytime I remember what I want to get her, and tell myself "Don't forget this! This is important!" It leaves my memory and I can't remember what I was going to get her. Travis.... is an interesting case. He's changed so much since the family moved five years back, that I don't know WHAT he likes anymore.

My parents are another story. My mother.. has the worst habit... of never telling us what she wants for Christmas OR her birthday. So with her it's like a crap-shoot in the dark (then again, so am I... because I never think of what I want till last minute). My step-dad, however, is slightly easier to figure out. He enjoys reading, so I'm thinkin' if I could get something he'd be interested in (more like the Mountain Men series or some Tom Clancy stuff).

[Dark Sage]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?

Actually, I finished it two days ago. And I started it on the week after Thanksgiving. I like to get it done with early.

What's on your wish-list?

Economic recovery for this country, peace between the countries that are at war, and a little understanding for everyone. Oh, and I wouldn't mind a Wii.

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?

Some people say it was lost a long time ago. I don't agree. People say that NYC isn't a very friendly place, but if you actually lived here, you'd see that the Christmas spirit is alive and well. I go on the subway, and people will still give their seats to someone who's old or injured, and people are still nice enough to hold the door for you. I see the Salvation Army asking for donations, and they still get them. No matter how much Christmas is commercialized, I still think that some folks still remember what it should stand for.

[Asilynne]

I wish I could see some of that christmas kindness -.- I owe money, and even though Ive been paying it off every month, the damn bastards decided they wanted to try and milk me for more so they took me to court again a week before christmas, made me miss my last college class of the semester too >.< I really need some christmas spirit, I feel like Bob Kratchet lol

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

I have been to several "pikkujoulut" already. Pikkujoulu is directly translated "little Christmas" and it's a celebration that a community, your workplace, for instance, arranges. There is often Santa Claus giving some presents beforehand. I envied the Santa in one pikkujoulu because this girl l have a crush on sat on his knee for a long time. I should have yelled "I want to be Santa Claus next year!".

Speaking of negative feelings, perhaps this should be in the Non-Christmas thread but one bad thing about Christmas is that negative memories and loneliness come to your mind if you think too much of things. Not every Christmas is a happy one.

[Asilynne]

Awww dont worry Mikachu just get her a lil gift or something :> lol

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

The problem is, we have already discussed the subject of me having a crush on her and she said I should think it over again. And she was wearing so beautiful clothes in the pikkujoulu. I said I couldn't help looking at her there, and she said she felt difficult when I say things like that. Now I don't even dare to open my mouth to her.

And yes, I know this thread isn't 'Help Mikachu Yukitatsu to get a girlfriend'.

[Andrew]

1. Have you started Christmas Shopping yet?

- I have a ton of debts (Short term) after moving and going on my month long trip. So coming home to 2gs worth of bills is sad. I am going Christmas shopping after... Christmas. At this point, apart from a few friends, and my mum and sis, no one else is getting anything.

2. What's on your wish-list?
- Cologne. I love smelling nice. Or a man. OR a sexy man WITH a gift of cologne for me.

3. Is Christmas losing its spirit to crass commercialism or multiculturalism and the political-correctness brigade?
-I don't remember a time when Christmas wasn't commercial.

[MToolen]

It took until Christmas Eve, but I believe I'm done shopping. My girlfriend won't get on here so I feel safe telling you guys this. We've been dating for what seems like forever (5 years in March; started in 8th grade) and she's been pestering me about getting engaged. A few months ago, I was a bit strapped for cash, so I told her blatantly that I wouldn't be giving her a ring for Christmas. Now, about a month ago, my parents gave me back some money they had borrowed. In the course of the past week, I've asked her parents' permission, bought the ring, and formulated the plan.

After we get back from a dinner tonight, I'll say I need to go to church to get something. You should know that we met at church, started dating there, even had our first kiss (among other things) there; also, it's across the street from my house. Her brother will have placed the ring and some flowers under a Christmas tree that will be lit on the platform. I'll mutter that someone must have left the tree on and just happen to notice something under the tree.

So yeah, TPM. Should it all go according to plan, I'm getting engaged tonight!

[Heald]

It took until Christmas Eve, but I believe I'm done shopping. My girlfriend won't get on here so I feel safe telling you guys this. We've been dating for what seems like forever (5 years in March; started in 8th grade) and she's been pestering me about getting engaged. A few months ago, I was a bit strapped for cash, so I told her blatantly that I wouldn't be giving her a ring for Christmas. Now, about a month ago, my parents gave me back some money they had borrowed. In the course of the past week, I've asked her parents' permission, bought the ring, and formulated the plan.

After we get back from a dinner tonight, I'll say I need to go to church to get something. You should know that we met at church, started dating there, even had our first kiss (among other things) there; also, it's across the street from my house. Her brother will have placed the ring and some flowers under a Christmas tree that will be lit on the platform. I'll mutter that someone must have left the tree on and just happen to notice something under the tree.

So yeah, TPM. Should it all go according to plan, I'm getting engaged tonight!
Good luck man! Hope the plan goes ok!

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

Hm, Christmas is the time of love.

Some Christmas magic here at TPM is also that Crazy Elf Boy returned. I see him brandishing a huge sword, saving TPM as we know it. Seriously.

Merry Christmas TPM, I've already got my presents here in Finland. Mostly clothes and fabric from my mother.

[Jeff]

I'm getting ready to go to church right now. My sister's fiancé should be here soon. (As a side note, I now believe that God made me a Pokémon fan so that I can type an accented e :P) He'll be spending Christmas with us, I just hope he knows what he's getting himself into. With the five of us, Christmas gets pretty crazy.

We opened the gifts we bought for each other today. I got The Dark Knight from my brother. My other brother got the new Mummy movie, which we'll be watching after dinner tonight. Then after dinner, it's off to bed to open our presents in the morning. I'll be sure to be back with a full report when the time comes.:P

[Asilynne]

Im about to go over my dads house and spend the night over there tonight so Im already there early christmas morning XD Itll be just like old times, except now we all know that santa isnt real XD dont wanna be the one to scar some kid so we ll all probably going to stay up late tonight playing games and laughing at stupid shit :>
Merry christmas all :D

[DarkestLight]

Right before the big day.

Started? No. I don't buy gifts unless absolutely necessary. I usually get a bunch of free things in the mail that other people want, so I wrap it and give it to them! Simple as that.

Weird, I just got another copy of Cloverfield, LOL. Sorry Blade

Wish-list
Yeah, I kinda want all the new Sonic Games. Another DS would be nice so I can trade with myself with no aggravation whatsoever.Uhh that's really all, sides some work shirts and khaki's. Go fig :/

Oh lie (here we go, lol) Black Timberlands. I need a pair:D

Comercial?:

DS said it best. Live in the same place. Its still here. Yeah Black Friday was crazy (nowhere near as crazy as 1998, that was a fun year) but ehh, at the end, the Economy sucks, people are still buying stuff, its all the same to me.

Dun really have Christmas celebrations, I know my mom's side cooks food but its nothing like Thanksgiving. Basically, Ima wake up, scratch my balls and then play Wii ALL. DAY!

[Mew Master]

5 years? That's nothing. Sarah and I have been dating for the last 8 (8 years in March)

[MToolen]

SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES!

[Little_Pikachu]

SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES!

I should hope so since she was the one who's been pestering you about getting engaged o_O

Just wanna say merry Christmas to you all and I hope you all have a great day even if you don't celebrate Christmas!

[PancaKe]

SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES!

YAY OMG YAY HAPPY CHRISTMAS and woooo. Post pics. I demand pics.

:D so yeah I'm very excited for you.

and seeing as it's christmas day in Australia already; merry Christmas!!! :D

[Ghost]

SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES!

Pics or it didn't happen.

Lol, just kidding, Congratulations though man. I bet it's a great feeling, i wouldn't know because I'm only 16 ><

Regardless, merry christmas to all! (Or hannakuh/kwanza if you celebrate that instead)

[Crazy Elf Boy]

Merry Christmas everyone, this year was too bad and as Mikachu said as a special chirstmas gift to everyone on TPM I have returned to spread my own classic sarcastic comedy that fills hearts with joy and laughter.

[Jeff]

Christmas Eve is over in my house. The presents are under the tree and I'm in my Christmas pajamas. So before I call it a night tonight I just thought I'd pop in and say:

Merry Christmas to all, and to all (depending on what part of the world you live in) a good night!

[Heald]

Merry Christmas.

That is all.

[Bulbasaur4]

5 years? That's nothing. Sarah and I have been dating for the last 8 (8 years in March)


Doesn't matter how long a person has been dating another. All that matters are the feelings in that relationship, as all things are of different strengths and some do not need time to grow. ^_~

Sorry, just hate it when people compare how long they've been dating. I find it bothersome. ^^;


ANYWAY....


MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I get to go fly on Christmas Day now. lol

[Ultimate Charizard]

Ok since its Crimbo morning here its time for Present Lists :D so we can all see who are the spoiled kids (shh, i know im 25!)

Soooo.....

Dark Night, Hancock,(...WHERES IRONMAN?!!) Diesel Cologne box set, FCUK Urban smelly set, Lynx Smelly set, Gillete Fusion Power Stealth (cheesy but awesome name:D) Shaving box set, Socks (as always), 2 Shirts and £75 in cash :)

Oh yeah and a Big Ass bottle of Jack. Woot!

[Blademaster]

Don't worry about it, Darkly - I got the DVD, too. As well as Fallout 3 for the Xbox360.

You know... I only got two gifts, and this year we had no tree, lights, decorations, stockings, or snow...

But, for whatever reason... I honestly don't mind... I think it's because since I came here today, I've been seeing all you guys happy.

Heald is probably drunk off his ass.

Shazza has a new puppy.

MToolen has a new WIFE.

A shitload of new Fanfics and ASB-er's have come to light.

And I have a special little something prepared for a member here later, another of whom is doing the same for me.


Guess it goes to show you... Commercial or not, the Spirit of Christmas is still VERY alive.

Merry Christmas, my friends.

[shazza]

I've had the puppy since November 2007.

My Christmas was shit. My father has lost the spirit this year so there was no tree and I got no presents from him OR any of my friends. We didn't do anything family orientated like usual and I had the worst hangover ever.

Merry Christmas. :(

[Jeff]

Some clothes, including some much-needed jeans and a new coat, National Treasure 2, Indiana Jones (the new one), Animal Crossing: City Folk, Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, and other stuff.

Of course, we also got the gift of spending this year with the newest member of our family: our future brother-in-law, or as I like to call him, our brother from another mother.

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

I should have pointed this out earlier, it's already 6:17 AM (!) here in Finland and the 26th of December. But I just want to show you this "mobiilikuusi" (literally mobile spruce) here in Ylivieska, my current hometown. They say it's the biggest Christmas tree in the world, I wonder if they are right.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z83/Mikayuta/Kuva001-1-1.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z83/Mikayuta/Kuva002-1-1.jpg

[Greyfox]

My parents treated me nicely this year, as they always do. They couldn't find a lot on the list that I gave 'em, but what they did get exeeded my wants greatly.

: Lego Star Wars (Wii -- the only game I actually got).
: The Office, seasons 1 - 4 (last year they gave me the entire series of Arrested Development, which was also great).
: Two hats -- one fedora, one jockey's.
: Remote-controlled dragonfly (I wasn't even aware someone made this thing, but it looks strangely fun and it brings out the child in me).
: Box of colognes and candles (They really must want me to bring them a girlfriend).
: And the usual socks and calender and whatnot. Trivial.

My parents are pretty awesome.

[Asilynne]

I got a bunch of stuff from victoria secret from my sis, the sims2 apt living from my bro, penguin pajama pants from my other bro, a new car battery from my other sis, and an angel christmas ornament from my mom. :D
Rudy has yet to get me something >.>

[mr_pikachu]

SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES SHE SAID YES!

Congrats, dude!

I'd say the "Best Christmas Gift" award goes to MToolen, hands down. How are video games supposed to compete with a fiancee? :sweat3:

Again, congratulations to you, MToolen. Merry Christmas, everyone!

[Blademaster]

Mikachu...

Is that thing a TREE or the frigging Pyramid of Light!? >o>

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

You're right, technically, it is a pyramid. Not a Christmas tree. But they call that thing a Christmas tree for some odd reason. It's named Mobile Spruce because you can change the colors with a cell phone and spruce is a traditional Christmas tree here.

Some might say it ruins the scenery, others are amazed by its height.

[Starry Might]

*POPS IN*

Merry (belated) Christmas, everyone! ^_^

Anyhow, here's what I got (most of them I got before Christmas, but count as gifts):

* Money

* R.O.B. (yes, that one NES peripheral!) (because I like to use him in "Super Smash Bros. Brawl")

* "Animal Crossing: City Folk"

* A new bed

* A Pokemon poster

* Clothes and a new pair of boots

That's all I can think of right now.