Official Christmas Thread

[Heald]

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

[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. 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. 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, those who use the music to celebrate. Others, like the song my choir's doing, "What Sweeter Music," 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.

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.

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

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

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

[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.

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.