How do you feel about Christmas? Love it? Hate it?

steff11

AS TIME GOES ON CHRISTMAS GETS EAISER. I USED TO DRED IT AFTER LOSING MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY. YES, I DO BELIEVE ITS LOST A LOT OF MEANING TO ALOT OF PEOPLE. I GUESS ITS JUST HOW YOUR RAISED AND YOUR BELIEFS

december

love great family time

frannymanny

Love Christmas. It is family time. I also love the religious and traditional aspects of Advent and Christmas.

jen32

hate it

Mandy

I believe in the magic of Christmas and how it can bring family and friends together but It comes and goes so quickly and the spirit of Christmas is lost by all the material things. In saying that I love Christmas especially when little ones are around to provide excitement and a sense of innocence.

chickenman

Christmas has lost its true meaning. it is now more a commercial venture into debt than what the event really means. having said that , though, it is still a time to celebrate life, freedom and love with other humans.

lonestar

It is fantastic to be in festive mood. I don't like to make special upgrades or spend money rather just look back and look forward for the next year.

Anonymous

I love Christmas and strive every year to make the mystery, joy and celebration stay alive in my children and all my nieces and nephews.
It is a time for family friends and timeout to just be together. Nothing beats it.

blondie72

I dread it! Christmas is the absolute worst time of year. It's all commercial BS and is just a time when the lonely, poor or less fortunate in life are made to feel even more less fortunate. If people really wanted to make Christmas special perhaps they could forget about spending loads of dollars on rubbish and spend that money on helping the sick, the dying children, medical research or something else of REAL value in life.....Christmas to me is a nightmare time of year also for road deaths, crime ...the crime is spiked because the desperate feel the need to give their kids everything too just to keep up with the other kids and the Jone's.....such a waste.

The ONLY real winners at Christmas are the retailers and credit card companies. Bahhhhumbuggg

Luca

I wouldn't go as far as saying I hate it. I would go as far as saying I dislike it. A couple reasons...1. I don't like the build up of it. Having European parents, they love cooking. My mum always cooks to much for Christmas and all these little desserts and that doesn't sound bad but when you put the fact she's a total stress head about everything, It doesn't make the build up of Christmas fun. I really don't enjoy putting the tree up either. 2. It's not directly with Christmas but my brothers birthday is on New Years Day and the whole European tradition kicks in again and my mum wants a family dinner though my other brother always wants to go to a festival that is held on New Years Day and this also causes a massive stir in my house. It's a non stop argument in my house for 31days straight basically and it is not fun!

Angieg

When my son was young and my marriage was intact, I made a huge fuss with anything to do with Christmas. Now with the family being split, it is difficult. Also, I find that Christmas is all about the shops making money.

Angieg

When my son was young and my marriage was intact, I made a huge fuss with anything to do with Christmas. Now with the family being split, it is difficult. Also, I find that Christmas is all about the shops making money.

Deb61

The main thing I love about Christmas is that the family all come together and it just brings a completely different atmosphere about it. I think the true meaning of Christmas has become a bit lost, but also it adds something to look towards and people seem to share that spirit with each other.

Anonymous

I love the spirit Christmas brings to people, but I dislike the idea of presents, I don't need a certain day to buy the people I love a present.

Sheree

I love Christmas. Every year, it is a great thing to look foward to.

Jotus

Love Christmas - sadly just my husband and I here. My family is all in the US and his family has disowned him and won't come round. We make the best of it, invite friends over if they want for dinner and celebrate with classic Christmas music while we decorate and spoil ourselves and the pets.

angry mum

Hate Christmas every year cause there's always someone in the family whose not talking and it makes it very hard to get everyone together. My parents now say, if we aren't all together then forget it which just ruins it for those that do want to spend Christmas Day together.

Shane54

Love xmas but now my kids are older its just not the same, still have all the trimmings but it just doesn't seem the same

Anonymous

Christmas has definately lost its meaning, and has simply become a time of year when most of the community see it as 'holiday' time.
To me it does not have a special place in my heart

bettythrelfo

Each year it seems to get worse as far as cost,so I am going to more or less give up this year... I still have the old old xmas tree and probably will put it up f I can find any decorations and havent given them all away, which I have a habbit of doing.... I am now beginning to think that the whole thing is getting out of hand, as I am also at a loss to know what to buy that they do not already have, so for me this year, maybe just a few scratchies in an envelope, at least that helps lotto raise money...

chickenman

Christmas has most definitely lost its meaning. it is now a commercial festivity.

jessie45

I love putting up my Christmas lights at Christmas , I normally put them up 1 or 2weeks before Christmas and leave them up until after news eve.Christmas is all about getting together with family and enjoying the festive season. I also like listening to Christmas carols as well. So no Christmas hasn't lost its meaning to me.

Skylark

As a atheist, it means less than nothing to me. I went for years ignoring it.

Alas, no more. I get dragged to the inlaws for a wasted day.

super88

I dread the lead up to Christmas.
It's only one day, but I don't feel relaxed until Christmas day is behind me.

s

I look forward to seeing some of my grandchildren open their presents.
I also receive pictures of my other grandchildren's Christmas gifts and tree on Christmas day.
That is the great love of Christmas and also seeing some family members on Christmas day.

mroutdoorsy

i love christmas especially being with the family and eating nice food. im not fussed if we cant afford gifts but its nice to have them. you only get so many christmases before life ends so I like to enjoy every one I can

mroutdoorsy

i love christmas especially being with the family and eating nice food. im not fussed if we cant afford gifts but its nice to have them. you only get so many christmases before life ends so I like to enjoy every one I can

Rocketdog

We love our Christmas time sharing a few warm, loving and caring days together celebrating this special time of year with family and friends. The excitement of giving and receiving presents and watching the faces of children enjoying ripping open the christmas wrapping paper. Trimming the tree and the display of colour and the warmth of the home at this time of year is quite uplifting.

jan99

I love Christmas! It touches the child in me every year. I still marvel at all the Christmas trees in shopping centres and the decorated houses in the suburbs. I also hold it dear to my heart as the birth celebration for Jesus Christ, our saviour.

Anonymous

Christmas is a great time it gives you the chance to reinforce the bond with your family and wherever possible all the family can get together. Unfortunately it has become just another break in the working life for most people and an added cost with the purchase of presents that in todays world of materialism are only appreciated for a short time then put away and forgotten.

Ellie

I love Christmas! Coming from a large family it is the one time where everybody makes an effort to catch up and reunite :) The spirit around Christmas time I wish lasted through the entire year.

marybell

I don't celebrate christmas..yes I do remember the birth of jesus as stated in the bible but today christmas is so demanding of all the things families must do is that what god would want..? no I don't think so we remember christs death more that his birth as that for me has sacred value for humankind..

Aliyaraya

I love Christmas because it is a good time for the family to get together and spend time together. Love giving presents and seeing the look on my kids faces when they get something they wanted and weren't expecting it.

Anonymous

Im neither here or there when it comes to Christmas so yeh i suppose i do feel as though its lost the spirit.

Karsh

I love Christmas, it is a time to reflect on your faith, renew your friendship with Christ & most of all rejoice with family & friends. I know a lot of it is materialistic but it is what you make of it. I also know that there are a lot of people who for one reason or another cannot celebrate it & my heart goes out to them but in our area we have organisations that do the best they can for these people & I applaud that.

Anonymous

I believe. Christmas has a different meaning to all families and religions, for e.g Christians prefer to celebrate by going to mass and praying to jesus, and that is perfectly ok. Whereas my family chooses to have a nice lunch or dinner and catch up on the year. Some families don't celebrate Christmas and that is also perfectly ok. I think celebrations at Christmas definitely depend on your and your families chracters and religious virtues...

PROBIN

Quite Frankly Christmas is a pagan festival dedicated to the boozy Roman "Saturna" festival of eating, drinking and merry making - nothing has changed. Of course, a real Christian would give a gift to someone they do not know as an act of Charity. Rarely done !
In the meantime it is just another commercial buying spree - so buy after 25 December and get the bargins.
That is it for Christmas Day.
Merry Christmas.

Anonymous

I love Christmas, I just think it's sad that so many ignore the real reason for the season. It's a celebration of God's great love for us, His children, signified by the gift of His Son Jesus Christ. If you remove them from the celebration, what's to celebrate? Of course it becomes meaningless, and then so many try to get the wonderful feeling by going to greater and greater excess in gifts, toys, food, drinking, and wonder why this doesn't work. I love feeling the real Christmas feeling all year, heightened at Christmas time by finding extra ways to do things for others - that's where the real joy comes from!

Anonymous

I absolutely adore Christmas. I think it's the most fantastic time of year. I went into Cardiff town about a week ago, and there's a great feeling down here, even though Wales is a very poor country at the moment.

Kuro

i love christmas, because it special to me...but i also hate it, cause a lot of shopis close on that day...

Anonymous

I love Christmas & all that it embodies, as it's a perfect time for all of my family to spend time together. I love putting up the Christmas tree as my cats love playing with the tinsel & baubels. I love watching the grand children unwrapping there presents. I also love the fact that Jesus was born on that day.

Richelle

Christmas is a time to bring family together near and far. To share food, conversations and love regardless of what the year has brought. Over time, the symbol of Christmas has been hijacked by material gifts of giving instead of simpler things. Gone are the days of a christmas card sent via the post; it is now an e-card automatically created just in time for you to receive it before Christmas Day. Before a plate with your favourite disney princess was enough. Nowadays you need the spoon, fork, knife, cup, saucer, placemat and above all else, the dress to which you need to wear to the tea party you will be setting up. What has happened in the world full of simplicity...technology and the media has turned it into a rush for "keeping up with the Joneses". Bring back simple Christmas before our future generations forgets what it really means to be home for Christmas.

sherie

I love Christmas the few months leading up to Christmas our house begins to light up the joy from people coming to view them and interact with them is immense .. Christmas is a time for bringing everyone and everything together embracing what should be true to all our hearts family happiness and belonging love laughter and of course food :)

PROBIN

Christmas is actually about giving gifts - originally food and fuel - to those who simply had less. Today's Christmas is simply too commercial and I am glad when it is gone. Not at all Christian.

chickenman

Christmas has lost its true meaning and is grossly over-commercialized.

jennywho

I think Christmas has lost a lot of enthusiasm as they start advertising and merchandising to early and by the time it gets here we are over it. I think it is still exciting if you have young children or grandchildren.

AnneGirl

Although I am a Christian and as such Christmas means a lot to me, we don't know for sure when Jesus was born. Having a definite date to celebrate each year is important to celebrate. Christmas has lost the Christian meaning of celebrating God's gift to mankind of Jesus, Saviour of the World. I think even St. Nicholas, who is said to be the forerunner for the figure of Father Christmas, Santa Claus, St. Nick etc. would be horrified at all the commercialism around the event in the twenty-first century.

Anonymous

Christmas i believe is about love and hope..if your family isnt there its ok because you can be strong and move forward with yourself because you can never move forward if you arent posotive about whst ever situation you are in :)

MummaBee

I am a huge Christmas enthusiast. I grew up in a family where we all went to my great nans for Christmas morning to open presents. There was always a huge tree with the train track going around it and presents everywhere. The whole house was decorated, we could have been in Santa's house itself. I do believe Christmas has meaning behind it and i think a lot of people have lost sight of that. Christmas is about family, love, giving and sharing. Making memories and reliving old ones. Its about everyone putting differences aside and coming together in the spirit of Christmas.

Anonymous

I love Christmas. It is a time to appreciate the family and friends that you have. The gift giving is just showing that appreciation for them. I believe that Christmas does have a much deeper meaning though. It is celebrating the birth of our Saviour. Christmas is a time to reflect on ourselves and how we can better help others around us. It is also a time we can plan on how to keep that grateful spirit through the rest of the year.

Kimmie66

I feel people are so caught up with the materialistic side of Christmas and focus more on presence than presents.

Anonymous

I look forward to christmas because of my grandchildren. If it weren't for them, it ours b a very sad time. ' I am part of a 'blended' family so spreading evenly around everyone can become difficult. I miss the christmas' we used to have as a 'real' family. If I was to choose my favourite part of Christmas it would b the carols, old and new. My least favourite part is the commercialisation and how easy it is to spend far too much money!!

Anonymous

I actually don't care for Christmas any more. Loved it as a child and I think that's what it is about. It's a crazy time of year with added pressure.

Michaela1

I love Christmas. I think it brings people together and is a lovely time to relax and take a break from study and work. Sometimes the overriding message we get from the media is too materialistic, but it also emphasises family dinners and gatherings, which of course is a great message.

Anonymous

Love Christmas, I still send Christmas cards, and enjoy receiving them. Love Christmas morning opening Christmas presents. Christmas lunch is always extended family, and hot and cold seafood.
Christmas can be materialistic, but one should only spend what they can afford.
I have a Christmas club at my bank and contribute to that fortnightly, hence at Christmas I can afford to fund presents etc.
Love the decorations in shopping centres and sat home

summer

boxing day can't come quick enough

Master

Love the meaning of Christmas but hate the commercialism of it

Eve72

I dread Christmas. Now i just seem to worry about how to find money for gifts and food. I had such amazing Christmases growing up with large extended families and visits with my Grandparents, favourite Aunts and Uncles and lots of cousins. Of course, I was oblivious to the same anguish that my parents probably went through but we received one great present and lots of little ones. In those days, getting lovely knickers was a real novelty.
Christmas can also be very lonely and the sight of all those decoration and being bombarded with jolly Christmas song generally keeps me away from Department

Ottosgirl

I love christmas, but not for the commercial side of it, I love the family being together, the feeling of christmas, its kind of magical.

Anonymous

I need to come and go quickly! My credit card already hates me & Xmas never helps that situation... Luckily, I've set myself up to work from home whilst the majority of businesses are in shutdown.

I enjoy seeing my family over Christmas but its hard when we have the expectation of presents surrounding us.

aedna

Christmas just becomes overwhelming for me. There are so many lovely Santa Klaus films on at this time. But that is NOT Christmas. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. I feel Jesus has been pushed out of the equation. It's all become about spending money, A funny old fella in a red suit and a cotton wool beard. I try to be creative in buying presents but so often I get told what I bought was not acceptable. Even gift cards and a no-no! In fact last Christmas I upset my family without realising it and one person wouldn't speak to me for about a month afterwards. I just didn't realise I was the cause, thought it was because of his bad health!!! Families are strange but they are important to me. At this time of my life I decided to avoid negativity so chose not to join them this Christmas. Mostly at other times they are fine. All this Santa Klaus lark does strange things to people. I try to celebrate the birth of Jesus early November. Experts tell us that was a more correct time when He arrived on this planet.

omygod

don't really celebrate it, just spend time with family and catch up on what we had been doing. my daughter lives in the UK and has nothing to do with me. no incentive really to celebrate it in a physical way, just remember what the occasion is supposed to be all about.

RainbowC

I love Christmas. It will always have a special place in my heart as I love to remember that it is the birthday of our Saviour Jesus. What's not to love about birthdays. We celebrate them for ourselves and our children, why not for Him. I don't get caught up in the materialism of it all. I do give gifts, but simple and heartfelt. I get much joy out of giving and spending time with family that is otherwise busy. Keeping the real meaning of Christmas in perspective takes the stress out of the season and keeps it as simple as the first one ever was. Merry Christmas.

Moongold

Hate it. It's all about raking in money and wasting it. About time we got back to giving to support people in need, not those already having all they need and/or more. And helping the poor pets who are taken on board for a few days as presents and then cruelly, and unbelievably, dumped to try to survive. Spirit of Christmas? We probably can't even remember what it is. As for Christmas Day being Christ's birthday, it in fact is not in truth. The carol "while shepherds watched their flocks by night all seated on the ground" gives a clue! In the northern hemisphere the shepherds are out at night watching their flocks only in the warmer months, which are around May-August or so - 25th December the ground is frozen ice in the area Christ was born. It is believed the actual birth date of Jesus was therefore about May, June or so. The 25th Dec. is actually a date set by pagan religions - it honours the birth of a totally fictitional 'sun god', Tammuz, and was wrongly brought into the Christian church by the Catholic institution in the first few centuries after Christ. That's the only reason the world observes 25/12 each year, and it has nothing to do with Christ's birth! Interesting.

annie

I do love Christmas spending it with family.I do stress over what to buy for people and the amount of money that I have to spend when I cant really afford to.Christmas is a busy time for my family as on Christmas Day we spend it with my family and cousins and on Boxing day we spend the day with my husbands family and relatives.

aedna

I agree it's become a marketing tool to get people to spend money. Christ has been taken out of Christmas and it seems to me it's all about a mythical character. It's no longer about a gift to the world, a gift of precious life. Does it matter what religion you are or aren't surely the reason for this time is for Christians and all those who believe in the birth of Jesus that we celebrate or commemorate His birthday once a year.

Freedomy

The kids are off school and are over loaded with sugar and money. The shops are packed with eager gift shoppers, the food stores show off all the desserts that only put weight on straight at your thighs. I am the scrooge. Love a good feed, don't like to get caught up in it or the obligation. But know heaps of people that do.

It takes the days of planning and preparing. Their stress levels increased to the obligations they created for themselves. By the time Christmas day has come they are exhausted. But I surpose when you get to that day, out comes the egg nog and a few Champers and cheer and it is time to celebrate.

Merry Christams every one.

Ellero

As I was never raised in a religious household, Christmas has always been a commercial thing to me. That having been said, the family still gathers for Christmas and the bonding aspect is still something I look forward to all year.

Anonymous

it has lost it 's true meaning

Kat

Christmas is a horrible, commercialized and stressful occasion. Having to spend time with in-laws and relatives who id rather not see is painful and tedious.

The only nice thing about Christmas day is when the day is over and you don't have to think about it for another year!

Anonymous

This is actually quite sad, i dread christmas now that i am older and the present buying is on me aswell. I dread being broke for 2 months leading up to christmas and then trying to catch up on what ive spend for months after it. I feel like all year i save for christmas. My family make it this big event and there is never any mention of the real reason of christmas. I wish christmas could be a day to look forward to and enjoy

Anonymous

I'm sorry to say I do hate it, its not the same as when we were children we
didn't get so much then and it was sooo exciting to go into lounge where the big
tree was and you appreciated what you got not like the wee ones of today just sit and rip the paper off chuck it aside and onto next one, maybe not them all tho.
It hasn't the meaning of what it used to be but is good for the shops!! With the
cost of living now and so many struggling to survive I think it would be very sad for a lot of people, thanks Marilyn

Anonymous

Personally, I enjoy Christmas but there's definitely a few things about it that I could do without. Personally, I can't stand the Chrismas music in the stores around the November - December period, the rudeness of customers, the extorted prices, the junk mail cluttering up the mailbox, the excessive advets on TV. Also, it's rediculous for us New Zealanders and Australians to be eating hot roast meals in the middle of summer.

I always have a problem with Christmas creeping up on me. No matter how organised I am, there's always something I've forgotten at the last minute. Thankfully, I now do all my Christmas shopping online, where I can find the best deals, don't have to wait in lines and I can listen to my own music of choice! Hallelujah!

However, I do enjoy the decorating, the delicious home-cooked meal (it doesn't HAVE to be a roast!) and a champagne toast with my family and friends.

My family have decided to celebrate a mid-winter Christmas in July this year which I think is a wonderful idea!

barbi

We have had years when I was not a happy chappy at Christmas time but this year was great. My daughter organised where Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day feasts were to be held, and who was coming and what each person had to bring. We totally overcatered but it was fun grazing and catching up with our great grand twins, turned 1 in Nov [born 10 weeks early so perhaps we should have anothe Birthday in January for them,] their parents and grandparents from both sides, as well as 1 aunty, several cousins, and our son and his lovely wife who realise they are now great aunt & uncle to the twins, Zac & Lily. One of our gifts from our daughter wa a donation on our behalf to adult education in PNG where we used to work - what a great idea!

Mazzs1

Only feels like Christmas every other year when my grandchildren are at home. Otherwise it celebrating 2 birthdays my daughters and of course Jesus'.

keno

I love Christmas (except the shopping) when I was a kid we, my 4 brothers and 3 sisters used to get a game (eg: monopoly) between us and if we were lucky new store bought pair bloomers, thats right bloomers lol, .. we were luckier than most my Dad may he RIP was a carpenter and he always made us a toy as well, he also kept 8 kids together as the mother had left, we had good food and were never lonely, being 60 now I sit back and let mt 3 sons and my younger brothers & sister spoil me, just turn up with pressies for the kids, my nephew said where do I get my imagination from as I always buy the kids things that they can use and really appreciate, i just told him I'm older and these ideas I get are things from over the years of buying gifts for all ages and even things I had wished for as a child...
May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a better New Year

Jeay4nz

I HATE it, reason is, Every Year around the beginning of December, Prices of Everything increases way beyond what they are actually worth and When it comes to Groceries, WOW, I really need my whole years Pay packet to pay for them. :-(

Grocery Prices just keep increasing way beyond the Average Wage workers pay packet and that is when things get really Tough for the Average low paid person and the Family struggle to make ends meet and Guess, What,

THE CHILDREN Miss out On Their Christmas Fun because of the Lack of Money to buy the bare Necessities for their Christmas Pleasure,

Jeay4nz

I HATE it, reason is, Every Year around the beginning of December, Prices of Everything increases way beyond what they are actually worth and When it comes to Groceries, WOW, I really need my whole years Pay packet to pay for them. :-(

Grocery Prices just keep increasing way beyond the Average Wage workers pay packet and that is when things get really Tough for the Average low paid person and the Family struggle to make ends meet and Guess, What,

THE CHILDREN Miss out On Their Christmas Fun because of the Lack of Money to buy the bare Necessities for their Christmas Pleasure,

mermaid

The last time I saw my Dad alive was Christmas Day 1977. He died that night in a car crash. I was 7 years old. It has never been the same for me. It always makes me feel sad and uncomfortable and I have struggled with it. Now I have a 5 yo and I'm trying to reignite a little of that old fashioned Christmas magic.

fleckles

Bah! Humbug!!! Since my Mother died in 1985 there has never been a Christmas. Christmas is about Mothers, and LOVE! Nowadays it is all about greed and commercialism.

I used to remember my Aunts and Uncles giving toys/gifts [radios/electronics] that they had made for me. Now it is so impersonal. Christmas has changed to christmas.

Happy Joyce n' Noel!!!

Lots of Love,
Kevin... XXXo

fleckles

Bah! Humbug!!! Since my Mother died in 1985 there has never been a Christmas. Christmas is about Mothers, and LOVE! Nowadays it is all about greed and commercialism.

I used to remember my Aunts and Uncles giving toys/gifts [radios/electronics] that they had made for me. Now it is so impersonal. Christmas has changed to christmas.

Happy Joyce n' Noel!!!

Lots of Love,
Kevin... XXXo

kathy77

I normally love Christmas but this year has been very hard on me as my eldest daughter has cancer so I cannot be with her this year to celebrate it with her as she knows and understands I have to attend church and defibnately I will be praying for her but I do not believe that Christmas has lost it touch

kelliejane

I love christmas - the carols and the decorations and not to mention all the lovely food. But this year I don't like christmas - does not feel like christmas at all and its 5 days out from the big day and we still have no idea what we are doing. We have been living overseas for the last 4yrs and have not had a family christmas for those 4 years so we were looking forward to that this year- but last year my family was torn apart by a huge family argument (thankfully we were not here). So now there is no chance that the family will be together and that is really sad.
So my husband and I will spend it together and make the most of the day together.

Maggie

I hate what this time of year does to people. I find everyone around me stressing to the max about what they have to do and who they have to buy for, Christmas truly has no meaning of worth to so many people.

Anonymous

i love Christmas but some people have seem to lost the meaning of what Christmas is really about its not about the presents i think its about family and spending time with them giving not just receiving.

Anonymous

Christmas is a good time for families to come together and forget about dramas in their lives so they can spend time with their family. Many of my friends say that Christmas is not the same for them anymore though, since they've grown up. For me i'm trying to decide what i'm going to teach my kids in the future about Christmas. I don't feel right making up false stories to them because, while it is fun and exciting for them, kids are shocked when they find out for the first time that Santa is not real. I'd like to try and save having to look at those disappointed little faces and still have fun while i teach them the REAL meaning of Christmas.

Anonymous

Christmas is a good time for families to come together and forget about dramas in their lives so they can spend time with their family. Many of my friends say that Christmas is not the same for them anymore though, since they've grown up. For me i'm trying to decide what i'm going to teach my kids in the future about Christmas. I don't feel right making up false stories to them because, while it is fun and exciting for them, kids are shocked when they find out for the first time that Santa is not real. I'd like to try and save having to look at those disappointed little faces and still have fun while i teach them the REAL meaning of Christmas

cool

hi all yesi believe chrismas has lost the meaning it is all about presents and what they want christmas is abiut family and sharing love be kind

Poppy

Hi Rainbow. I hate Xmas for the pagan festival that it is. It is steeped in paganism. It has nothing to do with Christianity. Christ never commanded to celebrate his birth (which occurred no where near the time that corresponds with December) He did say to celebrate his death, because then he had accomplished his Father's will and purpose as a Saviour for mankind. In the middle ages, an emperor of Rome embraced Christianity and became the first Pope. He ordered that the Feast of Saturnalia (Sun worship) that was held on the 25th of December, be adopted to celebrate the birth of Christ. This information and more can be found in any good encyclopedia. It has even been printed in the media from time to time. BUT SO-CALLED CHRISTIANS STILL CELEBRATE IT. The true God views this pagan celebration as spiritually filthy, disgusting and Satanic. (An anagram of Santa is, yes,...SATAN. Christamas is yet another of Satan devious and wicked ruses to draw people away from true worship. Yes, I am a Christian and I love the TRUE God. That's why I hate Christmas. Do loving families and friends really need a pagan celebration to get together?.......Poppy

Sarahg8

Most people think of Christmas as a time of gift giving, and to connect with family, which must always be a good thing. However, the idea of Christmas was of pagan origin, 25th December being just after the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. The Lord Jesus Christ was probably born about September, as the shepherds would not have been in the fields at night in December, and his ministry was 3 1/2 years which ended about Easter time or the Jewish passover, and appears to have started around his 30th birthday. We are not commanded to celebrate Jesus' birth, only his death and resurrection in the breaking of bread. The main thing is that whatever we do at Christmas or any other time of the year should give glory to God in the highest.

Katt

I love christmas time,and no I don't think it has lost it's meaning well not for me anyway I still like to give gifts it doesn't mean I'm materialistic it means I love to give to the people I love and care about and isn't that what christmas is all about giving and love and happiness I find joy out of seeing my kids have fun with there gifts and sharing among each other there's no pettiness like his gift is better than mine n so on my kids all share because they care about each other and they enjoy themselves sharing everything together.

Leelita

I adore Xmas. Everything about it. The meaning for me and my Family is Jesus. Its his birthday and at xmas time i seem to feel the love in the air. For the first time in YEARS i actually saw a motel has set up outside a Manger setting, with Jesus in his crib, Mary, Joseph and the 3 wise men. love it.

Catenary

I am having to deal with change - from a busy home at Christmas time, 3 happy children enjoying the presents and also 'the reason for the season', to being grandparents with our children and their families coming over for Christmas, to being the grandparents of adult children living interstate and intrastate - so now Christmas is just the 2 of us again, as it was in our first couple of years of marriage. But we still love putting up and decorating the tree, setting up the Nativity Scene, and exchanging Christmas cards.

Anonymous

I dont look forward to xmas, as some members of my siblings became jehovah witness when i was young and the whole theme went with them and their beliefs, since i havent had the finances or the energy needed to enjoy it, as that went to.

fleckles

I have an 80yo Male friend, and every week I take the time to cook for him. We try a new cuisine every time. Christmas will be special. We will cook Australian, and Filippino, and Indian, and Italian, and Spanish, and probably lots of Fado music!!!

Anonymous

For me, Christmas is about family. Family I can spend time with, family I cannot. Many years ago we travelled no more than 2 hours to a huge family celebration, but with so many scattered overseas, it is not as joyous. Ultimately it is about the children and for the children. And food!

sneakierbiscuit

It was sad reading some of the negative replies. Christmas, being a religious feast, is more than just family - although because of the joy and hope of the season, family was always an important part of it. Secular society still gets the family part, but because our families are often separated or broken, and because of the commercial shopping push, the season can seem less than it should be.

We avoid most of these difficulties by doing the following:

1. We observe Advent, which is like a mini-Lent. It's is a time of reflection, sober contemplation, and even fasting. It prepares our minds and spirits for the rejoicing and feasting to come. Observing Advent rituals keeps our minds from obsessing about shopping and presents, whilst building anticipation for the holiday.
2. We don't watch television during this season. We will watch DVDs or stream shows, but we avoid TV and all those ads. :) It's liberating.
3. I do a lot of my Christmas present shopping throughout the year when I find a good deal on something I know a particular person will like. That means I don't have the pressure and stress of madly trying to buy a bunch of presents during the Christmas rush. And it gives me more time to find a gift to show my love.
4. My husband and I cook together. Sharing the kitchen duties brings us closer. There is a lot of religious imagery about shared meals and feasts for a reason - there is a deep socio-cultural and spiritual aspect to it.
5. We remember those less fortunate than us and volunteer for various charity Christmas activities.
6. We invite a person with no family nearby to celebrate with. Lonely people are welcome at our Christmas table.
7. We keep gifts to a minimum. One or two each, and nothing crazily extravagant.
8. We have lots of family Christmas rituals. The advent calendar, the candles, the special prayers. Preparing the house. We put up the Christmas tree only a few days before Christmas and decorate it on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day we turn on the lights. And that's when we start playing the Christmas songs as well. We then celebrate Christmas right up to the Feast of the Epiphany (after the 12 days of Christmas, there is feast celebrating the arrival of the 3 Wise Men.) Some cultures exchange gifts here instead of Christmas Day. We don't, but we do mark it with a special dinner. We have a nativity set which includes a pregnant Mary. On Christmas Eve while the children are asleep, I switch pregnant Mary over to the Mary with the baby Jesus in her arms. The 3 wise men aren't in the nativity display yet. We move them a little closer each day until finally at the Feast of the Epiphany they arrive.

We have lots of treasured memories. Christmas hasn't lost it's meaning, although I think a lot of us have forgotten it. It doesn't have to be that way.

Even if I were without family, and without gifts, Christmas would still have a special place in my heart for the hope and love it signifies.

rosy@kempsey

I hope everyone who loves Christmas will enjoy it with their loved ones. This will be my first without my husband of 51 years, lots of happy hectic times to remember. I will spend it in quiet reflection, recalling days gone by, I've had my turn, but the old customs will continue with the next generations....x

Anonymous

I love Christmas, family all together, great food, great company and happy memories! Singing happy birthday to Jesus in the morning with everyone and then opening the presents, after being reminded of the Greatest Gift of all! I love the look on all the kiddies faces, the feeling of excitement and yes I guess even the mess as it is a happy one!!! Many have lost Christmas and for others it is not a good reminder of some sad things, but overall for us and my family it is great. we know it's not the real birthday of Jesus but it is a great time to remember and celebrate that there is a Jesus, and that true belief/believers have changed many things that would not have except for their belief in their Saviour.

paradox

rainbow, this is how I remember Christmas in my youth in Germany.
On Christmas Eve after the midday meal all present would sing along with the traditional songs and we would feast on roast nuts and toffee apple and Christmas stollen and have a little Gluhwein. When all was done and dusted we would retire to our individual homes for a rest until the evening meal and the gift giving. More often than not Gifts would be necessaries like clothing and maybe a block of chocolate. The older kids stayed awake until it was time to go to midnight mass. We would wake the young ones, dress them and then head for the church. Clear skies and crisp snow underfoot, the young ones being pulled along on sleighs and carrying lanterns, bells attached to the sleighs tinkling, we set off to arrive at the church just before midnight. The church was all lit up and presented a magnificent picture of warmth and welcome in the dark of the night. The inside was decorated with pine branches hung with baubles and real candles attached and lit.
A nativity scene was set up with real people playing the characters and a huge decorated pine tree in the middle lit with hundreds more candles. The church smelled of burning pine and incense and reverberated to the sounds of the organ playing and carols being sung by the choir boys. The congregation joined in the singing and children were wide eyed, happy and rugged up to the eyeballs in warm clothing. After Mass back home and a long peaceful sleep.
That's the meaning of Christmas for me.

sikchic

I love christmas, its the best time of the year, I love shopping for the Chirstmas presents, putting the tree up, seeing all the family, the kids get excited and look forward to the festive season.
Love going out and about to see the Christmas lights just a great time of the year.
Christmas has always been special to me, its a great time to spend with family, its great to see the kids get excited, there is so much going on in the world, i think its great to come to together and enjoy it.

dee

I agree with all the comments here. i used to love christmas but it is becoming more and more commercialised every year. also it now a time of stress for so many as they don't have the money to do anything really christmassy.
The good thing about christmas is the good will that is around, I just wish there was more of it all year round.
I try and give to a charity , especially to childrne's ones.
We try and not spend a lot just being together as a family which we do do all year round means a lot to us.

Rob

Christmas is a very lonely time and I hate the affectations of concern & friendship that might last all of 24 hours. Hate it!

Grumpy

Love this time of year. The weather is on the improve, the days are longer (allowing time to enjoy the better weather) and we seee family in Aus again, whether we go there or they come here. Love it.

Anonymous

I have mixed feelings about Christmas. I love the Christmas carols and decorations, spending time with family and friends, the yummy food and most importantly for me the celebration of the reason for the season the birth of Jesus my Redeemer. This is the reason for the part I dont like: school children not being allowed to sing Christmas carols that mention Jesus birth because it might offend someone. Kids as young as preschoolers knowing and demanding exactly what they want for Christmas. Yes materialism and politically correctism has stolen some of the wonder of Christmas.

swifty

I love Christmas because of the real meaning but its not quite the same when the kids have flown the coup and you don't have a partner

Anonymous

Christmas is about a baby...............it is a time for family wee kiddies and good will. pretty good stuff if you don't let yourself draged inti the shopping thing :)

ros

We would love to have a Christmas at home with all our family around us but having to juggle inlaws and extended families makes that difficult. Yes, it has lost its meaning and is just a money making time now. Bring back Christmas carols, family dinners, chrildren having fun !!!!!!!!

Mazzs1

I love wathcing my grandchildren decorate the tree and the delight that they have in wrapping presents & placing them under it. As it is my daughter's birthday it is double the pleasure.

lisarich

i love christmas time and i think alot of it is because i don't hit the shops at all. i buy all my presents and food online therefore not needing to touch the shops where all the stress usually comes from!

ska59

Love it to pieces, real smell of pine, decorated with all the left over's of years before,surrounded by laughter,giggles of new generation filled with all the gossip spread openly on the table of prayers amen.

Anonymous

I got married for the third time to a mauritian lady 5 years ago and this year we are going up to mauritius to spend Christmas and New year with our family. I have been told that the celebrations up in Maurtius have to be seen to be believed.Have lived in Australia for 47 years and before in England. But Mauritius is my Number 1 paradise

Anonymous

I love Christmas, love seeing the kids faces and joy on Christmas day and spending a fun-filled day with the family :)

hitchy

Hate it. Everything that has been really bad in my life always seems to occur at Christmas time. It brings out the worst in many people..... Way over commercialised and incredible excess of food and drink. Everyone should get out and appreciate their church or families all throughout the year, not just at christmas time. I am not a religious person, and i think Christmas is now driven much more by commercialisation sales instead of 'good will to all'.

petag

I like getting together with family at Christmas, although I don't have my parents here to share it..It is a lot of work to do the dinner but usually people enjoy it so that is the main thing. It does seem more and more commercial with the emphasis on presents but I like attending church with my family. It is a tradition that I want to keep going.

shuzz buk

yes

uruz

I have mixed emotions about Christmas and I've spent it in many various places.
As a child, Christmas was always a joyous event with toys, goodies to eat and family and friends dropping in all day long for a cup of cheer and good wishes. I later joined the army and spent my first Christmas on duty in flooding rains. During my time in the army I spent many Christmases alone and also many at home on leave. Later with my own wife and family and friends and one eventful Christmas on patrol in Vietnam. That one I'll never forget. Since then I've had some joyful and some sad Christmases. Regrettably this one is going to be a sad affair but there will be others that will be joyful to make up for it. I now just accept each Christmas on it's own merits as it comes along.

sr20desr20de

I used to love it as a child but now i just look forward to the couple of days off. Then the following new years holidays.

ree

I love Christmas putting up the tree with my daughter and decorating the whole house with lights and hand painted decorations that my sister has given me over the years as presents,we play Christmas carols while doing it and sing along with them,we have done this since she was small and now she is 29. I also love to cook Christmas cake and short bread, i always give short bread as presents to friends with there cards and give it to my doctors and there staff to say thank you for that year,i also give the shot bread to members of the family as well as there Christmas presents they all love it . I love to cook the traditional hot Christmas lunch which my one is roast pork ,roast chicken with french herb stuffing roasted vegetables with apple sauce and gravy . I set the table with a Christmas cloth and use my Old Country Roads dinner set which i have salt and pepper shakers as well and use my grand parents cutlery set which i only use on special occasions . We also have an open house to any one who dose not have someone to spend the day with,i grew up doing this as a child with my parents ,brothers,and sisters we could have up to four or five other people that had no family to be with our house was always full and we always had a wonderful time,so now i do the same for lunch or tea. We also have Christmas breakfast with the next door neighbours, i introduced them to my family tradition of stewed cherries for breakfast and even though they have moved they already rang and asked if they could still come for Christmas breakfast this year. So Christmas still has a very special place in my heart and always will and i hope my two children will carry on with the tradition when they get married and have a family .

dhey

Love family and friends calling in
food thats divine when you dine
hate the shopping and the mess
really love thegifts and the rest

Ray

We being older enjoy Christmas for one period having the family around Being by a lake anables us to enjoy the outdoors with the whole family.

robby2

I love christmas, I have three little gandkids and to just see the enjoyment they get out of christmas is worth it.

KennethS

Christmas is meant to be a Christian festival, to celebrate the birth of Christ, whom Christians believe is the son of god and their saviour ( Christ's Mass). A time for family and friends to gather and celebrate the rebirth of their faith and celebrate the bounteous gifts of living in a christian society.

In our modern secular commercialised world it is anything but this, it is a commercial festival, where greed , over indulgence, glutony and intoxication are the order of the day on the modern commercial myth of a jolly fat man dragged across the sky in a sleigh drawn by reindeer supposedly delivers presents to children all over the world in a single night . Not too much of the Christian story in that is there.

Christmas is a time of loneliness and depression for all too many people who do not participate in the good life offered by consumerism, and the over indulgence of our pagan celebration of what is meant to be a Christian festival of love and inclusion. Not surprisingly, it is a peak period for suicide, this is not a killjoy comment, it is a simple fact, and a stark statement of how our society has lost it's way. Perhaps we should try and get back to the traditional meaning of Christmas, and show goodwill to all men, rather than immerse ourselves in hedonistic commercialism of what should be a simple time of love and fellowship between family and friends.

Long after Christmas is passed, and we have commenced the long run up to Easter, commencing some time in Late January when Hot cross Buns and chocolate goodies make their appearance in the supermakets for the other great corruption of a Christian Festival, many will be reflecting on the financial hangover of Christmas, the soaring credit card bills, that will take months to clear, and that is assuming that the economy holds up and one's job doesn't disappear in the coming meltdown of global financial markets - but lets not think of that Juliar Gillard and Wayne Swan will shield us from those nasties, or will they?

Di

I love Christmas...I am 52 with 2 adult children and two grandchildren..love the decorating of the house...the buzz of activity out in the malls...and the feeling of having family close and together for Christmas day..I think Christmas traditions are still there...we just need to keep them as individuals and keep the commercialism where it belongs in the retail sector..not in the home..:)..tinsel...sparkling fairy lights....a tree and family...bring it on:)

lrgray

I think that Christmas is great! You get to spend time with family, and give and especially receive presents. Furthermore, most people get time off at Christmas from work. In my humble opinion Christmas is, along with a religious celebration of the birth of Christ, a great time to eat lots, reflect on the year, and relax before the year to come....

jayla

I have to say i personally love christmas! I love the look on my son's face when he sees all the presents and then open them, and how excited he gets when he realised that he must of been a good boy cause Santa visited him this year. Although i do not believe in god, i do celebrate Christmas day, just not the same way others do, regardless of whether i believe in god or not, its still about the same thing, giving to your loved ones and being with your loved ones.
Having said that, Christmas is a hard time for me financially, being a single mum, other people will agree that christmas is very expensive. But its also sad for me as i do not see my sister or her children so christmas for me is both good and bad:)

Jade Simpson

I have decided after reading how many people xmas time upsets that I'm going down the beach to go boogie boarding Xmas Day. Forget all the hype and just do something fun.

cherylh

My grandkids all come over to help put up the tree, we have a wonderful day, which starts our christmas season. We have a number of traditions, boxing day BYO left overs dinner for our friends, making special Christmas goodies, giving and receiving small home made gifts, for me it is a wonderful, sharing time, catching up with people I dont see often and spending fun time wioth family and friends

super88

I love the break, the change from routine and catching up with people I care about.
I hate the expectation, the christmas TV programmes, and the memories of christmas rows as a kid.
I look forward to christmas and yet I heave a sigh of relief when Christmas day is over for another year.
I guess I could cut out Christmas, but I still want the holiday.

Lizzie

I love Christmas because it's the time I have a couple of weeks off work to go for the long 1200km drive (each way) to spend time with my family.

It definitely has a special place in my heart despite all the commercialisation, my family has learnt that it's more about enjoying our time together rather than the presents or how much we spend on each other.

unibomba17

I do love Xmas, however i work retail, so that in itself puts a strain on things. I get Xmas day off and then back to it for Boxing day. I feel Xmas had lost its way a little, however i feel that people are tending to put tradition back into it more these days as well as relishing what is important. Family. A lot more baking and home made things are being given, therefore taking the materialistic side out of it a little. I remember my childhood at Xmas and my dad who has passed away, i love spending time with my family, expecially seeing and sharing the time with my grand children. Very special.

Jackie

I don't particularly like Christmas anymore. My three children are grown-up now. I live on my own, but get together with family. Go out for Christmas lunch with my daughter, as younger son goes to his Dad's and elder son is in South Australia, but we did the Skype last year. Before that, he used to ring up on Christmas Day, and we'd talk to him in turn.

We do the present opening session where we take it in turns to unwrap a present. I send a parcel to my son in SA for him and his partner, and send Perth calendars to UK - have for last 44yrs, my time in Oz since March '67.

I find it all just a lot of hard work and feel like it's just going through the motions of what's to do each year. I got a bit like that when my children were little though. Has lost most of it's meaning now. Carols By Candlelight are always nice on TV, or if you can go to one.

david

i am afraid christmas for me brings back very bad memories,i was a young soldier,we had a cease fire for the day,believe me it did not turn out that way we had 2 soldiers killed,shot by one of there own.although the kids and family love christmas,which gives me a feeling of gratitude.i will never forget christmas day 1972.

mercyasher

hi i love Christmas but i don't like all the hipe thats go's with it.
Most People have lost sight off the real meaning of Christmas. As Christ is the reason we celebrate. Not all the presents etc. Coming together with friends, family as well as those who have no where to go or are on there own to share Christmas. That 's Christmas

boppa99

I think christmas does lose its meaning a bit with advertising Early about Shopping.
Not as Much church goers as well,I think most people lose there faith in god because we don"t see him attending as we are living on dairy's from the past in our life and just hope when we leave this planet ,We have the knowledge we have gathered from it,(bible)etc.
,

But Again Its A family & Friends & Work Partys,Fun time and My birthday 2 days after

normap

I love Christmas, it gives me an excuse to shop and also to tell my family that I love them and most of all Christ was born.

none

Christmas does not represent what it purports to any longer & today is nothing but a commercial money spinner for the businesses.

bexbex

I love Christmas! The preparation, the food, gifts. The downside though is if key members can't be there, like my sister who's on the other side of the world. So whilst it's a great time of year, it very much emphasises anything that's missing. Still, I have a 4 year old and it'll be great to watch him experience the magic!

stevensnan

I look forward to Christmas, spending time with family and friends, Unfortunately, the shops have spoilt things by over commercialising and starting "Christmas" far too early. December would be early enough to start with decorations, ads etc. Unfortunately this Christmas will be a hard one for my family as my sons wife is in trouble and will spend it in jail. Her two sons (6 and 8) will miss her terribly.

trix56

I remember a Christmas when my 5yo literally jumped up and down on the spot when she saw her new bike.
I remember a Christmas when my flange gasket blew and the cop in the car at the lights next to me just waved.
I remember a Christmas when I woke up all alone because it was "his" turn to have the kids.
I remember a Christmas whenI'moved interstate to be near my aging parents and Dad offering me a beer at 10a.m. He cooked.
I remember a Christmas when I went to my parents and I cooked because they could no longer do it.
I remember a Christmas without my Dad.
And I remember a Christmas without my Mum.

But I also remember going to midnight mass with my Dad (and neither of us is Catholic)
And I remember getting a Barbie with bendable legs. Oh back then that was heaven.

shimmy

Hate it!

Wish I could just hide away till it over, My sisters only talk to me at xmas, not that that bothers me, ive never really felt that close to em, but since my Dad passed away a couple of yrs ago, it lost its magic for me.

When i was a kid, i loved it. Now its just a very stressful time.

trix56

One thing I have discovered about Christmas is that I always end up with "strays" (and I don't use the term in a derogatory manner) at my table on Christmas Day. As one who suffers from bipolar disorder and who has found herself in some very dark places, I welcome the opportunity to shed a little light on someone else's life.

Ness

Every year I am growing further and further from the love of Christmas. Thanks Corporate retailers, Muslims and pompous Catholic educators who don't treat all students fairly.

richard

I am not looking forward to Christmas this year. My partner died the year before last. He loved Christmas, and the ceremony of putting up the tree was the only time we ever argued, as he didnt know when to stop and I had to put my foot down about him putting on 7 sets of lights! by now, the Christmas lunch would have been planned and the resent shopping well under way - it was always so much fun seeing the joy in his face. Last year I went to see my brother in London and the atmoshere was great, but this year I cant afford to go away and I know that it just wont be the same anymore. However, I am so grateful for so many happy memories of our years together.
Richard

sherri

I am not looking forward to Christmas this year. My partner died the year before last. He loved Christmas, and the ceremony of putting up the tree was the only time we ever argued, as he didnt...

I was talking with an elderly friend who has borne more than her share of sad things over the years. As an aside to the story that she was relating she said that she had forgotten that the next day was the anniversary of one of her twin grand-daughter's death, (the other the following week).

My dear friend had thought that she never would get past that double traged ,and for many years each anniversary had been a time of deep and lasting depression for her - yet somehow she has eventually managed to get through the pain - and so will you. Already I can 'hear' the laughter in your 'voice' as you recall the joy that you shared in his ready celebration of the 'silly season'.

Wishing you sunshine and rainbows, unexpected surprises, and a Christmas that is better than you anticipate.

Anonymous

I love Xmas now we have kids, but as they get older I know I will wonder if Christmas has lost it meaning, and is only commercial.
Until my kids have kids, so I will enjoy it for now.

Kerrie

I hate it with a passion. Good will to all men has lost its true meaning.

Richard

I love Christmas. It is a time for remembering the unity in diversity of the human family, greeting all with a kind word and spending time with immediate family and close friends. It is also a time for reflection on the purpose of life and the great lesson of Love

mismoo

I love Christmas at the best of times but this year is extra special as my daughter who is still a young woman had a stroke earlier this year and thankfully she is still with us. So we will be able to celebrate the Chritsmas Holidays with her and the rest of the family. My very best wishes go to all the Cafe Chat family Merry Christmas to you all and most of all be safe and look after yourselves

jamatock

xmas still has a special place in my heart i agree it can be to materialistic but to see the faces of my young grand kids light up on xmas morning still gives me great pleasure

Rosie5

The 25th of December is the worst day of the year for me. Its become a situation far removed from the biblical sense(and that may not be right either). The place is awash with commericalism. I much prefer getting and making my own gifts for people. I paint a smile(false) on my face and grin and bear it until the 26th of December dawns.

glory

For me its about Christ being born and the wonderfull gift that was given to this earth

Martin

Xmas has lost its meaning

sarah

some of the people seem to have a miserable time. I am glad to say that it is an even more meaningful to me because one of my grandsons was born on Xmas Day so we have double celebrations his birthday and family Xmas

Di

I love Christmas especially since ive had my children. Over the years though the finances have become more and more strained so Christmas isnt as exciting for me but i try to make it fun and exciting for my kids. I put on a smile and try to enjoy the day for my kids even though im miserable. I feel like im letting my kids down because i cant afford even the basic stuff for them. I guess to sum it up christmas for me isnt what it used to be, but at least i have my kids and thats more important than anything.

Di

I brought my youngest chld up with no father so finances were strained. Because he grew up like that he was thankful for everything he got and rarely complained that he didn't have what other kids...

hey there trix you are right it is hard but my girls arent the sort of kids that want everything or expensive things. they are happy and grateful for what they get. I am proud of the way i raise my girls because i know they have the right attitude to life and know the value of working hard and earning what they get. they know the value of money of that it takes hard work to have all the luxuries instead of it handed to them on a platter like some kids. Its just saddening for me when its the same shit every year no matter what i do something causes christmas to be a bad time instead of good. hope yhou have a great christmas regardless

trix56

I love Christmas especially since ive had my children. Over the years though the finances have become more and more strained so Christmas isnt as exciting for me but i try to make it fun and...

I brought my youngest chld up with no father so finances were strained. Because he grew up like that he was thankful for everything he got and rarely complained that he didn't have what other kids had. Christmas was always hard but I learned to start early and lay buy so he at least had several parcels to open.
These days he is a student living away from home and knows how hard it is to survive on so little money.
"I don't know how you did it Mum," he often says to me.
He has grown up good and straight and strong. I am sure your kids will too.

Lynjoy

I love Christmas. As a Christian I & my Family Celebrate The True meaning. .
Generally here in Australia, I feel Christmas is loosing its True meaning.
Church & The Birth of Christ should be Celebrated, NOT all this Materialistic
connotations.

Sammbo

Christmas is over-rated?
Why?
Because it is now, nothing more than a commercial rip off, from every angle.
Stores bring out Christmas specials and jack up their prices.
Petrol companies take advantage of increased travel and spending on petrol - and jack up their prices.
The tourism industry in general and that includes Hotels and Airlines, have a captive market that will pay anything - and jack up their prices.

Need I go on?

Perhaps I should ... Christmas has a huge and negative effect on our environment.
All that extra rubbish, tonnes of wrapping paper unwanted presents where do they go? Landfill and pollution.
All that extra travel from cars, planes and trains - polluting the atmosphere.
Increased alcohol sales - look at at he carnage on our roads over the "festive"
season.

Peace on earth and good will to all men? Not an y more I'm afraid.

Tars

We still have our family Christmas, but can never quite get everyone together at once. It is nice to relax on the day, but there is so much to do to get to that point, it doesn't always seem worth it - especially with our children getting older there isn't the same magic.

Karsh

Personally I love it, Christmas still has a magical feeling for me even though I am in my 70's.

bel

The saddest part of christmas is that it has become so commercial. This together with the lost of 'Family', I mean the shrinking of family down to the immediate household has meant the loss of the 'personal' part of the season.

think it goes with your smile - month deal. People seem to have lost the ability to connect and interact with other people.

Sandy

I still enjoy Christmas but I think it has got very commercial. Shops telling kids for Santa to bring expensive gifts that many families can not afford. It is also sad to see kindergardens stopping Christmas carols and Santa. My kids used to really enjoy these days.

kivrin

I just LOVE Christmas! I love everything about it and if I could I would celebrate everyday of the year. This year I'm not having a big tree, I'm putting small ones all over the place, and fairy lights around the window frames. Pictures on all the doors, outside and inside, and the big inflatable candy cane will get hung up somewhere!!!

SassySue02

I guess I've lost the Christmas joy. Everything is so commercialised and the children seem to want everything that they see. I have Grandchildren who get a lot of presents and still want more. Does anybody out there face the same sort of circumstances? As a pensioner I can only give smaller presents to them, but this year is even worse as the economy has died and my children and their families are struggling to make ends meet. This year I have started to buy extra groceries and I am going to give each of my children and their families a huge basket of groceries to help them out. Does anybody out there do the same thing as me? By the way, Merry Christmas to all the staff at Cafe Chat and to all of my fellow survey members.

Sandy

I guess I've lost the Christmas joy. Everything is so commercialised and the children seem to want everything that they see. I have Grandchildren who get a lot of presents and still want more. ...

I am also on a pension and struggle to send gift vouchers to my Grandchildren - to be told" that was not enought to buy what I want" I used to buy little gifts reduced during the year and put in large Christmas bags, but now they are interstate this is not possible.

Poppy.

In the past I was never a really great Christmas person. Now that I have grandchildren who I really love and adore, it gives me great satisfaction to play Santa at Christmas time. They seem to love this and it still holds some magic for them and myself.

rach

i have two young kids so i love christmas, i love the deco's and gift giving, spending time with the family. i hate the thought of any one on there own for christmas so we always invite other friends if they have no were to go. For some people i am sure the meaning of it is lost but not in my family. We don't worry about who spent what on who it's just a relaxed fun day. bring christmas day on love it love it.

Katiebear35

Christmas is all about families and children. Unfortunately, I come from a broken family and have no children so Christmas day is the worst day of the year for me. My parents, brother and I all do our own thing now for Christmas. I prefer to spend it on a plane flying overseas and avoiding it altogether. Maybe one day I will have my own family and it will be a happy day.

ted

To me, Christmas means being able to watch our grandchildren open their presents and seeing the looks on their faces,it is also a time when I feel sad for the ones who have no family around them for them to enjoy it.

rainee

I love Xmas, but this year is going to be a hard one as it will be the first xmas, without my beautiful big sister Carmel!!! Fortunately I have a very supportive family & I will be spending xmas with a large group. I won't have to do anything this year, except turn up.

Xmas is a religious time, celebrating the birth of Jesus & it is a great time for children. I don't like the commercial side of xmas. I understand there is a certain need for some of it, but it really has become to much in my eyes. I love putting up the tree & decorations & seeing the joy that it brings to the grandkids.

Tina

Sadly it seems most people view Christmas in a negative way, unless you are a child. Adults have come to realise that it is too commercialised and whilst we all want to get together with families or friends even that can be a let down for some. The whole family togetherness / religious thing has become more and more diminished over the years - this is the world over. Everywhere is in turmoil. But we have to live in the moment and be happy to be alive and if we all invited a stranger who is alone into our homes for Christmas I think we would all be enriched by the experience.
Hugs to all........

Yafffy

Hate it. It is so wrong and totally taken out of contest. Do you guys even attened church every week? Hypocritical. Christ wasn't even born at Christmas time. There were only 10 months in the year back then anyway.

13ceejay

I do enjoy the Christmas season mostly because I get to spend time with my grandchildren. I do feel that the commercial side of Christmas is very overdone and in fact devalues the actual event. Sharing company and food are the important things for me.

Hobboe

Christmas has become pointless.
Basically we are not really christians anymore . It has become a pointless exercise in buying stuff for kids and grandkids that they don't really want and surely don't need.
I don't think stuffing your face and getting blind drunk is very christian but it is enjoyable. Maybe we should change the name of Christmas Day to Big Presents Day and get the Muslims off our back at the same time.

Thanks - Hobboe

Rose

Christmas can become a problem if you miss, not what, but WHO it is all about. We celebrate Christmas to remind us of the birth and Jesus Christ, period! If you will not and have not in the past shared the Christmas season with family & friends or if no one buys you a gift this Christmas, don't despair. There was a man 2000 years ago, who came down from heaven, to give you a gift, no human possibly can. The reason we give gifs to others, is because, we are mirror ing, the One who gave the greatest GIFT to mankind! Jn 3:16
well known verse in the bible says: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son Jesus, that whosoever believes in him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life! Through his death, all our sins is forgiven, and depending on which comes first, death or his return, we will live with him eternally, immortals. God has made it so simple, so that even the simplest, like myself, will not be left out. Religion (religion is not from God: It is of man; Jesus never preached any religion, he preached about His Kingdom.) has attempted in many ways to disqualify man. The Bible says plainly; "whosoever", which means for me, whoever dares to believe in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross! Which is penalty paid in full! Jesus did not mention the name of any religion or man, as the requirement to enter into heaven, His Kingdom. He says: If you have the Son - You have life! Thats all there i to it! Look, He is awaresome, and he fills the whole universe, and you, because he made both. If you doubt, I dare you, all you have to do is ask him yourself. He is there with you, right now, (c'mon he created you,) whether you are aware of it or not. Speak to Him as you would speak to a friend. Just be honest and say, Hey, look Jesus, I want to know the TRUTH. Please show me the reality of who you are, and I guarantee you, that He Will! He did it for me and He will do it for you! He speaks to those who want to know the TRUTH. He said Iam the Way, the Truth and the Life! Have a Blessed Christmas, knowing someone LOVES you too much and came down here just for YOU!

Alex S

I'm lucky enough to be the youngest of 5 so christmas is quite a production in my family. I always start the day off by getting up & going for a run because I know I will be sampling a lot of home-made food later on. Christmas is almost the only time my whole family gets to see eachother all at once and bond over food and gift giving. The gift giving is the least important part of the day and is more for my nieces and nephews anyway, but their parents brought them up to be gracious and non-greedy so giving them presents is a pleasure. I know I'm lucky to have a big family, especially since I have no interest in starting a family of my own. My parents & (most of) my older siblings go to church but I don't. I feel I am lucky and blessed by whatever is out there looking after me and christmas with my family reminds me of that.

Gring46

I don't believe in christmas , but it is agood time
for kids and family to get together . I usually spend
the day with a very good group of friends and we have
a great party , eating , drinking and singing .
Christmas is way too commercial !

Purps

Purps thinks Christmas is a wonderful time of the year = getting together with family and friends, sharing laughter, food, wine, watching the kids growing up and learning to share their presents with love and respect for each and everyone. Boxing Day is especially nice as well as a lot of our family are from interstate and may not catch up every year but every other year which means they stay for an entire week! Oh boy . . . all exhausted at the end but very happy to say the least. Our emphasis on Christmas is giving from the heart and soul as opposed to monetary connotations. Merry Christmas everyone . . .

gramonaghan

I love Christmas, and its true meaning. It is the birthday of Jesus.
It is also a time when families get together to share their love, and to give gifts.

Helen

I love Christmas. I love to shop carefully to buy the right gifts for everyone and then I take much joy in specially wrapping each gift for them. I think it is this part of Christmas which I enjoy most and then seeing everyone unwrap their gifts is the also much fun. The time together is special and I always remember why we are together for this special time of the year.

MAC

My husband and I are both December babies. He is a Christmas Day baby and I am a Proclamation Day (South Australian holiday 28th December) baby so yeah we tend to get overlooked BUT we understand how each of us is feeling and how we cope with being December babies.
BTW Christmas is way too commercialised now but sadly that is the same with most holidays be they family holidays or otherwise.

pebbles

Christmas is my favorite time of the year its the time when all the family's get together some of us dont see one another during the year , so its a great time to catch up , we all go on rotation to family members houses and have a good time , its even more enjoyable now the grandchildren have come along.. We all do our bit , each one of us has a specialty that we bring along mine is nibbles and deserts This year its being held in the country at My Daughters, i keep telling her she is crazy to do this as she is due to have a bub in 5 weeks , she said it will make things easier , and if she has to go to hospital , she will have a house full of baby sitters , this family has grown exponentially and Each of my children's partners and their families are fab we all get on well which is good .so all i have to do now is finish my shopping which i am quite organized with , made a list so as not to confuse myself , I must say though working in a chocolate shop helps improve my Christmas mood no end around goodies all day sure is nice , any way , have a great Christmas i know i will.

Anonymous

I love Chrismas !
I love the special meaning behind it, Jesus is Gods gift to us all, out of his great love for each one of us.
I love the music, learning the parts for the Hymns and Carols, singing in a hospital or old peoples Home.
I love going to Midnight Mass, I'm a grandmother, but I still get excited about being up in the middle of the night !
I love the cooking, the fragrance of the baking that I just cant justify any other time of year.
I love the presants, making things for my friends and family.
I love the weather, eating out of doors and spending more time in the garden.
I love the holidays , camping at our family beach evry year
I love it all !!!

Mame

Yes I wish Christmas would come and go quickly, I enjoy the family get-togethers immenseley, but hate all the expense and commercialism

maacka

christmas used to be ok but now its just a day that costs lots of money for no reason. unless you are the lucky ones who have a big loving family to share the day with ......... I find myself wishing that it all passes quickly

vickbenla

I have been over christmas for years, but as I now have a beautiful little grand daughter , I'm looking forward to it again. Christmas is just that more special through the eyes of a child

goanna

I would love it more if I had the money to spend on gifts and food. Unfortunately for me, it has to be just another day.

delilah

I want to love it. The whole idea of xmas with the happy kids, beautiful tree, the gifts and food and drink, just the thought of it makes me smile. Sadly though like so many others I usually find it very stressful and just a little bit sad. Lack of family and of course money usually puts a damper on things. But merry christmas everyone, I hope this will be the christmas dreams are made of for you all. :-)

Emeira87

I generally love Xmas, but this year i am dreading it, when it comes to presents for my kids, it is just not going to happen as our money situation is rather bad this year. It was easy to explain this to my 16 yr old step son but i also have a 2 old & she is the one that is difficult to explain that santa is not coming this year. I know she wont remember later on in life but children build there world of imagination around these stories we tell about santa & the easter bunny, the tooth fairy it is all what being a kid is about(IMAGINATION). So i am rather depressed this time of year when it is supposed to be a happy, fun time for the family and kids especially

alienmyst

I have never had a real christmas, as it is portrayed in movies etc, my family was distructive and growing up hard, I always dreamed of christmas with lights , presents and joy...now I have my own family but am unable to give them a christmas they would remember so I find christmas a sad and unwelcome time..If I had one wish it would be to have a special christmas just once in my life :(

eccawees

I find Christmas a stressful time & I tend to go into breakdown mode so I dont look forward to it. I havent seen my daughter for Christmas for 4 years as she is always working on Christmas day.

matua

I believe in the birth of Jesus Christ. (But not on Xmas day)
I love seeing the children enjoying their opening of gifts.
I enjoy the weather (Generally).

TWIGS

I really look forward to Christmas with my grandchildren. Watching their little faces light up as they open presents does wonders for my heart and soul!

lynneeime

It took a long time for me to enjoy Christmas because my mum died Christmas Day when I was 11 years old. It was only when I had my childre that I started to make an effort and slowly but surely, the Christmas spirit came back. I still get sad at the time mum died, but I do my grieving in private so as not to damper the day for my children or grandchildren.
Lynne SA

TATTY

In Pagan times, Xmas was for rejoicing life. Now it's buying kittens & puppies for spoilt brats, knowing the poor little creatures will end up in a pound or dumped, because the novelty has worn off.

Ellessri

I like spending time with my family and friends, at Christmas there is less pressure to be at work or doing other things, you get to really talk to them and find out what's going on in their lives. I love that part of Christmas - the food is pretty good too - es mince pies!

Pammy67

I am a cosmetics rep (well known door to door company) and spend three months before Christmas looking after everyone else's presents - so I don't get too excited until probably a fortnight before when I start looking at presents for my family and friends, and buying the Christmas food. The decorations have been in the stores for months - they start the advertising way too early. ie hot cross buns are out the week after Christmas !

Dirtybigbellky

I don't have kids but all my family and friends do. I feel that Christmas has become WAY TOO commercial and people feel they have to spend all this money on things that will just get put into a cupboard. I get angry at the marketing that puts in peoples minds the idea that the more they spend the more special the occassion is. Christmas is about love and sharing that love. It is about the birth of Chirst and that should be the focus of the day.
I really don't enjoy Christmas I feel that it is a stressful day and all this money is wasted.
This year I have recycled presents and will be making them. I feel that this gives more value to my gifts as they are directly from me not bought.

Philemi

Bah humbug! Christmas has lost it's true meaning, it has become too commercial with businesses advertising Christmas goods in October. IT IS A RELIGIOUS DAY OF CELEBRATION!! Instead most people are losing sight of this, spending too much hard earned money on "gifts" that are not really neccessary and spending the day at family gatherings fighting?! I am NOT looking forward to it at all.

annajoyct

Christmas always has a special place in my heart. The buzz starts up at the end of Melbourne Cub day - when usually the horse I back loses, then the joy of the coming season inches in. My siseter-in-law starts packing her usual ornaments away and slowly but surely the little Christmas stuff start making their appearance. We usually devote one Sunday to decorating the house, setting up the tree while my brother plys us with a drink du jour as well as plays Christmas Carol Cds at full blast - my only regret is that the neighbours are subjected to the music, however this is only for that day. Then on in - the anticipation of the Christmas season builds up until the day itself when we finally collapse after a "concert" put on in former years by the niece and nephews and now latterly the next generation.

Nelly

I love it but hate that everyone's happy to laden my husband and I with the day although our 13 yo son told us that he loves having everyone join together for a great meal and that it's not about the presents it's about the presence. Old man in young body.
We used to do the big hot lunch but have now relaxed it back to a few roasts with salad, prawns and some nice desserts - and the odd bubble or two.

howie

xmas once a year i tell my wife its only time i can be silly with my almost new grandkids,she says as a man of 60 years young iam always silly an have be for 30 odd years,xmas is for me watching my family come together,tell tall tales to each other have fun while i still can

fosil53

xmas over it already you have to pretend to like family who you dont see all year and that are only there to get a present and in return you get a picture of them and there families if i wanted there pics i would take it myself my grandkids are great but please make it about the kids

guitarplayer

I have always somewhat despised the materialistic marketing that goes along with christmas but I see it as a time to catch up with family.

lili

love christmas so much!!!! i always look forward to it. i've had good christmases when i was a child so maybe that explains my likeness for this season. and i would love to make the same feeling with my kids. this is the time of the year that everybody seems nice. i love the decors and the food. i love the gatherings and just the ambiance of it. i think christmas will always be special to anyone because it was when our Saviour was born. enjoy the holidays!

Brian

I love Christmas as it's the time of the year to remember the birthday of the best person in my life - Jesus. All my family gather at Christmas, children, in-laws and grandchildren from far and wide (overseas). We all get together, talk at great length, have drinks and eat the wonderful Christmas dinner that my wife has spent days cooking. We spend about a week together, have lots of fun and look forward to the new year ahead.

Ro

I remember wonderful Christmases as a child.
These days food is expensive and the whole thing is very commercial.
I think we should take "good will to all man" and spread it around all year.

mizim

I'm not really looking forward to it this year, thought I was since my step-mum will be away on holiday, but thinking about it I'm really not.

All my 3 kids are now being seen by specialists (2 to peadiatricians, 1 special education), and with hubbys having been unable to work since lastchristmas money is incredibally tight, in that we are even struggling with our groceries every week. Add to that that anything could set him off at the moment (very severe depression), it's making me just wish this year was over already.

EileenW1

As a child in England after WW2 I was lucky to receive more than one Christmas gift. We made paper decorations for the house and found objects in the woods to decorate the table but how we loved the excitement, the magic, the carol singing, the wonderful spirit shared among our neighbours and the thrill of discovering a handful of lollies left by Santa in my school sock. Now I enjoy the thrill of making Christmas memorable, exciting and special for my children and grandchildren who have never had to go without.

lmewburn

think it is the best time of the year thoroughly enjoy it

Loraine

The actually day has no significance to me but the birth of Jesus from a christian point of view does.

de1

I moved to Australia from the UK 12 years ago, with my Australian husband. After all these yeras, I STILL have difficulty in feeling Christmassy here - no snow, the traditional food's different, the Christmas carols are dfferent, the whole thing - it's the only time of yera when I ever feel homesick - but then, my husband says he felt homesick at Christmas in the UK ....

Meg

I still look forward to Christmas more for the gathering of family and a time of sharing our year and hopes of the new year on the doorstep. However the tradition of giving has been overrun by the lavishness and expense of material goods that can be real break the bank things all that is doing is making a whole lot of shareholders richer at the little guys expense. And it lost meaning many years ago. For it is still a time where lives are lost on the roads at beaches in pools.

ridinghood

I love decorating the house and putting up the tree. The only downside is that with the current financial situation there will be no presents from or to our house this year, luckily there are no young ones but no matter how small or inexpensive it is a part of xmas that will be missed.

jenisweet

When I was a child I found Christmas to be a very special time and I enjoyed it immensely but now I am older and have lost my parents, I feel very sad as they both passed away on or after Christmas, it brings back too many memories. But I do enjoy seeing my grandchildren's faces light up at Christmas time. It is a wonderful time for people with a big family. I also find it rather an expensive time of the year.

jenisweet

When I was a child I found Christmas to be a very special time and I enjoyed it immensely but now I am older and have lost my parents, I feel very sad as they both passed away on or after Christmas, it brings back too many memories. But I do enjoy seeing my grandchildren's faces light up at Christmas time. It is a wonderful time for people with a big family. I also find it rather an expensive time of the year.

MICHAEL

I am in my early 60's. There are a lot of aspects about Christmas, that have changed over my life time, however it has always been a time for families to get together and have a good time - EAT DRINK & BE MERRY.
I still love Christmas because of this.
Spud

Yankeedoodle

HI Rainbow,
I don't love it or hate it, but you are right about it being very materialistic compared to when I was growing up. I beleive most people have lost the true meaning of Christmas and that is sad but that can be somewhat blamed on the advertisers as to how they market it. I have been here for 23 years on Christmas day and I still can't get used to it because of the weather. I come from a small town in Iowa in the middle of the US and am used to having snow on the ground or for that matter snowing on the day itself. To me it is just another day.

Shortstuff

I like Christmas, but miss my family. They live too far away, and we all have animals that need daily feeding. My sisters and brother all live interstate. It seems a waste of time to deck the house, as it is usually hot. We do not live close to a town, so don't get to see our friends. Still love the feeling of Christmas though.

bluehoney

The week before Christmas, me and my daughter will goand do the xmas shopping. Last year we didn't have a tree but this xmas we will buy one. These days xmas is just like another day, enjoyed it when my child was younger. These days not the same.

Ermar

Christmas has a very special place in my heart. I rejoice in the fact that Jesus became a human being and came to show us how to love. I love the religious aspects of Christmas.
However, I do not like the way we have turned something religious into a consumer event of the year and that we have put pressure on families in doing so.
As a child in a poor family, I remember how thrilled I was to receive a tiny stocking filled with a coloring in book and crayons, some nuts and a tangerine. I think the most marvelous gift for me was the tangerine!

Luci

I love christmas. It gives me a chance to give to everyone around me. I like to get that special gift for someone, that lets them know that I have thought about them and listened to them throughout the year. I love the look on someones face when they open a gift and think,"wow, I can't believe you remembered". I must admit, coming from the US, it is hard to get into the Chrismas spirit when it is warm. Christmas feelings have always been associated with cold weather, so it takes a bit of work to get the feelings going when I am wearing shorts and a t-shirt and Christmas dinner is cold cuts. But somehow I always manage, wouldn't trade it for anything.

DarkDesires

I hate Christmas, waste of time and money, no one now a days believes in the true meaning of it thats if they even no what it is, I havent done christmas in over 10 years and i will never do it again, to me its just another day.

Fatface

In our house, Christmas is pretty low key because we've never had the money to do anything else. I'm fortunate that my children understand this and have never been demanding. We have a meal together and give gift, usually several little gifts rather than an expensive big one but I've never bought "necessaries" such as socks or clothing for my boys, it's always something that will give them joy.
We have a chicken and salad for lunch, unless they've aksed for something else. One year it was peanut butter sandwiches, so we feel fortunate if we can afford chicken :)
We decorate a tree on 1st December, but now the children are older and not quite so excited about it all, we leave that until later in the month. We have an artificial tree because I think its a bad idea to kill a tree for the few days of decoration.
Our tree is an artificial one but we have had tree branches or in one year, a real spruce tree which we then put in the garden.

There's no hassle for us, no stress it is what it's supposed to be, a happy time when we all get together and enjoy one another's company

cricky

Christmas to me, still means family, whether they are with you or not, this year will be the first year without my step father (rip), so it will be a little hard this year on my family, but some good news is, my niece will be here for Christmas, from Australia, so a little happier.
I have two children, who are still a little young to get excited with Christmas, one who is Autistic, and really still does not even realize what it is about. (will tell him when he is more aware).

As for whether Christmas has lost its meaning ... yes i do think the reality of Christmas and its meaning have all but disappeared, as a lot of people do not know what the meaning is all about, and how the jolly fat man came to be.

flubber

I love Christmas but I felt that its meaning is lost. It is the Birth of Jesus. It's his Birthday. It is not a time of holiday and BBQ. It has a special place in my heart if I am home in Malaysia with my family but as I am stuck here in NZ, it is sort of a bittersweet celebration.

Annie

too materialistic....Christmas music and decorations overload already! Nice to have family around!!!

mccallmob

CHRISTMAS TO ME IS ALL ABOUT FAMILY,ESPECIALLY THE GRAND KIDS.
When they open their gifts and are so innocently happy, the inner child reacts. When a meal is shared and the laughter and good natured teasing, so many memories are created to hold close when times are not so good. Then there is a time that I miss the people who have passed away and wished they were still with us. That makes me realise how lucky I am to have what I have and the people who care about me and the love I feel for them. MERRY CHRISTMAS

pisces1946

Love it leading up to Christmas as people seem happier and holidays for many are on the horizon. However many kids, including my grandchildren, are all about how many presents they are getting and who is going to outdo who with the latest games and sports equipment. We buy just 1 sensible present for each one. I blame the parents for this, not the kids. Love going to church on Xmas Eve and I am not a religious man. We don't buy for adults as we cannot afford it. Love preparing and cooking the Xmas Day meal and helping prepare lunch for the homeless people at a local hall, very early on Christmas morning.....their smiles are unbelievable!

Anonymous

I love Christmas most especially the family all getting together, I'm not so concerned with all the gift giving as that can be so very commercialised. But it is the heart of Christmas that I love.

galsweetie

I unfortuantly wish xmas would come & go as quick as possible.
Only because over the last 15 years I have had quite a few unpleasant experiences that have happened at that time of year.
Like breakups , family differences etc , even a black eye by an ex & then having to meet overseas relatives for the first time .
I think it is however a nice time for familys to all get together and spend quality time with each other.
I still love giving my nephew and neices pressies and think if they are brought up to look forward to & they enjoy it then I am happy for them.
I do my best to try and enjoy xmas but am really just putting on a brave face for others as its not nice to ruin it for them , so on a positive note Im sure xmas will one day be really a enjoyable time.

Anonymous

I look forward to Christmas for the time for all the family to be together, but it seems a lot of the tradition is slowly disappearing, I like to give and have a traditional roast dinner with all the trimmings and yes Christmas will always have a special place in my heart.

FNCAOB

Other special occasions, as in the real meaning of Christmas originated out of the shopping, entertainment, or were considered the only holiday I believe.

XL

Stressful, busy and irrelevant time of year for us, only special for the kids. All our relavatives and families are interstate or overseas and as I work during this period we are unable to travel until mid Jan and xmas is well and truly over. Great to see the kids happy but my wife and I are truly over it

Anonymous

Christmas is meant to be a time of joy. Families getting together. The joyful sounds of children opening presents. The delicious smells from the Christmas dinner cooking. Sadly, this is not always the case. So many people are in financial stress & cannot afford Christmas presents, let alone Christmas dinner. Some, like the people in Christchurch, don't even have a home to celebrate Christmas in. They are remembering the loss of a loved one who is not with them for Christmas. So let the more fortunate take a few minutes to think of these less fortunate on Christmas Day. I am going to.

Flymow

Love Christmas. The food, the carols and the atmosphere. But I believe that Xmas is more for kids to enjoy and have a great time and for families to get together and celebrate.

washann

Christmas has lost its real meaning. It has become too comercialised with the emphasis on food and money. With less and less of my family left i dont look forward to the celebration as i know there are loved ones missing and I truly miss them. I look forward to Church on Christmas day and even though the songs bring back memories and make me cry, i still attend each year. I love watching the grandchildren, nieces and nephews opening their presents and the expressions on their faces are priceless. The feelings i use to have as Christmas approaches excite me but i cant seem to get excited about it any more.

ranicles

I use to have a real passion for christmas could not get enough decorations , liked to make a lot of presents my self, cooked cakes, puddings, have the family over, still have family but not many of the older family left. Majority of family died at Christmas time (not at the same Christmas). I do not get as excited as I use to. I am waiting for grandchildren sure they will make a difference.

Ruby's Mum

To me Christmas has always been about family and food. Over the last few years as our children have grown into adulthood we as a family have taken the emphasis off the presents and shifted it towards being together and eating together. We still buy presents but only for the little ones (some of us still have wee ones) and also one gift for an adult. That way we all get one gift and that's it. I never look forward to Christmas and can take or leave the whole decoration thing usually, but this year in September I moved to Australia, me, my partner and Ruby, so it will just be the three of us for dinner, and I've decided to decorate in a big way tree and lights and fill the empty space where my very large family would be if I was home. We have to keep it together for Ruby because kids make Christmas worthwhile don't they. And thanks cafestudy for making our Christmas a little less stressful.

michb

At the present time, I wish Christmas would go quickly. I lost my husband of 31 years 18 months ago (very suddenly) and have still not finished grieving. So family occasions are very painful reminders. Before that I think it had lost a lot of it's spiritual meaning and is more materialistic.

naz4321

its suppose to be all about kids opening there presents sadly that doesn,t happen alot family intersate , breakdowns it can be a very sad time for alot of people
and happiness for children to give them presents.....

toot

My late husband and I did not have children so apart from the first Christmas without him when I went down south in WA to where my father lives (my brother ran me down as I do not drive a vehicle) I have spent it on my own. Having said that there have been a couple of Christmases where either one of my neighbours or a friend has invited me to their place. I spent a couple on my own and this year am thinking of going into Perth where one of the charities puts on Christmas lunch for the homeless, those on their own and for single parents who can not afford to buy Christmas stuff. Have not fully decided yet will just wait and see. In the meantime to those of you who have families, make the most of them, do not let any family disagreements affect the day, you do not know when you will not have them around.

Ane

I find Christmas so sad at times as many people have quite forgotten the true meaning of such a special time. All my family are overseas and luckily I have managed to save up enough money to fly home and see them all for the first time in five years. I hate the way some minority religious groups are trying to remove the word "Christmas" from cards and are even disallowing carols to be sung at some schools. I have heard kids and friends demanding what they want instead of simply accepting what partners, family/parents or guardians can afford. Where's the love, kindness to others and gratitude gone to?

Lorraine

Media portrays Xmas in an unrealistic way, loads of presents, happy stress free Mums cooking up a storm with perfect makeup and hair done. Reality is hot, tired, frazzled Mums racing around madly shopping, cooking. But I still kinda like it, it brings back memories of being a kid, the excitement is laying dormant underneath but still there a little, tiny, teeny bit.

GoBears

What I look forward to about Christmas is family coming together, sharing a wonderful feast prepared by the host, laughing, being merry and sharing a wonderful night together. It definitely has a place in my heart when I see the overwhelming joy in the faces of little nephews and nieces ...especially their reactions when they open their presents. Kids joy and happiness is priceless!

anzacjay

I wish it would just go...To wake up by yourself on Xmas Day is the most demeaning thing...My grandchildren are older now, so the Jolly Red elf is not longer relevant and it is as if they are bored having to come to see Nanna on Xmas Day...To me, Xmas is just another day and not even one you can do anything on because every thing is closed....In a secular society WHY is this so...

steve

Christmas only means sohething for 2 reasons My friends and my religion I am a latter day saint.The reason for that is I have never had like alot people christmas with my own family I was bought up in ophanages. I beleave christmas has lost its true meaning becourse christ died to giveus a chance to return after this life to live with him and our heavenly father for eternaty.Please give my spelling.

Ashar

To me Xmas is just another day except that it is a public holiday.

Sim-one

Every year I look forward to Christmas. It is supposed to be the one day of the year when all my family get together, people travel in from out of town and we all try to not fight with each other. There's always a blue, someone cracks a nana at someone else and a few of us retreat to the shed to hide. Every year it's the same, but every year I get excited about us all being together, and hope that one Christmas it might be different. These days 2 of my family members try to make it so they aren't in the same place at the same time, and hey presto, the ones that are there all get along! :-) Always makes me laugh.
Since having children, I look forward to seeing the excitement on their faces, and I try to make it a hugely exciting/fun time for them. We have the pressies after a big special brekkie, then there are more pressies at my parents place, a huge lunch which Mum and I cater together and plan together, games, lots of laughter, and swimming. I love it, always have, before kids, with kids, with the fighting sisters, or without. It's about family, friends, happiness, and I wish, less about the commercialism.

carenharrington

I used to love xmas, I couldn't wait to put up the tree and organise the turkey and shop around for pressies, but now I find it too much effort. It may be a result of me growing older and the children left home, but I just don't have the xmas stamina I used to have. I feel it is all a marketing technique now and it has lost it's true meaning. I would rather have a quiet xmas doing something I love like gardening, than going all over the countryside visiting relatives etc on xmas.

mandy

i can get all excited about x-mas any more, even havin kids i find that it is a stressful time of year. trying to fit so much into one day visiting family and close friends, i work in the hospitality industry so of corse its our mad time of year for us, i really enjoy seeing all the families come together at this time of year but there is so much pressure on making sure you get the right gift for everyone. in my house we dont give gifts on x-mas day we just have a great lunch (if i home) and make everyone welcome. no pressure we know we will see everyone thats important to us through out the year not just on this one day

JustJess

Yes I love Christmas time!! But I do think that these days it has lost all meaning to the majority of people in society. Christmas is supposed to be a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it's a Christian celebration and that should not be forgotten! I also think it's sad that shops and the like are being forced not to put up nativity scenes because it will apparently 'offend non-christians'. Well honestly if these non-christians are going to be offended they should be offended by the whole christmas celebration, the tree the decorations, everything. It's not like non-Christians would be offended by this celebration anyway! It's political correctness gone mad! Christmas is a special time of year for Christian people and should be seen for what it truly is, not some commercial money grabbing exercise by greedy retailers.

Gordo

XMAS;-YUK!

margw

We still celebrate Christmas with some traditions - midnight mass (the only time my husband and one daughter attends church!) opening of the first present and having a little drink. Putting up the Christmas tree, with any new member of the family or friend putting the angel on the tree and obligatory photos. This year not so many ornaments as no one helps to take them down! I love giving presents as well as receiving them - and if you make a reasonable list, you will get the presents you want.
Going to see the Christmas lights, and most of all, distributing Christmas prfesents on Christmas Day to the less fortunate people and their families.

Anonymous

i love it but i stress about money n if everyone is going to be happy

Robyn

I am indigenous and Christmas is not part of my culture. However, I was raised as a member of the Church of England and I respect the religious significance celebrated by many faiths. I lived and worked in the United States for over 30 years and find that Thanksgiving (the gathering of friends and or family) fits comfortably in my progress through the years.

PAULIE

I ENJOY THE FESTIVE SEASON BUT THINK IT'S TOO COMMERCIALISED. A GREAT TIME HOWEVER TO SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

shoni

I look forward to Christmas this year, my children wont be so scared of santa now they have grown up a little bit.

shoni

I look forward to christmas every year. I enjoy my kids waking up to presents under a christmas tree.
This year as my children are so young i have put yellow labels on presents and orange on the other childs presents so they can identify what presents are for who, incase they wake up early and get to the prsents before i wake up. I have told them the yellow is for one and the orange for the other so im so keen to see if this idea works as they have just learnt colours.
On another note raising my children i have told them santa is from the moon and he watches when they are being naughty, so when they are really naughty i tell them be good or santa will take their toy, so if they keep playing up i tell them santa has taken it to the moon and will give it bak when they are good, its going to be quite funny this year to hear them ask Santa why he took their bike, but on another note they will be telling him how good they have been this year, Christmas will be very exciting this year

Shieldsy16

Do not look forward to Christmas at all so usually travel until it`s all over. The only fun I get is planing where I will go each year

netty

Christmas was amazing when i raised my 3 children,We loved everything about it but as they became adults and left home ,then divorce followed.It seemed Christmas lost its meaning within myself.Now eight years on,I have found thr true meaning to its Jesus my saviour,yes i have always known its about Jesus ,now I have a personal relationship with Him.I can forgive myself for all the christmas i missed with my 7 grandchildren,i can accept I would rather serve the less fortunate on this day knowing my family are cared for and served by other family.This year im travelling to NSW to spend 2 weeks with the grandchildren.Praise God for this moment in life Amen xx

Anonymous

i love christmas from the start to the finish,putting up the tree and laying all the presents round it,,i used to tease my children that santa would now if they touched or moved the presents and so they just watched the pile grow, now my grand children watch the christmas tree, we all stay together for the special breakfast and the big christmas dnner and i wouldnt have it any other way. the laughter and smiles make all the work worth while and there is no better day of the year,its true its getting very materialistic nw,, but its still a great time of the year ....

Nita

I just find Christmas time a stressful time. I hate the crowds in the shops. I live in a tourist town on the coast and normally it's easy to get a car park at the local shopping centre and get thru the checkout quite quickly. But Christmas, you can't get anywhere to park and the shopping centre is just packed full of people like sardines squashed in a can and it takes (what feels like) a year to get thru the checkouts. So stressful. Whenthe actual day arrives things quiten down a little at my house, as all the preparation is over and we just get to enjoy the day. My family and I spend the entire day together, eating a lovely meal, giving out pressies and then we spend hours playing Wii, usually the Ten-pin bowling, it's so much fun and we laugh our heads off as we all get slightly competitive.
I don't mind Christmas, I just hate the run up to it.

annie

I really enjoy spending time with the family over christmas but dont enjoy the spending the money for presents and food

annie

Hi Annie
What we have done is have a family meeting in the middle of October and we sat down and we girls worked out the menu and who was going to do what. It has not cost us that much but as...

thanks bubbles that is a really good idea.We do something similar on boxing day when we all get together with my husbands side of the family.We only buy a girl present and a guys present.

bubbles

I really enjoy spending time with the family over christmas but dont enjoy the spending the money for presents and food

Hi Annie
What we have done is have a family meeting in the middle of October and we sat down and we girls worked out the menu and who was going to do what. It has not cost us that much but as far as presents we have a $20 limit and I only have to buy for 7. Next year it is kris kringle. That will make it cheaper again.

flyingace

hi Rainbow, I love christmas and every year a family would get together for christmas and it was a wonderful day and 3 years ago my mum died and ever since my family hasn't got together for christmas but only once and I am hoping this year we can get together but I don't know.

bubbles

hi Rainbow, I love christmas and every year a family would get together for christmas and it was a wonderful day and 3 years ago my mum died and ever since my family hasn't got together for...

Hi flyingace, I was wondering how your Christmas finished up did you get together with the family? I wish you a very good 2012 and keep on keeping on.

flyingace

maybe you have to be the one to get the ball rolling...perhaps everyone is waiting for someone else to ask the question!
hope it sorts

Hi sherri, I am the only one who always gets the ball rolling I want someone else to start.

sherri

Hi bubbles, at the moment i haven't heard anything about getting together for christmas but I am hoping we do.Thanks.

maybe you have to be the one to get the ball rolling...perhaps everyone is waiting for someone else to ask the question!
hope it sorts

flyingace

I hope that your family can have a get together this year it is so sad when you loose a parent and no one steps up. When my grandma died it was the end of the big family get together on Christmas...

Hi bubbles, at the moment i haven't heard anything about getting together for christmas but I am hoping we do.Thanks.

bubbles

hi Rainbow, I love christmas and every year a family would get together for christmas and it was a wonderful day and 3 years ago my mum died and ever since my family hasn't got together for...

I hope that your family can have a get together this year it is so sad when you loose a parent and no one steps up. When my grandma died it was the end of the big family get together on Christmas Eve where I saw all my Aunties, Uncles and cousins. Good luck and keep us posted with what happens.

bubbles

I love to go to the local shops to see all the wonderful Christmas decorations but I hardly ever get anything as I choose to wait until after Christmas when it is half price. I enjoy the lead up to the big day with catching up with many friends and enjoying their company but as for the big day I am usually so tied from the cooking and the hype that I don't enjoy the day. I put on a bright and happy face but cannot wait till it is all over.

Lew

I love Christmas as it is a great family time when we all come together and celebrate the occasion and catch up. For me it has never lost it meaning of Peace on Earth goodwill to all.

kath

i personally think Christmas has lost the meaning ,know one makes anything everything is brought the family unit has broken down Christmas is & can be a very sad time i,m one of them

Gerry1945

Well Xmas is for kids, we have lost the religious background of being good to our friends and neighbors. All it is now is a big grab for presents and which uncle aunt or grandparent that can give the most expensive present. I do not look forward to it much except it brings the family together once a year.

castiger

Christmas is very special for me. As most of my children and grandchildren live in various states Christmas is the only time all year when we all get together, so I look forward to Christmas with great excitement.

joany

I love Christmas and always have. It is a feast not a holiday. The real celebration is the remembrance of the coming of Jesus. This is the only thing that makes Christmas special. We gather as family and, instead of exchanging gifts, we choose a charity to which we can give gifts as we do not lack for anything ourselves. This reminds us of the gift Jesus brought ....... a new way of looking at the law that will gift each of us and which he recognised had been lost by the Pharisees. His main message was "Do not be afraid" and it makes me sad that many believe that Christianity is a religion of fear. May the God of love bless us all abundantly this Christmas.

Kitty999

Christmas has lost it's meaning. It's so materialistic these days. And it starts so early!!!

When I am dictator I shall enact a law that Christmas cannot be mentioned until after 1st of December. They have Christmas parades in November!!

I don't think Christmas has translated well to the Southern Hemisphere. It's meant to be a mid winter feast. I also think that it being at the start of the summer holidays detracts its specialness..

K13

i hate it because people forget that christmas is about the birth of Jesus, not about presents. lets put the CHRIST back in christmas!

another reason that i hate christmas is because a lot of schools no longer recognise it for fear of offending someone!

hello migrants that are offended by God, this was originally a christian country and the reason that you came to this country in the first place was to escape troubles caused by YOUR religion, so dont come to MY country trying to cause trouble with my religion! is santa is going to your child's primary school one day, keep your kid home. dont spoil the day for 400 other kids

Hartmut

i hate it because people forget that christmas is about the birth of Jesus, not about presents. lets put the CHRIST back in christmas!

another reason that i hate christmas is because a lot...

Jesus was never about Jesus. Jesus was not about the worship of a particular individual person. Jesus was only about LOVE.
So lets put LOVE back into Christmas - and not only at Christmas or any other festivity, but every day - irrespective of which religion or spiritual teacher you belong to or follow.
And let us not forget that we are ALL the children of what is known as God.

peterv

When you see decorations in shopping centres at the end of october you have to wonder.It now seems to be just another excuse for sales etc.
Sorry to say I'm a bit over it but we do celebrate it in a low key way at home.
Merry Christmas everyone.

Juls

I'm over Christmas already .....and it's not even December yet ! Now my children are adults and living there own lives , it's become a major non event for me. I still send them prezzies but that's all I really do now. I have no family close to me and even tho' I get invites from friends , I just have lost enthusiasm for the 'big day'. It all seems like over commercialised claptrap and I just can't be bothered....... I hate that I feel this way. I don't appear to be the only one though?....

Kelly

I really love Christmas like putting up the tree and decorations and lights on the house and shopping and presents and the kids faces when they open up their presents Christmas morning. Christmas will always have a place in my heart.

Snake

Up to the age of about 12 I used to look forward to Christmas, but after that I grew to dislike it more and more. It has no religious significance for me and I have grown to hate the period. It might be different if I had kids, but apparently there are more family disputes and and anger expressed by families at this time of the year than at any other. The best Christmas in recent years was spent entirely by myself. I went to the beach with a good book, had a surf in the sunshine, came home, watched TV for a while and went to bed bed early. I didn't talk to anyone all day. It was a great time for me. The older I get the more misanthropic I get and the happier I get !

Anonymous

I enjoy the Christmas Spirit that seems to go along with the season. When people aren't caught up in the commercialism of it, it then becomes a season of giving. I don't go out and buy Christmas presents as I tend to give gifts all year round because the occasion warrants it or because I just want to.

Christmas is family, sharing, giving, kindness, love, compassion and remembrance. My family are grown up but we get together in December and I absolutely love it.

It's all in the perception. Christmas is whatever you make it.

Cozzo

I agree that the original meaning of Christmas appears to have disappeared. In the younger years parents were on much lower wages and subsequently bought or did what they could for the kids, and we even bought presents for our mum, albeit with pocket money our dad had given us, so effectively he paid for all the presents, and we were happy with what we got.

We did not have a TV therefore were not bombarded with ads from the big department stores so did not know what was out there. However, manufacturers seem to have created all these expensive items these days and with kids being bombarded with ads on TV and their mates having the/an item, they seem to think parents are an endless ATM and demand they get that or a bigger/better item.

It is far too commercialised these days, and with all due respect I think some of the parents are also to blame by giving into the demands and not being firm enough with the children. The other side of commercialisation is the money some people spend on lights and decorations these days - what is wrong with the old tinsel and row ocoloured lights?

As far as gatherings for lunch/dinner are concerned, it often turns out to be just another excuse to get drunk. I have not done a Christmas lunch/dinner at home since 2005, (also the last time I bothered with putting up the Christmas tree) and if we are not interstate at relatives, it has just been lunch at the local hotel (even though their prices are jacked up for the day relative to what you get), so apart from the fact that we get a few days off work, it would not bother me if Christmas celebrations were not held.

I am not a grinch but it is just such an expensive time of the year for the outcome.

dylo

Christmas is great when it is shared with family and friends. I don't like the commercialism but I love the smiles on everyones faces.

Arlene

Christmas has not lost it's meaning and never will it lose its value in the lives of people who love Jesus Christ - the reason we have Christmas. Only people who do not understand its real meaning lose it. Sad but true. Whatever circumstances and where ever we are - Christmas is Christmas, as constant as Jesus Himself.

sherri

Christmas has not lost it's meaning and never will it lose its value in the lives of people who love Jesus Christ - the reason we have Christmas. Only people who do not understand its real meaning...

Lovely post Arlene.
However, it is only recently that Christmas has ceased to be the most difficult time of the year for me. As an extremely poor single parent with NO family or real support and an ex who often 'acted up' at this time of year Christmas was always incredibly tough. Loving Jesus was not enough to put food on the table or presents under the tree, and that was important too.

And one of the greatest barriers for me enjoying Christmas back then was oher people's expecations that I would enjoy Christmas in the same way that they did - and that there was something wrong with me because I did not enjoy it...but It was just too hard.

Circumstances DO make a difference! It is only now that times have changed and I am able to opt OUT that I find I am able to pause and reflect and to truly celebrate.

And there would be a lot of people who experience Chriistmas in the same way that I did - so we need to be a little sensitive in the way we express ourselves sometimes.

peppi6

I used to love Christmas, however as time goes by it seems to be more and more over commercialized. The true meaning seems to be becoming more irrelevant. Its now more what did I get and what did you get for Xmas.

Anonymous

love it. I always have and now I have a little one, it adds a new view on the whole day. It's his first Christmas this year I am so looking ofrward to it

johntobe

Sadly Christmas has lost much of its meaning,possibly because we live in a multi cultural society where some don't believe in Christmas. When I was young each Christmas there would be people going around singing Christmas Carols ,and you would hear carols being played in shopping centres . Yes Christmas is very special time to remember who was born to die for our sins. Christmas is a time to forgive and love one another and our neighbours time to go to Church.

lynndi

Love it , I start with the january sales and buy decorations and wrapping paper, then wrap and buy all year for it . I get a christmas hamper for our food. So xmas is enjoyable not stresssful at all.

ausdolphin

I dread Christmas. It gets more expensive every year. The birth of Jesus has been forgotten and it's all about the latest ipods etc.
I would like it to be a 4 yearly thing or something lol.

rose

I love Christmas. I eagerly look forward to it, do all the planning in advance, invite guests and the most important part, attend the church service. To some extend i do agree that Christmas has lost its meaning. Nowadays days people look for materialistic things rather then the true meaning of Christmas. But for me Christmas is special for me and has place in my heart. It is a day to remember the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and savior.

shockman

Christmas has lost all its magic and feeling it had when i was a kid. I work in Retail so i get to have it for 3 plus months and only get xmas day off so to me its just a day off where i sleep most of the day because of working so hard before it

Dallas2255

I still love Christmas. On the lead up to Christmas I have Christmas songs playing almost continually, and the house is decorated.Usually on Christmas eve with candles all around my family and I watch Carols by Candlelight and we sing along.To me Christmas still has it's real meaning and I will not let all the commercialism take Christmas away from me.

UltimaAvatar

I always love Christmas time, the extended family all get together and have dinner. Christmas is not all about celebrating the birth of Christ these days its more about family(at least for me). Its also a good break from work for a bit.

telperion

I am a person who does not look forward to Christmas and will be happy when its gone.
Its all the rampant commercialism that has no place time where we celebrate the Birth of the Christ child thats what this holy season represents.
As a person who is widowed with no family Christmas is a very rough time of the year for me.
Its just another day of the year.

Jade Simpson

I am a person who does not look forward to Christmas and will be happy when its gone.
Its all the rampant commercialism that has no place time where we celebrate the Birth of the Christ child...

Yeh I agree it is a rough time of the year.

Hartmut

High Raqinbow,

Firstly about your comment
'Ahhh well, it wouldn't be fair if he was blessed with good looks AND brains. You can't have it all, can you?'
Of course you can! LOOK INTO THE MIRROR ! ! !

As for Christmas, unfortunately it has become mainly a money-making event.
Still, it can be a warm and uplifting occasion - if it it celebrated as a family and friends get-together, and as such is to be welcomed.

PATRICK

is a good time but is really for children great if you can get near family

mardy

i love it

ellie78

Being part of a family with step-parents x 2, plus biological parents x 2, plus in-laws as well, I sometimes find Christmas very tiresome and overwhelming. We quite often have functions the weekend before, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, by the time it is all over I'm exhausted and need the rest of the year to get over it!
I do love seeing my kids get more and more excited as the days get closer, when they start opening the advent calendar at the start of December, then once school/kindy is over and they know it's only a couple of weeks away. Nothing compares to their faces on the morning, when they see their santa sacks full of pressies.
As long as the kids are happy then it's a successful Christmas as far as I'm concerned, it is all about them!

Carsie

I love it, family time, a sense of giving, above all the greatest gift of all, the love of God in Jesus.

Anonymous

I hate it. Boxing day is much better. I can't wait for all the hype to die down and people relax again. There is too much pressure on people these days and it has lost its meaning. I do love being with family though and feel blessed I have such a great family.

aussiepete

I grew up in kids homes & as my family is not close i have remained single all of my life & i now have have been on workers compensatition sence 1997 due to a spinal fusion that went wrong & left me with permant nerve root damage & lots of pain, so i hate it, but i just take extra sleeping medication & on christmass eve & wake up in time twho deo watch the boxing day test.I refuse to go to one of those free christmass lunches that is put on around sydney as i feel that there are lots of homeless people or single mums with kids who desver it more then i do...lets
thats my feelings about it :-)

***Pottsy***

I love Christmas. It's a time where some people realise they havent been paying nearly enough attention to spreading smiles and good cheer as they should have been. My only beef is that some people want Christmas to start in November or even before then! Then it just becomes something that is too long and drawn out. Let's keep Christmas to it's original days and we can all look forward to them instead of dreading long weeks of preparation.

gerrythe1

good for a family get-together

tazz

good for a family get-together

in my family we get together and have a bbq my kids moan and groan about everything. i hav my mother around as i dont have much family. its just another day
to me that i spend to much money on. im not religious so it just a commercial money spending holiday

ropeter

I have kids, so Christmas is big in our home for them. However, in the past 13 months, we've lost both my mother and my mother-in-law, so it will also be quite a sad occasion. This year we've decided to do a departure from the normal for Christmas lunch in honour of the 'Mums', as they are called - we're having a BBQ of steaks and sausages instead of the traditional roast. Before the kids, I thought Christmas had lost the shine it had when I was younger, but now I am seeing it again through the wondering eyes of my children, and it is as wonderful as I remembered. Still plan on being elsewhere when it comes to putting up (and taking down) the tree - can't stand that chore!

PGS

Sooner it's over the better.
The days where it (and Easter) had meaning other than profit are long gone.

Married a Buddhist, so we don't bother with it.

Karsh

Hi PGS,

Ideed, it is kinda sad that a lot of things have lost their meaning.
However, it is still up to the individual and their family and friends on how they wish to celebrate...

I agree Hartmut, Christmas is what you make of it, personally I love it, the religious side of it, the giving & the sharing, with family & friends. I guess I am lucky in so far as I have most of my family close by but I can understand other peoples point of views too.

carenharrington

Sooner it's over the better.
The days where it (and Easter) had meaning other than profit are long gone.

Married a Buddhist, so we don't bother with it.

Yeah I tend to lean towards buddhism these days, even listen to buddhist internet radio. It should be all about learning to be happy and enjoy everyday without material things rather than leave it for one day of the year to put your hatered and dislikes aside. When you acheive this it is like xmas every day.

sprinkles

Sooner it's over the better.
The days where it (and Easter) had meaning other than profit are long gone.

Married a Buddhist, so we don't bother with it.

There are mixed feelings about Christmas as this is the time my sister died. But, I love to give presents and watch kids Christmas shows. It's a very stressful time, but the cats like to play with the Xmas paper so that makes it fun always.
I think if Christmas is about anything, its seeing the happiness on my families faces when they open their presents.

Jade Simpson

Sooner it's over the better.
The days where it (and Easter) had meaning other than profit are long gone.

Married a Buddhist, so we don't bother with it.

Good on you.

kath

Hi PGS,

Ideed, it is kinda sad that a lot of things have lost their meaning.
However, it is still up to the individual and their family and friends on how they wish to celebrate...

so true

kath

Sooner it's over the better.
The days where it (and Easter) had meaning other than profit are long gone.

Married a Buddhist, so we don't bother with it.

i agree 100%

Hartmut

Sooner it's over the better.
The days where it (and Easter) had meaning other than profit are long gone.

Married a Buddhist, so we don't bother with it.

Hi PGS,

Ideed, it is kinda sad that a lot of things have lost their meaning.
However, it is still up to the individual and their family and friends on how they wish to celebrate X-Mas or any other festivities.
No one has to follow the "herd'. Everyone is free to give significance to any event according to their own wishes and beliefs.

Ziah

I have been liking the Christmas period less and less the older I get. All I see around me is greed and "I want I want I want" all the time. I'm just grateful there are no children in our family - the youngest members are in their 20's now and planning families of their own. My husband and I are childfree and love the fact our cats are happy with new collars, new bowls and a handful of new toys that all come in under $20. Even our parents are asking for more expensive items these days - and we're not bottomless wallets.

Christmas makes me want to say Bah Humbug all the time. Sure it's a time for being together - but what about the other 364 days a year? If our company isn't good enough any other day of the year, what makes them think we'll welcome them with open arms on Christmas Day? If they can't make the effort any other time, we're not going to make the effort for them on one of the few days we get alone together. Christmas has really lost all meaning - and I'm not talking solely about the Christian/religious meaning, but the general meaning of family, being together and enjoying company and spending real time talking about real things. Instead it is all about how much swag a person got under the tree/in their stocking/from Santa/etc. I wish I didn't have to be a part of it at all - but even at Christmas time we still have to eat, so I still have to go shopping in the madness that is the Silly Season. I'm just glad I'm not working retail this year, as in years past!

sherri

Sooner it's over the better.
The days where it (and Easter) had meaning other than profit are long gone.

Married a Buddhist, so we don't bother with it.

Hi Witchy - Leaving aside a comment that you made, - that as a wiccan it would be inconsistent for you to celebrate Christmas, (agreed) I would like to pick up on your comment about Dec 25th not being Jesus' actual birthday. You are correct - in part.
Just as we don't celebrate the Queen's birthday on her ACTUAL birthday, nor do most of us Christians take sabbath on the Sabbath...choosing Sunday instead, neither do we celebrate Jesus birthday on his ACTUAL birthday.
Yes, the actual date has been lost in obscurity as has many other events on the Jewish calendar that would have been the one that recorded the actual day. Our calendar has been amended to suit the whims of an ancient Roman Caesar, and over the years many other things have been added that have changed the way that this important anniversary is celebrated (Christmas trees and Santa to name but two)

But the central, important facts remain unaltered - and these have been verified both biblically and extra-biblically....and these are the things that remain central to what we celebrate at Christmas...no matter WHAT artificial date we choose to do it on, or how many extra 'frilly bits' have been added over the years.

But am I right in picking up that celebrating things on their actual days (such as solstices) is important to you as a wiccan? If so that makes sense as to why Christians not celebrating on actual dates is significant for you.

all the best

sherri

I have been liking the Christmas period less and less the older I get. All I see around me is greed and "I want I want I want" all the time. I'm just grateful there are no children in our family -...

Ah Ziah -I am the opposite - though our reasoning is the same!

Now that I am child-free, (kids are 'launched' and interstate) I am free from having to 'opt in' to Christmas - alhough occasionally I do get pressured in as the 'extra' at someone else's table because THEY can' t cope with the idea of me being on my own. I HATE being the 'pity invite' but is hard to refuse because it is impossible to explain why without sounding churlish.

I do have some friends whose company I would enjoy, but then I know that I am welcome because I am always welcome - and the invitation is because they genuinely want my company. TOTALLY different motivation. But I am also quite happy with my own company. Far preferable to anything that is 'make do'

And sadly I have a much greater sense of God's presence at other times of the year when there are many fewer 'glittery things' to distract and we don't 'try so hard' to 'manufacture' a sense of holiness. (Cynical aren't I - but I just can't find 'Silent Night' in amongst all the business )

Anonymous

I have been liking the Christmas period less and less the older I get. All I see around me is greed and "I want I want I want" all the time. I'm just grateful there are no children in our family -...

Hi Ziah, know how you feel, i have one daughter who i don't see unless I go to her shop, then the look I recieve makes me feel as though I'm a nuicence not her mother. i only observe Christmas for the grankids that I do see some were interstate but they have moved here about 2hrs away so that is better. basically I don't believe in the Christian meaning for two reasons, it has been proven that the child Jesus was actually not born on the 25th Dec but somewhere between end of Jan to the middle of april, whuich if you listern to the words of one of the Xmas Carols "while shepards whatch their flocks by night all seated on the ground," December is winter in the northern hemisphere so I dought the wsheep or shepards would be out in the cold and in some places snow (seated on the ground). Also I am a wiccian (witch) so we celebrate the summer solstace here & the passing of the winter solstace in the north but whatever you make oif Christmas may the Godess bless you and guide your stepsm in the path of light.
Livelong and prosper.

peterv

Peterv you want to feel good at christmas again may be you should do something duriing the year that might do just that .One thing I do is give to charaties who as I said to somone else that help...

Thanks Steve.It's not that christmas gets me down at all. I was just agreeing with Ziah that it's become so commercialised that the real meaning has benn lost to a lot of people. I have a lot to be grateful for in my life. I nearly died at age 41 so getting a second chance is the biggest gift I could wish for.
i agree giving to sharities is a fantastic thing to do and I do when I can afford to.

Dirtybigbellky

I have been liking the Christmas period less and less the older I get. All I see around me is greed and "I want I want I want" all the time. I'm just grateful there are no children in our family -...

I completely agree with you Ziah!!

steve

Oh Ziah,you are so right.It's a real shame it's come to this.I'm 59 and I wish I was a kid again all those years ago.

Peterv you want to feel good at christmas again may be you should do something duriing the year that might do just that .One thing I do is give to charaties who as I said to somone else that help people through the year you might be surprised how that mekes you feel when you have a down moment.

steve

I have been liking the Christmas period less and less the older I get. All I see around me is greed and "I want I want I want" all the time. I'm just grateful there are no children in our family -...

Ziah you should start a family tradition like all the money you might spend at christmas mybe you should give to a charity that helps peole for more than 1 day of the year. Myself I give to Save the children as well as Peter mc for cancer reserach..And that makes me feel a lot better about myself. Becourse god did say love thy neaubour as thy self.And you might be surprised at how it mekes you feel.

steve

I have been liking the Christmas period less and less the older I get. All I see around me is greed and "I want I want I want" all the time. I'm just grateful there are no children in our family -...

Ziah you should start a family tradition like all the money you might spend at christmas mybe you should give to a charity that helps peole for more than 1 day of the year. Myself I give to Save the children as well as Peter mc for cancer reserach..And that makes me feel a lot better about myself. Becourse god did say love thy neaubour as thy self.And you might be surprised at how it mekes you feel.

peterv

I have been liking the Christmas period less and less the older I get. All I see around me is greed and "I want I want I want" all the time. I'm just grateful there are no children in our family -...

Oh Ziah,you are so right.It's a real shame it's come to this.I'm 59 and I wish I was a kid again all those years ago.

Jade Simpson

I love putting up our tree and decorations and have old timer xmas carols while we do it and I enjoy buying presents for my son to put under the tree. But I don't have any family here to celebrate xmas with, so the actual day is a bit sad really.

lynneeime

Kath if it was not for my friends I am afraid I might do something supid like killing myself becourse I have had very few christmases with family or friends.I am someone who finds it very hard to...

Dear Steve
I can relate to some of your story. Not about being an orphan but being suicidal. My mum died on Christmas Day and it is very hard even though she has been dead for 42 years. You never forget that day and I still get depressed around Christmas. I have tried suicide many times, thankfully I was saved each time. It is great to have a Christian faith. My church family were very helpful and now I am a lot better. I take my medication without fail because if I don't, I will slide towards that black hole. I have learnt how to celebrate Christmas with my family and grandchildren and think about my mum when I am not around them. I love and miss my mum but Christmas is about the birth of Christ and my family.

keitho

Hi steve , I am truly sorrow to hear your unhappy xmas years.
It is good that you have your faith and have not done any harm to yourself.
Imagine the pain that it would cause others that do...

the lord doesn't want us to be depressed that is why we have a bible to read if this is the case

aedna

you have very positive attitude it,s good to see alot of people have done it hard including me sometimes it is hard to keep going but because i,ve nearly lost my life 3 times i know i want to...

Hi Kath. I haven't seen the other side but I believe that unless you really try to be bad you go to a loving, caring place. Just keep being the best you can. All your pain and weaknesses are understood by something with a bigger heart than you or me. I don't understand how people can kill in the name of God. I just put them in my attention and wish for them to open their hearts and see that destroying creation, torturing others is just evil. If their hearts could be opened they would really understand what worship is about. I hope that you get the gift of peace. All the best.

aedna

you have very positive attitude it,s good to see alot of people have done it hard including me sometimes it is hard to keep going but because i,ve nearly lost my life 3 times i know i want to...

Hi Steve. I so agree with you. I get prickles on my skin with all this buy, buy, buy and Santa Claus. All the hype aggression and panic for one day of the year. If only we could just have a day when we celebrate a special birth that gave us all hope, gave us something to aim for. Don't mind a party but lets separate the two. Give the children their presents and have a good feed and it can even be for Santa Claus if that's what you want but let's also just have a day of quiet celebration. All children are special but this is a day to remember when our lives were changed for the good. No dollars or cents can make up for it. I am old so my family have mostly died. Nephews, nieces - well I'm just not on their wavelength so they don't want to know me. However I know we are all here for a purpose not as great as our Savior but my task is to get up each day and do my best to be positive influence in such a negative atmosphere.

sonet

I love putting up our tree and decorations and have old timer xmas carols while we do it and I enjoy buying presents for my son to put under the tree. But I don't have any family here to celebrate...

I love Christmas I have my children with me and the grandkids…the rest of my family is overseas but we still celebrate with a lot of fun fare!

jan99

I love putting up our tree and decorations and have old timer xmas carols while we do it and I enjoy buying presents for my son to put under the tree. But I don't have any family here to celebrate...

Oh Jade you sound just like I used to . When my kids were younger I used to do the same thing. We had a tradition that each year my kids were allowed to pick a new decoration that I would buy for them, and they would add to the tree. It was a great idea as it would keep them interested and involved and they took the picking of a new decoration very seriously. Also I would wrap their little pressies separately so that they would have more under the tree.

Anonymous

I love putting up our tree and decorations and have old timer xmas carols while we do it and I enjoy buying presents for my son to put under the tree. But I don't have any family here to celebrate...

Good

AnneGirl

Steve please do feel that way, you would be missed. You don't realise how many people care because they are scared to say so. I know how it feels to have someone take their own life because of how...

I know all to well, for those who are left behind is great heartache and only faith in God can sustain.

rosema

I love putting up our tree and decorations and have old timer xmas carols while we do it and I enjoy buying presents for my son to put under the tree. But I don't have any family here to celebrate...

....I know exactly how you feel;I we are in a similar situation ; so for the past 5 years ,we have booked a Cruise (run away in a sense ) but there we can participate in Coral singing ,enjoying the decorations ;see and feel the enjoyment of all the people around us and enjoy a wonderful Christmas Dinner with many People ,in fact we have made many Friends on those trip ,and we stay in contact ; why dont you try this approach ,I am certain you will not look back !
I hope your Christmas this year will be wonderful ,we might meet each other ! Greetings Rosemarie

Emae

I agree with you Kath. I am in the same position and Christmas to me just brings up sad memories. I stay away from as much of it as possible.

Try not to be sad Disie, memories are treasure banks of when we reflect back on our pasts & see what we've done, where we're going & what we have overcome in the many challenges were faced with throughout life...you can still celebrate Christmas with or without family or friends...you can contact any religious Organisation & ask about attending any celebratory Christmas events they may be having...your never alone if you are able to reflect on what Christ means to you & if you do not know Him & would like to...kneel down & pray from your heart with all your might & ask Him to help you know more about which direction you should take, if you ask, you will receive an answer in your heart...it may happen instantly or it may take awhile, but He will answer your prayer...you can ask Him anything that your in Help of, that is a need & not a want...you can talk to Him anywhere, because He hears you...you are not alone

Emae

Kath if it was not for my friends I am afraid I might do something supid like killing myself becourse I have had very few christmases with family or friends.I am someone who finds it very hard to...

Good on you Steve for over coming suicide, I would not understand the emotional life of being in an orphanage or what you would've experienced during your life, & as you know not your family traits, we are your family, your brothers & sisters in the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints...I also know that your Father nHeaven & our Saviour Jesus Christ LOVES YOU VERY MUCH!
Why we celebrate Christmas is in remembrance of His Son (Jesus Christ) birth as Gods only begotten son who came to earth to fulfil His Fathers (God) promise to help each & everyone of us to learn how to return home to our Fathers Kingdom...
It is a sad time for many who know not where they're from, who they are or where they're going & who do not have family support, but know this...He knows you, you are His child, we are all His children
He sent His Son to give us comfort, strength, knowledge & Love that we may follow in His footsteps
Remembering the significance of what Christmas means...To Love one Another, to be forgiving, to be truthful to yourself, those around you & your Father nHeav', to Love God as He loves you, to Love your children, husband & wife as equally

Anonymous

Good Morning
how are you jade nice to meet you ifind your storytelling great yes ame here withe
Best regards
Lahcene

I love Christmas, I still send and receive Christmas cards. I belong to a Christmas club at my bank and contribute fortnightly, hence when Christmas comes I can afford presents and food.
Christmas morning is very special watching family open presents. Lunch is shared with extended family, usually cool foods seafood, and BBQ meets. In the evening we visit very close friends, and enjoy catching up and sharing more food.
Decorations are very important part of Christmas. I believe Christmas is magic

island2015

I love putting up our tree and decorations and have old timer xmas carols while we do it and I enjoy buying presents for my son to put under the tree. But I don't have any family here to celebrate...

Good Morning
how are you jade nice to meet you ifind your storytelling great yes ame here withe
Best regards
Lahcene

RainbowC

I love putting up our tree and decorations and have old timer xmas carols while we do it and I enjoy buying presents for my son to put under the tree. But I don't have any family here to celebrate...

This is why I love to open my home up to others in the same position. I have family here, but it's dysfunctional. Family is now the many friends and "outcast"/lonely people I have gathered around and continue to get to meet over the years. My children love it, have grown up that way and have the expectation that there is always more that just us at the dinner table.

aedna

Kath if it was not for my friends I am afraid I might do something supid like killing myself becourse I have had very few christmases with family or friends.I am someone who finds it very hard to...

I can relate to what you say. I was told I shouldn't have been born. Thank goodness I have had help with that but there were times when I felt like doing something harmful to myself. That's why I am all for family, the importance of valuing and respecting life. No child should feel they are not wanted. I feel happy when I hear that people who don't want children make sure they don't have any. Society shouldn't expect everyone to have a child when not everyone likes children.

shuzz buk

Christmas is suppose to be all about family kids opening there presents sadly that doesn,t happen alot family intersate , breakdowns it can be avery sad time for alot of people

AGREE

shuzz buk

I love putting up our tree and decorations and have old timer xmas carols while we do it and I enjoy buying presents for my son to put under the tree. But I don't have any family here to celebrate...

NO

Anonymous

Kath if it was not for my friends I am afraid I might do something supid like killing myself becourse I have had very few christmases with family or friends.I am someone who finds it very hard to...

Steve, I agree that Christmas is a great time for families to get together but, of course , they should get together a lot more often than that. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and to celebrate the greatest miracle of all. It's not about gifts and food which are entirely commercial ideas to make money. You are not alone at Christmas or at any other time as long as you have Christ in your life who watches over you at all times. The truely lonely ones are those who do not have God even if they are surrounded by people, they are alone. Steve, when Christmas comes around all you have to do is talk to Jesus, just as you would talk to anyone. Have conversations with him at anytime and you will be blessed with peace and contentment. Works a treat, I know, I do it a lot. I'll be praying for you and have a GREAT CHRISTMAS WITH THE LORD.

Jade Simpson

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.

Gold Coast, where are you from?

Jade Simpson

Kath if it was not for my friends I am afraid I might do something supid like killing myself becourse I have had very few christmases with family or friends.I am someone who finds it very hard to...

Yes it seems to be a very good and welcoming church to belong to

trix56

Christmas is suppose to be all about family kids opening there presents sadly that doesn,t happen alot family intersate , breakdowns it can be avery sad time for alot of people

Yes, all my daughters and 5 young grandchildren live interstate. I simply can't afford to visit this Christmas. My 19yo son here with me and partner of 7 years but it still won't be the same. Partner has 4 grandchildren of his own who we may see on Christmas Day but it is very much a "maybe" situation.
I really wanted to give Christmas a miss this year but the chance of having at least some children around has perked me up a bit.
I think Christmas is mostly for the kids.

mismoo

Kath if it was not for my friends I am afraid I might do something supid like killing myself becourse I have had very few christmases with family or friends.I am someone who finds it very hard to...

Steve please do feel that way, you would be missed. You don't realise how many people care because they are scared to say so. I know how it feels to have someone take their own life because of how they're feeling and I beg you not to do to others what was done to me. I care.

Disie

Christmas is suppose to be all about family kids opening there presents sadly that doesn,t happen alot family intersate , breakdowns it can be avery sad time for alot of people

I agree with you Kath. I am in the same position and Christmas to me just brings up sad memories. I stay away from as much of it as possible.

Anonymous

Kath if it was not for my friends I am afraid I might do something supid like killing myself becourse I have had very few christmases with family or friends.I am someone who finds it very hard to...

Steve I too struggle with depression,
So I would remind you that God has said you are precious and of value.
He made the Universe, so who is to argue with him.??
well I guess they are allowed to be wrong !

Anonymous

I love putting up our tree and decorations and have old timer xmas carols while we do it and I enjoy buying presents for my son to put under the tree. But I don't have any family here to celebrate...

if you dont have family near by, just ask the people who are.
our church has a system that if you are alone for Chrstmas you let them know and they find you someone to have you for the day . it great fun and you never know who will arrive.
Jesus told us to care for the widow, the fatherless chrildren and the Stranger.
so its his Birthday so we should listen to what he says.

kath

Hi steve , I am truly sorrow to hear your unhappy xmas years.
It is good that you have your faith and have not done any harm to yourself.
Imagine the pain that it would cause others that do...

you have very positive attitude it,s good to see alot of people have done it hard including me sometimes it is hard to keep going but because i,ve nearly lost my life 3 times i know i want to live i,ve seen the other side it isn,t nice

Fatface

Kath if it was not for my friends I am afraid I might do something supid like killing myself becourse I have had very few christmases with family or friends.I am someone who finds it very hard to...

Hello Steve, As I understand it, the LDS Church are very close and family orientated, isn't there someone in your church who wold welcome you to their table on Christmas Day?

galsweetie

Kath if it was not for my friends I am afraid I might do something supid like killing myself becourse I have had very few christmases with family or friends.I am someone who finds it very hard to...

Hi steve , I am truly sorrow to hear your unhappy xmas years.
It is good that you have your faith and have not done any harm to yourself.
Imagine the pain that it would cause others that do know you , and we dont really know whats on the other side and it could be worse that what its like today.
I have had the same thoughts in the past when I have had depression in a bad way , but I always think of my family & friends and how they would feel if I had done something .
I hope that things get better for you & there is always help from alot of qualified people , you just need to reach out and you will get through it like I have.

Take care and be strong

steve

Christmas is suppose to be all about family kids opening there presents sadly that doesn,t happen alot family intersate , breakdowns it can be avery sad time for alot of people

Kath if it was not for my friends I am afraid I might do something supid like killing myself becourse I have had very few christmases with family or friends.I am someone who finds it very hard to make friends becourse I was brought up in opanges were people treated me like I was nothing.The only reason I do not kill myself is becourse my faith teacher that suicide is a sin if you know it is and I know & believe what i am told becourse I believe unlike a lot of people that the church I belong to is led by phrophet.That church is THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS.

steve

I love putting up our tree and decorations and have old timer xmas carols while we do it and I enjoy buying presents for my son to put under the tree. But I don't have any family here to celebrate...

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.

kath

I love putting up our tree and decorations and have old timer xmas carols while we do it and I enjoy buying presents for my son to put under the tree. But I don't have any family here to celebrate...

Christmas is suppose to be all about family kids opening there presents sadly that doesn,t happen alot family intersate , breakdowns it can be avery sad time for alot of people