Christmas

[susandennis]

For the past 30 years or so, I have just ignored Christmas. Growing up, we had great Christmases so I'm not trying to supress some horrible memory. I like Christmas carols pretty much. I'm ok with red. I like presents. I really like most all Christmas cookies. But, putting it all together into something that happens to me just is not something that appeals to me.  I just don't care.

I have no desire to decorate, no need or interest in a tree. For the past couple of years I have eaten Christmas dinner with neighbors. The food was good but the company was mostly annoying and I decided last year that I would not do that again. My only family is my brother and he's got his own family. He'd be thrilled to have me come visit during Christmas and there is no way in hell I would ever even consider it.

But, my situation is not everyman (or woman) and casual kind questions abound - like 'What are you doing for Christmas?' 'Ready for Christmas?' 'Do you have fun Christmas plans?'  I don't mind at all but I am conscience of having to fill my pocket with comfortable answers. I forget for most of the rest of the year but it's time to get ready again. People ask out of interest in me and an effort to show friendliness.  It's my job to respect their efforts and repay the kindness.  'I'll be having a quiet Christmas - my choice and I'm really looking forward to it.'

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I do have Amazon gift cards for the life guards and staff at the pool. I need to write a note to each and get them ready. There are different lifeguards on different days so I'll get them all into a plastic bag and hand them out as I see the various people. There are a couple of people who are fill ins that I don't see regularly, I need to figure out a way to get them theirs. I think I'll start on Monday, the 15th.

I have Chef Anita's gift and my housecleaner's gift all ready. They both come this coming week.

So...yeah, I'm pretty ready.

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No games today so a quiet neighborhood. It would be a good day to go out for Sunday brunch. And the restaurant across the street has finally evolved into having a couple of decent brunch options on the menu but they don't open for two more hours and it would mean putting on real clothes. I think maybe I'll make an omelette for myself here.

And then enjoy a nice day of knitting and TiVo and my latest audio book.

Comments

[spiffikins]

Hello! I want to comment, but I'm not sure of the etiquette here since I just added you as a friend and haven't introduced myself at all :)
I'm not sure exactly how I found your journal, but I found your posts interesting and enjoyed reading about your trip up to Vancouver, as I'm originally from Abbotsford, about an hour east of there.

Personally I *LOVE* Christmas lights and the excuse to pull all my decorations out - but my family hasn't done gifts in over a decade, and I try to encourage my friends not to buy me anything. I hate the idea of buying for the sake of buying.

When my mom was still here, all the kids would travel home at Christmas - it was as good a time as any to get all together. Now that she's passed, my brothers and I don't really *want* to travel in December if we can avoid it :D

I generally have Christmas dinner with my friends - the food is usually good, and the company is pleasant - and when I reach my limit, I can leave and come home to a lovely quiet house.

I can definitely see your point of view though - and I'm glad you get to spend the holidays in a way that makes you happy!

[susandennis]

Welcome! And no etiquette rules here. Comment if you want and I'll reply if I want. Easy breasy peasy. Especially for Canadians :)

I just saw your tree entry and wow. Really nice.

[twicet.livejournal.com]

I think everyone should do Christmas in the way that suits them.

We do the family thing and for us it is fun, but it isn'for everyone.

Do what you like, don't do what doesn't fit for you.

[susandennis]

:)

[sea-weed.livejournal.com]

Christmas should be spent exactly as we want to spend it, with no pressure from others to make it bigger than it needs to be. People are so weird with the fuss they make, it's just one day of the year, it can come and go without nearly as much drama. I kind of like Easter myself, it comes and goes far more quietly.

[fj.livejournal.com]

Why don't you use my answer: "Oh, an orgy."

[susandennis]

ha! funny.

[lookfar.livejournal.com]

I'm glad that you understand that people are trying to be kind when they enquire about where you will be on Christmas. Lots of people feel just awful if they have nowhere to go. It makes your utter lack of interest in the business more convincing than the people who get all angry and hostile about it. I mean, if they really don't care, why are they angry about what other people are doing? Just go to a Chinese restaurant like all my Jewish friends do!