Christmas 2014

[mike24forever]

I know that my American friends have yet to celebrate their Thanksgiving, but Christmas is in full swing in my household. My wife and I have our 3 trees up, decorated the entire house inside and out and we've started and have almost finished our Christmas shopping. The radio stations in Toronto, 98.1 and 93.1fm have flipped to Christmas music and 102.5fm in Buffalo has as well. Please post stations in your neck of the woods, that have transitioned over to Christmas music.

With 32 days until Christmas, I thought I would start this thread and hopefully open a discussion on traditions, decorating, shopping ideas and or your Christmas list. What are some of your favourite Christmas commercials? Mine is the Folgers coffee commercial when the son comes home and wakes everyone up with the smell of coffee!

I understand it may be TOO early for some people, so please don't come and post that. I get it. This time of year can also be difficult for some people. For those of you in that situation, I hope this season finds you and your love ones well.

Christmas has always been special to me and it means even more to me now after my accident and as I get older. For me it's an opportunity to relive happy traditions and memories, make new ones and enjoy the holidays with my friends and family.

Basically, I'm a Christmas nut! I love the movies and the music, basically I love it all...except for eggnog!

[mike24forever]

Re: Christmas 2014

Here are a few pictures of the outside of our house, my living room and den and some stuff on my wife's piano.









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[mkharsh33]

Re: Christmas 2014

My wife and I have 4 kids (9-14). We moved from Ohio to Florida 10+ years ago. Neither of us is close to our family, and I have not seen any of my parents or siblings since we moved here (long story - but the quick version is that my parents won't travel and it's too expensive for us, along with our work demands). That may sound crummy to some, but my point is that we don't have any traditions. Our kids don't know any different as they were really little when we lived near family. Our kids don't see their grandparents (my wife's parents) but once every couple years, and they've only met a few of their nephews/nieces once. But for some strange reason, it works for us. We are deeply involved in our church, so we have a great support network. On Christmas we typically go to a movie or to a beach (if weather permits). This year we are not celebrating Christmas with gifts, as we've already gotten the kids what they've wanted throughout the year. My wife recently took a paycut, and our finances were tighter.

I guess I'm disappointed to type this as growing up Christmas meant so much. Now I'm 42, and I just see the world a bit differently. We don't put up our tree (we're not home much and the cat decides to destroy it). Our kids will most likely hang out with their friends that day, as many other families here in Florida are in the same boat as we are. It's just different - the weather is warm, Santa wears sunglasses and shorts, and palm trees have some lights on them. It's a different culture, and to be candid I'm totally fine with this. I admire those who do the Clark Griswold thing for Christmas, but our family has decided to put our remaining resources into giving to kids who have needs - a couple poor families who have absolutely nothing. The kids were in full agreement, and this year they've said they don't want anything as they already have so much.

Just a different perspective. We're not Scrooges - we just live in a different culture and our priorities have changed due to those circumstances.

[mike24forever]

Re: Christmas 2014

mk, there is nothing wrong with the way you celebrate. To each their own. Most importantly, you and your family are happy and together.

[Majingir]

Re: Christmas 2014

I don't have a fave Christmas commercial cause I've rarely watched commercials the past few years lol.

Last year unfortunately for me was the worst Christmas/holiday season I had. Mostly just cause of the fact that 90% of all traditions I have during the holidays didn't happen,including the 2 main ones I look forward to every single year. Since I've gotten to the point where "Christmas isn't about the presents",those traditions mean alot more now, so sucks if you go a year without them.

But this year I've basically been annoying people for weeks before anything happens to make sure those traditions happen again this year,even if some people might not be able to make it. So it's actually happening again this year,which is why I'm real excited for every weekend in December!

Show/Specials wise,the "classics" are classics for a reason:

(though I've still NEVER gotten that "the bumble bounced" joke after all these years)

Though I've always wondered if it's ever possible to create a new holiday icon. After all,there was a time when there were only ever 8 reindeer. And Frosty wasn't a common snowman name or anything like that. Or has it gotten too hard to create that type of change in todays society?

[mike24forever]

Re: Christmas 2014

Maj.,

If the traditions are important to you, fight for them. Have a hand in initiating them and get those around you to be invested and excited about the traditions as well. It's easy to let them slip and stop as you get older, so sometimes you need to nudge them along a bit more. It will make them ever more important.

As for Christmas icons and if new ones can happen...ELF ON THE SHELF. It's huge with my sister and daughter. It's also very big with other families. Google images of it and what families do with it. Some are very funny. What about Buddy the Elf. I would say he is very popular. I think they still happen from time to time.

My favourite Christmas show is still, "T'was the Night Before Christmas". It was made in the 70's I think. I love it and highly recommend it.

I hope this is a better Christmas for you.

[Majingir]

Re: Christmas 2014

Maj.,

If the traditions are important to you, fight for them. Have a hand in initiating them and get those around you to be invested and excited about the traditions as well. It's easy to let them slip and stop as you get older, so sometimes you need to nudge them along a bit more. It will make them ever more important.

It wasn't cause people weren't interested/excited, it was just a case of everyone being too busy having other things planned during that time. The weather didn't help either cause there was lots of snow/LOTS of freezing rain and stuff(around the Christmas break,it honestly looked like something out of a Christmas card,trees were frozen solid/coated in ice and things covered in snow) Though even this year,planning a month in advance,still wasn't enough time to guarantee every single person will be available, but at least things will be happening again this year,regardless if everyone makes it or not.

[AUChase]

Re: Christmas 2014

Won't be home for Christmas for the second straight year. Boooooo .

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: Christmas 2014

My family (Mom, dad, brother, sister, brother-in-law and my wife) have decided this year to do a Secret Santa. Pick one name out of a hat and buy a gift for that person only. We still buy for all the children of course. It just got completely out of hand and unnecessary. It got to the point where we swap gift cards back and forth.

[aukevin]

Re: Christmas 2014

We started decorating the house last night. Got up the tree and decorations around the house. Still have the stair case and putting ornaments on the tree sometime this week. We're hosting a Christmas party next week, so it's all got to be up by then. I've never decorated outside other than a couple ornamental trees on the front porch, but I wish I would take the time to do the trim of the house and all that.

The big thing this year for us is going to NYC the weekend before Christmas. This year was my mom's 60th birthday and she has always wished to go to NYC, so my wife and I are taking her as a combined birthday/Christmas gift.

[mkharsh33]

Re: Christmas 2014

I also wonder this: it seems that Christmas has become so "commercialized" over the last several years that I can hardly stand it. "Black Friday" - just drives me crazy. My email inbox is FLOODED with stuff for this. Commercials... We now have shopping promoted on Thanksgiving evening. It's strange, but I've always felt that the holidays were a time for family and faith (if that's your thing---if not, that's cool too). And we've created a monetary-making monster out of this stuff. It's like throwing the baby out with the bathwater - we forget what this is all about. Can't we just take a day and enjoy our FAMILIES, instead of having this mindset of rushing around, purchasing all this stuff because the world says we have to? I think that's what has kinda taken the starch out of all this for me... I'm far away from where the world was when I was a kid. My grandparents are all passed on. The traditions of Christmas seem to have been replaced by the consumer end of things, and I read on Facebook where people are so stressed and worn out, and it just boggles my mind... BUT, with that said, it's like we feel this magnet where we MUST participate in this or we feel left out... I've gotten to the point in my life where I don't mind feeling left out, and I don't feel the pressure to participate just because everyone else is. The older I get I guess the more I miss things from my childhood, but I also recognize simultaneously that it's impossible to go back... Christmas is what we make of it, from any sense of "tradition." In our church we have many hurting people this time of year - death or distance ruins Christmas for them. We have many poor people who have nothing. There is a wonderful couple in our church that I was talking to yesterday who have a wedding coming up in 3 weeks that they've planned several months for. Friday she lost her job. So my wife and I decided just to give them a monetary gift of substantial size because we felt that was the right thing to do. Our kids have phones and shelves of video games and plenty of clothing... Yet I saw this woman's heart breaking while talking to her yesterday as she is scared to death, and feels so heartbroken over circumstances outside of their control. To me, this is the gift of Christmas - to be presented with an opportunity to make a difference, knowing I have all I need in life and there are others who simply are trying to catch a break...

[azdawgpound]

Re: Christmas 2014

i dont have much for tradtions..... since i moved out to arizona in 2000... we useally just go over to the wifes parents house.... i useally have to work the mornings and nights of the holidays... so dont get much time to spend with family.


i agree with mk the holidays arent what they used to be when was younger now its all about the all mighty dollar stores trying get money earlier and earlier every yr and i dont think alot know what the holidays are suppose be about anymore.


its good to see that theres still some ppl out there that want to help others out who are in need.

[8]

Re: Christmas 2014

Hey Mike, I was wondering when you would get this years thread up! Good to see your Christmas spirit going strong.

My little girl is 4 now and completely into the Santa deal which includes Elf On The Shelf. She caught me off guard last week when she asked me if i was going to pick her up and put her on my shoulders so she could put the star on the tree this year. Of course I smiled and said yes. That's what the holiday has become for me. I have great memories of Christmas from childhood and I want my daughter to have great memories as well. We'll go get a tree this weekend as well as decorate the house together.

The ladies in the family started a tradition a few years ago that starts after Thanksgiving dinner. The table gets cleaned up and the black friday ads are passed around the table. They strategize as to what stores to go to and when. To be honest they usually find a couple good deals and they're done. Oddly enough they actually enjoy and look forward to this. It's not for me but they enjoy it.

It seems like every year goes by quicker than the last. So I hope everyone has a great Christmas!

[mike24forever]

Re: Christmas 2014

Hey Mike, I was wondering when you would get this years thread up! Good to see your Christmas spirit going strong.

My little girl is 4 now and completely into the Santa deal which includes Elf On The Shelf. She caught me off guard last week when she asked me if i was going to pick her up and put her on my shoulders so she could put the star on the tree this year. Of course I smiled and said yes. That's what the holiday has become for me. I have great memories of Christmas from childhood and I want my daughter to have great memories as well. We'll go get a tree this weekend as well as decorate the house together.

The ladies in the family started a tradition a few years ago that starts after Thanksgiving dinner. The table gets cleaned up and the black friday ads are passed around the table. They strategize as to what stores to go to and when. To be honest they usually find a couple good deals and they're done. Oddly enough they actually enjoy and look forward to this. It's not for me but they enjoy it.

It seems like every year goes by quicker than the last. So I hope everyone has a great Christmas!

8,

Thanks dude. I love that your daughter wants you to put her on your shoulders so she can put the star on the tree! That's what's it's all about. Those traditions and memories with family! We only have one kick at this thing called life and we should enjoy it and make the most out of it! The best part, she will remember this for her entire life!

As for CONSUMERISM and CHRISTMAS...that is definitely a thing. Companies need to make money, however it's up to the individual how they want to embrace Christmas. I love buying gifts for people. I'm in a position that I can and I like to feel like Santa. On the other hand, gifts don't make the holidays. It's the feeling, memories and spending time with your loved ones. It's all how you look at it.

Chase, you are giving the greatest gift. You are serving your country! Thank you and if you want I'll jump on the PS4 on Christmas Eve and we can play some BF4 and talk for a bit!


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[mike24forever]

Re: Christmas 2014

mk,

I truly believe that at this time of year we should do as much as we can for those in need. I donate significant amounts of money throughout the year to the hospital and rehab center that helped me after my accident. I try to give back as much as I can. When I was still working as a Physed teacher (and I hope to return soon), I started a toy mountain drive that is still running 3 years later. It's for a local battered woman shelter. The students and staff donate baby clothes, diapers and new unwrapped toys for children of all ages. It's so rewarding to see the school community come together and do something for others in need. I only hear about the staff and kids reaction from the shelter because men are not allowed there.

Christmas is personal. If you like shopping on Black Friday, all the power to you. I'm Canadian so its not as big here. Even though its starting to. I'd rather spend Thanksgiving with family. We let things into our lives, so if people don't want consumerism to take over their holidays, don't! This may be to simple of a way at looking at it, but its how I look at life.