General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!! [View all]SheilaT
(23,156 posts)I don't shop a lot other than for groceries, and I don't own a TV so I see very little Christmas advertizing.
This year much of my Christmas shopping is already done, because I've been picking things up, especially on some trips I've made, and a total of three different people are getting embroidered pillowcases from me. Next year several other family members will be getting them.
One year I gave everyone in my family a hand crocheted scarf, and all the women and girls also got earrings I made. If I lived closer to family I'd probably inflict baked goods on them.
Once in a while when I'm out in public it does seem as if someone is aggressively saying "Merry Christmas!" as if to pointedly ignore those who may not celebrate. I just give a big smile and say "Merry Christmas!" right back.
My (now ex) husband is Jewish, and we chose to raise our two sons within the Reform tradition. But we also did standard Christian/secular things like Easter baskets and Christmas. I do not agree with those who say if you're in a mixed marriage like that you absolutely must choose and only give the kids one tradition. It's very easy to tell the kids why they don't get Christmas gifts from the one set of grandparents but do from the other. While I do understand that some people do choose only one tradition, I do think it's the height or rudeness to return the Christmas gifts from the Christian side of the family. Which I've seen happen.
What I most want to say to those who hate Christmas, don't bother. You expend a lot more energy hating it than you would in simply ignoring it.
And I sincerely hope that on Christmas Day itself you volunteer at a homeless shelter.