For as long as I can remember, I have not liked Christmas.
My initial reasons would be the hypocrisy of it all - let's be nice because it's Christmas. But I must admit that unpleasant things happened in my life at this time of year, so that doesn't help.
I actually love giving presents and I like receiving them too (who doesn't), but I much prefer not to give prezzies just for the sake of it. When I was a Baha'i, there was even more conflict, so as a family we usually didn't give big presents except for birthdays. Mind you, to make up for it there were supposed to be other occasions during the year - more ritual, substitute for traditions, whatever!
Now that I'm more of a free spirit though, I can start to re-think how I would like to cope with this time of year. Except when I was very young, I've detested the Christian 'baby Jesus' concept as it is soooo false and sickly. I think I actually prefer the pagan roots as being more a genuine reason for celebration; buried in the depths of time we can make it our own again - if we must.
I haven't written my 'Xmas' cards yet, but I will soon and take pleasure in sending seasons greetings to family, friends and neighbours; it's nice to keep in touch even if only once a year with distant friends. I will buy some presents, but probably at the last minute when I can get out on my own in the day or two beforehand. I'll enjoy that.
Anyway, enjoy your Christmas break, however long it may be, and let's all try to maintain the 'spirit' of the period for a bit longer than usual into next year,
