To think it's time to ditch all the Christmas bells and whistles and enjoy

[TheOliphantintheRoom]

In the words of a poster on another thread

the giddy, blissful excitement all focussed on the day itself with nothing to detract from it

Start by ditching (to quote another poster)
that judgemental, spy'y little shite, the Elf
then bin the Christmas Eve box.

If it's already been said you don't really need to start another thread about it.

It's not a TAAT - I'm quoting from a MNHQ thread that I don't wish to de-rail.

We never started all that crap in my house! Presents are for Christmas Day only, and we go to church for the midnight service on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Which is what Christmas is actually for.
It’s depressing to see how it’s been hijacked by commercialism and turned into a soulless consumer fest to maximise profits.
No amount of gluttony and plastic tat can fill the spiritual emptiness of a Christmas without Christ. In my opinion.

You're assuming that the rest of us all bought into this shit in the first place.

I can see why you'd feel that way Babdoc but I'm agnostic and don't feel any spiritual emptiness.

I love Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but could do without the school nativity, the school fair, the bad tempered shoppers, the tat, the elf ...

And I think people would enjoy Xmas more if they didn't feel bound by "traditions"

No I'm not, Duchess.

As an atheist, Christmas to me is just a fun distraction from the fact it's not light until 9am and dark before 4pm.

As such, the more of the darkest part of winter it can occupy the better.

I don't see any need to ration the fun.

We don't do this and never have, and I never spend shit loads on Christmas anyway.

@TheOliphantintheRoom I am also puzzled as to why you started another thread about it.

I love Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but could do without the school nativity, the school fair, the bad tempered shoppers, the tat, the elf

YADBU for bringing the nativity into it, it isn't Christmas without an infant school rendition of away in a manger. I'm with you on the shoppers and the elf though.

Let everyone enjoy Christmas their own way!

I'm not a particularly bells and whistles person but if it makes someone's day special them leave them to it I say.

I wouldn't mind if it confined itself to December. But really it ends up being three months of build up for three days of holiday. It stresses me out just thinking about it.

You can celebrate Christmas spiritually without religion. Spending time with loved ones, being outdoors in nature and doing something kind or charitable can all feed your spirit.

Nativity plays have been going on for years and years.

Our school fair is the biggest fundraiser of the year - yes it's a PITA but with the budget cuts the money is really needed so I support it.

I think the elf on the shelf, Christmas eve box, matching PJs, etc is all new and a waste of time and money and puts added pressure on parents. We don't do any of it but I know my kids will start noticing that other people do

Oh and all the Santa 'experiences'. When I was young there was 5 min with Santa in a grotto. Now it's full on experiences like polar express train rides that seem to cost £100 for a family of four and most people I know do a couple of them

Well I personally love the elf. He doesn’t do any spying in my house. I got a cheapy cloth one for 5 euro and this will be his third year of service (I look forward to many more).

Overall YANBU though.

but could do without the school nativity, the school fair, the bad tempered shoppers, the tat, the elf ..

No one is forcing you! My kids love school nativity, the school tend to put up a fair to raise much needed funds - feel free to send a cheque instead, I am sure it will be greatly appreciated, you don't need to do last minute shopping and be stuck in a crowd, or buy tat.

My kids love the elf, it's a harmless bit of fun, and thanks to internet there's no work involved. No one has to take part.

i do the elf, Christmas eve boxes, and all the other stuff, my kids enjoy it, although since my youngest is now 8 i dont expect to do the elf too much longer.
we're not religious, but enjoy all the christmassy stuff that goes on in December, school nativity, carol concert, santa, even the dreaded school fair.
why do you care what anyone else does? everyone should do Christmas however they like, and within their own budgets.

I love the build up and excitement, I'm a fan of some of the bells and whistles, I just love Christmas, it's my happy place. We attend church weekly, the Christmas Eve service is probably my favourite one of the whole year (Not christingle) .

And I love, love, love a school nativity. With all my heart 😍

Each to their own. Whatever floats their boat.
I'll be enjoying bells whistles and Christmas joy from December 1st.
I agree to much emphasis is put on one the day, I make sure I enjoy the 25 days.

I get what you’re saying op and I think there’s a balance.

Some people adore the bells and whistles so let em get on with it, if you’re finding that the bells and whistles are stressing you out then YANBU to get rid of them - Christmas is a personal thing.

@littlehappyhippo I am also puzzled as to why you started another thread about it

I'm puzzled as to why you are puzzled

The MNHQ thread is asking for ideas for stuff to put jnto Xmas Eve boxes - HQ are planning a video on it.

This is about not bothering with all that stuff. Feel free to press the hide button!

why do you care what anyone else does?

That's the reason we're all on MN!