Was thinking about Christmas as I was looking at some family photos from the 70s. Reminded me that Xmas used to be less of the monster it has now become. It is now so driven by consumerism that it starts the day after Guy Fawkes. The shops belt out carols and try to persuade us to spend lots and then on Xmas Eve pull all their decorations down and chuck it all in the sale. Crazy.
Consumerism has totally shifted the timescale. I know we live in a secular society and not everyone observes the old tradition of tree up Xmas Eve and down 12th night etc. but the pace at which it’s moved from a family oriented, quasi religious event to 2 months orgy of consumerism is astonishing. Throw in Black Friday and Cyber Monday too! Capitalism eh.
Yes I’m definitely a bit bah humbug but it does make me a bit nostalgic for simpler Christmases. Sick of seeing Christmas themed butter, toilet bleach ffs! M and S inventing even more weird, complicated desserts, people curating their decorations as if it’s an interiors magazine photo shoot.
I realise this is probably not the first thread like this but is there anyone like me striving to just have a simpler, slower Christmas? Small tree, meaningful presents, no tat, not spending a fortune? I can’t afford to spend a lot anyway but I do like the idea of making it just a bit less complicated. Anyone else?