The Holidays are Almost Over

[Lynn]

Hello

Wow the holidays are almost over the New Year is on its way. So many have been saying the same that we are almost "done" with the season. Never have I heard this so much as recently. It is such a hard time of the year for so many, yet we still put in all the "efforts" to make is special.

This year I went back to work for the first time in over 20 years in Produce in a Grocery Chain. OMG the stress levels of people planning the dinner, when your out of something they have a go at you, when there is another store across the road. Some vented to me about "family" and I had to feel for them as I get that aspect. This is normal for me as strangers do unload on me, as they somehow know I will understand.

The people I work with are tired and moody as the hours are longer and staff is in short supply. I get it I too am tired.

I have been looking at the change in now we see the "Holidays" and I am wondering if "corporate greed" is getting in the way. Stores only close on Christmas Day (some are even open) they are open on New Year's Day.....so where is the "down time" for everyone to enjoy the season.

Kids are out of school for what seems like 'forever' and this adds stress to the parents (I see it in the store) when you have to take them with you shopping. I feel for them.

We need to go back to the old values of the Season the true meaning of the Season. Family and Friends.....and closed businesses. Not that family dynamics and the holidays are easy but they are easier if your "off work" for a bit.

Whom else has felt the "I am tired" feeling this year, the weight of the World coming down on you. Where is the "Jolly Ho Ho Ho !" lost in commercialism.....and "Happy Holidays" when really its MERRY CHRISTMAS
Felt very strange to have to say "Happy Holidays" at work.

Lynn

[Tobi]

I know what you mean Lynn.
I see so many people so stressed-out, rushing from here to there just because of some 'day' when there is a get-together and food. And then they are rushing about on Christmas Eve, even after the sun has gone down, and the day after Chistmas too (we call it "Boxing Day" here) because shops are often open again Boxing Day (they never used to be)
Christmas Eve always used to be such a special slow day, and when the sun went down you could hear a pin drop. We used to light candles and await the visits of people, or go out to visit. And by that day it was all done -all fixed up, shopping finished.
Not any more.
It seems like hyper-activity everywhere. Where is the supposed sacredness of the occasion? We need to be still to appreciate sacredness.
Christmas Day is all go too. Or over-stuffed people in Alpha-trance while watching TV.
I wonder....what is it all about?
And the same again at New Year....except there is usually a LOT of alcohol involved, plus fireworks which scare all the animals.
Those in Spirit don't give two hoots about it. That I do know.

[CrystalSong]

I agree Lynn.

And yes, greed for money has taken a lot of joy out of the season and added a lot of stress. It's also added unnecessary minor burst of stress like Valentines Day - a day invented by Hallmark to sell cards.

Christmas is when some business make the majority of their sales for the year and so they push it hard - starting advertising and merchandise being out even before Halloween these days.
If we stick with community gatherings and traditions and events like Christmas Caroling, or feeding the Homeless or delivering food to shut-ins the Spirit of Christmas is still there and we can have a Rich, Joyful Heart Full Christmas....it's when we buy into the material aspects the joy starts slipping out and the stress starts slipping in.

I had friends over, some new, for Christmas day and we played board games and ate finger foods, it felt great, the only thing with family was calling them to wish them a Merry Christmas. Very gift were exchanged, and the rest of the holiday season involved singing - it made for a Jolly laughter filled holiday.

[knightofalbion]

Yes, a lot of fuss over basically one day! BUT isn't it nice to see happy, excited children; to see people making the effort to get on with one another; for people to forgive and forget; to receive Christmas cards from loved ones; for families and friends to come together again ...

I think, when you're an adult, when it comes to Christmas (no pun intended) you get what you give.

It may not be the same as when you were a kid, but there is still 'magic in the air'.

[Tobi]

Yes it is lovely to see children enjoying the magic of Christmas. I remember how very special it used to be.
Most years recently I have spent it in the woods. Where the magic remains.

[Ciona]

This thread makes me smile because I really wasn't up for Christmas this year and it has reminded me of some of what I actually do care about in regards to it. After having read this, I am going to talk to my adult children about how we want to do things differently in the future. I'd like to bring some of the old magic back.

I'm afraid my other relatives don't really do things the way I would like. It will be nice to slow down more and do things differently, in my own little family unit. My daughter agreed with me that she wants a cozy, quiet Christmas. I'm looking forward to that in the future. We also like to take the time to dress a little. For us, that is part of our expression of a gentler, less commercial time, actually.

The commercialism doesn't bother me early in the season. I'm all for that just to get it out of the way, far away from Christmas. I like to get things done early so when stores do everything early, it doesn't bother me at all. It's when it continues on and on, all the way through to Christmas Eve, and after as mentioned, and there is no healthy down time or peaceful enjoyment of the season, that I have a problem with it.

Winter is sacred to me and I totally agree about the natural woods. It's special and I'm not just celebrating "Christmas", I'm celebrating the natural season of Winter and there is much spirituality which comes along with it, overall, which I refuse to ever give up.

[Deidre]

Think all of this holiday stress comes from the fact that many people simply aren't happy in their own skin, and need validation from others to feel like their holiday was 'done right.' Add Face book and the endless competition on there at times it seems, with pics of whose dinner and decorations looked the best, it is no wonder many are uptight throughout the season. :(