I just don't feel it

My sister's gonna call in a bit, asking me to be at her house in a little while to do the Christmas thing, and I don't know how to explain to her that I'd rather stay here and read or work on my P-51 model.

I don't understand Christmas. I don't think I ever have. Even when I was a kid, I wondered why everybody gave gifts to other people and why there's this seasonal "rule" about being nice to each other. Why do we go out and buy stuff to give to people to commemorate the birth of a religious icon? Why isn't there a rule about being nice all the time?

Then I feel strange because I feel this way. It isn't "Bah, humbug;" it's just — I dunno. It's as if I've been a visitor on this planet for 50 years (which is true) and no one's explained this phenomenon. No one's told me how to be all happy and stuff over something I don't understand.

Oddly enough, since I'm an atheist, I think I'd feel more connected to the season if Christmas were still about the birth of Christ. I do believe there was a dude named Jesus who was a carpenter and went around saying and doing good things, and I guess we should celebrate his birthday as much as a lot of other people's. I just don't understand how Wal-Mart et al get into the mix.

I don't really mind that I feel like this, but I don't like feeling as if there's something wrong with me because of it.

There is nothing wrong with you, nothing at all.....

You just never got the connection to Christmas that most of us did...

There was no mystery to it, no magic for you...

And, BTW, there is a rule about being nice....we call it the Golden Rule, and it's mostly ignored......

Except at Christmastime....

For me, Christmas is all about love....giving presents is a way to show love ...

I wish you love, today, and every day......my friend.......

:loveya:

totally out of control.

The charities that do their good deeds at Christmas need help all year long, not just at the Holidays.

My perception of the whole deal is that we, as humans, are trying to do our best to treat each other well and it is evolved, (devolved?) into the hunt for the perfect gift. I think sometimes we lose track of the fact that just being together is all that matters.

Case in point...I miss my mom terribly. She died 4 1/2 years ago and for some reason, perhaps all I've been through this year, I miss her profoundly this season. I don't miss her gifts of what she did for me, I miss her. Her wit, her profound Christianity and her tremendous examples of social justice. I miss her.

I think I'm rambling. I'll stop now.

I wish you great Peace in 2007, Oeditpus Rex.

If one wants to celebrate some made up birth date of their savior, fine...But stop with the fucking X=mas cards and lights and ridiculous spending of money on presents, why? To enrich corporations bottom lines at the end of each year....Stop with the pushy "it's Christmas" bullshit and try giving gifts and love and praying for peace each and everyday of the year...It's like only recognize your mother on some silly day told to us by whom our government or the corporations...yes remember mom on that one day cuz we told you so and save it all for that one day Mother's Day...what fucking sheep!

Love and live Christmas in your heart and mind and soul if that's what you want to believe in...Not because "A very Brady Christmas" is on TV showing you how Christmas is supposed to be...Try working for free (sending a check is easy but offers nothing from your soul) with the less the fortunate who truly need help, if Christmas means to you what you've been fed your whole life...Stop spending money believing the more you spend the closer to Jesus you will be and a better Christmas you'll have...

How about celebrating Christmas on April 29th or June 13th and sing and give and love and celebrate Jesus in your heart on those days, invite the family over...put up some silly lights & a tree...send some cards...join some fellowship and praise loudly...that I could have more respect for...more than a bunch of sheep all running & buying at the Mall all at the same time like you are told to do.

...I'm taking refuge, in my bedroom, at the moment because I am simply tired of pretending. There is a lot of phoniness this time of the year.

I, too, have difficulty (and I am a Christian) getting into what people refer to as "The Christmas spirit." at times. Mostly, I think, because there are too many expectations on people. And, you have a very good point-- why isn't there a rule about being nice all the time? That, oh smart one, is the question of the day!

Merry Christmas to you! And, I hope your day is as pleasant as possible.


Edit: typo