I love to spread Christmas joy and generally write positive posts, but feel like a moan or rant is always fun to read. Therefore today's post lists all the things I dislike about Christmas and the festive period leading up to it.
Here are some of my biggest niggles, which I think many of you might share:
1. It's just one day!
I find it so annoying that people crowd shops particularly places like the Card Factory, and make it near impossible to look round. Christmas adverts take over the entire television for two months (maybe more) guilting you into spending too much money, and what for? It is consumerism gone crazy! I think the true reason and spirit of Christmas has gone. I'm in no way religious, but think it should be more about appreciating those you spend the time with, than how much you spend, what you're getting and feeling you need to show your love in buying form!
I find that so many people descend and waste SO MUCH money on food, and act like they'll be in hibernation for a month. My mother included!
2. The stress
I get so stressed about wasting money on presents that people won't like. I have no idea why because 9/10 I see people using the gifts I gave them, and think I'm generally good at gift buying. Other people get so stressed about time with in-laws, annoying family members and being forced to be together. And why? We're continuously told that life is short, so why waste it with people you dislike?
3. Snow
I know so many people wish for a white christmas, but truth to be told I absolutely detest snow (I know I must be the only person). I wish snow could be like in the films - turn up on Christmas Eve and gone by Boxing Day. Snow brings with ice, black ice and plenty of painful falls.
4. The Sales
Don't get me wrong everyone loves a good sale, and grabbing a bargain. I do too! I don't enjoy being pushed, shoved or being on top of people in a sauna of body heat. I believe we live with technology now, so believe all sales should be online, and especially at this time of year. Why do poor retailers have to deal with rude customers on the run-up to Christmas, and then work on Boxing Day? How can they enjoy their Christmas, when they are working the next day?
5. The boredom
I know this will be very unpopular, but I actually get so bored on Christmas Day. I forget every year how much until it comes round again. Sitting in the house all day, wearing pjs, opening presents and then nothing. To me, it's like a dull Sunday with presents.
6. Films
It is the only time I find it socially acceptable to watch a film again. I love to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Harry Potter films. However instead my parents force some crime thriller or action film, that any other time of year, I'd go watch my own thing, but feel like "you have to" be with them.
7. TV
The television is generally crap; even more so than the rest of the year. Hopefully this year is different. I think it's important too as we tend to stay in all day, and don't visit anyone.
8. Christmas cards
I still buy them to go alongside presents, and find it important to send to grandparents, and know my mum always likes/expects her. However I feel they are pointless, as many people aren't like me. By the new year, they are thrown in the bin. Whereas I tend to collect all mine (as long as I like the picture and it's from someone I like).
9. Diet
It's the only time of the year, where it is acceptable to say "f**k it!" I disagree with this idea, and think we need to not overindulge. That being said, I will probably be the first to stuff my face with chocolate. My waistline suffer and stomach will be sore!
10. Christmas songs
You can't help but sing to them, but think it's more of a nostaglia thing; they remind you of Christmas past and good spirit. However I find them cheesy and can't think of one I like. I'm not sure whether heading Christmas songs on repeat from September/October to December, while working in retail sucked any enjoyment I got. I think I hated them before then though!
Let me know if you have any of the same annoyances about Christmas or wish to let me know I'm the female version of Scrooge! I somehow think I will have missed some. Either way I hope you enjoyed reading...
Lol! I definitely can relate to most of these especially your hate for snow! I use to live in Canada where we get about 6 months of winter... I hated it. Now I live in LA and don't have to worry about all that white stuff! As for it being boring, I love it! I love how it's a day a lot of people can look forward to and just relax with all those yummy treats and presents :)
ReplyDeleteKatrinaJeanCarter.wordpress.com
Yeah snow was only fun as a kid! Think just my family traditions that are boring...x
DeleteI love Christmas generally but like you I am super happy with snow. Mich x
ReplyDeleteThat should of course read unhappy with snow! doh
DeleteGlad I'm not alone on that one!
DeleteI think I agree with you, I also dislike all those extra-things around the Christmas concept and my family and I try to adapt it to our preferences :) x
ReplyDeleteThink it's important to make it personal to you x
DeleteI agree with you about the shops getting really busy. The other day i couldn't get into a store i wanted to go into x
ReplyDeleteSounds about right. People get ridiculous! It's only one day x
DeleteMy husband could have written a lot of these, the shops are stupidly busy and usually the sales are rubbish, although I do like to go around them.
ReplyDeleteThink I'm finally turning to the grinch like my dad! Haha always love a bargain 😊
DeleteIt's always fun to read a rant that you can relate to! I detest what this seasons is turning into, and more than that I can't stand that it begins earlier and earlier each year! x
ReplyDeleteIt isn't the Christmas I grew up with. I know it changes as you get older but it's really disappointing how much pressure is put on you to be a certain way x
DeleteI had a little giggle about your 'moan' on day 6.. I am the same as you I also collect cards as I love to look back but some people don't appreciate them! I do love a Christmas movie now and then and definitely hate the stress of last minute shopping! Hope you have a lovely Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed reading 😊 I'm glad all my shopping is done! You too, have a merry Christmas! X
DeleteI can so relate to this rant! I can't stand how early you are having Christmas shoved at you every year, and yes the shops are insanely busy. Snow is only beautiful if you don't have to go outside in it!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely my point! Glad you understood my points and didn't think I was too grumpy 😂 x
DeleteI'm like 90% elf this time of year, so no ranting here :) That being said, we very much do our own Christmas and carve out a celebration we enjoy - boredom and enforced jollity are not part of proceedings!
ReplyDeleteNice to have your own tradition. I make it sound like I dislike Christmas but actually don't mind x
DeleteI am so with you on the snow front. I'd love to have a white Christmas but don't enjoy the aftermath with all the slushy or icy roads.
ReplyDeleteHa i love this post I can relate to a few although, i do love xmas in general k x
ReplyDeleteGlad you can relate in some way x
DeleteHaha - it's weird as the whole things you don't like I still like about Christmas and dislike - they are so interchangeable :)
ReplyDeleteHaha like what? X
DeleteI get what you mean about the stress and it only being one day. We like to make Xmas last from Xmas eve until 27th with different meals and family things x
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so lovely! Like anything, it's what you make it x
DeleteI am not religious either but it has turned into a holiday of consumerism and largely that is due to capitalism.
ReplyDeleteIt is mental. I only wished I wasn't religious to point out that I obviously don't see Jesus as the point of it. I see it as a day to be with family x
DeleteRight my thoughts. Christmas has been made so commercial and the frenzy before it... I don't see any point in it.
ReplyDeleteIt's all money making and annoys me as it's ruined a special day x
DeleteI don't enjoy the stress but I do love the day itself x
ReplyDeleteThere is quite a lead up but think it is well worth it 😊 x
DeleteSee I have to disagree with most, I have little ones so it's such a magical time, I love it. But I totally agree with snow. I love to look at it but I do hate it. I'd love it to snow, look pretty, then wash away leaving no evidence behind, ha!
ReplyDeleteI do feel Christmas is all about Christmas. I don't dislike Christmas, these are just things that sniggle me x
DeleteI usually love everything Christmas but sometimes the songs can replay so much
ReplyDeleteYeah that's annoying. Used to hate it working in shops as a student x
DeleteI love Christmas, more so because it means two weeks off work ha x
ReplyDeleteThat's a good one. I'm working Christmas Eve and Boxing Day as working in retail again so not entirely happy with that one x
DeleteI can definitely relate to these hates. LOL. I like this time of year though. I like the songs, cheer and having the time off.
ReplyDeleteYeah it is pretty good. I've also written what I love about it x
DeleteHahah, we're not fans of snow either! Its ok if we were in Lapland or something but across in the UK its a nightmare!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. I slipped really bad one year and bruised on elbows, legs and generally really hurt. Since then it's really put me off x
DeleteI agree with the stress part I cant believe how stressed I get at this time of year its unreal and yes its only for one day
ReplyDeleteYeah it means so much to so many, but to me people's birthdays are special too. I get myself into such a stress too x
DeleteGreat post I think you pretty much dislike most of Christmas I do actually agree With a few though the shopping like they are going to be closed for a month is ridiculous
ReplyDeleteYeah it's absolutely crazy and such a waste. You have to feel for those who can't afford to do it x
DeleteI LOVE Christmas and the entire season. It's all about being together with family and showing gratitude.
ReplyDeleteIt is! That's what my point is really. Some of that is lost! I have written a more positive post on Wednesday though x
DeleteLove love this festivities but i agree with you. the entire christmas scene is so consumer-ised.
ReplyDeleteI dunno when it happened but it makes me sad x
DeleteI definitely agree with you! I absolutely love Christmas and everything about it but there's always something that's stressful!
ReplyDeleteDisappointing but still so much to enjoy about it x
Delete