Thursday 24 December 2009

Bah humbug

Yup, it's that time of year again. So why am I humbugging?

The commercial crassness of it.

I'm not going to lie, I enjoy spending my money as much as the next bloke. Not much use having it if you don't spend it - as they say, you can't take it with you. But Christmas seems to be more about spending than anything else these days, and spending LOTS!

Various religions arguing about it.

Christians celebrate Christmas, and other religions celebrate with a gathering of friends and gift giving, but at different times. Then each mob argues that the other mob's interpretation is wrong. Who cares?

Endless atheists vs religion articles in the media.

Haven't they done these to death already?

Being called a hypocrite if you take the break and enjoy the celebrations and you aren't a god botherer.

OK, a bit of disclosure. I'm not a god botherer, but I do celebrate Christmas. I celebrate the opportunity to see family and friends that you haven't caught up with for some time, and enjoy a few beers (or twenty) and a good meal (or twenty). I think this is a good thing. I think humans need these periods of mass relaxation to remind us who we are - that we're not not just worker bee consumers.

The true meaning of Christmas

Which true meaning do you subscribe to? There are quite a few to choose from. Christian, Pagan, etc.

Double demerits

I don't believe they work. And I think that the frustration caused by someone travelling well under the limits "just in case" ends up causing more accidents than double points prevented.

Peace and goodwill. For some.

Unless we're bombing/invading/being rude to them because they have a different religion to the local one. Sigh.

Who am I kidding?

But really, I love Christmas. People are generally friendlier, despite crowded roads and shopping centres. I love the looks on the faces of children when they receive their gifts, and I love the way that real littlies can get more fun out of the box or wrapper. I love Christmas when it's so hot the tar melts, and you can poke holes in the bubbles with a stick to release the water trapped inside. I love it when it's so hot you can barely move. Sadly, this year looks like it will be wet. Oh well, maybe next year. ;^)


So to anyone who happens to pass by, I hope you have a really good Christmas and a great New Year. Eat too much, drink too much, fall over, whatever, but have fun. If you don't celebrate Christmas or the season, be sure to have fun anyway - whatever floats your boat.

See you next year.

Ho ho ho - Merry Christmas!