# Are You In The Christmas Spirit? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 20, 2014, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730 "2014-12-20T12:41:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![kiz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/7feea3/32.png) [@kiz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kiz)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2014, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/41 "2014-12-21T15:57:36Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > The logistical difficulty when you can’t stand without crutches and you can’t carry anything because crutches take both hands, is considerable. However I’m going to pull myself together and make some preserves with some of the rhubarb and strawberries I found in my freezer (vacuum sealed, so its fine). Its only 2 ingredients and everything’s already chopped. People are usually enthusiastic about my preserves so that will be nice. That’s the spirit! Whenever I’ve been in a foot/ankle cast I tend to lean on one crutch, lean my belly against the counter, and make sure someone’s around to spot me in case I wobble too much. I’ve also put my knee on a kitchen chair to give the injured foot a break. For Thanksgiving I made stuffed mushrooms, spinach dip, and meringues. My husband had to chop everything and move the mixer. I was fine with everything else. I’ve become quite adept at steadying pots and bowls with my elbow. > [@](#): > > To be clear, its not _wrong_ to call it a menorah. That’s just the more general term. “Channukah menorah” is also correct. In other words “menorah” = “general candleholder” ? ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2014, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/42 "2014-12-21T18:04:46Z")
We are in the spirit. Having a fifteen month old has made everything seem new again, and it’s just been so much fun to watch her enjoy all the lights and decorations. We put up a little tree, the house is littered with packages, and we hosted a holiday get-together last night. ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2014, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/43 "2014-12-21T19:30:25Z")
Not. At. All. There is literally _nothing_ I want - at least, nothing within our Christmas-spending budget. I told Mrs. Homie I want Jolly Ranchers, Now & Laters, and Laffy Taffy; instead she bought me shirts and a book I don’t want. :smack: Her side of the family does the gift exchange on Christmas Eve, and I’m dreading it. The house will be hotter than a nuclear furnace, with a bunch of ill-behaved kids running around while the adults sit and “visit” (read: gossip about shit I don’t give two fucks about, like Eustace Pennypacker having gall bladder surgery, or the furnace going out at First Methodist of Shitkicker Bridge). I’d rather just stay home and watch TV. There’s something of a bright spot in that on Christmas Day, lacking anything better to do, we’re going to St. Louis to have lunch at Lumiere Place Casino’s [Christmas Buffet](http://www.lumiereplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/3264_LP_KT_Xmas2014_DB_1080x1920.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2014, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/44 "2014-12-21T19:58:36Z")
Approached the season with some trepidation, I admit. Last year we skipped out of everything by taking an extended beach holiday, far, far away! This year I wasn’t feeling it much. Lamenting my lack of spirit, my husband suggested we adopt a family. Which we did! And it has made all the difference! There was a little let down when it was all delivered, around the 13th Dec. But there was still enough spirit left for me to embrace the season, put up the tree, hang the wreath, baking etc! I’m pretty into it now, we have a handful of people dropping by Christmas Eve, and we’re both actually looking forward to it! Today I’m making spicy meatballs and also pita chips! ---
**Author:** ![TBG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@TBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TBG)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2014, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/45 "2014-12-21T23:25:03Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > ‘Menorah’ is _so_ sexist! > > I think they should be called ‘_person_ auras’! That’s rather speciesist. It should just be an “orah” that way it can be a Menorah, a personorah, a livingbeingorah, or even a inanimateobjectorah. Whatever floats your boat. Or sinks it if that is your preference. Anyway, last few years I haven’t really been able to get into the Christmas mood for reasons I don’t really want to share. Last year was better than two years ago, but this year’s been not so good again. I still go through the motions, but it’s just not resonating like it used to. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/46 "2014-12-22T13:22:29Z")
I’m kind of in the Christmas spirit. My kitchen is undergoing a facelift so it’s been a bit out of control at Casa de Peedin. I have my tree up, but most of my kitchen is sitting in the dining room. It’s hard to get festive when your dining table is covered in glasses and dishes, and the toaster oven is in the powder room, slid neatly between the toilet and the wall. However, the counter tops, sink and dishwasher are to be installed today so tonight I can put everything away and finish decorating. I hope for a dusting of snow on Christmas Eve evening, after everyone gets home. Just an inch to make things pretty, then it can melt on December 26. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/47 "2014-12-22T13:44:23Z")
I definitely am, and have been getting there since the Friday after Thanksgiving when we went out and cut down our tree. A local station plays classic Christmas music so I have that set in my car, and that helps put **Mrs. Bullitt** and me into the Christmas spirit. And we are Christians by faith so our Sunday services and Advent services, and seeing our friends at church which is almost like an extended family for us, help greatly to ring in the season. I hope everyone here can enjoy the season. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/48 "2014-12-22T14:14:24Z")
Since separated, last Christmas and now this year I’ve done no decorating. This year I’m giving money only to my kids. I am zero stressed about this Christmas and I’m loving it. Usually I’d be a basket case at this time of year. Not any more. I have a turkey and all other groceries already purchased. I will work a half day on Christmas eve, pick up some wine and beer on my way home and completely unwind for the week that I’m off. I am sooooo looking forward to it. ---
**Author:** ![BubbaDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bubbadog/32/333_2.png) [@BubbaDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BubbaDog)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/49 "2014-12-22T14:15:20Z")
Yep. Spent two weekends decorating and shopping. House full of people coming. Great food, family, dogs, kids. And the best part - the very weird section of the family is mad at us and is going to “punish” us by not showing up. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/50 "2014-12-22T19:07:10Z")
I don’t know. I think I’ve finally reached the point where my expectations are low enough that I’m cool with Christmas. For the first time, I’ve done away with some of our traditions like stockings or Christmas Eve pajamas, because my children aren’t children anymore. My husband and brother have agreed not to get me anything and I’ve agreed not to get them anything, thereby saving money and reducing stress for all of us. I hear my mother saying she’s not getting anything for my son because he doesn’t have enough time for us anymore, which in other years would have me scurrying to build bridges and save everyone’s feelings. This year, I’m leaving drama to the folks that want it. I have lots of cooking to do. I didn’t wrestle with finding anyone the perfect gift either. I just bought stuff for people. The kids are getting cash. We have put up lots of Christmas decorations and a bunch of people are coming to our house, so I feel good about that. Ain’t no freakin’ magic going on here, but have a piece of pie. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/51 "2014-12-22T19:43:44Z")
> [@Ulfreida](#): > > Long ago I decided I would only do the Christmas stuff I enjoyed doing. This is the key! If you continue to be obligated to everyone of course you are going to hate it. Now I can’t say anything about retail workers, because their lives do suck right now, but other than that I do exactly what I want to do. I love Xmas. I put up a plastic tree, though, because buying a tree is WAY too much trouble. It’s prelit and I have a ton of ornaments, most of which were gifts. I hang up some tinsel, but no outdoor lights (I rent a house). I buy gifts for my SO’s family. My family doesn’t celebrate Xmas, so i just send new year’s cards. I love wrapping them and picking out gifts and I put all of the gifts under my tree until its time to go downstate. I also love wrapping gifts for my SO. I made him a couple of crafts this year and I wrapped one in a glass jar so he will never guess what it is. Friday I’m going in the city with my SO’s mom, just a day for us girls. I’m excited about that. And I plan to bake! ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/52 "2014-12-23T00:53:53Z")
My preserves came out pretty nice. I got 4 6 oz jars, which should cover everyone, and a 2 oz minijar for myself. Which is plenty, because, for a person who likes to make preserves, I really don’t use them too much. It was kinda tiring, but I’m happy it came out well. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/53 "2014-12-23T01:31:38Z")
> [@kiz](#): > > (not a rant, btw – that’s why it’s here) > > Are you? I’m not. I’m not either. Christmas is fun until you’re like 10 or 11 years old. After that it’s just a gigantic pain in the ass which I wish would just go away. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/54 "2014-12-23T01:34:03Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > I’m not either. Christmas is fun until you’re like 10 or 11 years old. After that it’s just a gigantic pain in the ass which I wish would just go away. I endorse this post. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/55 "2014-12-23T10:40:03Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > I endorse this post. Okay, but it’s an unfortunate outlook. It’s unfortunate that people can’t get into the spirit. Sure there are crowds and traffic and family get-togethers where relatives may seemingly be barely tolerable and they may try to push your buttons. If you get wrapped around the axle with that crap and lose focus on the true meaning of Christmas, sure that stuff can be a royal pain in the ass. I think there’s a strong correlation between people with that outlook and people without faith in God. I believe the inverse is true too. ---
**Author:** ![Double\_Foolscap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/85e7bf/32.png) [@Double\_Foolscap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Double_Foolscap)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/56 "2014-12-23T11:16:42Z")
Presents all bought and wrapped, one side of the family visited, friends all socialised with, ready to go down to my parents’ this evening. I’m feeling good-naturedly ambivalent about the whole season, enjoying that other people enjoy it, which is how I go through most of life, so I guess you could say I’m in the Christmas spirit. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/57 "2014-12-23T13:30:32Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > Okay, but it’s an unfortunate outlook. It’s unfortunate that people can’t get into the spirit. Sure there are crowds and traffic and family get-togethers where relatives may seemingly be barely tolerable and they may try to push your buttons. If you get wrapped around the axle with that crap and lose focus on the true meaning of Christmas, sure that stuff can be a royal pain in the ass. > > I think there’s a strong correlation between people with that outlook and people without faith in God. > > I believe the inverse is true too. You’re right. I don’t believe in God, and so that part of Christmas is missing. What remains is a marketing campaign by all companies to take my money. Well, that and a month of shitty music that’s been done to death. I refuse to get stressed this year. I’m giving my kids money; I’m not decorating anything and I’m not going anywhere. I plan on cooking, drinking, sleeping and watching TV for a week. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/58 "2014-12-23T19:31:54Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > You’re right. I don’t believe in God, and so that part of Christmas is missing. What remains is a marketing campaign by all companies to take my money. Well, that and a month of shitty music that’s been done to death. > > I refuse to get stressed this year. I’m giving my kids money; I’m not decorating anything and I’m not going anywhere. > > I plan on cooking, drinking, sleeping and watching TV for a week. Sounds like a nice and relaxing plan. Enjoy! And FWIW, I like that shitty music. 😃 I’ve had it on the radio since Thanksgiving. Sometimes I’ll sing along. It’s enough to drive you, **Leaffan** , batty. A coworker just emailed this to the office. Allow me to share: To quote Frank Cross (Bill Murray in Scrooged): > [@](#): > > It’s Christmas Eve. > > It’s the one night when we all act a little nicer. > > We smile a little easier. We share a little more. > > For a couple of hours we are the people we always hoped we would be. > > It’s really a miracle because it happens every Christmas Eve. > > You have to do something. > > You have to take a chance and get involved. > > There are people that don’t have enough to eat and who are cold. > > You can go and greet these people. > > Take an old blanket out to them or make a sandwich and say, “Here.” > > And if you give, then it can happen, the miracle can happen to you. > > Not just the poor and hungry, Everybody’s gotta have this miracle! > > It can happen tonight for you all! > > If you believe in this pure thing, the miracle will happen and you’ll want it again tomorrow! > > You won’t say, “Christmas is once a year and it’s a fraud.” > > It’s not! > > It can happen every day! > You’ve just got to want that feeling! > > You’ll want it every day! It can happen to you! ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730/59 "2014-12-23T19:59:27Z")
I’ve had a pretty laid-back and happy Christmas season. My favorite parts are arranging the SDMB Secret Santa and hosting my family’s Christmas party. The party happened on Sunday and went swimmingly. I am still watching the gifts roll in on the Secret Santa thread and anxiously awaiting the delivery of the one I sent. I still have more candy to make and another party to attend, then it will be time to start working off all the Christmas goodies I have been eating all month. I am probably filled with equal amounts of Christmas spirit and sugar. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-in-the-christmas-spirit/707730.md?page=2)