Christmas IS Coming!

[AndrewT]

Dear Everyone (Don't I 'always' say that?),

It's nearly That time of year again👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, you know the one. As a Confirmed Christian it IS 'Special', to me, in a way that, perhaps Non Christians, might find hard to understand. I know that a Great Deal, of us, find all this 'Commercialisation' difficult to Handle/ Deal with. I DO wonder, quite what, the Good St Nicklaus🎅 would 'Make Of' all this.

A time for Families? Yes of course. A time for Gifts? Yes Indeed. A time for (over) Indulgent Food? Definitely. A time for Greed- in ALL it's forms? I might leave, 'That One' unanswered! A time for Jesus Christ, Our Heavenly Lord, whose Birth we are SUPPOSED to be celebrating? Well...erm...The Church 'Rings It's Bells', doesn't it? Isn't the Bishop Of London 'On the Telly', at some time? We 'Do' Carols, don't we?, and Sometimes even Know The 'Words'. Yes A Good Christian Country, Yes Indeed!

Please Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT 'Having A Go' at Everyone, just this- Quite Frankly Awful 'Overlooking', of the, Fundamental Christian Message. I'm NOT suggesting that, every time, you 'buy a Present or eat a Mince Pie' you are committing a SIN....I don't want to fill, the World with guilt. I'm just making a Point, regarding CHRIST-mas, that's all.

Reading, all that, back I DO sound rather 'Reactionary' don't I? 'Yes Andrew, you do' and, I'm 'Normally' such a Nice (Nice...yuck!) Guy. I must be a 'Nice Guy', who is just rather P.ssed Off...NO...Upset By, the Way, that we all, 'Celebrate' The Birth of Our Saviour.

Anyone would think it was Christmas! Warmest Wishes, to you all- no really!

AndrewT

[cat3]

Andrew, this might be a tricky one for none-believers like myself as religion can be an emotive subject. But, religion aside, I agree wholeheartedly that Christmas has been hijacked by materialism, and a massive opportunity to quietly take stock of what really matters is lost in consumerism and partying.

It had meaning for me once, not only in the receiving of gifts, but in the warmth of the collective 'Good will' and an air of selflessness and community. The incentive, whether ritual or religion was irrelevant for me ; it was simply an excuse to be generous without embarrassment and to spend extra time with loved ones.

It's become sad on two counts ; firstly that we should've ever needed an 'occasion' to be generous and caring with each other and, secondly, how folk are so immersed in technology/social media etc that they're ever more distanced...... 🤨

[AndrewT in reply to cat3]

Dear Cat,

Thank you, for explaining, 'Things'- so well- from a Non-Christian 'Point Of View'. Yes, perhaps I DID 'ram' the Christianity a bit hard. I my defence I was, indeed still am, 'Angry'...NO 'Upset', by the way Christmas is being so 'Consumer' driven. Do I buy Presents? Yes indeed, in fact I have just ordered my Father's- to be Delivered Direct. I may, very well, go Back In and order my Step-Mother's- at the same address- once I finish here.

I just had my Neighbour, ring my bell, he had some Ham for me. I asked him earlier, if he would get me some, as he was going shopping. It was £3, for two packs...I paid for both but just took one. The least I could do, after all.

So Thanks Again, for you answer Cat, it IS appreciated. Since your Not a Christian, may I wish you either 'A Happy Solstice' or 'Merry Holidays' please? Either way

Enjoy Yourself

AndrewT

[cat3 in reply to AndrewT]

Thanks Andrew. And you too... x

[Marnie22]

I hope you have a good and meaningful Christmas. I am not celebrating it at all, but I will attend my local Headway group Christmas lunch. I wish I could celebrate Christmas, I used to go to Midnight Mass and everything, but it all upsets me too much since I have lost a special person I celebrated it with. This will be the tenth year since I had Christmas. I can't find a way back to it. Sorry to moan on. I do hope you have a peaceful Christmas.

[WinB]

Hi Andrew, I'll go with anything that makes people nicer to each other albeit once a year and at Easter. etc. ...I do not go to Church but I still talk to the sky lol when I need to xx I had a good RI Teacher and she knew Gladys Aylward "Inn of the 6th Happiness film" She was a very kind Teacher and because of her I do believe. See what a good Teacher can do xxx Happy Everything Andrew xxxxx

[sospan]

The problem with all religions is the distinction between the spiritual people and the believers. If you have been in the presence of anyone whom is truly spiritual you can feel a presence from their actions, the way they talk and also the calming presence they have. Purely religious people quite often believe the words but not the true sentiment behind them,

I have met spiritual people from all faiths and they are fantastic people to be around. However, you just have to look at history and modern media to see the disastrous effects that a blind faith in religion can do.

In terms of a modern day Christmas, there are less people whom celebrate the occasion in the name of their religious icon but a lot that celebrate the coming together of family and friends to enjoy a meal and renew old friendships. This coming to together is a spiritual act in its own right and should be cherished in memories long after the event has finished.

However, what I don't condone is the setting of expectations by the advertising companies that if don't have a table laden with with at least 2 large joints of meat (e.g. Tesco) with extras and puddings then you are not giving "the best" Christmas. In a country where we have to rely on food banks it is very insensitive and do we need it ?

When we have been poorly not only with out head injuries, if you cast your mind back the most cherished memory will be when an old friend or family member came to visit and you may have had just tea and biscuit and a chat. Just to spend time together and see how you were.

i would say enjoy a Christmas for the right reasons

Seasons wishes to everyone

[Tracy331]

I've had a medically tough year but I feel blessed to have made it to Christmas so this year is extra special for me especially the religious aspect as I didn't think I'd make it so I whole heartedly wish you and everyone a merry Christmas and thank god that I'm still here to enjoy it without the material things they seem strangely unimportant this year x

[1949liz in reply to Tracy331]

Well said Tracy, your message has so much meaning in it, THATS what the true Christmas message is all about. God Bless and I am sure you will have a very enjoyable and peaceful Christmas Love Liz x🌹

[AndrewT in reply to Tracy331]

Dear Tracy331,

These 'Things', Really DO, give us ALL a Sense of 'What Is Actually Important'....That watch, computer game, console, mobile phone.....or Your LIFE! I gather, that you, are now 'Following' me. I will respond, to that, but not now....it's 11:20 pm....

Warmest wishes

AndrewT

[Froggiefrog]

From a personal perspective, my wish is that everyone does with Christmas whatever they see fit. providing it does not involve insisting that everyone sees things from their perspective.

I don't 'do' religion, but I appreciate that some do and that they value what it signifies for them. I am quite able to feel happy for those who derive comfort, happiness, or anything else positive from religion, even if it is not for me.

I get frustrated at the commercial aspects of Christmas and find references to them in the media from the start of November so unnecessary.

Because intolerance to excessive noise and fatigue are a factor for me, I appreciate the understanding of others in this regard. I also appreciate that I will be amongst people who don't have these intolerances and issues and so realise they will want to be louder, more excitable etc. than usual and that I need to make allowances for this too...It's not, and shouldn't be, all about me, after all.

Because the end of the year often puts people in a reflective mood, this can make some more emotionally fragile, purely because a new year beckons. I will 'celebrate' the fact that the last six months has seen me strive hard to remain positive, even if that period of time has presented some significant challenges and with more to face as a consequence of my health wobbles.

I think wising people whatever they would wish for themselves sums up how I feel pretty well. Some of what they would wish for themselves would not resonate with me, for sure, but I'm fine with that.

K

[AndrewT]

Dear K,

Thank you for your, most interesting, comments. I whole heartedly agree, with you, about 'Noise' levels....Don't I just🙉. How often do you, want to say, 'Without Trying to Be A Killjoy Can You Turn, This Racquet, F..King Down Please!' Why, on Earth, do 'People' want Music, so loud, you could almost 'Hear' it on the Moon?

A Good Time- yes, Some Drinks-yes, some Food- definitely, some Music- or course....A Deafening Noise?- NO THANKS! Then there is that girl, you know the one....Long Blond Hair (almost certainty Bleached), in the long Dress....Who takes off her shoes, then puts her Vile, Stinky FEET under your Chair🤢. Now, don't get me wrong, a pair of- well Pedicured- 'Pinkies' can be lovely...…

I hope that you DO have a Merry Christmas K, enjoy yourself

AndrewT

[Kavib]

I find my anxiety kicks in over Xmas! It’s a challenge.