tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post2996569453962308764..comments2024-02-28T19:37:14.696+01:00Comments on moments of perfect clarity: resisting...julochkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10884096685015570257noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-43809575786629846712010-01-04T20:20:38.457+01:002010-01-04T20:20:38.457+01:00Been meaning to come back to this one as the holid...Been meaning to come back to this one as the holidays and time got away from me - and I had to hunt - you are prolific! I wanted to say Thanks for this one particularly. I'm a scrooge about Christmas and really hate feeling that way, but I try to make it up in other ways. I've adopted my husband's attitude toward gifts - which I used to think was kind of a cop out but now I think it's true, or maybe I am now copping out too! Bah Humbug! ;) Gift giving should have meaning and we don't need a specific day to be pressured into doing something thoughtful for people we care about. My friends don't get cards or gifts at Christmastime (I tried and failed miserably for years, for the last several I haven't even tried anymore) - but I try very hard to let them know in other ways throughout the year how much they mean to me. Don't need a mandatory day for it. Some folks do seem to need the push though, and I guess that's ok. I have some loved ones that can't seem to show their concern for all the world, but at Christmas they'll do something lovely and I'll know. <br />I hope your holiday was wonderful, happy times with family and friends, I look forward to catching up on your posts.melhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13192297068158862693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-52056090874750351472009-12-23T00:21:30.740+01:002009-12-23T00:21:30.740+01:00The number one Christmas chore for me is the Chris...The number one Christmas chore for me is the Christmas cards. I always heave a great sigh of relief when I get them all mailed. However, I will continue to do them because we have friends all over the world and I do not want to lose touch with them. It does force me to make at least annual contact, and I LOVE the American tradition of sending pics of the kids (even if they are glamourized or sentimentalized).<br /><br />The bit about gifts really struck me, though. I WISH that we could just give gifts whenever we saw something that made us think of the person.Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02375981493145612394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-24858743215152494592009-12-21T22:39:59.630+01:002009-12-21T22:39:59.630+01:00Next year I shall send you a VAST pig joint from m...Next year I shall send you a VAST pig joint from my freezer ;-) <br /><br />You know, weirdly, I love those letters! I would never ever do it myself, but I do enjoy them from others. it's a kind of sickness. <br /><br />I would love to give up the cards. such a waste of money, it would be better given to charity for sure. However, the hassle I would get from family etc isn't worth it. Cry. <br />xspudballoohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12433420925135653667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-53449168018720795762009-12-21T20:10:35.380+01:002009-12-21T20:10:35.380+01:00Since I lost my job this June, we have had to lear...Since I lost my job this June, we have had to learn to cut back drastically. I was very apprehensive about Christmas this year and rather down in the dumps about it all. I decided what was done was done and there really was nothing I could do about the money situation now so I might as well try to enjoy what I have. I was able to buy a couple of gifts for my two granddaughters and everyone else is getting a handmade scarf that I have crocheted. I haven't crocheted in years but it helped me to at least think I was contributing to Christmas for everyone else. I have played Christmas Carols, enjoyed the Christmas shows on TV, decorated the house and tried to relax with the season. Definitely simple this year. Hope yourself and Hubby have the best Christmas ever and that Sabin will have a holiday to remember!Lorachttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05954208521350733469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-14080047649502742402009-12-21T18:12:01.179+01:002009-12-21T18:12:01.179+01:00I like sending cards, but not those letters. Thoug...I like sending cards, but not those letters. Though I sometimes like getting those letters, if only to mock them. <br /><br />Your point on gift cards and lists is spot on. I give because I want to give - and they are things that come from me, my heart. And if the recipient doesn't love? So what. It almost wasn't the point.Magpiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15460136246441367993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-4069813547585768522009-12-21T18:01:45.440+01:002009-12-21T18:01:45.440+01:00Our Christmas has been fiscally responsible this y...Our Christmas has been fiscally responsible this year, and it has been great not having that hectic, shopping stress. I do cards...mnnn...maybe every other year. This year is not the year. It's nice just to hunker down, play great Christmas music, fill the house with great smells, and meet with good friends. That's Christmas.Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18047395022515323715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-7275143843656728842009-12-21T17:59:07.315+01:002009-12-21T17:59:07.315+01:00We are also not having a huge Christmas this year....We are also not having a huge Christmas this year. Santa is bringing a few things that the kids will share - "gasp!", and then they have a few things from us. I made cards this year, when I ran out, that was the end of my sending. <br />Happy Holidays!Barbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207507936646771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-61322870626875801202009-12-21T17:14:29.988+01:002009-12-21T17:14:29.988+01:00i made a list for my brother - just because he'...i made a list for my brother - just because he's a rather clueless male that loves me and wants me to have what i would like to have. he's stressed by the pressure of finding something right - it works out.<br /><br />and i've cut my buying to the bare bones - gifts for the nieces/nephews and then the brothers/sister. that's it. i've told all of my friends not to buy me gifts. not that i don't appreciate the thought but i would rather them give it to a worthy cause if they so feel led. my church is digging wells in zambia - that is a very worthy cause they can give to.Charhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03851293154388793520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-87680001023081346762009-12-21T16:56:54.181+01:002009-12-21T16:56:54.181+01:00I send cards out, but mostly because i like making...I send cards out, but mostly because i like making them myself. I really don't know what to write in them, for the most part it is just " Merry Christmas and a Happy new year", but i guess it says it all anyway...<br /><br />As a new teacher, i got my first teacher-gifts this year, i almost felt a little embarrassed, i am surprised to read that it is the norm i the US<br /><br />I wish you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy new year... ;-)<br /><br />JanniJannihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02773181373150513963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-78670930054271155952009-12-21T15:45:35.985+01:002009-12-21T15:45:35.985+01:00I have made an effort to scale back this Christmas...I have made an effort to scale back this Christmas; instead of sending cards, I donated money to a worthy cause (and I hate those "newsletters," particularly from people you'd rather not know about) :). I bought one present for my husband (and will buy one more after Christmas, as couldn't find the intended gift) and my daughter's gifts were purchased when we were in Jordan. Am not mailing gifts West, for the first time. We're having a quiet and simple Christmas (first time we won't have guests in I can't remember when) and I'm quite pleased about it. Brit husband will roast a turkey and make Nigella's cranberry-and-orange stuffing and roast potatoes; I'll bake a pie and cookies. A bottle of good Burgundy will be consumed. And that's that. Really, with so much going on throughout the year, it's nice to slow down for a few days. Happy Christmas to you and yours! xoxoxparis parfaithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05457437124988976587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-20915293849157924432009-12-21T15:17:43.473+01:002009-12-21T15:17:43.473+01:00here here!! been there, done that...still send ca...here here!! been there, done that...still send cards, but only to people i love.....do like getting photos of children though....<br /><br />here's to good food & friends...<br /><br />merry christmas!*jean*https://www.blogger.com/profile/03325374997441856732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-25036371272233070812009-12-21T15:14:24.983+01:002009-12-21T15:14:24.983+01:00Well, I've never been skiing in France and I c...Well, I've never been skiing in France and I can pretty much guarantee I never will! But we have snow and fireplaces and food, drink and a roof over our heads. So I guess it's all good! I am not up for any of it this year so I'm not doing any of it. We get lots of the brag letters. I read them aloud, giving voice to each character in the letter. I think I would miss the fun. : )<br /><br />I hope you enjoy the duck and the crackling fire. Happiness to you, Husband and Sabin.Sandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13915962999372304054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-76272939627671984962009-12-21T13:37:39.912+01:002009-12-21T13:37:39.912+01:00In Scotland, the 'Round Robin' letter is n...In Scotland, the 'Round Robin' letter is not done. Scottish people do not brag about thier children. They brag about two things - how much they can drink, and how little they paid for something.<br /><br />It sounds like you are quite prepared! Al I hae to do is make some biscuits and ALOT of mince pies, but as its easy i don't mind!Lisa-Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11135752484387782593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131844.post-47469203938819534732009-12-21T13:12:46.768+01:002009-12-21T13:12:46.768+01:00In England we call those braggy letters round robi...In England we call those braggy letters round robins!<br /><br />I dont usually send Christmas cards, but I bought special ones for the people who have been amazing to me this year and wrote them notes thanking them for everything they've done this year :o)Sammihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18402188311013328392noreply@blogger.com