Bah humbug

[Kate]

<font color='#3BB9FF'>I enjoy Christmas!

My Birthday is on the 26th but I've never lost out because of it, Mum's never let it happen and if someone was to get me one perzzie, she'd lay down the law.

I have to admit, I don't like the way it's become so money orientated, shops stocking up on their Christmas stuff in Aug/Sept and the mad rush of shoppers who leave things until the last minute. &nbsp;I start my shopping at about the end of Oct and do it bit by bit during my lunch break or after work...never of a weekend!!!!

This year we're not going to very festive, not tree or decorations, because last year was the worst Christmas ever. My Brother was taken into hospital on the 20th Dec, by the 22nd he was in Intensive Care and he died on New Years Day. I can understand why my parents don't want the decorations, but I would really like to have a tree.

This is the first Christmas I'm not looking forward to. Hopefully, I will be back to my normal festive self next year!!!!

x x x

[arty93]

<font color='#000080'>Dom, some people may suggest your company is permanently shutdown due to the amount of posting you do on here, handbag &amp; ukrs

[MATTBIN]

Kate please accept my condolences for your brother, it must be awful to be constantly reminded each year, you are doing exceptionelly well to be so brave.

Anyway I can beat Dom we break Xmas eve to the 5th, I wanted to go away but the kids didnt so I am going to have to put up with Portland in January instead &nbsp;

I used to get the Xmas/Birthday joint pressie argument as well, er my birthday is in Feb. &nbsp;

Go with what Daz put as well, if Icant afford it I know they cant either, so I suppose its socks and pants again this year rather than an Evolution, 2nd hand Inspiration &nbsp;

But I still love Chrissy time, hate New Year's eve though.

[tom]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Mark Davies @ Dec. 02 2003,10:13)]This year I've actually got christmas day off (it happens to fall on a day off in the shift pattern) but my wife is working nights. So my christmas day will be sat on my own watching the shite on TV, preparing a dinner while waiting all day for Mrs D to get out of bed at about 4.00pm. Bloody terrific!

You and me both, mate! See you on YD then?

Tom

[Kate]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (MATTBIN @ Dec. 02 2003,10:51)]Kate please accept my condolences for your brother, it must be awful to be constantly reminded each year, you are doing exceptionelly well to be so brave.

<font color='#3BB9FF'>Thankyou!

It's going to take time and it is very hard at times, but I have to move on with my life!

x x x

[Mark Davies]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (tom @ Dec. 02 2003,10:55)]You and me both, mate! See you on YD then?

<font color='#000080'>Absolutely! Better than another James Bond film any day.

Like the new avatar - quite appropriate!

[CotoChris]

<font color='#0000FF'>I've lost the joy for christmas, the commercial side has really spoilt it. I make it special for kids but otherwise for adults the only presents I give is something I do myself such as my photographs that I develop.
It saddens me fact that Christmas is supposed to be a jolly happy period but reality can be so different. For those who have lost loved ones it is a trully difficult period ( I lost my father last year).
This together with the pressure in having to get presents and spend money one can ill afford makes it harder. As I'm claustrophobic I avoid all shopping centers in December, I sympathise sardines in the cannery.
This Christmas I'll put up a tree, have the family dinner on the 25th. But the part I'll &nbsp;enjoy best is to light the fire, cuddle up to my mrs and open up a nice bottle of vintage port-

[aclivity]

<font color='#810541'>Christmas is only spoiled by the commercialism if you let it affect you.  Rise above it and celebrate it for what it is?

I've always loved christmas, and as I grow older I still enjoy it.  I'm from a big family and increasingly (as we've all grown up and moved to all parts of the country) it's the only time of year when we all get together - it's better now as the family of 6 is now a family of 16 (3 partners and 7 next generation added on in the last decade!)

Now I've got kids, I can start to enjoy christmas from their perspective as well (can you imagine what goes through a 2 year olds mind when a tree suddenly appears indoors?).

Andy

[dlegros]

I'm off Xmas day

I'm working Xmas night instead

Dom