A meandering blog with no clear topic. You will find me talking about knitting, building, kids, social and economic issues, Alaska, and lots of other stuff.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Christmas hangover....

So, Christmas was 3 days ago. The run up to Christmas was exhausting this year. We are perpetually last minute shoppers, and the crowded stores make us put it off as long as we can, because we really don't want to do it. In addition, this year, we have been suffering from a healthy dose of disgust. We are just tired of the consumerism that Christmas has become, with buying Christmas presents being the MOST IMPORTANT thing to do for Christmas. We pondered for some time the possibility of simply rebelling, of not doing Christmas. But recurrent thoughts of Santa coming down the chimney with sacks full of toys for good girls and boys were just too much. We could not figure out a way to just stop the madness without disappointing our children. So, eventually, we caved, and spent a ton of money on Christmas, more than we could really afford. In the meantime, up until Christmas Eve, I worked a LOT, put in a lot of overtime, as usual. So other things didn't get done. The handmade gifts I wanted to make, for the most part, didn't get made. The ingredients for the peppermint bark are still sitting on my kitchen counter. The Christmas cards never got sent. My mother's Christmas present didn't get mailed until Christmas Eve. The house is trashed, with remnants of wrapping paper all over the place, and cardboard boxes piled up by the wood stove waiting to be burned. I have the next week off of work, and am completely exhausted. Bah humbug.

6 comments:

msaonika said...

Dear Best Friend,

I know how you feel - completely and totally. But, fear not - it will get better! Next year we are doing one Big present each... ONE (at least from us) and that's all. I was so mad about the greediness this year that I just want to do away with the whole thing too... So, We will have to come up with a plan... a movement - or something! lOVE you mostest!

Anonymous said...

Is this adult behavior that you feel your children benefit from?
When the money is lacking for more dire needs or needs to be repaid are your kids happy?

When do you think is a good opportunity to grow up?

No wonder western society is in trouble if so many people can't live within their means and show restraint.
TD

It's me said...

I'm so sorry your holiday was difficult. I'm sending warm wishes, which, combined with $1 could perhaps buy a cup of coffee. But it's all I have to send. :) Peace to you.

AKfitknit said...

OK, I suppose I should clarify. We did not deprive our children of food or warmth or a place to live to have Christmas. When I said we spent more than we could really afford, I did not mean that we bankrupted our family. I meant that we will have to work a little harder to pay it off than we planned on, but not that we bankrupting our family for toys.

Lori

It's me said...

I would probably ignore snarky comments from anyone who has not the personal character to put a name to their comments ;) That's always worked for me. You keep doing what you're doing and move forward at your pace.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the book. It gave me something to open the next week ;-)

Personally, while I avoid crowded stores like the plague, I love picking gifts that I hope people will like. It is more fun when I can watch them open the gifts.

You picked well this year.

Love, Mom