Hating the holidays?
 

Is there anyone else here who secretly hates the holidays but tries to put on a good front so that you don't ruin it for everyone else? (purposefully using my anonymous id here).

For me, holidays are about obligations, extra errands and chores, fighting ridiculous traffic because of all the shopping crazed people driving around, walking on your tip-toes to navigate around potential emotional landmines with certain family members, etc. I'm just curious if I am the only one that feels this way?

I'm seriously considering "volunteering" somewhere just so I can avoid some of the obligations involved.

ps. No - I don't have kids and yes, I have heard that having kids puts the "magic" back into holidays so I'll save you some time there. lol.

Re: Hating the holidays?
 

YES

Re: Hating the holidays?
 

I enjoy them because my kids and wife enjoy them. Also get a few days off - which I need. As far as the Holidays themselves... they are not particularly Holy Days to me...

Re: Hating the holidays?
 

No, I don't have that problem. I really enjoy having all my family around. Internet shopping might be something to try. I really love the music and fun of the holidays. Except the ones about snow, don't have that often in this part of Texas. Sometimes it's downright hot.:)

Re: Hating the holidays?
 

Holidays are loaded with obligations and expectations because traditions must be carried on from year to year... decade to decade... largely so that women can annually make their wild and outlandish attempts to recreate moments and make memories they can call on for years to come which then serve as moments which they will attempt to recreate from year to year.

The lady folk are about moments... feelings... and emotions and whether it be birthdays, thansgiving, christmas, or the annual vacation they busy themselves from occasion to occasion year in and year out attempting to capture moments... recreate feelings and moments of the past and create new ones that we can all work to reproduce annually for the rest of our lives.

Sorry to be so frank about it all but I've put a lot of thought into it and that's pretty much what it boils down to.

This is why your question is going to fall largely down these lines... Women... No. Men... Yes.

Re: Hating the holidays?
 

Giving cheer to others and serving often gives more good feelings than the traditional activities.

Re: Hating the holidays?
 

Indeed. The quickest route to personal fulfillment is in investing in others.

Re: Hating the holidays?
 

I agree, partly. But, I keep getting blessed with new grandbabies, so it's new for me every year. :) I think most would agree we are sentimental.

Re: Hating the holidays?
 

Yes ma'am. And the getting together isn't problematic. It's the "givens" that must be fulfilled to do so that weigh heavy on those involved in making it happen.

How many of our families will make way too much food tomorrow? But the list is narrowed to the 47 items that we MUST have every year.

Hours... even days... will be put in to create a grand scene with all the memorable dishes from the past... too many... but we can't leave this one out or that one out because we've always had them and then.... in 15 minutes everyone is miserable and wondering what we're going to do with all this food and why we do this to ourselves every year.

It's funny really... and a little sad. :)

Re: Hating the holidays?
 

For the last few years we have avoided those problems. Because our family is so large, we get the meat done at the BBQ place. And each family member only has to bring one or two sides. The only must have is my dressing. :) We keep it pretty simple, usually some extra people show up, and everyone takes home some leftovers. My decorating will be minimal this year.