Christmas is fast approching, and people are getting ready for it. But does it
ever feel like the holiday has lost all meaning?
I mean, not just from a religious point of view, but just from general
perspective.
When we were growing up, we were taught that Christmas is about giving, and
joy, and that it's not the gift that counts, but the thought behind it. But now,
no one appreciates what they get, and their attitudes seem to get worse. Season
of joy? I think not.
Now, instead of people being thankful for what they get, they usually complain
about something, even if it's small. And children don't see it as a day that
should be celebrated (religious our otherwise), all they see it as is a day that
they get toys and stuff from people, and throw a fit or pout when they don't get
what they wanted. They aren't thankful anymore, and it seems like no one else is
either.
People, when there shopping for Christmas, seem to be plain down mean. I know
that it's stressful, but don't take it to the store and take it out on other
people. Instead of spreading joy, there spreading bad will towards everyone. In
turn putting that person in a bad mood, and so on and so forth. It's just an
ugly chain of events.
I don't know, mabey it's just me. But I just wanted to hear it from other
people to see that it may not only be me who thinks this.
And for those of you who still know the meaning and cherish it, Merry
Christmas!
you are not alone, i too feel it has lost it's meaning to a lot of people. it's
about family and happiness and love, a lot of people seem to have forgotten
that. but there are still plenty who do know thr true meaning of christmas =)
Indeed, Christmas has been commercialised to the extent where happiness or joy
is now purchasable through a sheet of nifty A8(?) plastic- aka credit cards I
think it's because we have so much to consume and so many possibilities
available for us that we take these things for granted. I'm sure that in poorer
countries they would be more than ecstatic to receive a simple food hamper,
whereas in developed cities children want what the other kids have- and even
better.
I definitely agree with you. I think that Christmas should just be something
nice and simple. Just a chat with friends and relatives, having a drink or meal
and exchanging Christmas cards. *shrugs* I'd be happy with that, anyway
When your younger Christmas as some meaning it's fun and look forward to it
because. Ir brings happiness to you and what not but as you get older it turns
into a piece of crap that you could hardly care less about.
Yeah, I guess its to late to say it has, people no longer care
for the religious point and less for it's social meaning,
I just don't really care anymore, for me it's just another day but people give
me things
and are a little more cheerful >.>
But heck, society is to stubborn to change,
and we just have to accept that or try to change it slowly very slowly
so, choose a side and try to make it a happier and meaningful day to you,
no the rest of the people try and make it a happy day for you, I guess
This is a different point of view of that of lunagata. Hers is a very valid and
true one, but we have to accept that Christmas is a holiday that bounds you with
other people. But there you can choose HOW TO SPEND THE HOLYDAY. It's not one
that you can spend alone. Because that'll be very sad.
First of all, I hate Christmas.
But I have to make it worth for other people.
So, the ideal thing would be that everyone should make a Happy Christmas for the
people sorrounding him/her.
It's hard, because of the fact that you can choose your friends, BUT NOT YOUR
FAMILY.
So, the hard thing is to make happy those pesky relatives, some of whom you're
not generaly so excited to see, much less to spent the whole nigth with them.
But if you make a little effort and you actually do it, YOU'LL BE MAKING THE
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT.
I'm a volunteer in a Catholic group that works with poor children, here in
Mexico. So, Christmas means a lot of work to do. Very hard, because here the
costum is to make a comical representation of the sheepers being taunt by the
Devil in their way to Betlehem (that's called a "pastorela"). And the
volunteers have to represent it. And make the pinatas filled with candies for
the kids, and a party with food. And after that, the old cathequist as me, have
to make a party for the younger ones, to compensate them for all the hours of
work.
So, by Christmas I'm out of money. We have a found, but it's never enough. And
I'm also out of patiente. But doing that, for others, makes my Christmas more
espiritual and meaningfull, and makes me ready to receive the relatives with a
smile.
So, find your meaning in your friends and relatives. If they're stressed that
evening, you treat them nice and calm. You can help them to have everything
ready. And if things don't go as nice as you expected (because of the stress),
at least you'll know that you did all that was possible for you.
i have to agree with you on this subject its truly the thought of giving and the
gathering of frends and famly and all people are just entent of gitting what
they want and not appretiating them and just caring of the time they get off
school well anyway happy halidays and a happy new year everyone
Christmas HAS lost a lot of its meaning, I think. I seriously doubt that it will
ever be what it once was unless everyone tries their hardest to make it a happy,
joyous seaon with much giving and caring, cheerfulness and concern for others.
I don't necessarily think that christmas has lost its meaning, it's just that
you grow out if it and don't really care anymore. I know i don't. For me
Christmas is just another day of the week.
i agree...even tho i dont celebrate christmas, ppl r rly stressful abt giving
gifts. they dont like it so much cuz they dont like the cost and the spending
money thing. its just rude and harsh. and annoying. i guess thats how its
supposed to be...time changes, ppl change. mankind is becoming selfisher and
selfisher (if thats a wrd)
I think Christmas has lost quite a lot of its original meaning. It used to be a
day commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, and therefore a very important
religious event for Christians. Nowadays many ppl gloss over the religious
aspect, which is ridiculous and akin to Muslims disregarding the birthday of the
Prophet. I believe some cities/towns in the US gave the holiday new names like
Winterval or something equally inane, so as to avoid "angering ppl of other
religions". Most kids, even Christian kids, are raised to believe that it's
only about presents and some senile, obese man in a red suit.
Christmas is a big meaning to christians and (sorry i don't know how to spell
the other parties who respect jesus X_X *Forgive me ... * ) i am not reli sure
what christmas is reli about but one thing for sure it's thanks giving
that's some of my christian friends told me
Merry Christmas Everyone
Christmas holds as much meaning in itself as you want to hold to it; those that
care less for it shouldn't matter to us because it's not like we have any
control over them.
Christmas doesn't need to lose any meaning just because people have
commercialized it and placed focus on the gift over value.
I hold a lot of meaning in it, not only because it's a gathering for the people
I care about, but also because my birthday is on Christmas! But,
aside from that, i bear a lot of sentimentality towards that, and there's no
harm in doing so either.
If you consider it having started out as a religious occasion, sure, it's lost a
lot of its meaning in that respect. But I believe more so that, conversely, that
it has also gained just as much meaning now that it is slowly becoming something
celebrated even by some non-christians, simply as a celebration for unity,
versus a celebration for christ. After all, supposedly he wasn't even born in
December (sometime in May, i believe), so Christmas can become as we
like.
I know several muslim families that celebrate christmas as a matter of family
unity, even some hindu families as well.
True, that people are certainly more selfish and judgemental of what they
receive, quite ignorant of the thought behind it. However, the type of people
that don't enjoy gifts for the thought behind it aren't the type of people I'd
be giving them to
i have to agree that Christmas has very much been commercialised, most of the
shops and departmental store all hold Christmas sales, offers, and many products
come in Christmas packaging during the festive season. but Christmas for me is
still a day for the family to gather and have fun...
when i was a kid i enjoy Christmas during all dic until jan 10 in P.R. we have
to special occasions in the same month\time Christmas in 25 and the 3 Three
Kings or Wise Mens in jan 6 they were special family\neighbors occasions but now
it has lose all the real meaning and has become only a month to buy
expensive toys or gifts without any real significance
I really miss those times .........
We usually remember past Christmas, when we were kids and we had a lot of
illusions, and those times appear to us as better than the present time. So,
many people get depressed, or choose to ignore it, because is painful to compare
present vs. past. But all is a matter of perception.
We have to see that now we have more chance to give happiness to others, as we
received happiness as kids. I don't mean giving gifts, but making happy other
people. It's our turn to become Santa Claus.
Yes, Christmas has been comercialized, but also St. Valentine, Mother's and
Father's day, Children day, etc.
Here in Mexico we even have a Secretary day, a Compadre day (it's not the direct
translation, but it's when parents to celebrate godfathers and godmothers of
their children).
So we can't blame a religious or family festivitie for becoming frivolous. It's
the fault of Kirkland, Mattel, Hasbro, Playskool, JC Penney, Sears, Nintendo,
Sega, etc.
Well, Christmas is what you make of it. It's as simple as that.
Whether you celebrate it in the religious fashion, the Santa Claus fashion, U.S.
commercialized hybrid 2006 ver. .
It all comes down to how you deal with the holiday. Neither of the many many
different fashions are wrong. It always drove me crazy to see a person push
religion on Christmas. True that's where it started...but things will evolve
throughout years (as Christmas has) to suit the changes life will take.
Make Christmas what you want it to be !
Start your own traditions and your own memories.
Kwanza, Christmas, Haunaka, Boxing Day..... nobody said that Christians had the
patent on Christmas.
Well...yes...in a way, it has lost its meaning. But even wehn I was little, I'd
always care about the gifts, but that wasn't my favorite part of Christmas. I
loved Christmas because it was a time for the family to get together and I loved
family reunions. Now, it sort of has lost its meaning, but not in the way u say.
To me, it's as if no matter how hard I try, I'm not excited...it's odd...
Of course the holiday seasons have been commercialized. This is yet another
example of generalized human nature. (survival/preservation of oneself over
others) People expect extravagent gifts because, in a way, what a person gives
show what the giver thinks about the receiver. This is further evident in how
much money a person has to spend. The cheaper the present, the lower we think
about that person.
Personally, I hate Christmas. Don't get me wrong; I could care less about what I
get for the holidays. The thing that bugs me is my family: I have a large
family, and I, being the introverted fool, hate having to deal with the
family.
As for whether the season has lost it's meaning, I doubt it. Granted, this is
the time of year where the rate of stress and suicide is the highest, but not
all is on the bad side. There are still people who go around caroling, most of
the time people tend to help strangers for the heck of it. As much as it pains
for me to admit, this is the time of year where the good of man shines through
the most.
Christmas has indeed been more and more commercialized, and that is quite
unfourtnate cause we expect to receive something expensive instead, just like
GearStalker05 said. Its a shame actually, cause some dont even got enough money
to buy stuff with.
I dont think Christmas has lost the meaning, yet. It always depends on the
person. I love Christmas (well, I did love it. Its already 23 dec and we havent
taken care of some stuff because our house got some... problems ). For me, Christmas is always going to be something nice and big, but it all
depends on the person (as I have said for the third time now ).
Christmas is fast approching, and people are getting ready for it. But does it ever feel like the holiday has lost all meaning?
I mean, not just from a religious point of view, but just from general perspective.
When we were growing up, we were taught that Christmas is about giving, and joy, and that it's not the gift that counts, but the thought behind it. But now, no one appreciates what they get, and their attitudes seem to get worse. Season of joy? I think not.
Now, instead of people being thankful for what they get, they usually complain about something, even if it's small. And children don't see it as a day that should be celebrated (religious our otherwise), all they see it as is a day that they get toys and stuff from people, and throw a fit or pout when they don't get what they wanted. They aren't thankful anymore, and it seems like no one else is either.
People, when there shopping for Christmas, seem to be plain down mean. I know that it's stressful, but don't take it to the store and take it out on other people. Instead of spreading joy, there spreading bad will towards everyone. In turn putting that person in a bad mood, and so on and so forth. It's just an ugly chain of events.
I don't know, mabey it's just me. But I just wanted to hear it from other people to see that it may not only be me who thinks this.
And for those of you who still know the meaning and cherish it, Merry Christmas!
you are not alone, i too feel it has lost it's meaning to a lot of people. it's about family and happiness and love, a lot of people seem to have forgotten that. but there are still plenty who do know thr true meaning of christmas =)
Indeed, Christmas has been commercialised to the extent where happiness or joy is now purchasable through a sheet of nifty A8(?) plastic- aka credit cards
I
think it's because we have so much to consume and so many possibilities
available for us that we take these things for granted. I'm sure that in poorer
countries they would be more than ecstatic to receive a simple food hamper,
whereas in developed cities children want what the other kids have- and even
better.
I definitely agree with you. I think that Christmas should just be something nice and simple. Just a chat with friends and relatives, having a drink or meal and exchanging Christmas cards. *shrugs* I'd be happy with that, anyway
When your younger Christmas as some meaning it's fun and look forward to it because. Ir brings happiness to you and what not but as you get older it turns into a piece of crap that you could hardly care less about.
Yeah, I guess its to late to say it has, people no longer care
for the religious point and less for it's social meaning,
I just don't really care anymore, for me it's just another day but people give me things
and are a little more cheerful >.>
But heck, society is to stubborn to change,
and we just have to accept that or try to change it slowly very slowly
so, choose a side and try to make it a happier and meaningful day to you,
no the rest of the people try and make it a happy day for you, I guess
This is a different point of view of that of lunagata. Hers is a very valid and true one, but we have to accept that Christmas is a holiday that bounds you with other people. But there you can choose HOW TO SPEND THE HOLYDAY. It's not one that you can spend alone. Because that'll be very sad.
First of all, I hate Christmas.
But I have to make it worth for other people.
So, the ideal thing would be that everyone should make a Happy Christmas for the people sorrounding him/her.
It's hard, because of the fact that you can choose your friends, BUT NOT YOUR FAMILY.
So, the hard thing is to make happy those pesky relatives, some of whom you're not generaly so excited to see, much less to spent the whole nigth with them. But if you make a little effort and you actually do it, YOU'LL BE MAKING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT.
I'm a volunteer in a Catholic group that works with poor children, here in Mexico. So, Christmas means a lot of work to do. Very hard, because here the costum is to make a comical representation of the sheepers being taunt by the Devil in their way to Betlehem (that's called a "pastorela"). And the volunteers have to represent it. And make the pinatas filled with candies for the kids, and a party with food. And after that, the old cathequist as me, have to make a party for the younger ones, to compensate them for all the hours of work.
So, by Christmas I'm out of money. We have a found, but it's never enough. And I'm also out of patiente. But doing that, for others, makes my Christmas more espiritual and meaningfull, and makes me ready to receive the relatives with a smile.
So, find your meaning in your friends and relatives. If they're stressed that evening, you treat them nice and calm. You can help them to have everything ready. And if things don't go as nice as you expected (because of the stress), at least you'll know that you did all that was possible for you.
i have to agree with you on this subject its truly the thought of giving and the gathering of frends and famly and all people are just entent of gitting what they want and not appretiating them and just caring of the time they get off school well anyway happy halidays and a happy new year everyone
Christmas HAS lost a lot of its meaning, I think. I seriously doubt that it will ever be what it once was unless everyone tries their hardest to make it a happy, joyous seaon with much giving and caring, cheerfulness and concern for others.
I don't necessarily think that christmas has lost its meaning, it's just that you grow out if it and don't really care anymore. I know i don't. For me Christmas is just another day of the week.
Things just change. Everything changes as we grow older. It is just meant to happen i guess.
i agree...even tho i dont celebrate christmas, ppl r rly stressful abt giving gifts. they dont like it so much cuz they dont like the cost and the spending money thing. its just rude and harsh. and annoying. i guess thats how its supposed to be...time changes, ppl change. mankind is becoming selfisher and selfisher (if thats a wrd)
I think Christmas has lost quite a lot of its original meaning. It used to be a day commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, and therefore a very important religious event for Christians. Nowadays many ppl gloss over the religious aspect, which is ridiculous and akin to Muslims disregarding the birthday of the Prophet. I believe some cities/towns in the US gave the holiday new names like Winterval or something equally inane, so as to avoid "angering ppl of other religions". Most kids, even Christian kids, are raised to believe that it's only about presents and some senile, obese man in a red suit.
Christmas is a big meaning to christians and (sorry i don't know how to spell the other parties who respect jesus X_X *Forgive me ... * ) i am not reli sure what christmas is reli about but one thing for sure it's thanks giving
that's some of my christian friends told me 
Merry Christmas Everyone
Relax, it's just a commercialised holiday to make money and the day jesus was born.
Christmas holds as much meaning in itself as you want to hold to it; those that care less for it shouldn't matter to us because it's not like we have any control over them.
Christmas doesn't need to lose any meaning just because people have commercialized it and placed focus on the gift over value.
I hold a lot of meaning in it, not only because it's a gathering for the people I care about, but also because my birthday is on Christmas!
But,
aside from that, i bear a lot of sentimentality towards that, and there's no
harm in doing so either.
If you consider it having started out as a religious occasion, sure, it's lost a lot of its meaning in that respect. But I believe more so that, conversely, that it has also gained just as much meaning now that it is slowly becoming something celebrated even by some non-christians, simply as a celebration for unity, versus a celebration for christ. After all, supposedly he wasn't even born in December (sometime in May, i believe), so Christmas can become as we like.
I know several muslim families that celebrate christmas as a matter of family unity, even some hindu families as well.
True, that people are certainly more selfish and judgemental of what they receive, quite ignorant of the thought behind it. However, the type of people that don't enjoy gifts for the thought behind it aren't the type of people I'd be giving them to
Merry Christmas to everyone though.
i have to agree that Christmas has very much been commercialised, most of the shops and departmental store all hold Christmas sales, offers, and many products come in Christmas packaging during the festive season. but Christmas for me is still a day for the family to gather and have fun...
and Merry Christmas to everyone..
when i was a kid i enjoy Christmas during all dic until jan 10 in P.R. we have to special occasions in the same month\time Christmas in 25 and the 3 Three Kings or Wise Mens in jan 6 they were special family\neighbors occasions but now it has lose all the real meaning and has become only a month to buy
.........
expensive toys or gifts without any real significance
I really miss those times
Hanedas is rigth. But, it's all about perception.
We usually remember past Christmas, when we were kids and we had a lot of illusions, and those times appear to us as better than the present time. So, many people get depressed, or choose to ignore it, because is painful to compare present vs. past. But all is a matter of perception.
We have to see that now we have more chance to give happiness to others, as we received happiness as kids. I don't mean giving gifts, but making happy other people. It's our turn to become Santa Claus.
Yes, Christmas has been comercialized, but also St. Valentine, Mother's and Father's day, Children day, etc.
Here in Mexico we even have a Secretary day, a Compadre day (it's not the direct translation, but it's when parents to celebrate godfathers and godmothers of their children).
So we can't blame a religious or family festivitie for becoming frivolous. It's the fault of Kirkland, Mattel, Hasbro, Playskool, JC Penney, Sears, Nintendo, Sega, etc.
Well, Christmas is what you make of it. It's as simple as that.
.
Whether you celebrate it in the religious fashion, the Santa Claus fashion, U.S. commercialized hybrid 2006 ver.
It all comes down to how you deal with the holiday. Neither of the many many different fashions are wrong. It always drove me crazy to see a person push religion on Christmas. True that's where it started...but things will evolve throughout years (as Christmas has) to suit the changes life will take.
Make Christmas what you want it to be !
Start your own traditions and your own memories.
Kwanza, Christmas, Haunaka, Boxing Day..... nobody said that Christians had the patent on Christmas.
Well...yes...in a way, it has lost its meaning. But even wehn I was little, I'd always care about the gifts, but that wasn't my favorite part of Christmas. I loved Christmas because it was a time for the family to get together and I loved family reunions. Now, it sort of has lost its meaning, but not in the way u say. To me, it's as if no matter how hard I try, I'm not excited...it's odd...
Of course the holiday seasons have been commercialized. This is yet another example of generalized human nature. (survival/preservation of oneself over others) People expect extravagent gifts because, in a way, what a person gives show what the giver thinks about the receiver. This is further evident in how much money a person has to spend. The cheaper the present, the lower we think about that person.
Personally, I hate Christmas. Don't get me wrong; I could care less about what I get for the holidays. The thing that bugs me is my family: I have a large family, and I, being the introverted fool, hate having to deal with the family.
As for whether the season has lost it's meaning, I doubt it. Granted, this is the time of year where the rate of stress and suicide is the highest, but not all is on the bad side. There are still people who go around caroling, most of the time people tend to help strangers for the heck of it. As much as it pains for me to admit, this is the time of year where the good of man shines through the most.
Christmas has indeed been more and more commercialized, and that is quite unfourtnate cause we expect to receive something expensive instead, just like GearStalker05 said. Its a shame actually, cause some dont even got enough money to buy stuff with.
I dont think Christmas has lost the meaning, yet. It always depends on the person. I love Christmas (well, I did love it. Its already 23 dec and we havent taken care of some stuff because our house got some... problems
). For me, Christmas is always going to be something nice and big, but it all
depends on the person (as I have said for the third time now 
).
No. Only a lot of people are miseducated.