A tale of a changing attitude towards Christmas

[Walt Starr]

As a single man, I used to despise Christmas. I admit it, I hated everything to do with it except one thing, overtime pay.

I used to be the first guy to volunteer to work on Christmas day in any of the jobs I had in my younger days, mostly because I wanted the extra money and because I really could care less about it.

Then I met my wife nearly nine years ago.

In the time since then, she has had more of an effect to change my attitude about Christmas. Now, I may be more excited about the holiday than even she is. When I was single, I NEVER had a tree. Since marrying, we've had a live tree annually, and I really enjoy it.

So there you go, a single guy hating Christmas becomes a married guy looking forward to it.

And I'm not even Christian. Go figure.

Happy Holidays, all.

[waiting for hope]

1. Merry Fitzmas

to you too!:hi:

[bertha katzenengel]

2. Happy Christmas, Walt.

:hug:

[bullimiami]

3. there is a difference in enjoying a holiday

and jamming it down everyone elses throats.

these so called 'christians' are really beyond any sense of common courtesy. their aim is to have a christian nation.

[DanCa]

5. I agree i loved christmas as a kid

but the more that I listen to the fundie crowd the less I like christmas

[Bellamia]

8. You explained it!

NOW I know why I like Christmas less and less...darn Fundies!

[Marnieworld]

4. Honey is that you?

;-) My husband was the biggest scrooge never wanting anything to do with Christmas. This year, our first year in a house, I've been decorating and he has confessed that as long as I don't expect him to do anything for it, he kinda likes how homey and cozy it feels to have it all. I met him 9 years ago too and we're not even Christian either. I grew up with Christmas though and I would feel sad if I didn't have it.

Happy Holidays to everybody! Peace.

[Walt Starr]

7. LOL, I even help decorate

out in the cold putting up the garland and lights and animatronic deer.

:D

[Marnieworld]

16. I'm phasing that in for him

This year I'm working on the inside. Next year however maybe I'll get him to add just a few lights. Slowly but surely I'll just suck the bah-humbug right out of him!

[info being]

6. I'm not Christian either, but have a beautiful tree

My wife and I are doing all the Slovak traditions this year (aside from going to church), and I'm looking forward to it.

[Walt Starr]

14. This year, we did a Marhta Stewart theme tree

First, we hand wrapped every branch of a fir tree with pearl white lights. 12 strands for 1200 individual lights.

Then, every ornament is either blue, white, or silver. Nearly every one of them are Martha Stewart ornaments.

Finally, we used glass icicle ornaments, again from Martha Stewart.

Each ornament used a ribbon rather than a hook.

It's a BEAUTIFUL tree. My wife is such a designer! :)

[Loonman]

9. I enjoy the season to spite the fundies

Why should I be miserable? Why should I let them win? I enjoy Christmas on my terms.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

10. I'm EXACTLY the same as you word for word!

I'm jewish, but by title only. My religious standpoint is a different issue. But from a christmas perspective my story is exactly the same as yours except my marriage is 4 yrs in the making.

I also love putting up the lights outside, but wish it wasn't so fucking cold. If only it were warmer I'd make the best display in the county! (one year I swear I'm gonna try anyway)

On edit: Slow down there quick finger.... Happy holidays Walt!!!!!

[Walt Starr]

12. The cold is half the fun!

Teh other half of the fun is coming back inside and snuggling with my wife to warm back up!

:evilgrin:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

13. Awww, that's cool of you man. You seem like a really good guy.

I literally hate the fucking cold though like you wouldn't believe. I'm thin as shit (115 lbs 5'6) and can't retain heat to save my life. Cold is the most painful thing for my body and it gets so painful I can barely function.

I do my best though, and still put up whatever lights I can :)

[insane_cratic_gal]

11. I'm not religious either

I've always grown up with Christmas too. The holiday was more about the bonds of family and loved ones, the a religious fest.

Having someone to share it with, makes the season a gift all its own.

Happy Holidays Walt & and everyone.

Peace on earth and good will to all.

[Javaman]

15. Exact carbon copy of how I used to be and how I am now...

When I was single, no tree, no lights. Worked overtime or took someones day so they could be with their family.

I would buy gifts to fill out my obligation to family and friends, but I never felt the "spirit".

Then along came my wife. :)

Suddenly everything changes. Funny what love will do to a guy, huh?

My bah humbug for Christmas came from a "less then perfect" family growing up, to put it mildly.

My wife had a "normal" family. :) It was nice to see how the other half celebrates. LOL

Old scrooge shook off his bah humbug and so have I.

Be of good cheer. Buy a meal for a stranger or homeless person. give a gift when not expecting one but most of all, live as if there is peace in the world, if only for one day, but the challenge is to do this all year round. Christmas is a state of mind that takes us over only during a certain time of the year, imagine what it would be like if it was extended through out the year. Quite a thought, huh?

Live and breath peace. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Oh and for the fundies out there, happy holidays. :)