does everyone seem sort of subdued this year?

[crispini]

Is it me? Or are people a little more subdued this year? It seems like there are less lights up, and a lot more crabby people in stores, and things just seem kind of quiet and downbeat this year? Or am I just projecting?

[texanwitch]

1. I think so to.

We went driving around looking at lights and we noticed that there were less lights then normal.

I think a lot of people are just waiting to see what will happen in the next few montns.

[TommyO]

3. We noticed the same thing last night

Even houses that went overboard the last few years were far more restrained in their decorating this year.

[Fire Walk With Me]

2. Times look to get tough before they settle into something stable.

It is essential to pursue and create positive environments and emotions. To an extent, it's a choice.

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. Very much - fewer lights up, fewer gifts going around, and mood-wise, not very Christmasy

I don't feel much in the Christmas mood, either - not in a bad way, but it feels to me like Christmas just snuck the hell up and didn't give me any prep time; but also this year we decided not to exchange gifts, and so I've not been out doing shopping and thus hearing Christmas carols at the stores and seeing displays and whatnot, either.

That could be part of it.

But everyone I speak with has a sense of being subdued and it not feeling very Christmasy this year.

The Republicans finally got their wish - they've taken the sense of hope and wonder from the people. They've trashed the economy, supported their rich friends, torn down the unions, and basically fucked everything up for the little guy.

Next year's Christmas will be much more exciting, I think.

[Fire Walk With Me]

5. Yep, yep, and yep.

The ending of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" actually has a sound socio-biological foundation. It really is that simple, but we'll have to lose some baggage to get there.