Why Christmas annoys me

[Kim OHara]

...I still would like to get them some inspiring and positive gifts that like the book Ven. Pesala recommended. Does anyone have any other recommendations? Especially along the lines of film because everyone loves film. I'm getting gifts for American relatives in their 40's and 50's and their kids who range from 12-17 years old.

Google image search "inspirational posters buddhist" and look at the results ... thousands of them ... or go to your nearest new-agey shop.
You've been told where to look for movies.
HHDL's "Beyond Religion" is actually a good introduction to compassionate humanism and may appeal to some people who would not normally look at a Buddhist book.


Kim

[Ben]

I like Christmas.
Where I live it's lost a lot of its religious meaning and has become a secular holiday. Here, at least, it seems to be more in keeping with its non-Christian past of generosity, and the celebration of the brahma viharas. And that is what I concentrate on rather than any dramas or the commercialism. Manas, my advice to you is if you are facing being alone at Christmas is to devote the day to meditation and study.
With metta,
Ben.

[manas]

I like Christmas.
Where I live it's lost a lot of its religious meaning and has become a secular holiday. Here, at least, it seems to be more in keeping with its non-Christian past of generosity, and the celebration of the brahma viharas. And that is what I concentrate on rather than any dramas or the commercialism. Manas, my advice to you is if you are facing being alone at Christmas is to devote the day to meditation and study.
With metta,
Ben.

Hi Ben,

I won't be alone on that day, I think you misunderstood...I was expressing empathy for the many others who will be alone on that day, because in the past I was, and it was tough, seeing everyone else with family, companionship, etc, and myself excluded. But that no longer applies to me.

As I said a few posts ago, I've already decided to let go of my irritation, people can do what they want, so long as it's legal...let them put up tinsel etc I guess in terms of scale, all the hectic rushing around and preparation and outlay of money, is not that bad...at least they're not worshipping a football match or a horse race.

metta

[Digity]

I love Christmas, because we get the whole week off at our work! I like all the time off around the end of the year. It gives you some time to retreat, spend it with family, etc. I don't even think about the religious aspect of Christmas...most people don't.

I use to find Christmas kind of lame. However, now I think it's nice to see people get into the spirit by putting up lights and so on (although, I personally lack much Christmas spirit). Also, I'm a fan of those Christmas movies like It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol. Those are always great to watch around this time of the year.

But where I live there's snow...so it's easier to get into Christmas mode. If it was hot and sunny where I lived I probably could never get into it.

[Kim OHara]

I love Christmas, because we get the whole week off at our work! I like all the time off around the end of the year. It gives you some time to retreat, spend it with family, etc. I don't even think about the religious aspect of Christmas...most people don't.

... But where I live there's snow...so it's easier to get into Christmas mode. If it was hot and sunny where I lived I probably could never get into it.

That's funny ... where I live it's always hot and sunny ... so it's easier to get into Christmas mode. If it was cold and snowy where I lived I probably could never get into it.


Kim

[Bhikkhu_Jayasara]

I love Christmas, because we get the whole week off at our work! I like all the time off around the end of the year. It gives you some time to retreat, spend it with family, etc. I don't even think about the religious aspect of Christmas...most people don't.

... But where I live there's snow...so it's easier to get into Christmas mode. If it was hot and sunny where I lived I probably could never get into it.

That's funny ... where I live it's always hot and sunny ... so it's easier to get into Christmas mode. If it was cold and snowy where I lived I probably could never get into it.


Kim

ah the amazing power of perspective

[Spiny Norman]

I don't even think about the religious aspect of Christmas...most people don't.

That's true in the UK where people worship in supermarkets during the festive season...

[Hickersonia]

I don't even think about the religious aspect of Christmas...most people don't.

That's true in the UK where people worship in supermarkets during the festive season...

Comercemas at its finest!

[Sanjay PS]

Seeing the lighted stars hung in houses , people happy and cheerful , comfortable in their homes with their friends and relatives , gets out a sense of sympathetic joy . Seeing the well-being of others can be very nourishing . The commercials and hoopla for any festival or occasion is a pass.

The best new year that i have celebrated , was once many years ago , when i had a quiet stroll in the night , feeling good about every home that i crossed , i returned from the walk , made some cutlets and served it along with salads and bread to my parents , had their company , and called it an early night . The simplicity of it all still remains fresh in the mind .

sanjay