Anyone else infuriated by the holidays for one reason or another?

The "holidays" as they're called seriously piss me off. Since there is nobody intellectual around since I'm forced to spend this time with family, I thought I'd bring this to here.

First off, the commercialism. Everyone trying to get a quick buck, scamming people in ways they'll never understand, doing things that are said to be in the "good of heart" but are obviously a scheme.

Presents, and gift giving. Two-way gift giving makes no fucking sense. Why would you spend large amounts of money to give people things that they might like in exchange for things you might like? Why not everyone just spend money on themselves? People are telling me it's about the "spirit of the holidays" but I just don't understand.

The religious affiliation is ridiculous. As a gnostic atheist, I hate how everyone's religions only come out during certain times of the year. How someone can sit on their ass all year and go to their practice once for the holiday and preach about it to other people is mind boggling to me. The amount of alleged "Christians" or "Catholics" in which have never read a page of the bible (Yes, I've read the Bible cover to cover in multiple translations and versions) is astounding. Of course, they'll say "it doesn't matter how much you practice, as long as you believe!" How do you even know what you're saying you believe in?


What is everyone's opinions on their respective holidays?
I just use it as an excuse to get shitfaced and eat a lot of food.

 

you're looking at it in such a pessimistic way homie

stimulates the economy

maaaan that's the thing about giving gifts, it really shows how much you know the person, and how much people know about you. i personally like trying to figure out what gifts to give to my family and friends. plus, there's no better feeling than seeing someone open your gift and absolutely loving it.

no comment lol

love the holidays. wearing cheesy christmas sweaters, seeing fam you only see at christmas, giving gifts, receiving gifts, gettting time off school/work to just fuckin relax, all the good christmas music, and like you said, getting shitfaced and eating till you can't move.

plus then after christmas new years is only like 6 days after, always huge parties then

idk man what is there not to love?

 

Just chill out mate and enjoy the festivities.

 

Nah I agree, holidays are a huge joke. Might as well call it Capitalismas. It brings out even more greed in already irrevocably greedy people. I used to love it, but then when you think about it...pretty asinine man.

 

My family argues constantly all year, including during the holidays. They're supposed to be happy times. Nope. Usually just makes the yelling louder and crying many more an occasion. It's easy to piss someone off or make someone cry during the Christmas holiday, so I've learned. I don't understand it either. I haven't had a happy Christmas in at least 5 years. As for gifts, I don't understand why people spend big bucks all at once just because Christ was born. Buy a little gift here and there to show your happiness or whatever reason why people buy each other gifts. Don't go out and buy your wife a flat screen and a new iPad just because its Christmas. 80% of people I know who celebrate Christmas aren't even practicing believers.

 

I would have agreed with you a while ago until my 2 year old cousin came around, seeing his awe and amazement at everything that is Christmas has totally made my last 2 years. My better half loves it too so I am dragged along I suppose but seeing them this happy is what it is all about for me. I personally am an ice cold bastard who never really knew what Christmas was about until I had my better half and my young cousin. Making someone that happy is what its all about.

 

I turn on TV, there is nothing but Xmas programs.
I look at people, and they talk nothing but of Xmas.
I look outside, and the snow reminds me of nothing but Xmas.

I really dislike Xmas.
People become like really happy, and I personally am not, so it's kinda annoying to see.

 

Agnostic atheist? Don't those somewhat contradict?

 

No, "Gnostic" atheist.

Agnostic or gnostic, simply put, is not a religious belief as many think. They refer to themselves as "agnostic" which in fact is not a religion. Agnostic just means you are unsure. Gnosticism is the standfast belief in something. You're "sure."

 

Nothing to say really apart from the fact that I completely agree. You also have to notice Christmas is one of the only times that families make time for to get together. Family is important and this is one way that families are put back together. To find presents for someone you usually have to know the person, their character and what they like - this means you have to really know someone to buy them a good gift. It's just a method of piecing the family unit back together. All though it may not help you directly it helps a lot of other families that are hanging on a string.

 

Think you're just over-reacting about this. You should be happy to be able to spend time with your family instead of complaining about it.

Regarding gifts... Uh what can I say beside that awesome feeling when you, after going through an year of hard work & effort, receive one? Mate, dont be pessimist. I say you try to be positive & enjoy every moments that life brings you.