Reply #21: My only real problem with Christmas

[Nadienne]

is the "Show how much you care about others by buying them something."

If you don't buy decorations and decorate, you're some kind of grinch. I don't own a Christmas tree. Every year, my family members ask me if I have a tree yet. But for me, there is no point in having a tree, or in decorating. There is no point in pretending that this holiday has some special meaning to me. There is no point in faking laughter in order to make "happy memories".

Especially when this is the gloomiest season of all for me. I can't help thinking about stories like "The Little Match Girl" (or whatever it's called). I can't help thinking about people who struggle just to find food or shelter. I can't help thinking about people who'll run up their credit card bills because society expects them to buy and spend a lot.

My boyfriend and his family celebrated Winter Solstice instead of Christmas. Actually, they haven't celebrated it yet, they're a few days late. :) Of course, their Winter Solstice is pretty much the same as Christmas. We'll all exchange presents and have a good meal and get drunk afterwards and play Scrabble or something.