My background is Italian on both sides, I was raised Roman Catholic, went to an all boys Jesuit high school, but somewhere along the way I came out of there with my unique own world outlook - but I kept Xmas around for all sorts of reasons, but mainly because I just like it, because unlike a birthday, for example, the Holidays offer a palpable communal feeling, focus and good intentions... unlike the rest of the year, where it seems everyone is just looking out for themselves.
So since 'Religion' is not allowed to be discussed here (and yet this is the time of year for religious holidays) I'm wondering if we could dumb down the conversation to just the superficial aspects of holidays to things that maybe some might consider secondary thoughts to the much bigger picture. So instead of saying maybe what you might be thinking about your relationship with 'God' (if you have one) maybe we could talk about more mundane things associated with the holidays like your wife's stuffing, or seeing the Nut Cracker, or whatever it is you just personally enjoy. I know some of you have kids, so that must be something new for you, whatever...
For me, one thing I love to do this time of year is watch and listen to Bing Crosby - especially the old movie 'White Christmas', which I've alread watched 2x this season. I don't know why, exactly, but I always seemed to identify with that era, for some reason - always thought I would have been better off suited living then, than now. I guess Bing also reminds me of my Grandfather on my mom's side, as a young man. I just really like the guy, really drawn to him. I like his style, the way he dressed, the way he saw and treated the world. Me, I'm more like Humphrey Bogart, but if I had my choice, I'd rather be Bing.
How about you?
Every year I watch one of two versions of the movie "A Christmas Carol" I alternate between the two each year because I love different things about each. First version, is from 1938 starring Reginald Owen. Very old Hollywood. This is the version that was played on local television every year when I was a kid. Second version, is from 1958 (British) and stars Alistair Sim. This is the better of the two as film, and frankly, the version against which all other adaptations are judged, at least by me.
our new tradition is to run madly around the country trying to see all the family and friends, especially the three with birthdays this week!
Aside from that we alternate venues for actual Christmas days so this year tradition is me cooking a 24lb turkey and all the trimmings in peace, with a bottle of wine and a very bouncy dog begging for carrots, while everyone else goes to church and/or visits family graves, which I don't do. Stockings with tiny presents on the tree. Queens speech (enjoyed by half and heckled by the other half). Reruns of 70's TV on Christmas evening. Some people *must* have a specific diary, bottle of booze or type of chocolate as a present every year. Tayto Crisps and Club Orange and a visit to my favourite cookshop on Christmas Eve.
I've carried some of my family traditions onto these alternate years as well. We have my family recipe Christmas cake (more booze than cake but its nice and moist) which is a pain to get through security at the airport but always works out in the end. Cheese straws. Opening the first present of the day in bed.
And wishing for snow. Every year. There really is nothing like going 'home' (whichever one) and it being snowing when you wake up on Christmas day!
At this time of year I try to remind the Japanese that there are several R's in "Merry Christmas"
We make cookies to give to folks. Within a short drive from here there are usually day-laborers standing on corners and hoping to find some work. Last year we passed out small bags of cookies to some of them. The kids got a lot out of it so we'll probably do it again this year too.
Personally, the hardest thing for me is to not indulge too much in all the delicious festivities. The family parties are always over the top with (really good) food.
Christmas starts for me when I change my ring tone to fairy tail of New York and watch toy story and terminator 2 on TV on the same night :)
get absolutely pissed once a year which was Friday night and a Kebab on the way home then spend the following day slipping in and out of a coma catching up on my sleep
>Fairy Tale of New York
Yessss! That's what it's all about or me :)
I love going out on Christmas Eve to get a few things. The roads are mad, people are crazy but it's nice seeing everyone doing stuff and caring for other people.
We listen to 50s french music, drink cocktails and all work away together cooking the dinner, it's nice being an adult and enjoying the time with parents as friends. And it's rare we are all together as one of my brother lives quite far away.
As much as I love it though I do hate the amount of £ I lose due to call centers being closed etc :D
yeah, time for me to unplug myself and just soak it up. Enjoy it, folks - from me and mine to you and yours...
I bet your back here before sunrise tomorrow posting about guns ;D
Some day you guys will miss me:)