Bye Bye Christmas?

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 10:21 pm

Pressure?? Commercialism - "It is imperative that you buy just the right gift for that "special person." Every store hasjust the right gift!!! and they are open 19 hours a day to serve you. YOu are left with the impresion that if you don't buy "just the right gift" that you will either, go to jail or burn in hell!
Two of the local stations that I usually listen - both of them BOTH started the day before Thanksgiving - THE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING playing Christmas Carols 24/7 24/7 - GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!!!
Tonight, I dressed (did not plan to get out of the car) but love to dress nice and went out to see the Christmas decorations and lights!!!! UNF...in believeable. compared to last year have to say less than 50%. I can not believe the number of houses with no lights at all!! What is it political correctness still running amuck; high electric costs; cost of decorations; laziness;.
I can remember the family piling into the car at night and driving around and uuhhh and ahhhhing over the lights and decorations people put out. Now its a struggle just to see something more that a lonely candle in one window.
Sorry to vent but bye, bye Christmas - write if you get work!
Love,
Virginia

Jadeanne · Post by **Jadeanne** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 11:07 pm

Virginia,

I'm sorry that you didn't get to see many Christmas lights.

I remember when I lived in a rural area about 75 miles north of New York City, after the Christmas Eve service driving around the housing development a couple of miles away and looking at the displays of lights.

This year in the Buffalo area, there are still a fair number of people who do outdoor decorations or at least lights in their windows. Our street has only a couple of people who have outdoor displays. We have lights in our front windows - easy enough to put them up on the inside with suction cups.

I don't feel pressured to get "just the right gift" or give gifts only for Christmas, birthday, or other special days only.

My wife and I give each other gifts when we want to - I already gave her a good portion of her Christmas gifts early, when she had use for them. At the start of Advent I gave her a long chocolate brown velour skirt and she has worn it to church twice. She couldn't find her favorite barrette, so I gave her the one that was going to go in her stocking. As the weather turned colder, I gave her a scarf and hat that were going to go under the tree. She gave me a gift early - a femme watch that I'm wearing now.

This is my view. Have a Merry Christmas.

Jadeanne

GalicianGirl(SO) · Post by **GalicianGirl(SO)** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 11:37 pm

Sorry Virginia that your little drive wasn't as "bright" as you hoped it to be...

I must admit that in Houston you will find plenty of Xmas lights. There is one large subdivision in particular called Preston Woods which is noted for their lights. Thousands of people each year drive from street to street to view some spectacular displays. Each street has a different theme which makes it really interesting. Shannon and I make it a must every year!!!

Even taking a drive through our subdivision there are plenty of lights to see...

Sharon(SO)

Alexandra · Post by **Alexandra** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 3:20 am

on the day after thanksgiving there were about 230 am/fm all-xmas stations broadcasting in the USA. the number is up to about 275 now. On the bright side, that number is down from last year -- there were 325-odd stations xmas-only stations in 2003.

CJ · Post by CJ » Fri Dec 24, 2004 7:48 am

Hi all,

For me, the only light (and the only gift) that matters:

Love,
CJ

Post by **DonnaT** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 8:04 am

Sometimes, and usually on the 23rd, many of the folks go do their last minute shopping, and haven't been home to turn the lights on.

When I came home last night there were more cars on the road than during rush hour.

Just remember, your wife survived her illness. A gift to be very thankful for this Christmas.

Hugs