Saturday, December 13, 2008

Merry Agnostic Christmas ( a small rant)

I am a bit tired of the guilt trips that seem to accompany the holiday season these days.

spend less on Christmas gifts...
spend more time with your children...
go to church...
bake cookies...


Bah humbug!

I don't question or comment on anyone's decisions how to celebrate their holidays...so I really wish they wouldn't look down their nose and question mine. Everyone has their own traditions...some I think are beautiful, some I think are silly, and some I think are downright ugly and awful. But my opinions stay my opinions. I have no need to give someone even a passing thought/worry that I might dis/approve.

I will celebrate this holiday the way I see fit for myself and my family. I will say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" if I want to. I will acknowledge the beliefs of my Jewish friends if I want to. I will acknowledge the beliefs of my pagan friends if I want to. And I'll spend however much I want on presents and food and decorations (I work hard for my money and I will spend it how I see fit).

If I want a magical Santa to visit my house, then Santa will visit. If I want my kid to sit on Santa's lap for a cute little picture, I REALLY don't want to hear about how Santa is probably a pedophile getting his jollies in an inappropriate way.

I will BUY premade cookies...and I don't need a reason other than I want to.

Yes, my family knows I love them without buying gifts. But I enjoy buying them gifts...it is FUN. Remember fun?

So I'm less faithful. Laying on guilt isn't going to change it.

I used to enjoy the holidays. Now I just can't stand all the moral judgments that come along with them. Live and let live...EVERY day.

4 comments:

lorem ipsum said...

I have two sets of stamps for my cards: the Madonna & Child (it's Botticelli) and the generic 'CELEBRATE!' ones. I'm pretty aware of how each person feels about the holiday and I respect that.

How I decorate the envelope, however, can be quite cheeky...

Jillian said...

Here here!! (I was gonna say 'amen' hehehe)

kate said...

You mean you are not making ALL YOUR COOKIES FROM SCRATCH???? At least TEN different kinds? OOOH you are going to HELL!!!

I always make my cookies from scratch...and that's why i have NO COOKIES AT ALL!

I have to say this post has seriously helped me defuse my holiday stress....

Hennifer said...

I stopped buying gifts for people "just because" when I started maxing out my credit cards to do it about 6 years ago. When I'm in the mood, and the money, I buy for as many as I can, when I'm not I buy for my children. I spend time with my family every year. Some years I do giving trees, some years we exchange stockings....

it has been so nice and low key to just make the holidays what I want. As my children age I would like to make some traditions but other than that I'm flexible.

Love you post! It is so sad that we ruin so many good things by being so needy for others to see OUR way of view!

And kate... I love your comment!

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