The Pressures of Christmas: Do You Experience Them Too?
Hello, dear readers! 😊
Christmas is nearly here!
How quickly the years go by these days. It feels like I get past one Christmas only to find the next one around the corner.
You may have realised that Christmas is no longer my favourite time of year. I have, in fact come to the point where I find it extremely stressful.
Childhood Christmases
As a child I had little expectation of lots of presents under the tree. Santa would come and leave a stocking with some fruit, a few sweets and probably some socks. Under the tree would be a present for each of us (I have 2 sisters and a brother) which we cherished.
The rest of the festivities would be about seeing family, going to Christmas mass on Christmas eve, putting up lights and the tree which was very traditional in our family. The tree went up on Christmas eve and came down 12 days later. We would have visits from friends and family and my Mum would cook an amazing Christmas dinner followed by left over with bubble and squeak on boxing day.
Our Parenthood Christmases
Even when my children were growing up, money was tight and there was no expectation that Father Christmas would leave them hoards of gifts. They always chose something that would be valued and looked after because it meant a lot to them. We would have an open house where anyone could visit and believe me, many came with food and drink for all. It wasn’t lavish but it was really enjoyable.
Christmas Nowadays
These days I feel like the meaning of Christmas has been lost amongst the frenzy to buy the latest gadget, toy or computer game on the market. I was chatting to someone with small children the other day and she shared her son wants 3 presents which are going to cost in the region of £1000.00.
Her daughter wanted presents that were more in number but not as expensive, but she felt she needed to buy more for her son as he wouldn’t have as many gifts to open. He is 10 years old. I was flabbergasted!
This while there are children and families suffering hardship.
My Own Christmas Thoughts
As I sit here wondering what to get my Grandchildren for Christmas, I wonder how many will not pay bills or amass enormous credit card debt in order to buy their child a good Christmas.
Christmas should be a time to reflect on how lucky we are to have the things that matter – family and friends that love us, a roof over our head and food on the table. It seems we have commercialized Christmas to the point where it has lost much of its meaning.
That being said, I still have fun and enjoy my time with my family who don’t have the opportunity to get together very often.
Whatever you are doing I wish you a Very Happy Christmas and a healthy and happy 2025!
Linda 😊
Let’s Reflect:
What do you remember of your childhood Christmases? How have things changed through the years? How do you celebrate Christmas these days? Do you enter a shopping frenzy for children and grandchildren?
Tags Holidays
Thank you for sharing this. I think if people do share how they spend their Christmases, we will feel less pressure because I think we assume sometimes that others are buying more and spending more so we must keep up. If we hear that someone else is getting one gift for each child, that is an inspiration for us to accept the reality of our own finances and spend accordingly. We can “splurge” maybe, and buy two! I have always felt guilty for not getting our son some of the things he wanted at Christmas, as when I think about it maybe we could have done so. But your article helped.
Hi Carol. I feel the same pressure with my grandchildren but in reality all they need most is the time to spend with them. I am really pleased my article helped.
So true. So very true Unfortunately Christmas has become a retail extravaganza–there were ads promoting Christmas gifts out in September this year. Only Christians seem to remember we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ And what annoys me is the never–ending focus on family, family, family.. So many people do not have a family, nor feel that they belong in a family. Their family is broken, full of hate, blame, regret. And if there is a family–Christmas is a time of increased conflict, money pressures, expectations, etc.
I’m sounding very negative.
Be good to yourself as 2024 comes to an end.
I love what you said about family. Yes, it was negative, but sometimes things are negative! It kinda made me laugh though.
Hi Jensy,
Indeed, Christmas has no meaning without the concept of the birth of Jesus. Those who celebrate it will do well to remember how this holiday started. All the rest is just bling and lots of useless spending.
Hi Jensy.
The Christmas advertising starts before the end of the summer here which makes the run up to Christmas extremely long. By the time it comes around the children are wound up to a frenzy. I am always glad when it’s over which is such a shame. There are far too many lonely people out there at this time of year too. Fortunately I live in a lovely community where they are helped with community Christmas activities all provided by volunteers of which I am one.
I hate Christmas. — It’s a man-made “holiday” that drains people to the core. People basically have no choice, but to participate (even in a small way) in this stupid “holiday” – and I resent that. — For children, we socialize them into believing b.s. about this holiday that is concocted by big business, for profit . . . and how many children (and adults) are unhappy during Christmas?? Many! How many people go broke or go into debt over this “holiday??” Many! How many people feel left out during this “holiday?” Many! — I just do NOT need the validation of participating in this crap.
Call me a “Grinch” if you want to – but if I were in charge of the world, I would abolish this d*mned holiday. BAH HUMBUG!!!!!
Hi Amy – when we lose the real meaning of Christmas, it becomes a burden. It’s not a man-made holiday at all, but it has been turned into one. Going back to the beginning just might be the answer.
My Christmas has become less frenzied through the years. I have chosen to embrace the simple joys that come with the season and leave behind many of the things I used to do. Is the holiday the same? No, but it is enjoyable and meaningful to me.
Hi Annette.
That’s so good to hear and I think it would be so much more enjoyable if we all did that.
Oh how true it is. I too wish we could begin to enjoy, and make some traditions revolving around our families and what was once the magic of Christmas. Before the commercialization took over.