If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#71
|
|||
|
|||
Xmas does not put me in the spirit. We have actually stopped decorating
in the last few years, it is just the two of us and it is such a chore. Back home Xmas is about family, and religious people go to church. We have both a tree and a creche under it. Don't know what came first, but I suspect it started with the creche since people are so religious in Spain, and the tree must have been added later on due to the northern european traditions. Not sure what they celebrate in Italy, the other main cultural influence, but if I remember correctly from the time I lived there in 94, even the pope puts up a tree on the Vatican square, maybe even with a creche under it, and then during the midnight mass walks a life sized carving or statue of baby jesus from there back in, or something like that. But the thing is, kids don't get presents until Jan. 6th, the 3 wise men come in their camels (you don't leave cookies and milk, but grass and water) and leave presents on your shoes left under the tree on the night of the 5th. We have been wondering what we'll do with the kid, since she'll live here and we are not really in tune with all the traditions. So far, we've been able to live around them, being adults and all, but I don't want her to feel too different. Since we are not religious, we are thinking of going back to the origins and celebrate the solstice on Dec. 21st (I've actually been sending solstice e-cards for a few years). If you live this far north, that is truly a thing to celebrate, your days will start getting longer! Sofia will get presents before the other kids, and we wouldn't be hypocrits! Ruth in Happy Camp wrote: I'm neither an appreciator nor a bah-humbugger. Holidays, birthdays, etc., were never a special occasion when I was small. For years, there simply was no money then when there was a bit, my dad felt such things were not worth bothering with (and it was "his" money). On the up side, I was always able to work holidays (without martyrdom) so co-workers could enjoy them. If I'd had children, things would have been very different for them. -- Ruth in Happy Camp "Diana Curtis" wrote in message ... I am so glad you did post! You are right, not everyone can feel the joy of Christmas, and its ok! Lots of people feel the same pressures you do, in trying to create the perfection they believe makes a happy holiday time. Maybe its time for you to change the rules. Do not give any presents unless the item screams at you that the recipient will love it... Send cards to only those people you love to send cards to. Change your perceptions of Christmas and how you deal with it and it may become a joyous time for you, and if it doesnt, life will go on. How about this for an over the top suggestion.. take all the money you would have spent on gifts and cards and spring a surprise party for some little kids who wouldnt get anything otherwise.. and be there.. dress as Mrs Claus... be silly.. have fun.. Go caroling...make snow angels...(do you get snow?) put mistletoe on your hat and demand kisses from people you like... All said and done, your attitude is normal. Its the bah humbuggers that worry me. Hugs, Diana -- Queen of FAQs Royal Peace Maker http://photos.yahoo.com/lunamom44 "Patti" wrote in message ... Christmas is probably the most difficult time of the whole year for me. For more years than I care to remember, this has been the case. I'm not a crusty old Scrooge-type character at all. But, I have never been able to have children and enjoy that aspect; I am never sure I have chosen presents right; or sent cards to all the people I should have done; done all the cooking; got enough shopping in to see us over the holiday period, and so on. It always feels to me like I am sitting final exams - will I pass or fail. I try to forget the superficials and concentrate on the central meaning and purposes of Christmas, even though that is difficult. However, then I long to have children or grandchildren to bring up in the ways of real values, and I haven't any. So, when you are all feeling joyous, I am truly glad for you; but please don't be too hard on those of us for whom it is difficult or impossible. I am not raining on anyone's parade. Happiness and joy are wonderful gifts. Would that there were more of them about. I probably shouldn't post this, but I think I will? You did ask! . In article , Diana Curtis writes Or, if nothing does, how come? Diana, not being nosy, just being curious. -- Queen of FAQs Royal Peace Maker http://photos.yahoo.com/lunamom44 -- Best Regards pat on the hill -- Dr. Quilter Ambassador of Extraordinary Aliens (take the dog out before replying) |
Ads |
#72
|
|||
|
|||
Neeps and tatties!!
.. In article , Dr. Quilter writes me too! turnips are great.... DH has a scottish friend who brought us haggis once, with a recipe to make it with turnips and potatoes (nips and tats? sth like that). it also included whiskey! mmmhhhh - I love stews! -- Best Regards pat on the hill |
#73
|
|||
|
|||
"Dr. Quilter" wrote:
me too! turnips are great.... DH has a scottish friend who brought us haggis once, with a recipe to make it with turnips and potatoes (nips and tats? sth like that). it also included whiskey! mmmhhhh - I love stews! 'Chappit neeps' and mashed potatoes, served separately. There are directions for chappit neeps on my web site, in the Scots section, along with the haggis recipe... You should pour a neat dram over the haggis, like sauce. Choose a good malt, not a blend. This is a traditional Burns Night supper (January), and should be followed by Cloutie Dumpling and cream. -- Kate XXXXXX Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk Click on Kate's Pages and explore! |
#74
|
|||
|
|||
The most important thing you can do for your child in this case would be to make your
own traditions. Don't worry so much about what the people around you are doing, you have to choose your own way. -- Jalynne Queen Gypsy (snail mail available upon request) see what i've been up to at www.100megsfree4.com/jalynne "Dr. Quilter" wrote in message ... Xmas does not put me in the spirit. We have actually stopped decorating in the last few years, it is just the two of us and it is such a chore. Back home Xmas is about family, and religious people go to church. We have both a tree and a creche under it. Don't know what came first, but I suspect it started with the creche since people are so religious in Spain, and the tree must have been added later on due to the northern european traditions. Not sure what they celebrate in Italy, the other main cultural influence, but if I remember correctly from the time I lived there in 94, even the pope puts up a tree on the Vatican square, maybe even with a creche under it, and then during the midnight mass walks a life sized carving or statue of baby jesus from there back in, or something like that. But the thing is, kids don't get presents until Jan. 6th, the 3 wise men come in their camels (you don't leave cookies and milk, but grass and water) and leave presents on your shoes left under the tree on the night of the 5th. We have been wondering what we'll do with the kid, since she'll live here and we are not really in tune with all the traditions. So far, we've been able to live around them, being adults and all, but I don't want her to feel too different. Since we are not religious, we are thinking of going back to the origins and celebrate the solstice on Dec. 21st (I've actually been sending solstice e-cards for a few years). If you live this far north, that is truly a thing to celebrate, your days will start getting longer! Sofia will get presents before the other kids, and we wouldn't be hypocrits! Ruth in Happy Camp wrote: I'm neither an appreciator nor a bah-humbugger. Holidays, birthdays, etc., were never a special occasion when I was small. For years, there simply was no money then when there was a bit, my dad felt such things were not worth bothering with (and it was "his" money). On the up side, I was always able to work holidays (without martyrdom) so co-workers could enjoy them. If I'd had children, things would have been very different for them. -- Ruth in Happy Camp "Diana Curtis" wrote in message ... I am so glad you did post! You are right, not everyone can feel the joy of Christmas, and its ok! Lots of people feel the same pressures you do, in trying to create the perfection they believe makes a happy holiday time. Maybe its time for you to change the rules. Do not give any presents unless the item screams at you that the recipient will love it... Send cards to only those people you love to send cards to. Change your perceptions of Christmas and how you deal with it and it may become a joyous time for you, and if it doesnt, life will go on. How about this for an over the top suggestion.. take all the money you would have spent on gifts and cards and spring a surprise party for some little kids who wouldnt get anything otherwise.. and be there.. dress as Mrs Claus... be silly.. have fun.. Go caroling...make snow angels...(do you get snow?) put mistletoe on your hat and demand kisses from people you like... All said and done, your attitude is normal. Its the bah humbuggers that worry me. Hugs, Diana -- Queen of FAQs Royal Peace Maker http://photos.yahoo.com/lunamom44 "Patti" wrote in message ... Christmas is probably the most difficult time of the whole year for me. For more years than I care to remember, this has been the case. I'm not a crusty old Scrooge-type character at all. But, I have never been able to have children and enjoy that aspect; I am never sure I have chosen presents right; or sent cards to all the people I should have done; done all the cooking; got enough shopping in to see us over the holiday period, and so on. It always feels to me like I am sitting final exams - will I pass or fail. I try to forget the superficials and concentrate on the central meaning and purposes of Christmas, even though that is difficult. However, then I long to have children or grandchildren to bring up in the ways of real values, and I haven't any. So, when you are all feeling joyous, I am truly glad for you; but please don't be too hard on those of us for whom it is difficult or impossible. I am not raining on anyone's parade. Happiness and joy are wonderful gifts. Would that there were more of them about. I probably shouldn't post this, but I think I will? You did ask! . In article , Diana Curtis writes Or, if nothing does, how come? Diana, not being nosy, just being curious. -- Queen of FAQs Royal Peace Maker http://photos.yahoo.com/lunamom44 -- Best Regards pat on the hill -- Dr. Quilter Ambassador of Extraordinary Aliens (take the dog out before replying) |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
OT - the 12 cats of Christmas | Kandice Seeber | Beads | 6 | December 16th 04 03:31 PM |
eQuilter 12 Days of Christmas Sale, Designer & Book Hot Picks | prubin | Marketplace | 0 | December 15th 04 09:58 AM |
eQuilter 12 Days of Christmas Sale, Designer & Book Hot Picks | prubin | Marketplace | 0 | December 15th 04 01:01 AM |
OT - Favorite Time of the Year | vj | Beads | 2 | December 8th 04 02:22 AM |
eQuilter 12 Days of Christmas Sale, Robyn Pandolph | Paul Rubin | Marketplace | 0 | December 17th 03 10:51 AM |