Quote:
Originally Posted by nonightowl
Growing up, I was never corrected on my impression of the holidays being about decorations and food. I was never told otherwise, but then again my "family" lacked real connections or affections. No warmth, in other words. Civil but no REAL relationships, so were lacking in that anyway.
The workplace thing was a real obligation. If you didn't want to participate you'd be labeled a wet blanket or something. It was frowned upon, period. You were seen as a Scrooge or just someone who deserved to be ostracized, if that's the word. I remember when we had to write down names of everyone to put in a hat. Then you draw a name and you're supposed to get a gift for that person. I picked someone I barely knew of course and found her annoying. It was such an obligation. I was in my 20's then but now I'd be aghast at buying gifts for people who are actually strangers.
I've noticed the change in people around the second week of January too, when things have settled down. THEN it's tax time and people are $hitty then too. Also during the holidays people drive faster and more recklessly. They are trying to buy gifts or do other preps, trying to meet some deadline they have.
In January people might find themselves in debt too, after all that spending.
I have heard of some people not doing the gift thing, that they'd rather have the company of people they want. Forced interactions is something American culture seems to do. I often wonder if other countries do this too, fake holiday "parties" at the office where you smile at the person who makes you feel sick. I've been there. I'm too old to pretend.
Years ago, I've avoided stores during the holidays, except for the grocery store. Even then, the constant Christmas music is torture as I try to tune it out. Stores DO have good sales right after Christmas, but I no longer go on the 26th. It isn't worth it. There's still some stuff available on 12/27th. I love Bath and Body Works products, and one year after going on the 26th, I never did it again. The store was so packed I couldn't look at anything at my leisure and I felt claustrophobic. Says something about our culture too.
I've heard of someone at Walmart, an employee, getting trampled one year at a Black Friday sale I think. People were so eager to get in to save some bucks, they just stormed in. A bargain is nice but not at the risk of hurting someone who's "in the way".
Even my TV shows get preempted close to the holidays, with either reruns or holiday programming (that not everyone wants!). And TV is one of the few coping strategies I have. So I'll be relying on books mostly. Still, I have some recordings of old Westerns or NCIS reruns, nothing remotely holiday like!
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Yeah I would love to not join in the gift exchanges but I feel obligated to do so, it's one of those things where you know you'll be judged for if you don't participate. I don't join any celebrations at work, interactions are so forced and I remember a couple coworkers outright admit they hate socializing with other coworkers outside of work hours, why would I want to interact with those who really don't want to be bothered?
Also I do remember there being cases where store employees were trampled and even killed on Black Friday and it was a day after everyone is supposed to be thankful for what they have, it's pretty messed up if you really think about it. Also yes people do become happier in January until the weather gets extremely nasty by the end of January and February and tax season comes around, in terms of accidents I believe most accidents actually occur during the holidays due to people rushing which is so stupid.