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Default Nov 12, 2022 at 09:19 AM
  #21
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Originally Posted by nonightowl View Post
Thriller is my favorite music video period, Halloween or not. That is just SO COOL. All those zombies doing hip hop! And nobody can sound scarier than Vincent Price. No Halloween is complete without hearing The Monster Mash, Deadman's Party, or Purple People Eater.

True one can enjoy Halloween alone, like watching a scary movie and eating too much candy which is what I did.

There is a lot of prep work for the holidays after Thanksgiving, and the latter itself is plenty of work. SO much shopping, prepping and cooking to prepare a meal that gets wolfed down in minutes.... No wonder my parents seemed so crabby when the holidays were close. I used to nag them about when are they going to put the decorations up, not realizing the work and time involved...We kept the decorations up until New Year's.

I've gotten Christmas catalogs as early as JULY, but not in the last couple of years, probably due to COVID like many things.

I'm not a Scrooge either but the emphasis on making it about family and friends is gut wrenching. I think that's worse than the commercialization of it. I'm not into that whole spending thing but there's nobody to spend on anyway, if I wanted to.

You're right that Christmas should be about the people, not the gifts. This is why "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is my favorite holiday special (followed by It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown). As hard as the Grinch tried to steal or stop Christmas by taking the gifts, decorations, food, etc. he couldn't. It's in the heart and his heart grew 3 sizes. That's the message in that story.

I agree with everything about Christmas and the effort it takes to host others and decorate, I was one of those kids that pressured my parents to get those decorations up as well and looking back I know for a fact that was super annoying. It takes great effort to put on a facade around kids and other adults, also there's too many forced obligations placed on people and you can always tell when others are secretly miserable and don't want to take part in something.

People shouldn't be pressured to take place in family and even work related traditions, people shouldn't be forced to interact with those who they may not care to be with especially if they barely interact with them during any other time of the year and it doesn't seem very genuine behind the forced smiles either. In fact when the holidays end right after New Years, I always notice a sudden change in people's behavior since they seem truly relieved and genuinely happy that it's all over and most people will admit they're so glad it's all over and that it's time to move on and get back to our regular lives.
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Unhappy Nov 12, 2022 at 12:07 PM
  #22
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I agree with everything about Christmas and the effort it takes to host others and decorate, I was one of those kids that pressured my parents to get those decorations up as well and looking back I know for a fact that was super annoying. It takes great effort to put on a facade around kids and other adults, also there's too many forced obligations placed on people and you can always tell when others are secretly miserable and don't want to take part in something.

People shouldn't be pressured to take place in family and even work related traditions, people shouldn't be forced to interact with those who they may not care to be with especially if they barely interact with them during any other time of the year and it doesn't seem very genuine behind the forced smiles either. In fact when the holidays end right after New Years, I always notice a sudden change in people's behavior since they seem truly relieved and genuinely happy that it's all over and most people will admit they're so glad it's all over and that it's time to move on and get back to our regular lives.
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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Unhappy Nov 12, 2022 at 12:13 PM
  #23
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Yep I agree, kids don't understand since all they hear is the idea of a fairytale man in a red suit coming down the chimney to give out presents. I actually think that should be stopped, if I ever have kids then I'm not telling them Santa is real. I want them to be more appreciative, they need to know what Christmas is really about. Usually when we get older then we come to understand what it really should be about, it should be about enjoying the company of others and honestly if there was a time where gift exchanges were either watered down or abolished completely then I would not lose sleep over it.
I never believed in Santa Claus, LOL! Our chimney was sealed, so I didn't know how anyone could climb down it. Or how reindeer could fly! Even as a kid I used to "over think" as people say I do now.

But I believed in the Tooth Fairy. I actually pictured a fairy flying around at night, leaving a quarter for me under my pillow to replace a tooth. Years later I figured out it was my parents and there's no Tooth Fairy.

If I had kids, I wouldn't tell them about Santa Claus. And why do kids have to behave because Santa is coming but it's okay to be unruly the rest of the year??? No, be on good behavior ALL YEAR.

I guess it teaches kids, supposedly, that good behavior gets rewarded. But as adults you find out it's not true all the time. I'm not sure if it's something to teach kids too young though.....I have mixed feelings about that, teaching them too soon how life can be unfair and cruel. And doing the right thing doesn't always bring you recognition or a reward.

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Default Nov 12, 2022 at 12:47 PM
  #24
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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!
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.
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Default Nov 12, 2022 at 12:57 PM
  #25
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I never believed in Santa Claus, LOL! Our chimney was sealed, so I didn't know how anyone could climb down it. Or how reindeer could fly! Even as a kid I used to "over think" as people say I do now.

But I believed in the Tooth Fairy. I actually pictured a fairy flying around at night, leaving a quarter for me under my pillow to replace a tooth. Years later I figured out it was my parents and there's no Tooth Fairy.

If I had kids, I wouldn't tell them about Santa Claus. And why do kids have to behave because Santa is coming but it's okay to be unruly the rest of the year??? No, be on good behavior ALL YEAR.

I guess it teaches kids, supposedly, that good behavior gets rewarded. But as adults you find out it's not true all the time. I'm not sure if it's something to teach kids too young though.....I have mixed feelings about that, teaching them too soon how life can be unfair and cruel. And doing the right thing doesn't always bring you recognition or a reward.
I believed in santa claus but I always thought about how he could fly to every house in such a short period of time as well. I believed in him the longest since there was at least a reasonable explanation for how he got in the house. As for the tooth fairy and easter bunny I realized they weren't real much earlier on since there was no explanation for how they got in the house. If anything I thought the concept of a tooth fairy and easter bunny was kind of creepy since the thought of a bunny or fairy going through your house without your knowledge and even into your room while you sleep was extremely creepy and weird.

At least santa just stays in your living room rather than wandering about but even then I started questioning if he was real when I would be up all night on Christmas Eve and there was still presents in the morning even though people say he doesn't go to houses where someone is wide awake. I was eventually told he wasn't real but I had pretty much figured it out on my own and no one had to tell me the easter bunny and tooth fairy wasn't real. In fact there was one video my parents made when I was very young where they forgot to hide the eggs and they said the easter bunny forgot to come to the house even though he remembered to go to every other house imaginable so that pretty much gave it away lol. I agree that children should be grateful all year and not just when a mythical being is on his way to give presents and I most likely won't tell my kids if I ever had them.

Last edited by rdgrad15; Nov 12, 2022 at 01:24 PM..
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Unhappy Nov 12, 2022 at 01:24 PM
  #26
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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.
You're right that you get judged if you don't do those holiday gift things at work or those potlucks too which I hated also. In hindsight, I too wonder how many people really felt the same way I did but nobody wanted to admit it.

I used to quote the saying "Don't mix business with pleasure" which I think is a good rule of thumb. I only went to the movies once with a co-worker. And one time I stayed friends with a co-worker or so I thought, after I left the company. But she ghosted me-----twice. That's a whole other thread.

People do seem to run lights or speed more during this time of the year. It's stress---not joy.. And NO GOODWILL towards all MEN. (And women!)


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I believed in santa claus but I always thought about how he could fly to every house in such a short period of time as well, I believed in him the longest since there was at least a reasonable explanation for how he got in the house. As for the tooth fairy and easter bunny, I realized they weren't real much earlier on since there was no explanation for how they got in the house. If anything I thought the concept of a tooth fairy and easter bunny was kind of creepy, I always thought the concept of a bunny or fairy going through your house without your knowledge and even into your room while you sleep was extremely creepy and weird.

At least santa just stays in your living room rather than wandering about but even then I started questioning if he was real when I would be up all night on Christmas Eve and there was still presents in the morning even though people say he doesn't go to houses where someone is wide awake, I was eventually told he wasn't real but I had pretty much figured it out on my own and no one had to tell me the easter bunny and tooth fairy wasn't real especially since there was one video my parents made where they forgot to hide the eggs and they said the easter bunny forgot to come to the house even though he remembered to go to every other house imaginable so that pretty much gave it away lol.
LOL I never believed in the Easter Bunny. As for the Tooth Fairy, I just thought of it as flying straight to my bedroom, not around the house. Then it left. It wasn't creepy to me, I think.

Sigh....thinking of all this decades later now. I wondered how somebody could survive in the North Pole where it's so cold and that stuff about elves making toys never made sense to me, LOL.

Thanks for starting this thread.

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Default Nov 12, 2022 at 01:31 PM
  #27
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You're right that you get judged if you don't do those holiday gift things at work or those potlucks too which I hated also. In hindsight, I too wonder how many people really felt the same way I did but nobody wanted to admit it.

I used to quote the saying "Don't mix business with pleasure" which I think is a good rule of thumb. I only went to the movies once with a co-worker. And one time I stayed friends with a co-worker or so I thought, after I left the company. But she ghosted me-----twice. That's a whole other thread.

People do seem to run lights or speed more during this time of the year. It's stress---not joy.. And NO GOODWILL towards all MEN. (And women!)



LOL I never believed in the Easter Bunny. As for the Tooth Fairy, I just thought of it as flying straight to my bedroom, not around the house. Then it left. It wasn't creepy to me, I think.

Sigh....thinking of all this decades later now. I wondered how somebody could survive in the North Pole where it's so cold and that stuff about elves making toys never made sense to me, LOL.

Thanks for starting this thread.
Oh trust me I bet a lot of your coworkers felt the same as you did but just didn't want to admit it. Most of my coworkers put on a fake act but there has been a couple who outright admitted their disgust when it had been just me and them away from others. I think people see me as very trustworthy and good at keeping secrets so I've experienced several people admitting stuff to me but they would never admit to anyone else since they knew there would be pushback.

This applies to all celebrations including birthdays as well since even birthday wishes and cards seem very forced to me and some coworkers don't even try to hide the fact that they don't give a crap. Also I agree that the whole thing of elves making toys never made sense to me too. Also living alone in the North Pole with elves sounds quite lonely and impossible to do. Also imagine all the stuff he would have to carry for just one trip around the globe lol. These are all the thoughts I had as a kid even though I kept my mouth shut and played along with it and you're welcome for making this thread.
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Unhappy Nov 12, 2022 at 01:58 PM
  #28
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Oh trust me I bet a lot of your coworkers felt the same as you did but just didn't want to admit it. Most of my coworkers put on a fake act but there has been a couple who outright admitted their disgust when it had been just me and them away from others. I think people see me as very trustworthy and good at keeping secrets so I've experienced several people admitting stuff to me but they would never admit to anyone else since they knew there would be pushback.

This applies to all celebrations including birthdays as well since even birthday wishes and cards seem very forced to me and some coworkers don't even try to hide the fact that they don't give a crap. Also I agree that the whole thing of elves making toys never made sense to me too. Also living alone in the North Pole with elves sounds quite lonely and impossible to do. Also imagine all the stuff he would have to carry for just one trip around the globe lol. These are all the thoughts I had as a kid even though I kept my mouth shut and played along with it and you're welcome for making this thread.
People seem to vent on me too or admit stuff to me, whether it's about holiday parties or not. It can be anything. But I don't mind because it implies trust and comfort in telling me something. And now I'm venting on YOU in this thread.

We used to have birthday parties for co-workers too. I remember joining a new department (same company, just different department) in the 90's and I was blindsided by a "party" for my birthday. I didn't expect it or want it. It felt like such an invasion of my privacy and feelings. Sure it had good intentions but I didn't like the attention on me from people I just met days earlier. I haven't even interacted with them much as a result. In hindsight, maybe it was just an excuse to pig out on junk food.

Anyway this department did this birthday thing for everyone and I dreaded it. I think I told the manager I preferred no party because I remember just that one time. Or maybe I blocked it out, LOL. It WAS 30 years ago. Other than that, it was a good company with a lot of benefits, something that's scarce nowadays.

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Default Nov 12, 2022 at 03:32 PM
  #29
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People seem to vent on me too or admit stuff to me, whether it's about holiday parties or not. It can be anything. But I don't mind because it implies trust and comfort in telling me something. And now I'm venting on YOU in this thread.

We used to have birthday parties for co-workers too. I remember joining a new department (same company, just different department) in the 90's and I was blindsided by a "party" for my birthday. I didn't expect it or want it. It felt like such an invasion of my privacy and feelings. Sure it had good intentions but I didn't like the attention on me from people I just met days earlier. I haven't even interacted with them much as a result. In hindsight, maybe it was just an excuse to pig out on junk food.

Anyway this department did this birthday thing for everyone and I dreaded it. I think I told the manager I preferred no party because I remember just that one time. Or maybe I blocked it out, LOL. It WAS 30 years ago. Other than that, it was a good company with a lot of benefits, something that's scarce nowadays.
I don't mind it when people vent to me as well since it does imply trust which is good. I also hate birthday celebrations at work too because I don't like the attention and it's just an excuse to pig out on food. I know it has good intentions but I'm just not that big on celebrations and in a lot of cases those celebrations seem rather forced as well. I'd much rather treat my birthday as any other day since it's really nothing special for me and don't get into all the hype.
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Unhappy Nov 13, 2022 at 11:25 AM
  #30
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I don't mind it when people vent to me as well since it does imply trust which is good. I also hate birthday celebrations at work too because I don't like the attention and it's just an excuse to pig out on food. I know it has good intentions but I'm just not that big on celebrations and in a lot of cases those celebrations seem rather forced as well. I'd much rather treat my birthday as any other day since it's really nothing special for me and don't get into all the hype.
Forced interaction isn't good, yep. But I wouldn't mind my birthday being a special day, with special people or those that I'm sure really CARE it's my birthday. Nobody like that around now, except one person out of state who sends me video message every year. Other than that, I'd try to forget it's my birthday, just think of it as a "me" day or day for self-care.

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Default Nov 13, 2022 at 12:11 PM
  #31
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Forced interaction isn't good, yep. But I wouldn't mind my birthday being a special day, with special people or those that I'm sure really CARE it's my birthday. Nobody like that around now, except one person out of state who sends me video message every year. Other than that, I'd try to forget it's my birthday, just think of it as a "me" day or day for self-care.
Good idea and I don't think much of it either.
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Default Nov 13, 2022 at 03:39 PM
  #32
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Yeah holidays aren't the same as they used to be and I think that's the case with everyone as they get older. Some people pass away while others find different traditions which is perfectly fine if that's what they want to do. I agree that the Fourth of July is one obnoxious holiday due to the fireworks people set off even before and after that holiday. People have gotten extremely inconsiderate about fireworks since they don't care and I have a fear of houses catching fire since I see that on the news every year and I have witnessed a firework malfunction up close once too.

Yes, I suppose holidays do change for everyone as the years pass. I hadn't thought of it before, really. I guess I'm not alone in that.

Not too many years ago I saw a house burn to the ground on the 4th. It was horrible to witness. Every year I used to put a sprinkler on the roof of a house I rented in a neighborhood that was especially crazy on the 4th.

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Default Nov 13, 2022 at 03:40 PM
  #33
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Forced interaction isn't good, yep. But I wouldn't mind my birthday being a special day, with special people or those that I'm sure really CARE it's my birthday. Nobody like that around now, except one person out of state who sends me video message every year. Other than that, I'd try to forget it's my birthday, just think of it as a "me" day or day for self-care.

I'm with you on this

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Default Nov 13, 2022 at 04:38 PM
  #34
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Originally Posted by rdgrad15 View Post
Yeah I'm not a big fan of the Fourth of July either. People get obnoxious with their fireworks and sometimes they do them before and after the Fourth of July which is annoying.
It can be dangerous for sure, as well as annoying and loud. They do it much longer on NYE, well past midnight. Some people work New Year's so need to SLEEP. Everyone doesn't party on 12/31st.


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Yeah holidays aren't the same as they used to be and I think that's the case with everyone as they get older. Some people pass away while others find different traditions which is perfectly fine if that's what they want to do. I agree that the Fourth of July is one obnoxious holiday due to the fireworks people set off even before and after that holiday. People have gotten extremely inconsiderate about fireworks since they don't care and I have a fear of houses catching fire since I see that on the news every year and I have witnessed a firework malfunction up close once too.
Yeah, there seems to be injuries every year. Professional shows are different. Noisy but safer. I'm talking about people setting them off around here or shooting guns up into the air. They do the latter more on NYE than the 4th.


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I think my favorite holiday is split between Thanksgiving for the food even though I dislike family interactions and halloween since I do like candy even though I rarely eat candy myself and I never do anything during these holidays as well. I agree those two holidays involving fireworks are super annoying and people use it as an excuse to be inconsiderate. I think the Fourth of July may be worse since the fireworks tend to go on for at least a couple days longer than New Years. I dislike New Years not just because of the fireworks but also the ridiculous hype over a new year acting like that will change things when in reality nothing will change other than the number in the year itself.
I've heard fireworks as early as July 2nd, during the DAY. They can go past July 4th too, especially if it falls on a Friday or Saturday.

For many years I thought we were supposedly celebrating an upcoming New Year. But it's about surviving the OLD year. Still, I don't get the forced optimism because it's a new year. You don't know what that means or what it will bring. For me, it's just flipping the calendar. I've had horrible DECADE and since 2000 even started, it's been going down the tubes. That's over 20 years. Yet every year it's HAPPY New Year.

NYE = Excuse to drink and be a fool. All that screaming and yelling cause it's a new year. We don't do that for a new MONTH or even DAY.


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Default Nov 14, 2022 at 08:28 AM
  #35
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Originally Posted by *Beth* View Post


Yes, I suppose holidays do change for everyone as the years pass. I hadn't thought of it before, really. I guess I'm not alone in that.

Not too many years ago I saw a house burn to the ground on the 4th. It was horrible to witness. Every year I used to put a sprinkler on the roof of a house I rented in a neighborhood that was especially crazy on the 4th.
Yeah it’s always sad seeing news footage of houses burning down knowing full well it didn’t have to happen if only people were more careful. Having a sprinkler is a good idea.
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Default Nov 14, 2022 at 08:29 AM
  #36
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I'm with you on this
Same here.
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Default Nov 14, 2022 at 08:34 AM
  #37
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It can be dangerous for sure, as well as annoying and loud. They do it much longer on NYE, well past midnight. Some people work New Year's so need to SLEEP. Everyone doesn't party on 12/31st.



Yeah, there seems to be injuries every year. Professional shows are different. Noisy but safer. I'm talking about people setting them off around here or shooting guns up into the air. They do the latter more on NYE than the 4th.



I've heard fireworks as early as July 2nd, during the DAY. They can go past July 4th too, especially if it falls on a Friday or Saturday.

For many years I thought we were supposedly celebrating an upcoming New Year. But it's about surviving the OLD year. Still, I don't get the forced optimism because it's a new year. You don't know what that means or what it will bring. For me, it's just flipping the calendar. I've had horrible DECADE and since 2000 even started, it's been going down the tubes. That's over 20 years. Yet every year it's HAPPY New Year.

NYE = Excuse to drink and be a fool. All that screaming and yelling cause it's a new year. We don't do that for a new MONTH or even DAY.

Yep people get injured every year from fireworks and guns, I see news footage of injuries and houses burning down and I know that it didn’t have to happen. Yeah people launch fireworks way too early and way too long, it’s rather inconsiderate. I don’t get the forced optimism too, it’s rather cringy in my opinion since it’s just simply a new number year. Life continues just the same and people get disappointed and say the current year is the worst year they ever experienced, it’s just annoying and all a show and it’s definitely an excuse to drink and be obnoxious.
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Unhappy Nov 14, 2022 at 11:38 AM
  #38
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Yep people get injured every year from fireworks and guns, I see news footage of injuries and houses burning down and I know that it didn’t have to happen. Yeah people launch fireworks way too early and way too long, it’s rather inconsiderate. I don’t get the forced optimism too, it’s rather cringy in my opinion since it’s just simply a new number year. Life continues just the same and people get disappointed and say the current year is the worst year they ever experienced, it’s just annoying and all a show and it’s definitely an excuse to drink and be obnoxious.
And speaking of guns, we've had yet ANOTHER school/mass shooting. What a headline to wake up to......It seems nobody knows how to fix this problem that other countries don't have.

I started detesting New Year's Eve and New Year's many years ago. The latter isn't so bad to me as long as nobody says Happy New Year...which they will. Otherwise, they are busy sleeping off their hangover so I wake up to a quiet morning. And I've stopped watching the parade live for eons now.

Been recording it the last 20 years I think, and I can watch just the float footage. All those bands and horses are boring. It's the creativity of the floats I appreciate, but TV doesn't do them justice I'm sure. They don't stay on it long enough or get close enough, I think.

If you're alone on NYE or NY's, you're a loser---that's the message I get.

People think because it's a new year, I'm supposed to be optimistic. (I recently read a book: Toxic Positivity: Keeping it real in a world obsessed with being happy by Whitney Goodman. It explains where all this forced positivity comes from) During the initial COVID outbreak, the senior center was sending out newsletters telling us we "must be upbeat about this." And stuff about virtual classes with pictures of people smiling and exercising. WTF?

Many seniors don't have the tech or know how to use it much. And smiling anchors on the news, telling us cases are up so masks might be reinstated (months ago, not now). What are they smiling about???????!!!! Off topic I know, but I just go to thinking about the mindset in this culture period, not just the holidays. We slap a smile on everything.

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Default Nov 15, 2022 at 08:08 AM
  #39
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And speaking of guns, we've had yet ANOTHER school/mass shooting. What a headline to wake up to......It seems nobody knows how to fix this problem that other countries don't have.

I started detesting New Year's Eve and New Year's many years ago. The latter isn't so bad to me as long as nobody says Happy New Year...which they will. Otherwise, they are busy sleeping off their hangover so I wake up to a quiet morning. And I've stopped watching the parade live for eons now.

Been recording it the last 20 years I think, and I can watch just the float footage. All those bands and horses are boring. It's the creativity of the floats I appreciate, but TV doesn't do them justice I'm sure. They don't stay on it long enough or get close enough, I think.

If you're alone on NYE or NY's, you're a loser---that's the message I get.

People think because it's a new year, I'm supposed to be optimistic. (I recently read a book: Toxic Positivity: Keeping it real in a world obsessed with being happy by Whitney Goodman. It explains where all this forced positivity comes from) During the initial COVID outbreak, the senior center was sending out newsletters telling us we "must be upbeat about this." And stuff about virtual classes with pictures of people smiling and exercising. WTF?

Many seniors don't have the tech or know how to use it much. And smiling anchors on the news, telling us cases are up so masks might be reinstated (months ago, not now). What are they smiling about???????!!!! Off topic I know, but I just go to thinking about the mindset in this culture period, not just the holidays. We slap a smile on everything.
Yeah I've noticed people think you're a loser if you don't like New Years Eve. It's just an excuse to drink and be loud. Also I agree we do slap a smile on everything and in some cases it's to be professional in a work environment but it's still annoying. It's very obvious when people are putting on a smile as an act and genuinely smiling.
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Unhappy Nov 15, 2022 at 12:48 PM
  #40
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Yeah I've noticed people think you're a loser if you don't like New Years Eve. It's just an excuse to drink and be loud. Also I agree we do slap a smile on everything and in some cases it's to be professional in a work environment but it's still annoying. It's very obvious when people are putting on a smile as an act and genuinely smiling.
Yeah, they can be flabbergasted if you say you have no plans. WHAT?? But it's NYE!

The workplace positive thing is everywhere too. Employers want you to be positive and energetic all the time, like the Energizer Bunny.

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