What do holidays mean to you?

Do holidays in general mean anything at all to you? I guess that they mean something to me, for the sole reason that so many people around me seem to be at their happiest when they occur. On the other hand, I do believe that it is absurd to think that we can be scared out of our wits only one day of the year (Halloween), be thankful only one day of the year (Thanksgiving), and be "festive and jolly" only one day of the year (Christmas). When I express gratitude shortly after Thanksgiving, or if I'm particularly "festive" shortly after Christmas, or in a "lovey-dovey" mood shortly after Valentine's Day, people always say "Isn't it a little late for that?" I think that, in a way, holidays, in the long run, take away from the very things that they're trying to promote. Does anyone else feel this way? What do you guys think?

Hmm I totally agree with you, we should be able to be festive, or celebrate loved ones, or be spooky or all those things throughout the year. I do think holidays are important, like to have a date, because it gives people a chance to stop their daily lives and gather with friends and family. But I do think it's important to celebrate throughout the year and even in our daily lives.

I hadn't thought of it that way. You do make an interesting point.

To me, holidays are just like any other day. I choose at random sometimes, days to celebrate, to get together with friends or go have fun just because I want to enjoy these things.

Well, yeah, we can do all those things anytime during the year. But I think that often many of us get so tied up in day to day stuff that we just don't make the time, or seldom make the time, to do so. Holidays for me mean making that time, definitely setting it aside, for that purpose. Now this is not to say that I don't make time for family and friends at other times, too.

Also, it's a time of warm memories. But that's probably because of the age thing here. I mean if I could teleport back to Wisconsin to be with my family for 2 days during the holidays and then teleport back, that would be totally awesome. To deal with airlines and all that stuff is too costly on too many levels. Anyway, those are my 2 cents worth.

What does the Christmas season in particular mean to you? Has the commercialism and greed ruined it for you to a point where you feel that you just can't celebrate it anymore? Do you just roll your eyes and think "just more unnecessary spending" when you see a brilliant lights display, or do you appreciate it?

Most people here seem to have a cynical attitude towards the holidays. But I tend to be in good spirits during the season, which for me and my family has traditionally started around Thanksgiving as I was growing up. I try to spread my good cheer to others as well. I don't think that the rampant greed and commercialism has destroyed it, not by a long shot. I just ignore all the excessive stuff and all the stuff that starts too early, I don't let it ruin it for me. Does anyone else here feel the way I do?

Frankly, I would rather create instances where I get together with those I care about on an impromptu basis. And, yeah, the gross commercialism is definitely a major turn-off for me.

SimplyNan wrote:Frankly, I would rather create instances where I get together with those I care about on an impromptu basis. And, yeah, the gross commercialism is definitely a major turn-off for me.

It's a turn off, but I choose to focus on the positive bits.

For me, submersing myself in the holidays (Halloween and Christmas especially) keeps me going. My life would feel empty if I didn't have an excuse to decorate and celebrate! I'm all for impromptu stuff, but I don't see anything wrong with having anchor holidays that stay put on the calendar. Christmas has to be in December. Halloween wouldn't be as cool if it weren't celebrated during Fall. I take the positive in any form. Just pick out the bones is what I say.

I have to admit though, seeing Christmas stuff Before Halloween is totally uncalled for. I mean, REALLY. Although, a homicidal santa display at Halloween might be doable, but there has to be a lot of blood involved to pull it off and the elves have to look demonic.

INFP that's me wrote:
I have to admit though, seeing Christmas stuff Before Halloween is totally uncalled for.

I do agree with that.

INFP that's me wrote: Although, a homicidal santa display at Halloween might be doable, but there has to be a lot of blood involved to pull it off and the elves have to look demonic.[/color]

OMG INFP, I love you.

In spite of all of the 'other things' that annoy us about holidays, on a more basic level, I really enjoy them and always have.
Yes I agree with others...we do have to 'break up' the months into little interesting celebrations of life or it would get kind of dull. In that respect I try to dwell on the magical aspect that I kept with me since a child; The little 'rituals' we go through and the memories that my 55 years have behind all of them. It makes all of the decorating chores much more exciting... in a way...to have this going on in my mind while doing so.
I've always loved Christmas before but not quite 'there'...ya'll know what i mean, I'm certain.
Enjoy the moments...it's what we have, what we can bring up and make authentic to ourselves in this life that gives this purpose.
Happy Holidays...
d.

If it weren't for the holidays some folks wouldn't stop to celebrate anything. It can be kind of a 'forced' stop tho, which may then bring resentment. On the other hand you can take it as a friendly reminder to appreciate and celebrate whatever you have--it's up to you.

The holidays are such a family-centered tradition. For those who have good memories and good relationships with their families they have much to celebrate.

For those who do not, the holidays can bring up much pain. Hence they want to avoid them. I believe this is the real source of cynicism about the holidays. Then there are those who have no family at all, which can bring up much loneliness.

The challenge is to build a family of friends if you don't have a traditional family to celebrate with. Appreciating and enjoying our valuable friends can change our focus from cynic to optimist about the holidays. Ditto for everyday life.

I'm a former cynic.