My family is bored with Christmas

[Conan_The_Barbarian]

My family, which consists of two parents both in their mid 50's and two sons including me, one 18, the other 22 are collectively tired of celebrating the holiday. We didn't bother to get a tree and no one has purchased any gifts for one another. I bought a bread knife because ours recently went missing and cutting bread has been a hassle since.

Collectively we are depressed with our apathy but are well aware that going out, grabbing a christmas tree, baking cookies, buying and wrapping up gifts will do anything. My mom I think has been hit the hardest, it's a bit of a dilemma for her. She wants to rush out and salvage the holiday are attempt a traditional Christmas but is fully aware that it will do none of us any good. I suggested we just say fuck it, on Christmas Eve, and Day, instead of watching repeats of the same damn Christmas movies/specials that everyone has seen countless times we just go do some kind of community service/charity work. We are all highly ambitious types, we account for everyone minute of our day and typically stick to our schedules. My mom thought the idea seemed like a decent one, she finds the state of Christmas lamentable and attributes this to her disatisfaction. Though I wonder if my dad and other brother would agree to it.

Is anyone else just tired of the holiday?

I say we create new traditions. I mean the whole holiday is arbitrary, and subject to our societal whims. Ugh if only December wasn't such an absurdly expensive time to travel. Anyway that's my rambling, do with it what you will.

[LynzM]

1. I'm of two minds

On one hand, I think that's a really cool plan, to reclaim the holiday as a time to help others and do charitable stuff. I'm kind of not so into it myself, this year, either.

On the other hand, we get to see a lot of extended family over those two days, so our situation's a little different, and I'd miss them. But I think your idea is a good one, for anyone feeling sick of it all, especially the commercialism.

[Zookeeper]

2. I've been tired of the holiday for decades...

as much as I enjoy my family, I think back to my single San Francisco Christmases with nostalgia. I didn't have a tree. I went out for chinese food then sat by the ocean for a couple of hours. *Sigh*

Mr. Z. is very attached to the x-mas traditions for some odd reason (he is not a Christian).

Conan, I would suggest that you and your family just give yourselves permission to have a quiet day. Go out for your meal, if you can find a place that's open, and just relax and enjoy each other. (Play cards or a board game. Cuddle up and watch a movie.)

On edit: The idea of volunteering is great. 'Just give yourselves some family time, too.

[bumblebee1]

6. My husband and I did that one New Year's Eve.

We had an early dinner out and then spent an hour or two walking along the ocean front. Of course, we were living in southern California at the time.

[momophile]

3. I like the community service idea a lot

I hope to incorporate it into our family tradition when my daughter is a little older.

[begin_within]

4. I bet you're going to have the best Christmas you have ever had. Watch

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" again and you'll see what I mean. The Whos didn't need any of the trappings of Christmas to still have a good time. Just do what will make you happy that day.

[Skittles]

5. WTF Conan!

you all sound depressed - perhaps you need a family ass-kicking - you want I should oblige? :o

[Arugula Latte]

7. I'm up to my armpits in the kids-tree-cookies-mountain of presents type of X-mases

However, I know that when the kids are older, we will scale waaaaay down. I'm not religious and get sick of the whole thing before Thanksgiving. I do enjoy my kids' enjoyment of it all, though.

We do always help out a needy family this time of year, so that's a good thing.