Christmases in the USA
 

Christmases, plural, not multiple years but all at the same time.

First, the religious Christmas which is for Christians, of course.

Second, the secular Christmas, which is the yearly, sometimes only gathering of the family. The chance to catch up on the doings of the clan, (before facebook), and introduction of the younger generation's fearful boyfriends/girlfriends to Uncle Strange. Lots of food, gossip, drama, and football on TV. Aunt Helen always makes those toasted Pecans, and Grandma would make alligator soup (oyster stew) for supper.

Third, the commercial Christmas, which is for everyone. Except a few anti-commercialism hippies but they're just un-American.:haha: Most everyone participates to the best of their ability, in the whole give/get/exchange holiday bustle. For the very young, it's just awesome to have so many new boxes to play with, plus you never know when you pick one up if a cat will appear. For the older kids loot to tally and compare with their friends. New labor saving appliances for the little woman, and socks/underwear,ties,VISA bills for Pop.

Most of the Christians I've know, only spend enough of the holiday on the religious aspect to satisfy family tradition and Grandma. The secular gathering seems to be split between eager anticipation and dread, depending on age and place in the family pecking order, I suppose. The commercial thing gets more difficult as people get older. It takes imagination to come up with something for people that have what they want, and don't need more. For one girl, I put money on her account at the vet, because she has five dogs, several birds and some rodents. She made a donation in my name to neads.org, a group that trains rescued dogs to be Service Dogs. Great, I don't have to dust that. ;)

And for the people offended by calling it Christmas rather than winter holiday or some other politically correct term.
Get over it, it's Christmas.:p:

Oh quite right... add up both sides of in-laws, and divorced sets of parents here and there, and you could have as many as half a dozen major branches of the family that require attendance. We've already done two "Christmases," ourselves, and will be having another two events on the day of. (And lest you think I'm bitter, I definitely prefer it this way--putting all these people in the same room would be a great way to ruin Christmas, for sure.)

We're at four and I don't even have my girls married off yet!

Buddy and I are doing well! Almost. See post in my bs later

This year, for the first time, I got to share in a children's Christmas.
May I have many more. I leaked at the eyes a couple of times, and felt so emotionally uplifted by it all.

I've always rather despised the tenet that "Christmas is for children" - probably the only last vestige of my Catholic upbringing thrashing about. But I kinda understand what people mean, in that children radiate pure joy of a kind many adults have forgotten at this time of year.

Me, I still get excited about the little things, so it was wonderful to have 60 children to share it with. They greeted my Santa hat with the same pleasure I had when I bought it. £1.99 FTR and worth it for the reaction :)

SG...there is nothing that keeps the holidays more alive than children and their schools. It was the one thing I loved most about school work.
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When I was a child, Christmas was a huge occasion. It smacked of something like what Bruce said. I had a huge extended family but these days, they are getting old and dying off.

Whether Christmas day is a large or small affair, I try to keep the spirit of Christmas. I often self check and ask myself if I am not just buying into the commercialism of it, but no, I don't purchase anything out of any feelings of have to but rather I like to.

I like playing Santa. I like offering presents to my tree and other peoples trees.(tongue in cheek)
Next year I will host the dinner. This year is a bit quieter. I am very much tired out but I like it either way.

I think you've touched on something I hadn't thought of, skysidhe. In the weeks preceding Christmas, most people spend at least part of that time at high energy levels, sometimes bordering on frenzy. But when Christmas arrives, everyone crashes. Of course those hosting the gathering and puting the food on, are still working. But even they know this is it, it's done or not, so chill out and socialize. What other day of the year can you find none of your family too busy to stop and chat?