This Christmas, I won’t be having turkey, or a tree, or giving and receiving gifts.
While people all around the world gather together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I will be doing absolutely nothing. I might cook a nice noodle soup, take a walk along the beach, watch a film and have a snooze. Because, to me, that’s all Christmas Day is – just any other day.
When I was a kid it was fun and exciting, but as I get older I’m becoming more and more Grinch-like.
Of course, it’s not easy being indifferent to the festive season. From the end of October, Christmas is everywhere and some people get so excited about the dawning of December that they could give Buddy from Elf a run for his money.
In the past I’ve made token efforts to ‘celebrate’ because of friends or partners; a twig sprayed silver in the living room, a nice roast dinner, a small gift. I’ve never gone as far as playing Christmas music, mind you – that’s a step too far.
Last year, I hosted a Christmas dinner, but only because I was staying with a friend as I had Airbnb-ed my house over the festive break.
She has kids who enjoy the whole hoo-ha, so I had no choice but to get involved to a certain extent (although, the teenagers mostly seemed interested in the presents).
That’s another major issue I have with Christmas. The shops are full of clever marketing ploys and tinsel-themed tat and this puts pressure on people to spend money they haven’t got, on stuff they don’t need. Because, well, it’s Christmas.
If I had my way, I would spend the run-up to Christmas on a beach somewhere, without a Santa hat in sight.
Millions of people go into debt over the festive period and then spend the following year being stressed about how to pay it off. Surely you can prove how much you care for someone without the aid of red wrapping paper?
There is also the pressure to spend time with ‘loved ones’. We might despise these relatives, but have to pretend to get along with them.
So if auntie Ethel wants to get rat-arsed on eggnog and then start shouting about politics that you don’t agree with, you’re expected to just smile and let her get on with it – once again because, well, it’s Christmas.
This year, I am boycotting the whole affair. I am staying home alone, except for the company of my old dog, and not organising anything.
A couple of friends have invited me to spend the day with them, though I think this is mostly because they feel sorry for me. I have politely told them, ‘Oh, thanks, maybe if I get bored…’ (which means no).
I have no problem with others celebrating the holiday, but I find it ridiculous that people get so flustered about it and rush to buy unnecessary stuff right up until Christmas Eve. I try to avoid shopping altogether in December.
If I had my way, I would spend the run-up to Christmas on a beach somewhere, without a Santa hat in sight.
I do not agree with organised religion, so the idea of celebrating a Christian ceremony seems rather odd and hypocritical. I don’t celebrate Hindu or Jewish festivals, for instance, so why would I celebrate Christmas?
I know I sound cynical, so I don’t share my views too much – I don’t want to put a downer on my freakishly festive friends. I’m sure that for many people Christmas is a marvellous, jolly affair where they can catch up with relatives and old friends, and maybe even have a singalong around the old Joanna.
But, for many others, it’s a time of stress.
On the extreme end of the spectrum, the holiday can be toxic for mental health, with people experiencing a crisis at this time of year. It can drive people into debt, and it can mean having to grin your way through social encounters that you hate.
For these reasons, this Christmas, I’m out. See you at new year.
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MORE: A guide to spending Christmas alone
source https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/21/why-im-boycotting-christmas-this-year-11215970/
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