I'm The Grinch Who Poo Poo'ed Christmas

I love Christmas.

Everyone does I guess, but I'm the type of person who hunts for that radio station that plays Christmas songs all day from Thanksgiving to Christmas and a little after. Heck, I'll listen to my favorite carols in the middle of the summer.

I plan trips home to New York City in December so I can see all the street decorations and the big window displays of high end department stores. I'll watch a Christmas Story three times in a row and laugh at all the same parts. I get mad when I miss How the Grinch Stole Christmas, even though it will be on again, again and again.

I pretty much do everything but wear holiday-themed sweaters (which should be banned like Agent Orange). But I HATE Christmas shopping. When Black Friday rolls around, I want to move into a bunker. I get mad when stores have their Christmas stuff out BEFORE HALLOWEEN.

I hate it. I hate it. HATE IT.

The older I get, the more I hate it. Why? Because I am a Grinch and I don't like feeling obligated to spend money on other people. I'm not that wild about spending money on other people, period.

There. I said it.

I also don't want most people to spend money on me. I am 32 years old. My family still thinks I'm into Disney characters and the Transformers. They know they don't know what I like, so they just get me random stuff. Random ugly stuff. Random useless ugly stuff.

And no, I don't think it's the thought that counts. Because all I can think is, "I'd rather you kept the $30 you spent on me and bought something for yourself. Or saved it."

You know what I want for Christmas? Quality time. Experiences. I'm over stuff.

I like decorating. I like to go to holiday parties. I like to take someone out to dinner or go out with my family. I like going home and talking to my 94-year-old grandmother. I like baking cookies with my little cousins.

I don't need gifts. Not any more. I'm not a kid. I like new pretty things. But I can buy myself those things. For Christmas, I'd rather spend time with the people I like and the people I love. Don't get me wrong, when the proverbial thought hits me, or when I am inspired, I like to give a nice gift. I have some in mind for a few folks, but other than that, I would like to skip the gifts this year. Every year.

Maybe if I had my own children I'd be singing a different tune, but I guess we'll find out when that day comes :-) Until then, I want to spread holiday cheer and enjoy the festivities, but not by buying stuff.

Comments

[FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com]

Sing it! :)

I'm totally on board with what you're saying

No one knows what I like in fashion, etc. So just feed me. I'll always eat good candy and cake :P

With my mom, it's a hit and miss with clothing. Some I love, some I hate...

[Abigail]

My in-laws one time found out that I like penguins. Not in a "I have a zillion penguin stuffed animals" way. Just in general, I think they're cute. And the penguin-themed gifts haven't stopped since -- from them or from some family friends they are close with.

So I'm with you on the useless junk theme. (Also, I'm getting increasingly cranky every year as the stuff seems to come out earlier and earlier. I think I may start saying "In my day" and "whippersnappers.")

That said, I do like giving/getting gifts. But I'd rather just get one or two nice things than a ton of stuff that gets shoved in a closet and never used.

I think the big theme lately is to give experiences, rather than things. Of course, the time with your family/friends is free (unless you have to fly to get to them) but there are plenty of experiences that can be given, so that no clutter takes place. I'm a big fan of massages, for example. One of the best gifts ever. I have met literally only one person who doesn't enjoy getting a massage.

[Meg]

Ditto.

My husband and I stopped exchanging Christmas gifts with everyone a couple years ago and it's our new favorite tradition. We were surprised at how well people took our decision, but maybe we shouldn't be considering how hard it must be to shop for us as we're sort of minimalists. Plus, our family has seen more of us since we haven't had to spend our weekends in the mall. For example, today we went to my mom's house to help her decorate. And I know she'd rather have us come over and help with that than give her a physical gift.

[LaShaune]

Ahhhh....you took the words right out of my heart. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

[Michele]

A little late...

I am totally with you on this one. That is why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love the lights, smells, decorations, but that is about it. I have a 4-year old, but in no way feel the need to SHOWER her with crap (I know it is because the stuff is broken in no time or pieces lost).

I don't give gifts to anyone. I am not being mean and don't expect you to give me something either. If I had a bigger family in my new home State, I would have to institute a "pick one name out of the hat and buy that person a present" scenario. That way every one gets something and no one had to go for broke.

Maybe it is because I am 43 getting/buying gifts just don't excite me anymore.

[Tina]

We stoped the gift thing 5 years ago, the first year was really strange, now Christmas is a much happier and stress free holiday. No one I personally know has a birthday on Christmas so why buy them a gift or expect one from someone else. Now when I say Merry Christmas I really mean it. MERRY CHRISTMAS one and all !