Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?

Subject: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 08:16 PM

heloo, all the best, seasons wishes etc etc etc"
blar blar blar, people are making a big fuss, and most of them dont believe in god anyway!
People are inviting there familys and frends to visit them, and they dont even like them! [we have to talk to them etc, because its christmas]!
i went to tescos today [its a big shop], and people were running around like hedless chikens [, panicing if they have got everything they ned for christmas! , it is only ONE DAY!, there was people there, loading up 2 trolleys, loonies! [it is christmas, so we need 100 bags of crips, 200 sausage rolls, 20 lofs of bead, 36 pints of milk, etc etc etc], everybody going crazy, women having panic attacks, children crying, men moaning etc.Shops closed for only 1 day, this means you need 1 extra days food, if you going on a big antartic ex pedition, i understand, but they not, yet they buy tons of stuff, then moan they skint!
total christmas this year cost me 30 pounds, alltogether, that is presents for my mum, everyone else can get lost.
i heard about some people getting into debt, in credit cardss and loans, for 3 thousand pounds!, are they crazy?, they got shit for brains?
you can buy good car for that much, or pay off morgage, or do loads of other sensible things.

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 08:18 PM

X-mas is what you make of it John... Like any other thing...

Garbage in, garbage out...

But don't criticize someone for not doing what YOU think they should...

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 08:19 PM

sorry, i forgot the bs thing, feel free to move/delete it.john

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 08:23 PM

and i reckon loads of it food gets thrown awway as well,, and people starving, yet they waste it, and dont even think about the starving peoople.

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 08:27 PM

and "dancing snowmen" and shit like that for rip off prices, wahts any of that got to do with chritsmas then?
[nothging, thats waht!

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Amos
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 08:27 PM

John:

Christmas is not a ripoff. Some of the practices carried on in its name are opportunistic and may be a rip off.

If you are upset by human greed, profiteering, manipulation, PR shams and grabby self-serving mercantile practices, perhaps you would be happier in Khatmandu?

A

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 08:31 PM

money changers in the temple.
i hate to sound like a crazy christian, [i'm not even espesially religous], but tyhe whole thing pisses me off.

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: akenaton
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 08:33 PM

I agree with you john,Just another game to get people to spend money they cant afford.
Enoch Kent wrote and sang a great song about it called "Thank Christ for Christmas".

      "The Exiles"    "Freedom come all ye"    Topic Records.


    Hope your doin OK John...Ake

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Amos
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 08:37 PM

John:

Th big secret is that when you dig in and resist this sort of thing, and let it make you mad and unhappy and so on, the harder you get hung with it. You get free of such stuff when you are able to experience it without resistance.

A

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 08:43 PM

John, there are various ways of looking at Christmas. It would appear the one you are looking at here is the commercial hard sell. That IMO is only a rip off if you feel pressured to get caught up in it and I'd guess many people do for one reason or other (probably parents can have a tough time for example).

Alternatively, to some, regardless of whether he was born that day or not, it is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. To others, it may be a welcome break from work and perhaps an excuse for a bit of a party or a good meal or two.

I hate the commercial aspects but still can enjoy the day (apart from pub opening hrs).

Jon

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 09:29 PM

Well, sort of.....I LIKE giving presents, but it doesn't have to be at Christmas time...I'm always giving out pressies all the time. Christmas should be a time for those who love each other to be together becasuse they want to be, not out of Obligation.

I gave up Obligation Christmas years ago. I still don't much like the Season, but I can survive it now, but doing what I need to do for MYSELF. I do what I want to do, for WHO I want to do the rest of them can eat cake.

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 11:07 PM

Put the bottle down, and move away from the computer...

Or get your own blog, and clutter it up with spammy drunken ramblings, and leave Mudcat alone...

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 11:21 PM

Like Clinton said, Christmas is exactly what you choose to make of it.

The same could be said of life.

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: greg stephens
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 03:36 AM

JOhn I am praying for and hoping the good Lord will help you address your big problems. It is my earnest hope, and I hope that of other Mudcatters, that in the coming year you will struggle with, and vanquish, the irresistible urge to communicate with the world after over-indulgence in bear. And I also sincerely hope that you will enrol in some local educational establishment(I understand there is a world famous university in Hull) for some speling lesans.

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 03:48 AM

I hate it when I over indulge in bear....

I get SOOO bloated for SOOOO long!


LOL

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 05:34 AM

Let's not forget that what we know as Christmas came about when the early church decided, in its spirit of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em", to attach the celebration of Christ's birth to the centuries-old winter solstice festival. Yule, Saturnalia, you name it: these had been going on all over Europe and the Roman Empire since time immemorial: a celebration that winter was now diminishing, spring was coming and warmth, light, food were around the corner. Food (and drink) had been saved from the old year to see everyone through the lean days, and the excess could now be used, er, excessively.

The important message of Christianity is told at Easter (another tacked-on pagan festival).

But remember, we didn't have capitalism until the 18th century, and we didn't have modern consumer-commercialism until fairly recent years. When credit cards go out of fashion and we have to save up to buy presents, I predict that Christmas will regain some of its old-fashioned qualities.

Cor, don't I go on? You shouldn't start me off!

Steve

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Oaklet
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 08:50 AM

jOhn, just equip yourself with enough whelks to have a tasty, if a bit of a chewy meal or two, give a thoughtful gift of cockles, mussels, winkles and scallops to your loved ones and ignore the worst excesses of the Christmas binge that cause you such obvious disquiet.

Peace jOhn. Have a happy Christmas and a preposterous 20049.

With love

Oaklet Shellfish PLC

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: C-flat
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 09:11 AM

Never mind the whelks John, get back to the supermarket and get your hands on a large, turkey flavoured pot-noodle! You can also get the xmas pud' flavour now, to round off a delicous Christmas dinner.
I haven't seen bear-flavour yet but there's time.

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 11:41 AM

Might seem odd, but I consider carping about the commercialism of Christmas as being part of the problem. To me, the celebration is personal and lived within me. To be sure I give presents at this time, and I sing carols, and I teach my children and grandchildren the lessons of the season. Not just those of my own Christian faith, but those of my pagan forbearers, and other traditions as well. They all center around the same theme.

John, I know that you ponder this stuff and I am pleased that Mudcat is an outlet for you to discuss them. I hope that you will think on making Christmas in your heart. Don't ponder others actions so much as your own. Want Christmas to be special? Make it so, and evaluate your actions based on your values. Happy Christmas, John. May the love that resides within you warm you and those around you.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: rock chick
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 01:25 PM

Christmas is what it means to each and every one, for me it's seeing others happy, giving to others, I like receiving presses, but I get more out of seeing the delight and surprise on the face of the receiver.

There will always be the hard sell commercial side, that is the human race for you, if you don't like it, don't participate in that side of it, there is always the far other side, doing for others who are less fortunate than yourself.

What ever you do, where ever you do it, for who ever you do it for just be sincere in it, not only at Christmas but in life.

Peace. X

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 01:48 PM

Every year in Canada there are a few hunters who overindulge in bear, and they usually bring 'em home in pieces. Be grateful for the blessings ye have, I say...

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: akenaton
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 02:25 PM

That was really well said Mick .
...and it made me think ......HAPPY CHRISTMAS...Ake

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: tar_heel
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 09:13 PM

well....to quote the kids from "a charlie brown christmas"...."it's run by a big northern syndicate,you know!"...hheheeheheheheh

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Beardy
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 09:46 PM

tar heel, I think you may have stumbled on the source of jOhn's psychosis ( cant be arsed to look up spelling at 2.45am on Xmas morning). Hull may well be north but cannot compete with Lapland.

Stewart

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 07:52 AM

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 08:00 AM

Yes.

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 05:17 PM

I don't like christmas dinners. Not keen on dinners anytime. Pizza huts closed on christmas day. I usually do two or three gigs in old peoples homes on Christmas day. Busy day.

I like the Christmas music. It has its own emotional power.

Saviour of mankind...who knows. Lets hope somebody is.

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: s6k
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 09:27 PM

another philosophical and thought provoking thread from j0hn here!!!

why has he not got an award yet then??

and people who come on and moan at this thread, like clinton, can just bugger off. "leave mudcat alone" he says... well when was it upp to him then?

keep posting these j0hn.

a big commercial rip off is christmas.

if you ask me = what the hell is a cristmas card? they cost about 2 pounds... and waht good are they? they are a bit of paper with writing in saying "have a good christmas" and waht good do they serve. you could buy some food or do something productive with that 2 quid. also, what the hell is wrapping paper? for pressents? its crap thats waht! it gets ripped off then thrown in the bin!!!!

bluddy waste of money, and a waste of trees.

stupid

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 09:39 PM

oh yeh and merry christmas everybody! Ho ho!

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: kendall
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 07:22 AM

My daughters and I decided some time ago that buying a load of un needed un wanted "stuff" was a waste of time and money, so, we have Christmas, but we concentrate on the little kids, get together and have a meal, etc. I'm the only Christian in the bunch anyway.
By the way, this tradition of gift giving was borrowed from the Roman soldiers.

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: GUEST,Clint Keller
Date: 04 Oct 04 - 01:47 AM

It's nice to have a celebration at the dark of the year, and it's nice to give presents, and if you have a five-year-old around it's very nice.

It's only as cheap & commercial as you want to make it.

clint

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: GUEST,Clint Keller
Date: 04 Oct 04 - 01:49 AM

postscript

...& it's not a religious holiday it's a human holiday.

clint

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: GUEST,kereama of nz
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 03:21 AM

um may i just say that i beleive that christmas is rather stupid the fact that people are running round finding presents when most people on the day dont even think a single thing what it is really about
and the fact that people dont even believe god i am also doing a debate and this is the point that i am on this so any one feel free to delete this

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: SharonA
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 11:08 AM

My feeling is that it's only a "rip-off" if you make it so (i.e. if you give in to the pressure to spend your money and energy in ways that make you unhappy at the end of the day). Just make sure your activities are in keeping with your beliefs about this day of giving -- whether you consider your actions as a commemoration of your God's gift of a son to be sacrificed for you, or as a celebration of the winter solstice, or as a token of your affection for the people in your life, or whatever -- and you'll sleep well on Christmas night.

If it makes you uncomfortable to spend money on gifts that you're not sure will be appreciated, find a way to give something to your friend or loved one that will be appreciated (or that, at least, will signify that you are appreciative of that person's bond with you). Give of your time in some way to that person. Give $$ to that person's favorite charity in his/her name. Give him/her a call to say "I'm broke -- this recession sucks -- but I'm thinking of you."

If you are caught up in some sort of obligatory-spending system (such as a gift exchange at work) and if your workmates are not open to suggestions for changes/modifications to the system, you may need to consider the expenditure just another part of the job... and console yourself with the thought that whatever someone gives you was chosen for you. Hint: be sure to demonstrate to the giving workmate that you are using his/her gift. Once I was part of a pull-a-name-from-a-hat gift exchange at my place of work, and the coworker who pulled my name gave me the world's ugliest jewelry, which I put aside to donate to a thrift store. Soon afterward, my manager drew me aside to say that the gift-giver told him she was upset that she hadn't seen me wearing the jewelry! So I learned that being appreciative goes beyond saying "thank you very much" on the day of receipt of a gift... and I wore the d*mned jewelry!

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: GUEST,who cares
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 02:44 AM

I'm doing a debate on this and you really helped me out.Thanks!

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Ebbie
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 03:11 AM

Last year for just about the first time as a grown-and-past woman I didn't resist Christmas. I didn't feel as strongly about it as did jOhn way back there in '03 but the whole season felt artificial and shallow to me; I didn't like the incessant music in the stores and the ho ho hos everywhere or the fact that it began practically in October. I didn't like giving or getting gifts because it was expected.

Then last year I recognized that it wasn't going to change and that the problem was in me.

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Acorn4
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 03:31 AM

Come Back, Ebenezer

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: Ebbie
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 11:39 AM

Clever, Acorn4. However, if I heard your song at the market it would just add to the usual Christmas din. :)

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: saulgoldie
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 12:08 PM

Or you could do like we do: Chinese food and a movie.

Saul

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: goatfell
Date: 06 Mar 12 - 01:07 PM

yes it is a rip off ,money grabbing ..!

Subject: RE: Is Christmas a Big Rip Off?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 07 Mar 12 - 06:51 AM

You don't have to spend spend spend to have an excellent Christmas. It's about being together, resting and having fun. We have a chicken, which isn't expensive. I like to knit or sew gifts, or plant Spring bulbs in pots as a present. Homemade decorations are great fun to make, especially if you have children. The trouble is nowadays the children compete with one another to have the latest technology, designer clothes etc. which cost the Earth. Why not say NO? It's only a 'rip-off' if you let it!