Bah-Humbug! A Christmas Story.

[Bibbyman]

I wish I could enjoy Christmas like I use to. 

When I was a kid, well, I was a kid and what kid does not enjoy Christmas.  Our home was pretty humble but that didn't matter.  Still the tree, the food, the family was all exciting.  The few simple gifts I got was always plumped up with new underwear, a pair of blue jeans and flannel shirts.  The tree was always a cedar tree cut on the farm and decorated with a few glass ornaments we had (that would probably now be collector items).  We had lights that were the kind if one bulb burned out they all were out.  Icicles were kept from year to year.  By the third year they were pretty pathetic.  They were usually blobbed on but what the heck.

Our little one-room school was always exciting around Christmas.  Uncle Norman would bring down a cedar Christmas tree and set it up.  Each of the 8 kids in the school would get a sheet of 8.5x11 colored paper to cut up and make paper chain to decorate the tree.  A grocery sack of popcorn would come from somewhere to string.  Someone would make a star and cover it with aluminum foil for the top.  We'd have a Christmas play.  The stage was in the front of the school room and the curtains were bed sheets hung on a clothes line strung across the room.  I played Ebenezer Scrooge in the last play performed there.  I enjoyed it.

In my early teens,  my mom worked at Western Auto in town.  Somehow I worked evenings and Saturday the last few weeks before Christmas wrapping packages, helping take things to the car for the customers and putting together bicycles, wagons and such.  The town was all decorated and it was something for me to spend so much time in town.  I could go across the street and get a burger at a little café.  This was all a novelty to me.

After Mary and I got married and soon had the two boys,  Christmas became exciting again.  But it was always busy.  Standard program was to get up and open gifts, eat breakfast, go to my folks and open gifts, go to Mary's folks and open gifts and eat dinner, play a game that someone got for Christmas for a couple of hours, then back to my folks for Supper.  Eish! What a long day!

Our tradition was for me and the boys to go hunt up a Christmas tree - always an indigenous cedar.  I'd pull out the single action in 45 Long Colt and we'd be off.  We'd hunt far and wide for just the right tree.  The rule was that they could pick out the tree but they had to drag it home.  Often it was something like 20' tall.  They'd drag it a ways and abandon it or we'd cut the top out of it.  Still the top would often bend over at the ceiling.  They were pretty pathetic but I'm sure the boys thought they were the best ever.

In the mid-80s we were in a larger house and my folks being older, we started having Christmas dinner at our house.  Then the boys grew up and left the Navy and Marines and Mary's mother passed away and Christmas kind of changed.  We had get-togethers with Mary's sisters and exchanged gifts.  I think we had a $5.00 limit so the gifts were gloves, ice scrapers, picture frames, etc.  Then the rules changed and we drew names.  Then there was no gifts, just a visit,  a "feed fest" as I called them. Mary's older brother passed away and so did the family get-togethers.  Sometimes Mary would get a call from one or more of her sisters on Christmas day, even though four brothers and sisters live within 5 miles of us.  We hardly ever see them unless a chance meeting at the gas station or Wal-Mart.

When the boys were back home and the folks were more able, we all had Christmas at our house.  I think I enjoyed this time the best.  But now one son is in Minnesota.  He and wife visited last weekend and won't be down for Christmas.  Older son and Brooke and Alex will be here today but not tomorrow (Christmas) as they have a bunch of other places to be on their mother's side of the family.  My folks are too feeble to get out in the cold so we'll take them up a plate and later go up and exchange gifts with them.

My Dad's pretty indifferent about Christmas. He gets all the women Whitman Samplers for Christmas.    He passes out cash to the men folks.  Mom tries to put on a big shopping spree but really can't do it anymore.  She works everyone over starting in November as to what they want for Christmas.  We tell her nothing but that won't do.  One year I told her a cheap pocket watch so three years running I got a pocket watch because that's what she remembered I wanted.  Always get insulated underwear – the kind I won't wear so I've got a drawer full.

They are impossible to buy for.  So often I'll perform some service like build a better ramp to their front door and tell them it's their birthday gift or Christmas or whatever is nearest.  Still have to get them something – usually a robe for Mom and a puzzle for Dad.

Mary's been in Christmas mode for a month now.  She did the deep cleaning two weeks ago before son and daughter-in-law showed up for a couple hours visit and ham dinner.  She's been cooking, shopping and wrapping all week for today.   Out tree is a stick together fake one that comes pre-strung with lights.

The granddaughters are teenagers now.  There is nothing we could buy them that would impress them.  Many of the things they want we wouldn't buy because either they're inappropriate or would be a negative influence in their development.

Well, son and granddaughters came in so let the show begin. 

Mary and I will probably pass a quiet Christmas day alone.  I'll go up and visit with the folks for awhile.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

[Warbird]

Merry Christmas, Bibbyman.  We'll be thinking of you and all our Forestry Forum family on Christmas Day.

[Bill Gaiche]

Good story. Merry Christmas Bibbyman's. bg

[two tired]

bibby, your not alone as there is a lot of us that can relate to your story, great story, merry christmas  to all

[Texas Ranger]

Christmas in Missouri, Thanks, Bibbyman, that was my Christmas's, as well.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a Happy New Year.

[Woodchuck53]

Well stuck at work for the Holidays. Met the helicopter this morning for the last minute parts that were ordered. Fueled it up and opened the cargo hatch. One of the engineers went home to Ludawicy(?) Ga. and had sent us some Claxton fruit cake and Ga. praline candy. Looks good.

A couple guys forgot about the dirty santa game so a few extra 20.00 limit gifts made the bird also. The big black cook from New Orleans is out so we will eat way to much of her great cooking.

95% of the crews are home so it is just 14 of us here for the skelton crew watch. The Giants and Jets are on in the control room and I got the FF up on one of the monitors re-reading some of the ealier post that I haven't seen in a while. Tomorrow we will make our rounds and settle in for a quite day. About 4 we'll eat and then start the gift giving. That will be a whoop as you can option some eles's gift if you want it. But could loose it to the next round. All good fun and a lot of laughs.

Get out of here Wedensday and have a late Christmas with the wife and my kids with their family's. Holidays at work. Overtime to pay for all that I'm sure she bought.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all and stay safe.

[Magicman]

Merry Christmas Bibbyman and Mary.  Your life has evolved such as ours has.  People grow up, some die, and life goes on, just in a different way.  I am the "old codger" now.  The family will be here tomorrow evening for Christmas supper.  In the meantime, Pat and I will spend a quite day together.   

[Autocar]

Great story ! I felt like I had wrote some of it  :D life was good ands still is but the past always seems better to me . Thanks for scharing and I hope everyone has a great hoilday season Bill.

[sawguy21]

Thanks for sharing that Bib. You brought back some wonderful memories of Christmas as a kid, searching for that perfect tree on friend's wood lot was special.
My dad passed away a few years after I left home and Christmas changed. My sister and I tried to be home with mom but it was not always possible. After she left us the season became something to be endured, just get it over with. It sure was not like the tv commercials.
When I got involved with Karen in 2008, I inherited two wonderful grand daughters I have become very close to. Since then her son gained a step daughter and one of his own. Christmas is fun again although I still dislike the sappy music.

[Buck]

Merry Christmas Guys! I still have a house full but thoroughly enjoy ya'll. Merry Christmas to each and every one.

[Burlkraft]

This year has really been a challenge for Jill and I. And not only for us, but for all our close friends and families and others that we may or may not know , but have made life a stressful, depressing, angst ridden struggle for all of us. There are a lot of those "unknown " folks, too many to name.
In times like these, hard times, which I believe have been as hard on us as people and a nation, as those who suffered through WWI, The Great Depression or WWII.
In the last 3 years I have seen feasts go to famine. I have seen many a good man die needleesly from the wars both here and abroad.Soliders die and get wounded. Here at home returning warriors are dying by thier own hand. Honest hard working middle class businessmen who one day die suddenly at home. Later we find out he was broke because he invested everything he had, even his families Christmas, back into his business to keep his few remaining employees through the Holidays.
We all know they were found in the garage or the truck or the woods.
Elections
Occupations
Recalls
Protesets
Conflicts with Authority
This sounds more like Egypt than America
It's hard to find something to be truley thankful for this year.
I am very thankful for Jill and all she does for me. She is a rock (when I need her to be) I am also very thankful for the 4 REAL friends I have, The kinds of friends who you could call no matter what and you would do the same for them. The kinds of friend that no matter what you do...you will always be friends.

And maybe I'm thankful for everything that has happened. What doesn't kill ya will make ya stronger...right?
I am now the meanest %$#@*&^ in the valley.

Happy Holidays Everyone  ;D

[SwampDonkey]

I've not been too excited about Christmas for a very long time. We go to mom's brother's place for dinner. She and dad spend Christmas eve up there. I go up for dinner. Mother gets us all a gift. I don't bother with no gifts, and don't want none. I do like Christmas music however.  ;)

[thecfarm]

I miss it too Bibbyman. Life was alot better way back in some ways.

[Nomad]

     Bibbyman, I agree.  My daughter and her 2 kids are supposed to come by tomorrow; I haven't seen any of 'em in a year now.  (They live about 70 miles away...  At least I think they still do.)  Don't know if I'll see my son and his wife or not tomorrow.  If I do, they'll get the same present I bought for 'em last year!  It's still sitting in a corner of the living room, still wrapped up.  I think I'll swap out the candy canes on it though.
     Christmas just ain't what it used to be.

[sandhills]

That also brought up a lot of fond memories for me Bibbyman, as a child we spent every Christmas eve at Grandma and Grandpas house, then had our immediate family Christmas on Christmas morning.  Now, with the grandparents gone, and one brother and his family a 12 hour drive away it just isn't the same.  This year is especially tough, we had a funeral for an uncle today that truly left his mark on the lives of all in the family and was always there at grandma and grandpas on Christmas eve, if nothing else it's made me realize how badly I want my kids to have as good of memories as I have of Christmas time when I was their age.  My teenage/pre-teen daughters wanted nothing but money, and as you so politely called it "inappropriate" clothing, or gift cards so they could buy said clothing, ipads (or ipods, I have no idea what either are), so they're getting a little dirt bike  ;D.  Spoiled, yes, but it will get them outside.

[paul case]

Thanks for the stroll through your memories. I really enjoyed it.
We used to go get a cedar tree too and in a way I miss that. I guess the great memories are made by things changing. Anita and I are still in the busy stage of life. Tomorow will start with gifts at home with our boys and the cow chores for me and no doubt I will drive the church van and  then Sunday School and church. At 2 Anita's family is coming by, just for kids gifts. I am cooking a turkey for Her , Dakota and I for supper tomorow night. Scott is going with his girlfriend to her family get together at Norman, OK at 4. It is busy, but it is where I am right now.

Don't let all of the stuff get in the way of you enjoying Christmas this year.
Merry Christmas  to all of you. PC

[Bibbyman]

I thought about this post for at least a week.  I was reluctant to tell such a dark story on Christmas Eve.  I'm happy to see it has struck a chord.  Maybe sad too that others are feeling the same loss of excitement or just being a reluctant participant.

We had our Christmas with my oldest son and granddaughters today.  All went pretty quiet and well.  The girls were pleased but really were not excited about their gifts but they were not really exciting gifts.  The only child gift was a package of Play-Doh.  Brooke still loves to play with Play-Doh.  She's the crafty one.

We exchanged gifts with my folks.  We didn't stay long as they wear out quickly but I think it made their day.  The girls were excellent with them even though they got some cloths they probably won't wear.  Mary made them each a plate of our Christmas feast for their supper.

Maybe there are a lot of things going on here.  One, the economy has most all of us in a funk.  We're just not in the mood to buy frivolous junk.  We saw some things that would make kind of a gag gift but passed them up for more practical and durable items.  Some may think it odd, but I got each girl a big box of brand name cereal.  Cereal has got so expensive; Mary's resorted to buying store brands or none at all but instead cooking something for breakfast.  So odd gift or not, they thought it a special treat.

Also,  it's become politically incorrect to make any public display of celebrating Christmas.  I think that's just plain wrong.  It would be just as wrong to suppress others from practicing their religious customs.

The definition of a family has evolved to where being linked by DNA does not necessarily make you a family.  I think us here on the Forum think of ourselves as members of a family even though we're not related and in most cases have never met each other face to face.

[Magicman]

We do not get to choose our family, but we did choose our family of Forestry Forum friends.  I consider each of you as being special and value your friendship.   

[beenthere]

Very well said MM.
We celebrate our Christmas with immediate family in the summer now, as winter travel was just getting too difficult and at times risky.
All four children have their respective families to celebrate with now over these holidays, and we are quite alright with that as they need to develop their own family traditions. Fortunately, we are a close family in friendship and mutual caring.
(kind of like how the FF is to me and all 'my' friends).

[sandhills]

Merry Christmas everyone!

[stavebuyer]

Thanks for sharing that Bibby. I stubbornly clung to cutting cedar trees for quite a while. Times and technology change and at the expense of families it seems.
I love keeping a fire in the woodstove, the taste of garden vegetables, and things built by hand. We seem to want alot more than we need.

[thecfarm]

I noticed alot less Christmas decorations. I hope it's not just because people are so called too busy or too lazy. We put up alot,takes hours,but we don't mind. A half hour putting Christmas decorations up would not kill anyone.I don't think I mentioned it,but I almost got into a fight with a LL Bean employee. A course they are all told to say happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas which from a business view I can kinda understand it,don't want to "offend" anyone now would we.  :  I said Merry Christmas as I always do after he helped me and he told me it's happy holidays now. I mentioned I know what you have to say,but I can still say Merry Christmas to to you. He came back with some speech,or tried to that it's all happy holidays now. I interrupted him and said Merry Christmas again and he started the speech again. I told him I know what you have to say while you are getting paid here but I can say Merry Christmas if I want to. He started in again and I just had to walk out the door. Must of got one of those non believers in something.

[Magicman]

As an employee, he was very wrong to push the issue, no matter what is belief is or what his employer directed that he should say.

You were very right to say what is in your heart.

[Bibbyman]

Here is how I decorated...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5-OC_5rksk

I just fired this up on our big screen TV.

[Roxie]

We didn't put any lights outside because our electric bill is already more than we can handle.  However, we've got a 20 pound ham in the oven, and more joy than we deserve because we've got each other, and a healthy growing family. 

I find great comfort in the fact that when I look back on my fondest memories of my childhood, and specifically Christmas, not one single toy comes to mind.  The things I treasure are my family, all together and just loving life. 

[Gary_C]

I find great comfort in the fact that when I look back on my fondest memories of my childhood, and specifically Christmas, not one single toy comes to mind. 

What, no Red Ryder BB Gun?   :D :D

But I sure agree with you on the idea of too much commercialization of Christmas. But right now that notion is not good for the economy.

[sawman]

 Went into a few stores this past week and to my suprise they said Merry Christmas, of
course these were not big chain stores, but kinda mom and pop operations.
I let them know that I appreciated them sayin Merry Christmas instead of happy holidays.

[Patty]

Our family spent Christmas eve together last night, and it was wonderful! The grandsons were such a delight, opening presents and playing. Christmas is sharing your love, and we have so much to share!

It is a lot of hard work to keep families close in spirit. Often times life gets in the way, and it seems easier just to stop trying. Much forgiving needs to happen, and acceptance, and no judgements, and just love no matter what. It is very hard work, but oh so very worth it. Even if sometimes the love is not reciprocated as it should be, or feelings get hurt, or people get angry....so what. Move on, forgive, and send love their way. If nothing else, you will feel better for having done so.

I know this sounds so simplistic, and if you think about it, it is. I am not a religious person in the sense of church and Bible and all, but I get the love part, and that to me is what it is all about.

So we each have a choice to make, and to make every single day. We can harbor grudges, and envelope our hearts in hatefulness, hurt and guilt, or we can release all that anger, and let it go away.....far away. At first it is difficult to let it all go....so many memories, and the grudges are comfortable after many years. Sharing love seems silly, but soon it will fill you with warmth, and you will like it, and it be be returned many times over if you allow it.

Despair and anguish can overwhelm us when our life is based on monetary achievements and pride. I like money as much as the next guy, more than I'd care to admit. But I have done without money many times in my life, lost it all, and it sucked big time. But what held it together was love for family and friends and life in general. Believing in more than the money in the pocketbook is huge.

Did the sun come up this morning? Yes? Then life is worth living. Smile! Laugh! It feels good.  ;)

Merry Christmas everybody!

[trapper]

Our local menards store plays traditional christmas songs this time of the year including some religous ones.  Makes me want to support them.

[bugdust]

Past Christmas are just a memory, time changes most of our lives one way or another. I lost my dad 9 years ago (my how time flys, I miss him badly.) My mother is spending Christmas this year in Dayton with my only sister. My newphew and family skipped out and flew to Disney. Daughter-in-law lost her mother back in the fall and she has her dad now to care for,( tough Christmas for them.) We gathered with Suzie's family last evening but her mother is in poor health so it was kinda quite and low-keyed. This may be her last Christmas.

Having said all that, it's still a great day! Remember, it's not about us. Let's be happy! We're celebrating the birth of The Lord Jesus Christ. I really have so much to be thankful for.  Do you?

MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIENDS!

[Norm]

I still enjoy it as much as when I was a kid!

[Kansas]

The last several years my son has been a lot of miles away, so Christmas was mostly another day, maybe a little needed downtime. This year the son was still many miles away, but I had a nice dinner on Christmas Eve at the F.M.'s house. Her kids and grandkids were there. Fun watching them tear open presents. I did the desserts, and it sure is nice cooking and watching everyone enjoy it. Sure beats just cooking for yourself. Thought we were gonna have a moment there over who got the last piece of cheesecake. Fortunately got one of them diverted to the pile of fudge.

I really hate seeing so many on this forum struggle with their businesses. I looked at a map of unemployment by states the other day, and its disheartening to see some of the states that are struggling. This recovery has been so uneven, and if you happen to be in the wrong state, and even the wrong locale within that state, well its gonna be a tough road. I look at how many have drifted away from this forum, and I wonder how many of them did so because they lost their business, or had to change to another job, and didn't really want anyone to know about it. The post about businessmen apparently just ending it struck a nerve. I remember when in the early 80's, it was farmers. They realized they were about to lose a way of life, and maybe a farm that had been in the family for generations. Failing should not mean you feel the shame and humiliation that drives people to that extreme option.. I have failed several times in my life. It might happen again. But you always have to keep wondering whats over that next hill. It might be something far better.

On a lighter note, when I was about 4 or 5 I had a fascination with trains. So one Christmas i got this train on wheels. I could push it all over the house. It had a train whistle. It was loud. Real loud. I loved blowing that whistle. Would blow it all day long. Funny thing about that train. About a week after I got it, it disappeared. I looked everywhere for it. Never could find it.

[Qweaver]

When we were young it seems like everyone was poor but the few gifts that we did get were enough to thrill us.  Stockings filled with fruits and nuts were happily consummed.  Now, Sarah gets a new Gator, I get a new sawmill and Sonya gets a new apartment filled with new appliances.  But the thrill of opening packages of socks, shirts, and sheets is still there and we love it.  The family will gather for dinner.  Preacher Sarah will be working overtime with church going-ons...We love Christmas!  Now let's git back on those diets.

Quinton

[sawguy21]

Went to stepson Chris' home last night. Five year old was bouncing off the walls, she gets pretty loud when she gets excited. 22 month old Leila was sitting on dad's knee with her usual poker face taking it all in.
She was interesting to watch. After the first couple of gifts were open she figured out that a bright box in dad's hands meant another toy so got into the unwrapping. ;D The cat went nuts in the paper.It was fun.

[Chuck White]

My childhood Christmas' were much as Bibbyman described.

The family was not "well-off", but we had love and we always got something.

That's what Christmas is all about anyways!

Warm Christmas wishes go out to all of the Forestry Forum family!

[ARKANSAWYER]

  Well Burlkraft and Kansas hit mine in the 10 ring for sure.  I have hated this time of year for about 15 years now.  While I love the fact of Christmas and what it stands for, as soon as I hear the word Black Friday and see the mess on TV the Bah-Humbug settles on my shoulders like a heavy pack.
  No lights or tree here and soon going up for dinner with the in-laws and then I will ease out to the deer stand and read a book and do some praying.  Got to eat good the next few days as Wed I am getting my tonsils taken out and it is ice cream for a few days then I am headed to Kansas to see if I can find a job.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[Patty]

We opted out of the craziness a few years ago. Our gifts are purchased or made for the kids and grandkids....not because they need anything, but because we love giving. Once all the rest of the hoorah was eliminated, it became fun to enjoy the Christmas spirit and beauty once again. I love the music and enjoy playing the songs on the piano, no matter how badly I screw up. I love the traditions...Christmas trees, lights, wreaths, the bell ringers. Each can be simple or elaborate, and still be very special. I love the happiness and joy that the holiday generates.

I choose to ignore the Black Friday nonsense, and the bah humbug attitudes. If those folks want to be miserable, it is ok by me! I just refuse to let them and their bad attitudes effect me.

Feeling love and giving happiness is not a dollar issue, it is an issue for the heart.  smiley_christmas

[Chuck White]

Hey..........Happy birthday Sawman.

Today is also my wife Sheila's birthday.

edit

[WDH]

Happy Birthday, Sawman!!

[BBTom]

I personally believe that Bugdust has the right thought.  It is easy to get depressed when everything you hear about Christmas is what gift to get or give.  Now might be a time to step back from all that and say "Happy Birthday, Jesus.  Thank you, Lord for sending Him to us."

[Bill Gaiche]

ARKANSAWYER hope the tonsile deal turns out ok. Good luck with finding work and do keep in touch. bg

[paul case]

I personally believe that Bugdust has the right thought.  It is easy to get depressed when everything you hear about Christmas is what gift to get or give.  Now might be a time to step back from all that and say "Happy Birthday, Jesus.  Thank you, Lord for sending Him to us."

Well said there BBTom.

PC

[Faron]

Well, this morning I am going to tell you about Tractors for Trenton.  I hope it will put  the meaning of Christmas and giving in perspective. 
Early this summer a young family lost their child in a drowning accident. Trenton was the youngest of their five children.  Amber and Jason grew up with my kids, and have always been friends.  Rather than giving in to despair, Amber founded Tractors for Trenton, an organization to provide toys and necessary items such as clothes to local needy kids.  Her faith not only allowed her to get out of bed in the morning, but gave her to drive to care for her family while forming this organization. 
I will provide some links that will tell the story much better than I can.
http://dubois-pikecounty.14wfie.com/news/community-spirit/50357-tractors-trenton-moms-story
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tractors-for-Trenton/205637882825031
http://tractorsfortrenton.blogspot.com/
Somehow I am finding it difficult to adequately describe the response in the area.  I was amazed at the way elementary and high school kids helped with this cause.  National Honor Society, FFA, Cheerleaders, elementary school classes, Sunday school classes, businesses and individuals all pitched in.
I believe they helped 83 kids have a better Christmas.
I talked to one little boy yesterday at Church.  He was sporting a brand new pair of John Deere boots.  He told me, "A little boy named Trenton died, but his momma wanted me to have a pair of boots. 
If you all will, just offer up a prayer for Jason and Amber and their family this Christmas season.

[beenthere]

Our Christmas was quiet but enjoyable with two of the teenage grand daughters here.

Here is a short story of a retired cop about Christmas.  A tough job.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxjZB5S_g7s&feature=youtu.be

[Magicman]

Thank you beenthere for that video.   

[SPIKER]

It has been a tough decade for us, and the last two years been real bad for my family.   Back in 2000 we lost my sister to long illness which she was our family event planner and a great person to be around in the holidays.   after she passed it has not been the same.   We half heartily carried on for the first few years and things got a little better.   Just mostly family getting together to eat and such as there are no young kids to really celebrate gifts with.   Last year we lost my dad in November, my mom in January and my brother in September.   The family didnt do much at all for Christmas last year had a small dinner but wasnt very enjoyable.   This year my Niece had a baby 3 months ago, my brother would have loved to meet the little guy so I'm acting like a grandpa as he wont have any others...   I dont have kids of my own and my GFs kids are the materialistic type all wanting gifts so they all spend holidays with their rich grandma & dad even though we were ones made sure they got the stuff they needed as kids...

With the BABY things were a little more fun this year but still only been a year & a bit since a large part of the family passed so things have really changed...

As a family we were not into gifts all that much as we were dirt poor good food and family was what we all enjoyed the most.

Mark

[gunman63]

Awesome and inspiring

[gunman63]

video i mean

[tcsmpsi]

We try.  Burlkraft, I hear you. 

I think many of us from them 'olden times' had similar Christmas.  I never remember asking for anything, so was always grateful for whatever or nothing.  I liked the spirit of it, and there was always something special around somewhere.

A couple years ago, the immediate family agreed on just stockings.  Little odds and ends, a few special treats, etc.  Which is as good as it has been with other stuff, as far as that goes.  None of the grandchildren made it this year....or, the year before now that I think of it.  Oldest daughter and her husband were in Mexico for Thanksgiving, and 'entertaining' at their house for Christmas  (which put me a bit off center).  Youngest daughter is back living at the house, oldest surviving boy got a few days pass from Afghanistan, but they are stationed at Ft Drum, though it is good to know he is on American soil and with his family.  He called as he was waiting to leave, to let me know he had decided to stay in the military in order to make a living.   The youngest boy came for a bit with his girlfriend...who, made it plain that she hadn't gotten enough stuff... : and, I was my normal self to that.  She got 'sick' and they had to go. 

There is good reason that in civilized societies families gather at the 'senior' households for Christmas and other important events.
And, of course, Mom and I always have a quiet moment pass between us remembering the buried son.

No, bibby, it surely doesn't have as much flavor as once it did.  And yes, we have no trouble whatsoever appreciating the box of cereal (for me, it is actually crackers)  . 

I did search and find old wooden ornaments on ebay for my wife for Christmas, which I gave her a few days early, and she retired all the glass balls.  So, that was a big plus.   ;D 
I made pies and cookies and such, as I have traditionally for.....ooohhhh...uh, a few decades.  And we ATE, and still have plenty to EAT.   :D

The youngest daughter works at WalMart....what a revolting set of circumstances that place is.  Mean spirited people become all their 'glory' there around Christmas (and most the rest of the time)  :'(
We're short vehicles now, so Mom and I have to coordinate rides for her to and from there. 
Mom flips burgers at the big mac, now.  Of course, old habits of having run business for all those years, she can't help but be a 'thorn in the side'.   :D  Both, walmart and the big mac closed for Christmas day, and they both had to work the closing.
My baby sister called me Christmas day, and the next oldest took the phone and talked to me (a big highlight for me)  .  They both have been calling from time to time since we buried their mother last year and the baby brother the year before.   A couple weeks ago, the 'now baby brother' (twins) called me....from jail.  DWI.  His first (at almost 50) experience with arrest, etc. and needed counsel.   :D  ( I was good about not 'I told you so'....pretty much.) 

I always take Christmas day off, which is good.   And, it was cold and drizzly, and had a good fire going in the woodstove.  The youngest daughter got me Billy Jack collection  on dvd (they fit in the stocking), and those went on in the background.  Seeing those 'today', I had even more appreciation for the time and content than I did back then.

Ol' dad ate and dozed and lounged...and ate, and dozed....    ;D

Yeah...I like Christmas, anyhow. 

But then, the BS surrounding it seems to get deeper and deeper every year.   :(

[inspectorwoody]

Great stories everyone. Very interesting read. 

Great video Beenthere. Brings back a lot of memories of Dad having to beat the streets during the holidays. As a kid than, I didn't understand it and it was upsetting but looking back I wouldn't change it for the world.

Dad and I always use to get a real tree. Used the C-7 lights, not the fancy ones. Tree wasn't decorated fancy, just things I'd made in school and other older ornaments that Dad had. My job was to keep it watered and for some reason, I enjoyed laying underneath it and taking nap or looking up through the tree when it was all lit up. It was neat I guess. 

Natalie and I didn't do gifts this year. She got me a card and I got her a card and some flowers. You could call the flowers a gift but I don't do flowers like some guys do.  :D  She has been the greatest gift I have ever been given. She came into my life at a rough time, got exposed to some rough waters and still stuck with me.

Even at a young age, I dislike Christmas.

From my point of view, it is simply so commercialized anymore. It seems that so many have put a money value on Christmas vs. the real reason for the day.

It seems that if a person does get gifts, the person is expected or decides that the amount of money spent on that person's gift should be equal to the next person's gift etc. I've heard to many times, "Well I spent $100 on him and I already spent $75 on her but I need to find something else to make it equal."

Natalie's folks are that way. It bugs me but I've learned to deal with it. I guess it isn't my money so maybe I shouldn't worry about it. I don't want or expect anything from them. Her dad has helped me with the mill and done other things for me. That alone is enough.

It always use to be fun going to my Dad's side of the family. Now there is only one Aunt that is still married. One Aunt is a drunk to say the least and hooked up with the wrong guy and has caused tension in the family. One Aunt doesn't come back as her kids and grand kids live in the same area and that is understandable. So it was just a few of us and a good meal which meant more than years passed but from what it used to be till now sucks to say the least.

Lost Grandma two days after Thanksgiving so that made it harder than normal.

So I guess I'm just a 29 year old Scrooge.  :D

I'm a few days late but I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and the New Year is good to you all.

I don't post much but I do a lot of reading and sure do appreciate the stories, views etc. of all of you. I hope someday I'm as wise and can understand/see things the way you all do. A lot of life's lesson's are shared here everyday and some of them have helped me.

Thanks again.