Christmas

mostly, my family and friends know me as a Scrooge-like person when it comes to Christmas celebrations.
The truth, however, is less obvious. The scrooge character has become associated with people who are tight fisted or unhappy or trying to squeeze the last drop of work out of the staff without acknowledging their family's needs.
Scrooge has also become associated with what we now call the "ghosts of Christmases past" and "Christmas Future" -- a future that will happen if we do not change the present. (Present as in Time not gifts.)

Well, if Christmas was a one week affair, full of carols and hymns with it culminating  in a family gathering. I would love it.

I am not the first, nor the only one, that laments all the commercialization of Christmas, but to me it is not about gift giving or the Santa fable, with too many voices saying how parents can harm their children with the continued spreading of that tale.
It is a) the length of the shopping spree that depresses me, and b) the types of gifts. Really, A car with a bow on it for Christmas?!  How big is this demographic? Of course some of the One-percenters can do that.
Just to set the record straight, I love Christmas. I still remember "Christmases past" with a smile and a tear. I was raised in vicarage for my first 9 years. I still remember sitting in the church watching my Grandfather conducting the Christmas service; every time I hear Hark the Herald Angels sing, I can see him standing there announcing the "final Hymn". I cry, even it is Mariah Carey's version!
And Elvis singing Blue Christmas recalls a very special memory and link with my sister. (I miss you, honey. If only the young Michael had a clue as to how jets, the Internet or Skype are useless tools for replacing the touch of a hand.)
It is the Christmas-Futures I can no longer cope with.
The ache of missing loved ones increases every month and Christmas just seems to amplify the pain.

On a brighter note, Bring on the eggnog ! Put on Phil Spector's Christmas LP ! I also enjoy the sharing of time with family and friends, but I do not need another gift to open for the rest of my life... however, if you need a hint, I always appreciate another book. (p.s. not a hardback!)