Argh people are already smothering their houses in outside christmas decorations

One just up the road from me has got fully decked out and lit up front yard christmas decorations already and it's still a month to go!

I'll be lucky if I even had a tree unless it's a really small one that's easy to pack away.

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FreddieUK · 70-79, M

It's so sad that people try to extend what should be a lovely, special time to such a length that it just becomes boring and ordinary well before Christmas and young kids get wound up for an eternity (to them). I try to fight it and no decorations go up until much nearer the time and then they are enjoyed for those special days.

VeronicaJane

Christmas for the large part has been completely commercialized. Stores had decorations and such out even before Halloween. Then immediately afterward several houses started putting lights on their houses. (I totally get putting them up before you're freezing your fingers and nose...) Now many have lights on houses, yard decorations and fully decorated Christmas trees in their windows each evening.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@VeronicaJane So much so that what has become called "Halloween", with all its pumpkins, plastic spiders and bats and conical hats, has nothing at all to do with Hallowe'en. Christmas is going the same way.

zonavar68 · 56-60, M

@ArishMell You can debate until the cows come home about what Christmas 'means'. Religious people will argue till they're blue in the face about the true meaning based on their Christian, Islam or other branded religion's 'doctrines', while most people accept it's a 'time for family'. For a lifetime shiftworker like me, holiday seasons mean very little since normally I have to work through them. Halloween, Christmas, Valentines Day, Easter, etc. are all gross in my view because of the mass hyper-commercialisation that 'drives' them. Valentines in particular is a massive affront to everyone who is *not* in a deep, loving, romantic relationship as a couple (and who might be married) and for those who are they are 'told' that they 'must' celebrate and demonstate their love on Feb 14 only when the rest of the year is 'irrelevant'. It's about as toxic as how weddings are 100 pct about the bride and 0 pct about the other person. There's another hyper-commercialised 'trend'.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@zonavar68 Oh, of course I realise the point about "meaning".

What I see is any sort of original meaning or any other attachments such as that "time for family" submerged in the growing flood of commercial dross you point out.

I am also well aware many people have to work through such festivities, or at least be on-call. Very close to home too, as my brother-in-law is an undertaker, and yes, he and his colleagues have occasionally to visit newly-bereaved families on Christmas Day.

We do, largely, agree!

ArishMell · 70-79, M

I agree with your sentiments entirely.

My decorations go up on Christmas Eve or a day or so previously and come down on Twelfth Night (or its day).

I have only a small, artificial tree with some battery-powered lights and a few baubles, and two strings from which to hang the cards. Plus a wreath on the outside of the front door.

The tree goes on the front room window-sill, but though only a few feet from the pavement, shrubs in my little front garden largely hide it from passers-by.

One Christmas I suspended a hurricane-lamp (paraffin wick lamp) above the front door and lit it every night of the dozen nights of the Christmas season - but its effect was largely lost by a street-lamp nearly opposite the house.

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

I recently uncovered a ceramic christmas tree that has a globe inside that shines through various coloured lights mounted on it. Maybe 40 cm tall and hand made and painted by my wife many years ago in some ceramics class she did with friends. I have decided thats my only decoration this year. Just have to clear off the dining table..😷

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whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@FreddieUK Yes..The personal connection is more significant to me than any other part..😷

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@whowasthatmaskedman A lovely thing to do.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@FreddieUK Yes - I've made presents over the years, for relatives or friends.

Stuffy · 61-69, F

I like the lights. They brighten things up. I’m not into the meaning of Christmas. It’s just pretty and bright and that’s why people do it. It’s too dark in the evening.

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