Best and worst things about christmas

kerryjack · 23-12-2017 2:27pm #1

Best, you can pop a can at 10 am, cooked ham, wife dressed up in a sexy santa outfit, no work, excitement christmas morning when kids get Santa, worst, spending money I don't have on **** stuff that nobody gives a ****e about, christmas day mass with a heap of kids that don't want to be there listening to a man talking ****e for an hour, feeling bloated after pigging out on rich food and you can feel all your archieries tightening,. Spoiled kids that are on a massive sugar rush. And of couse the hangover.

Peatys · 23-12-2017 2:29pm

Trays of Guinness for €20 in Tesco.

Alf Veedersane · 23-12-2017 2:31pm

kerryjack wrote: »

Best, you can pop a can at 10 am, cooked ham, wife dressed up in a sexy santa outfit, no work, excitement christmas morning when kids get Santa

...and rough him up a bit?

The_Valeyard · 23-12-2017 2:33pm

Best

Food
Family
Midnight Mass

Worst

Too much food
Too much family time

foxy farmer · 23-12-2017 4:10pm

The worst for me has to be the hour long episodes of the soaps. Misery, fighting and a murder or 2. The dog gets a good long walk every Christmas.
It's nice to wind down for a few days and to pig out.

Dr Crayfish · 23-12-2017 4:28pm

I can't believe people under 60 still go to mass! And yes I know I'm edgy.

_Kaiser_ · 23-12-2017 4:39pm

Best.. the little fella's excitement as he discovers and opens his presents from Santy

Worst.. pretty much everything else TBH.

Pac1Man · 23-12-2017 4:41pm

Listening to the 'I hate Christmas' spiel from the usual few is definitely the worst.

diomed · 23-12-2017 4:46pm

Free stuff

pickarooney · 23-12-2017 4:49pm

Best: a day off
Worst: shopping

Potential-Monke · 23-12-2017 4:51pm

Best: It's only once a year
Worst: Everything else

leimmxvii · 23-12-2017 4:53pm

Worst, over the few nights out the nightclubs ALWAYS play Fairytale of New York as the last song of the night.. ugh

suicide_circus · 23-12-2017 5:02pm

Worst: the savage commercialism. it really is pathetic to watch the pandemonium in shops at this time of year.

Best: Spiced beef sandwiches

Gunslinger92 · 23-12-2017 5:09pm

Best: getting to spend a whole week at home being fed

Worst: the eventual boredom and being away from OH (from different parts of the country)

whisky_galore · 23-12-2017 6:54pm

Best. Time off work.

Worst. The annual spendfest insanity, people getting into debt buying crap.

Dr Crayfish · 23-12-2017 7:37pm

I heard someone ask for "Spiced beef" in a supermarket the other day. What is this stuff? Is it a Christmas thing?

SeaFields · 23-12-2017 7:44pm

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

I heard someone ask for "Spiced beef" in a supermarket the other day. What is this stuff? Is it a Christmas thing?

It is Christmas rolled up in meaty goodness. Tis a Cork thing boy.

SEPT 23 1989 · 23-12-2017 7:45pm

You want to smell that spiced beef sh1t when it's cooking

Heaven

wakka12 · 23-12-2017 8:47pm

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

I can't believe people under 60 still go to mass! And yes I know I'm edgy.

Im not at all religious. Completely atheist as are my whole family
But I like going, nice getting dressed up. 10am mass stops us from sleeping in late so we make the most of the day. I think a nice bit of slightly boring mass and standing and kneeling to prayers gives some balance to a day of completely gluttony and pleasure
And the hymns and choir are beautiful to listen to.
Its something Ill be doing every christmas till the end of my life!

Rosie Rant · 23-12-2017 8:53pm

Best: spending time picking out presents for loved ones that I know they will like.
Worst: wrapping said presents, losing the end of the tape about 47 million times and almost crying with frustration cause the paper just won't fold the way I want it to.

Best: FOOD!! So much food!!!
Worst: ugh.. food. Too much food..

Best: seeing family and spending time with them. Having a laugh.
Worst: the inevitable arguments over the telly amid loud, earth-shattering snores from whoever has dozed off in front of the fire due to eating and drinking too much.

Best: going through the Christmas RTE Guide, picking out what to watch.
Worst: ending up watching the Mrs. Brown Christmas Special anyway.

Spanish Eyes · 23-12-2017 8:54pm

The best thing about Christmas is the lead in to it. Meeting friends, the lights in town, everyone full of bonhomie. That's the great bit.

Then the reality of it all....Christmas Day is something to be endured really, and I don't mean to rain on anyone's parade either, it is the reality for most of us who don't have young children.

Cooped up all day in a very warm house. Nowhere to escape to. And yes I know we can get out for a walk, followed by "where do you think you're going, we have to pull the crackers etc" LOL.

But it is OK, just a day of slightly forced jollity.

If people were very honest they would say they are relieved when CD is over! But as long as we try to enjoy it as best we can that's all good.

heldel00 · 23-12-2017 8:55pm

wakka12 wrote: »

Im not at all religious. Completely atheist as are my whole family
But I like going, nice getting dressed up. 10am mass stops us from sleeping in late so we make the most of the day. I think a nice bit of slightly boring mass and standing and kneeling to prayers gives some balance to a day of completely gluttony and pleasure
And the hymns and choir are beautiful to listen to.
Its something Ill be doing every christmas till the end of my life!

Each to their own and all that but I really don't get this!

Roger Hassenforder · 23-12-2017 9:01pm

heldel00 wrote: »

Each to their own and all that but I really don't get this!

He/she might like the community coming together/social aspect of a good mass!

23-12-2017 9:07pm

whisky_galore wrote: »

Worst. The annual spendfest insanity, people getting into debt buying crap.

Similar to my worst. I think it's just wrong if someone feels financial pressure at Christmas- it's not what Christmas is about at all- we should go back to keeping it simple and about friendships and family, not consumer goods.

Best thing of Christmas- creating new traditions like meeting up with people for dinner (at home) or a special Christmas breakfast.

One_Of_Shanks · 23-12-2017 9:08pm

kerryjack wrote: »

Best, you can pop a can at 10 am, cooked ham, wife dressed up in a sexy santa outfit

Christmas in your gaff sounds fantastic!!!!!

If it was like that here then I'd finally understand those famous lyrics "I wish it could be Christmas every day".

AMKC · 23-12-2017 9:14pm

Best thing is being with Family, The worst is the madness in the shops and all the crazy traffic on the roads.

Johngoose · 23-12-2017 9:24pm

The predictability of Christmas is the worst. The feigned excitement when a family member gives you your €50 present, the traffic, the ****e t.v., the anti-climax, the pointlessness of Secret Santa at work and the talking to young kids about the mythical fella in the red suit.

heldel00 · 23-12-2017 9:38pm

Roger Hassenforder wrote: »

He/she might like the community coming together/social aspect of a good mass!

Nope still don't get it. In my opinion you can't be a complete atheist and enjoy a mass.

Dr Crayfish · 23-12-2017 10:01pm

heldel00 wrote: »

Nope still don't get it. In my opinion you can't be a complete atheist and enjoy a mass.

Also I don't know one person in my area that goes to mass, so it wouldn't be much of a community thing for me! I think outside of Dublin mass etc is more popular though.

clairewithani · 23-12-2017 10:04pm

Johngoose wrote: »

The predictability of Christmas is the worst. The feigned excitement when a family member gives you your €50 present, the traffic, the ****e t.v., the anti-climax, the pointlessness of Secret Santa at work and the talking to young kids about the mythical fella in the red suit.

€50 present is grand. No? Maybe I am too poor or too easily pleased.

Grandeeod · 23-12-2017 10:20pm

heldel00 wrote: »

Nope still don't get it. In my opinion you can't be a complete atheist and enjoy a mass.

I'm with you on that score. It's up there with the worst aspect for me. Non believers, half believers and don't know's, packing into the church on Christmas Day. It's just part of the Christmas "atmosphere" for them. A routine even. I hardly believe. I don't go. End of story. I don't need it to make Christmas Day a bit special. If you don't believe and profess to being an aethiest and still attend mass on Christmas Day, you need to take a long hard look at yourself.

Best - A child believing in Santa. I'm just about on my last year of it. I've held the opinion that Christmas is about Kids and that adults hi jack it with their gluttony. On Christmas morning, I'll be happy out watching my daughter happy. That's enough for me.

P_1 · 23-12-2017 10:27pm

Best: Town being absolutely deserted

Worst: The guilt trip you get for deciding to enjoy deserted town

Hermy · 23-12-2017 10:43pm

Worst thing is it happens every year without fail and there's no getting away from it.

Best thing is it eventually ends.

Roger Hassenforder · 23-12-2017 11:37pm

heldel00 wrote: »

Nope still don't get it. In my opinion you can't be a complete atheist and enjoy a mass.

whats a "complete" atheist though? should a complete atheist not even celebrate/recognise the birth of yet another god?

im an atheist, i go to Christmas day mass the odd time, i enjoy the singing and music, meeting the neighbours, seeing what other kids got from Santa, meeting elderly neighbours, whose Christmas it might be the last, good to all mankind and peace on earth stuff. you can ignore the goddy bits!

Roger Hassenforder · 23-12-2017 11:44pm

Grandeeod wrote: »

I'm with you on that score. It's up there with the worst aspect for me. Non believers, half believers and don't know's, packing into the church on Christmas Day. It's just part of the Christmas "atmosphere" for them. A routine even. I hardly believe. I don't go. End of story. I don't need it to make Christmas Day a bit special. If you don't believe and profess to being an aethiest and still attend mass on Christmas Day, you need to take a long hard look at yourself.

Best - A child believing in Santa. I'm just about on my last year of it. I've held the opinion that Christmas is about Kids and that adults hi jack it with their gluttony. On Christmas morning, I'll be happy out watching my daughter happy. That's enough for me.

We could be about the seriously derail the thread here!

is your kid not opening her presents a special time with them, an aspect of the whole atmosphere of jesus birthday that you like...?

Logo · 23-12-2017 11:49pm

Best, not having to jump through hoops for family
Worst, christmas day mass without a heap of kids that don't want to be there listening to a man talking ****e for an hour. No kids. And the hangover.

heldel00 · 23-12-2017 11:51pm

Roger Hassenforder wrote: »

whats a "complete" atheist though? should a complete atheist not even celebrate/recognise the birth of yet another god?

im an atheist, i go to Christmas day mass the odd time, i enjoy the singing and music, meeting the neighbours, seeing what other kids got from Santa, meeting elderly neighbours, whose Christmas it might be the last, good to all mankind and peace on earth stuff. you can ignore the goddy bits!

Wakka described him/herself as completely atheist that is why I referred to them as that.

I don't think the "goddy bits" should be ignored, particularly at Christmas. I can see why you would do this at weddings, funerals etc where you are being "forced" to attend but no, not at Christmas.
If are that keen on seeing the neighbours etc then wait outside the door of the church, head to the local Christmas morning swim, perch yourself at the bar on Stephen's night but don't use what is very important to other people as a social outlet.
Again this is only my opinion. Obviously everyone is welcome in a church but be there for the right reasons

cbyrd · 23-12-2017 11:53pm

Best,
Creating something special every year from Santy thats a bit different. This year is a North Pole Award certificate for all the kids from Santy overseen by the international and interworld council of elves and fairiesh (IICEF) ... Complete with a seal stamp and ribbon rolled up in their stocking (tough year for them so can't wait to see the reaction)

Loads of calorie free food (doesn't count on Christmas day)

Everyone at home.

Worst.
Missing the ones that can't be there. My dad, and my baba in hospital..
The food hangover
The noise of the kids by 4 pm cos they're knackered and cranky! Lol
Bring it on!

Roger Hassenforder · 23-12-2017 11:58pm

heldel00 wrote: »

Wakka described him/herself as completely atheist that is why I referred to them as that.

I don't think the "goddy bits" should be ignored, particularly at Christmas. I can see why you would do this at weddings, funerals etc where you are being "forced" to attend but no, not at Christmas.
If are that keen on seeing the neighbours etc then wait outside the door of the church, head to the local Christmas morning swim, perch yourself at the bar on Stephen's night but don't use what is very important to other people as a social outlet.
Again this is only my opinion. Obviously everyone is welcome in a church but be there for the right reasons

maybe the holy ghost will descend on me and convert me or something

NollagShona · 24-12-2017 12:01am

Best: Xmas Eve
Worst: Xmas Day

Grandeeod · 24-12-2017 12:01am

Roger Hassenforder wrote: »

We could be about the seriously derail the thread here!
is your kid not opening her presents a special time with them, an aspect of the whole atmosphere of jesus birthday that you like...?

Derail it all you want, as I have a multitude of pressies to wrap, a ham to soak in coke, a turkey to debone and all the other "last minute" bits and pieces to do. While your asleep in bed I'll be hoovering, washing my car, getting a hair cut, while organising the finger food for my Christmas Eve party.

Actually, I won't be doing any of that.

Seriously though, I disagree with your point/question. I fooking hate Christmas with a passion. I have no negative experiences that caused it. It just developed over the years. My key priorities every year are to please those close to me beacuse they believe in the whole Christmas thing. Therefore I play along and do it with aplomb. However I draw the line at parading down to Mass.

Pretzill · 24-12-2017 12:08am

Best: Saying you're aren't available for work until next year and it feels like longer than the week it actually is. Nice food. Good walks. No religion for me either prefer to think I'm celebrating some sort of mid winter feast.

Worst: The people who used to share it with you are no more.

Kuva · 24-12-2017 12:13am

Buzz killers the lot of ye on here

Logo · 24-12-2017 12:15am

Best, posting a question on AHs for a constructive reply - and liking the replies.
Worse, having a thread closed by mod on the eve of christmas eve - even thought it was posted earlier in the Terrestrial forum without a reply

heldel00 · 24-12-2017 12:16am

Roger Hassenforder wrote: »

maybe the holy ghost will descend on me and convert me or something

With the help of God!

Have a lovely xmas (see what i did there for ya!)

wakka12 · 24-12-2017 12:31am

Grandeeod wrote: »

I'm with you on that score. It's up there with the worst aspect for me. Non believers, half believers and don't know's, packing into the church on Christmas Day. It's just part of the Christmas "atmosphere" for them. A routine even. I hardly believe. I don't go. End of story. I don't need it to make Christmas Day a bit special. If you don't believe and profess to being an aethiest and still attend mass on Christmas Day, you need to take a long hard look at yourself.

Best - A child believing in Santa. I'm just about on my last year of it. I've held the opinion that Christmas is about Kids and that adults hi jack it with their gluttony. On Christmas morning, I'll be happy out watching my daughter happy. That's enough for me.

Why? over dramatic much? People could do worse things than be atheists and go to mass.
Nearly everyone over 18 in ireland has been raised in a catholic upbringing so its hardly surprising many people still continue a christmas routine even if they no longer believe in god
I strongly believed in god until my early teens and now I enjoy mass for the nice music and seeing all the happy families and elderly people together on christmas. Its not such a big deal as some posters are making it out to be.

freshpopcorn · 24-12-2017 12:34am

One thing I don't really like about Christmas is the ordeal people make out of cooking the dinner. You are essentially cooking a big roast dinner and if you do something different you generally have a simple enough recipe to follow. Every year you have to listen to people's struggle with something that is a very basic task!

FTA69 · 24-12-2017 12:53am

The f*cking soaps. Honest to Jesus, an hour of Corrie, an hour of miserable f*cking Eastenders, f*cking Fair City to add to the total ludicrousness of it all and then stupid Emmerdale afterward. Worst still, with catch up now we have to watch them all back to back. My family are mostly women obsessed with that sh*te so we can’t even have a proper chat anywhere without being shushed and shouted at for interrupting Ian f*cking Beale or Zac Dingle or who the f*ck ever.

It really boils my p*ss And is the one thing that turns me off the day. This year I’ve a telly secured and it’ll be wall to wall Die Hard in the spare room with loads of cans and Xanax. Pure bliss.

stargazing123 · 24-12-2017 1:01am

Best part is spending time with family.Everyone gathered around the christmas tree opening presents,then heading to the kitchen for the Christmas dinner.Worst part is the fact that many people are still homeless or very lonely at this time of year and we also need to think about them.x

BuboBubo · 24-12-2017 1:02am

Best - time off work.

Worst - the circa 1997 T.V film listings.

NollagShona · 24-12-2017 1:19am

FTA69 wrote: »

The f*cking soaps. Honest to Jesus, an hour of Corrie, an hour of miserable f*cking Eastenders, f*cking Fair City to add to the total ludicrousness of it all and then stupid Emmerdale afterward. Worst still, with catch up now we have to watch them all back to back. My family are mostly women obsessed with that sh*te so we can’t even have a proper chat anywhere without being shushed and shouted at for interrupting Ian f*cking Beale or Zac Dingle or who the f*ck ever.

It really boils my p*ss And is the one thing that turns me off the day. This year I’ve a telly secured and it’ll be wall to wall Die Hard in the spare room with loads of cans and Xanax. Pure bliss.

Don’t mix Alcohol with Benzos, but Merry Xmas!

Best and worst things about christmas

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