The meaning of the season to me is...

[Mr. Bloom]

We represent many nations, occupations, attitudes, beliefs, etc.

What is this time of year to you? (Please respect our differences...)

[crazycanuck]

Can you please add another one..None of the above...

Thanks

[Mr. Bloom]

Sorry CC, can't figure out how to do that...but your vote is noted nonetheless

Hope you have good weather down under...or are you visiting the northern hemisphere?

[kelownagirl]

I'd pick #3 but take out the gift-giving. It's certainly a part of it, but it's not the 'meaning'.

[singletrackmind]

A and C, but yeah except the gift giving isn't a meaning part for me, either.

[Starfish]

C & D for me.

[smilingcat]

I'm not spiritual in traditional sense but I voted for spiritual and time for reflection. Yes, it is a time for reflection for me. Was I nice and kind to fellow man? I hope so.

the words on "grown up Christmas list" means a lot to me. I don't view it as religious. I view it as something we should strive.

Happy Holidays,
Smilingcat

[roadie gal]

I'd have to vote either "none of the above" or "other".

I'm not any more or less spiritual this time of year than any other. I would be very happy if there was some emphasis on spirituality (as opposed to religiosity) and giving to the needy this time of year instead of on commercialism, even though I'm not Christian.

[Mr. Bloom]

I would be very happy if there was some emphasis on spirituality (as opposed to religiosity)

An important distinction...I disdain religiosity and feel that it's a hindrance to spiritual growth...

[KnottedYet]

I am a bit dismayed at how crass some of the "Xmas" commercials and ads for gifts have become. And the horrible stress.

Next year I want to celebrate Winter Solstice, with the traditions that historically belong to winter solstice (holly, tree, lights, warm fire, mistletoe, food, little gifts) and de-emphasize the presents. I'd rather Winter Solstice felt more like Thanksgiving or New Year.

Christ's Mass is a christian holy day. It doesn't matter one whit that Jesus was actually born in late summer, the day his birth is celebrated should be respected, not turned to a greed driven free-for-all.

People getting into fights in shopping malls after the best deals, feeling shamed into purchasing more than they can afford, taking gifts back to get what they "really" want, diamonds and cars offered up as ideal gifts in tv ads... none of that is the "spirit of the season" (Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Christ's Mass, Solstice, Saturnalia, Eid al Adha, Jul, etc.) as far as I'm concerned.

[kelownagirl]

Knot - I have managed to escape most o that by turning off the TV. It was hard at first but my life is infinitely better without TV. I only watch hockey and DVD's now. No more crap, no more commercials.

Anyway - I found this on our local news webpage today. Thought it was interestingly relevant - but US results would likely be very different.



Meaning of Christmas?
Dec 24, 2007 / 3:00 pm

A new Ipsos Reid poll released today and conducted on behalf of CanWest News Service and Global Television reveals that while most (94%) Canadians celebrate Christmas, the meaning of Christmas is not the same for all Canadians.

A majority (60%) who celebrate Christmas say, for them, it is best described as ‘a time for family’, virtually unchanged from the 57% who believed the same in 1995.

Further, just 23% believe that Christmas is best described as ‘a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ’, remaining relatively consistent since 1995 (21%).

However, for some (10%) Christmas is just ‘a time for sharing and gift-giving’ (8% in 1995), while others (7%) believe that it is simply ‘a nice festive season in the middle of the winter’ (7% in 1995).

The Christmas season is also a time of tradition for many. In 1995, 86% of Canadians said that they would have a Christmas tree, while in 2007 six in ten (60%) individuals who celebrate Christmas indicate that the will have an artificial tree in their home, while a little more than one third (35%) will have a real Christmas tree.

In preparation for Santa’s climb down the chimney, six in ten (60%) will be hanging stockings on Christmas Eve, which is virtually unchanged since 1995 (58%).

Thinking about the religious meaning of December 25th, nearly one half (48%) of Canadians who celebrate Christmas will be going to church either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, down slightly from the 55% in 1995 who said they would be going to church. However, just as many Canadians in 2007 as in 1995 say they’ll be having a nativity scene in their home (47%).

One tradition that is often a favourite for many is Christmas dinner. Specifically, eight in ten (81%) Canadians suggest that they will be having turkey for Christmas dinner, up from 75% in 1995.

While almost all (94%) Canadians, whether they celebrate Christmas or not, say that they love visiting with family and friends during the festive holidays in December and early January, it appears that all of activities associated with the season are having their toll on Canadians.

Nearly one half (45%) agree that ‘the festive holidays in December and early January are the most stressful times’ of the year.

[bmccasland]

Since I have blood relatives I'd rather not spend much time with - I find the expectation to spend time with family and the season something to get through, dancing carefully around the whole thing. I'm releaved when it's over. I don't consider myself a Grinch, just Norman Rockwell didn't paint a portrait of anyone I know.

[Running Mommy]

The older I get, the more I long for Christmas' past.
I grew up in a large family. While there were only two in my family, my mom was one of 5 kids, and they all had kids, so I have lots of cousins.
We were a ranch family, so we always gathered there- at the home of my grandparents.
Of course growing up on a ranch mean't I was there a lot anyway. For a time I lived in a house on the ranch.
Christmas eve was a day (yes the entire day) that I looked forward to. It gave me a feeling that I can't describe, but I will never forget it. Everyone was there, all day, eating and drinking and having a grand time.
It makes me sad that my son isn't growing up experiencing the same thing I did.
My grandparents died a few years ago, my 500 lB aunt that inherited the ranch has trashed the house because she can't move around to clean it, most all of us cousins have moved away, and those that remain take cruises around christmas.
It's very sad to me. I miss all of us being together, laughing, and telling the same old stories.... sigh...

[Tri Girl]

I choose A and C, but minus the gift giving part. I, like bmccasland, am not a Grinch, but Christmas has kinda lost all significant meaning for me (although, as a Christian, the meaning of the season is very important for me). We go to my DH's relative's houses and exchange gifts that I could really rather do without. I stress about what to buy (because I've never been the type to know "just exactly" what so and so would like) and because gift giving is seen as identifying if you "really" know someone or not. I like getting together with family, but would rather do so without the gifts. I'd rather us all buy presents for underprivileged kids (and next year I'm taking a stand and suggesting that because I'm finally feeling brave enough after 11 years of marriage).
Christmas is too commercial and I wish it would be more about family than gift giving. Seeing as how I see my family once every 2 years or so, I'd much rather spend time with them (but it's nearly impossible for that to happen).
Anyway, sorry I got so long-winded here.

[Thorn]

I don't consider myself a Grinch, just Norman Rockwell didn't paint a portrait of anyone I know.

Very well said, ma'am. You've just bumped out the previous quote of the day..."I'm not too old too ride. I'm too old to fall off". Yours is better for the day.