Why I hate Christmas

I know that seems totally bizarre for someone exploring their call to ministry, but here's my bah humbug rant:

1. The Christmas tunes.You know the stuff - Do you know it's Christmas?, I wish it could be Christmas every day, Last Christmas...the list goes on. I don't know of anyone who really likes them. Okay, I could handle them for about 1 or 2 weeks before the big day, but when some shops have been playing them since mid-October (I kid you not) - the less said about that the better. And why, oh why, oh why has there never been a new Christmas song since the mid-Eighties? Because we can't stand them!!!
   
2. Food. Turkey with all the trimmings. Come on, can we have a little imagination here? Please? But it's traditional, I hear you cry. No it's not. Christmas as a holiday in Scotland is a very new thing. Only in the last 35 years have most businesses closed. We take New Year. Also, turkey is from North America. Goose is more traditional in Britain. I haven't had turkey for Christmas dinner for years (20+ at least) and I can think of very little I'd want less for Christmas. Even last year, I was ill (I do dinner for the family) so my husband do stovies and we postponed Christmas dinner until boxing day (it was venison wellington - made by my own fair hand).
   
3. Christmas nights out. Why put yourself through it? I like having a night out with my friends like the best of us, but when the service is appalling; the food overpriced (and you have to settle your bill before you even get in the restaurant!); it's noisy and you can't get booked anywhere for your husband's birthday for it, unless he wants turkey. Then there's night out with people you work with. Okay, if you are friend with your colleagues, but you know you'll land up sitting next to the person you'd never normally acknowledge the presence of for the duration of dinner. Why not wait until after Christmas? Everything's cheaper and the staff are falling over themselves to help, as they need the money.
   
4. Money. I was shocked to learn the average spend for Christmas this year (and were in the middle of a financial meltdown!) is expected to be £720!!! Down from £800 last year, you'll be pleased to know. I was even more taken aback when I established that was per adult, not household. How? I don't play into the argument of all the presents that have to be bought. I buy for those I love. I don't feel I have to buy for my boss. It's not I don't like them, but I wouldn't know them if I don't work where I work and wouldn't socialise with them. Right, so the money's to include nights out and outfits etc. How many nights out?! I know, you're thinking what about families with children? One big present between them (X Box etc) and a token thing for each of them, not 1 each. Why can't they share? The most content, sensible interesting children I know don't get very much and don't have any games consoles. Perhaps kids getting all the time is why they are perceived as selfish (not my experience, I hasten to add). Personally, I think there's a lot of parents who spoil their kids to make up for not being there. Here's an idea be there. Money doesn't make up for it.
   
5. Silly clothes. I was in a major supermarket last night. Santa baby grows - it that for the child you hate. No, it doesn't look cute and they'll hate you for it when they're older.
   
6. Visiting relatives. You never see them all year and for good reason, you can't stand the sight of each other. So why put yourself through it? Okay blood might be thicker than water, but you can choose your friends.
   
7. Getting drunk. Why can't people in Scotland have a night out without getting drunk, especially at Christmas? Then they think it's okay to drive the morning after - just don't get me started on that one!
8. Christmas lights. When did they start getting switched on in early November? Also, what about the people who be-deck their entire house with lights, snowmen and reindeer. There's nothing much more tacky IMHO.
9. Christmas cards. I enjoy receiving them as much as the next person, but why do people send so many? I also get annoyed with people who only send a card once they've received one. They're definitely totally missing the point of the card and Christmas.
10. Santa's Grottos. Okay, so you take your child to see Santa. You have to pay at least £3. This entitles you to stand in a queue for up to 3/4 of an hour for the privilege of your child (or children) spending 30 seconds if they are lucky with the big man. Then, as if to add insult to injury, they are given a tacky present of something they totally don't like, so you have to spend the rest of the day explaining why they aren't a bad girl or boy and why Santa has managed to get the gift so wrong.

Rant over. I'm glad I got that off my chest. I do like Christmas, honest. But the real Christmas, The celebration of our Lord and Saviour becoming incarnate.