I hate Christmas

There. I've said it. If you know me it's probably not much of a surprise. It's not just that I don't like Christmas, it is that I would vote NO if it were put to a vote. People say that's not right and think I'm some sort of freak. But back to the topic of this post. I believe everyone should celebrate what they want and I try not to impose my beliefs on others. If I had young children I might hold my nose and try to look for the "teachable moments" but I don't, so I won't. I can't, so I rant.

I can't recall when I started hating Christmas.

For a few years, when I first lived on my own, I sent custom-made holiday photo greeting cards which have since become collector's items. The final year, the cards had a groundhog and simply said Bah Humbug. Over the years it's become more of an irritant and less joy to my world. I still hope my friends enjoy their Christmas or whatever they want to celebrate. I hope my friends enjoy every day because each day is just as important as the other.
So children, grab a mug of hot chocolate and sit by the fire while I tell you why I hate Christmas:
1) The religion thing. I'm not religious so why would I celebrate a religious holiday? They don't celebrate Independence Day in England, and we don't celebrate Boxing Day. I find it hypocritical to celebrate the birth of a person I don't believe in.
2) The hype. Even if you are not religious, there is an expectation to celebrate the holy day/holiday. Why? Your family does. Your neighbors do. The stores do. The media does. Everyone around you (for the most part) does. So I'm going to quote my mom: if everyone jumped in a lake, would you jump, too? No I would not. Peer pressure is stupid, unless everyone you know is running towards a lifeboat. Sure, I'll take holiday pay but I have also volunteered to work so others could enjoy the day off.
3) The cost. I know Christmas is a cash cow to retailers. Fine. I'm not a retailer. So to me, it's an expense.
4) The hassle. Putting up with the crowds, the traffic, etc., is a big pain in the butt. I really dislike having to wait in line to buy a much needed pair of socks, even more so if the six shopping carts ahead of me are filled with imported toys and wrapping paper that is not recyclable.
5) The environment. Take a picture of your dumpster or trash can the week before Christmas, then take a photo in the days after Christmas. How can anyone say that's a good thing? More cars on the road. More junk mail. More noise. Sorry, but that's the (inconvenient) truth.
6) The stress. more people drinking. More families together, so greater chances of family arguments. Trying to buy what people want and the expectations. More suicides.
7) The greed. We tell our children to share and not to talk to strangers. But after Thanksgiving we put them on Santa's lap so they can recite their list of demands.

I know people who feel as I do but due to circumstances they have to play the part. I understand and respect their point of view, and I hope they do the same for me.

When I was a kid, I was just like any other kid. I made a list. I counted the days. I sat on Santa's lap. With my father's help, I put out cookies and beer for Santa. It was fun while it lasted. But then, so was fourth grade.