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I'm not dreaming of a White Christmas, though I am traveling in the mighty chilly Pacific Northwest. You see, this year there's more than a chill in the air. There's the downright feeling that something is not right, I see it all around me and it worries me. I'm not talking your standard Blue Christmas of yesteryear. That sort of melancholy has a sweet touch of nortalgia etched into it. Nope this year there's something amiss. And I'm not the only one who thinks so.
Head outside the the local Mallapalooza and you'll see it all around. Boredom. Dread. Resignation. And it's not just me being all Grinchy either. I love Christmas, and all it stands for.
Though I admit there are all sorts of unmerry reasons for the lack of ho-ho-ho I see all around me right now. The economy, of course, sits high on the list. This is the fourth Christmas in a row of depressed economic activity. People are beginning to think austerity feels a lot like Christmas. The upside is you won't have to fake the joy when you open that ugly Christmas sweater from your Aunt Edna. Chances are she can't afford it this year. Which just makes last year's sweater seem all the more precious, if you know what I mean?
I read in Consumer Reports that "35 million Americans despise 'having to be nice' during Christmas". It was the tenth most horrible thing those polled could think of about Christmas. Visiting relatives was the 6th most dreaded holiday activity.
But you see I gotta put my foot down on that one. I'm in Seattle right now, visiting family. It's been the very best part of my Christmas so far. So I wonder just what's wrong with people this year? Sure we're all broke and that sucks. But I have a feeling if everyone just opened their hearts to the very same family members they seem to disdain all the other horrors of Christmas would melt away.
It's just a theory, I know. But I do have some actual data to back me up. You see Nathan, Andy and I threw a Table Set Christmas Party recently. They're like my family now. So are many of the bloggers, neighbors and friends we invited to this party. Sure the party was crowded. And there were some ugly sweaters sprinkled about. I saw more than one sloppy drunk. We even ran out of food. In other words this party was filled with all the things Americans pretend they hate about Christmas. And I do think they are pretending. Nobody can attend a Christmas Party filled with people they love and grumble bah-hum-bug with any sort of authority. Especially me. I hope you will listen the The Table Set Xmas episode. GREG
Comments
Merry Merry
Merry Christmas Greg!! I am all about the happiness of this time of year. Glad to hear you are too :)
xxoo
These polls make me sad!
These polls make me sad! Sure, I'm bummed that Christmas means a $500 plane ticket home (no matter how freakin' early you buy it), but that makes me mad at the airlines, not my family members!
Those are some snazzy lookin' sweaters y'all are wearin' up there... ;)
Happiness is...
Glad to see your spirits are still up as the season brings some people down and the economy still in the tank. Enjoy your visit with family and enjoy the wonders of the season with your loved ones and all your friends, of which there are plenty. Happy Holidays, Greg. Thanks for making me smile on more than a few occasions this past year and for your wonderful blog.
And you have yourself a Merry
And you have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, too!
Ho-Ho-Ho....
Nice to see you aren't letting the holiday meanies get you down. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas indeed!
Well, you are definitely a
Well, you are definitely a part of my blogging family and I want to wish you a very, merry Christmas. I understand exactly what you mean about the somber mood of the holidays, though. I wasn't really feeling it like I normally do. Then I spent some time with my family and my mood brightened. Glad you're having a nice time with your family! Merry Christmas, Greg!!!
Sorry to have missed the
Sorry to have missed the party. No doubt it was fab...same as usual. If Christmas was less about commercialism and more about hanging out with friends and family over good food (and drink), maybe there'd be less bah humbugs (and more sloppy drunks).
so loved this episode of The
so loved this episode of The Table Set!! and am now almost caught up with all episodes . . . BUT i like to keep a few back to play when we travel . . . we learn so much from you talented three guys!!! after listening to a couple of episodes this weekend, The Professor said, 'I think I could hang w/these guys and be friends' . . . which is kind of a big deal . . . he does not toss those words around lightly . . .
left a question on the call-in line and am sure you won't be able to answer until after the holidays but wanted to leave the question regardless as i think it might make for an interesting episode - but then again
all that to say, just wanted to wish you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS Greg - even though we've not 'met' IRL, this blog and The Table Set really are the highlights in my reader each week!!
The difference between a party of food bloggers and non-bloggers
I went to a fabulous Christmas party, one of the best i've been to, BUT, the food was barely touched and I took almost all of my legendary coconut cupcakes back home. (that's a first). Bloggers know how to eat. I love that. Puts me in a good mood. Having said that, maybe some of the grinchiness comes because people don't eat anymore. They start their diets December 1. Ha. Merry Christmas and Cheers (holding up imaginary cool retro cocktail). xoxo
I hope you know you guys are
I hope you know you guys are fabulous! It's true! Wishing you a very happy holiday!
Bah to Bah Humbug.
I never let the humbugs get me this time of year. I've almost enjoyed the "bad economy Christmases" of late more since people seem more focused on the real joys of the season instead of the HD TV they can't afford. When I told my family and friends I had less to spend on them this year it was greeted with relief as we mutually agreed to forgo reciprical giving and just agree to spend fun time together. I saw no bah humbug at your party Greg! No pretending.
Have to admit....
I've been feeling rather Bah Humbug myself, but it's been that way the past 3 or 4 years.
I need to take your advice and focus on family and friends to warm up my spirit. Enjoy your time with your family, Greg.
People seem to have forgotten
People seem to have forgotten the meaning and spirit of Christmas and the holidays - it's about sharing with your loved ones, not about expensive gifts under the tree. One can have holiday spirit, even if they are on austerity plans. Thanks for the great post to remind us of that.
Dear Darling GREG -
Thank you for this most uplifting and heart felt post. This is a sure-fire cure to the grinchiness that seems to have taken over our existence.
Love & hugs and all things sugar, spice & nice (Okay so the grammar sucks but who cares, eh?)
Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
I also read that Black Friday
I also read that Black Friday numbers were extremely impressive, which to me means that Americans still aren't living within their means. Granted I think our government stinks, on both sides. But some day everyone is going to have to take responsibility for their own actions and stop blaming everyone else.
On another note, I echo what Bellini said. And I absolutely love this time of year. Family, friends, holiday music (no matter how cheesy), great food, and table runners (HA!) Merry Merry, Greg :D
Not Bah Humbug.....
Christmas is such a special time of the year. What I hope in these economic times is that people will get back to what Christmas is all about which is being with your family and friends. Having less to spend and not a focus on excess forces us to be more creative and even perhaps get more personal with gift choices for each of our friends and family. At least that is the dream. Have a homemade eggnog on me Greg and Merry Christmas!All we need is snow!
Have a Merry Xmas
We loved every minute of your fabulous holiday party - so few people throw them these days. Cherish your family visit - our family is small - so many loved ones are gone - but never forgotten. Merry Christmas. X0
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