So who are you not buying a Christmas gift for this year? (24)
smokyUnterland, Zurich Switzerland266 Threads 6 Polls 9,412 PostsThere must be ONE person who has pissed you off this year and is now off your gift list? Who and why?
smoky: There must be ONE person who has pissed you off this year and is now off your gift list? Who and why?
No one has pissed me off so much that I’d tell the person that I wouldn’t buy her or him a Christmas gift. It’s just so that I’m not religious, I don’t celebrate Christmas, and never buy any Christmas gifts to anybody, myself included. Not because they pissed me off, just because I don’t do it.
If I’ll go out to celebrate New Year, then I’ll buy something to the hosts. If it will be me to host the New Year party, then I’ll make a couple of “Russian” dishes, and it’d be enough as a gift.
But if I understand right, Christmas is time for forgiveness and kindness, or at least showing it. Is it ok to be pissed off at Christmas for someone who celebrates it?
Ok, so if one does not celebrate Christmas, and does not buy or give any gifts, then whether they pissed one off or not, just does apply to the equation, does it? I mean, realy, if someone has pissed you off, and you never even thought of giving them a gift, then you can`t very well say to them "Hey, you pissed me off so I`m not buying you a gift this Christmas" .... huh?
Christmas is the ancient celebration of the Feast of Diana, combined with the Babylonian goddess Isis and her son Osiris, and therefore has no connotations to any forgiveness or kindness, unless one takes cognisance of the other ancient belief in St Nickolas who supposedly went around during the Winter Solstice and deposited gifts of food on the doorsteps of the very poor, and thereby led the the legend of the fat man in red Father Christmas who lives in the North Pole and rides his sleigh thru the sky at night, drawn by his flying Reindeer, led by the Rudolph with the red nose.
The time for forgiveness and kindness is the other one, called Easter ......or Oestra, the Celebration of Fertility, hence the eggs at that time (Ova + Oestrus = Fertility?), which the churches use as a time for preaching Forgiveness of thine enemies.
Christmas is the ancient celebration of the Feast of Diana, combined with the Babylonian goddess Isis and her son Osiris, and therefore has no connotations to any forgiveness or kindness, unless one takes cognisance of the other ancient belief in St Nickolas who supposedly went around during the Winter Solstice and deposited gifts of food on the doorsteps of the very poor, and thereby led the the legend of the fat man in red Father Christmas who lives in the North Pole and rides his sleigh thru the sky at night, drawn by his flying Reindeer, led by the Rudolph with the red nose.
The time for forgiveness and kindness is the other one, called Easter ......or Oestra, the Celebration of Fertility, hence the eggs at that time (Ova + Oestrus = Fertility?), which the churches use as a time for preaching Forgiveness of thine enemies.
smoky: Ok, so if one does not celebrate Christmas, and does not buy or give any gifts, then whether they pissed one off or not, just does apply to the equation, does it? I mean, realy, if someone has pissed you off, and you never even thought of giving them a gift, then you can`t very well say to them "Hey, you pissed me off so I`m not buying you a gift this Christmas" .... huh?
Christmas is the ancient celebration of the Feast of Diana, combined with the Babylonian goddess Isis and her son Osiris, and therefore has no connotations to any forgiveness or kindness, unless one takes cognisance of the other ancient belief in St Nickolas who supposedly went around during the Winter Solstice and deposited gifts of food on the doorsteps of the very poor, and thereby led the the legend of the fat man in red Father Christmas who lives in the North Pole and rides his sleigh thru the sky at night, drawn by his flying Reindeer, led by the Rudolph with the red nose.
The time for forgiveness and kindness is the other one, called Easter ......or Oestra, the Celebration of Fertility, hence the eggs at that time (Ova + Oestrus = Fertility?), which the churches use as a time for preaching Forgiveness of thine enemies.
Christmas is the ancient celebration of the Feast of Diana, combined with the Babylonian goddess Isis and her son Osiris, and therefore has no connotations to any forgiveness or kindness, unless one takes cognisance of the other ancient belief in St Nickolas who supposedly went around during the Winter Solstice and deposited gifts of food on the doorsteps of the very poor, and thereby led the the legend of the fat man in red Father Christmas who lives in the North Pole and rides his sleigh thru the sky at night, drawn by his flying Reindeer, led by the Rudolph with the red nose.
The time for forgiveness and kindness is the other one, called Easter ......or Oestra, the Celebration of Fertility, hence the eggs at that time (Ova + Oestrus = Fertility?), which the churches use as a time for preaching Forgiveness of thine enemies.
I’m not sure everybody celebrated Diana, even if they knew about her. But there is a lot of evidence that people celebrated beginning of a new year (and all I do is to carry the tradition on), though the beginning varied from one historical period and geographical place to another. Different cults adjusted their feasts to the existing ones.
But I’m glad, that Christmas isn’t time for forgiveness and kindness. There’s still no one that I’m pissed off at, but if I will be in the future and if Christmas would get any meaning for me, then yes, I’d like to have an opportunity to not to buy this person a gift because I’m pissed off at her or him.
Last time a mechanical guy cured my car, he told me to take it for walk at least once a week. So I took it out today, of course to the nearest shopping centre. And bought me a set for the bathroom – an elegant one, but which I absolutely don’t need. But Christmas IS about shopping, isn’t it?
Viva la causa!
Viva la causa!
Tulefel: Last time a mechanical guy cured my car, he told me to take it for walk at least once a week. So I took it out today, of course to the nearest shopping centre. And bought me a set for the bathroom – an elegant one, but which I absolutely don’t need. But Christmas IS about shopping, isn’t it?
Viva la causa!
There, you see?! You ARE "celebrating" Christmas ..... you just bought yourself a gift.Viva la causa!
I read somewhere that Christmas is just something that we all need .....once a year.... a time to sort-of "relax" and "let-go" and enjoy ourselves. Hence the reason most firms give a bonus at that time - so everyone has some money to spend.It is more human (as opposed to animal) to think of the poor and hungry at that time - hence the tradition in some countries to always set an extra place at the Christmas Dinner table - for the un-expected guest.
I knew a family once, who went out in the morning to find a lonely,hungry, poor person, and invite them home for dinner that day. Lovely huh? If we all could do that?
smoky: There, you see?! You ARE "celebrating" Christmas ..... you just bought yourself a gift. I read somewhere that Christmas is just something that we all need .....once a year.... a time to sort-of "relax" and "let-go" and enjoy ourselves. Hence the reason most firms give a bonus at that time - so everyone has some money to spend.
It is more human (as opposed to animal) to think of the poor and hungry at that time - hence the tradition in some countries to always set an extra place at the Christmas Dinner table - for the un-expected guest.
I knew a family once, who went out in the morning to find a lonely,hungry, poor person, and invite them home for dinner that day. Lovely huh? If we all could do that?
It is more human (as opposed to animal) to think of the poor and hungry at that time - hence the tradition in some countries to always set an extra place at the Christmas Dinner table - for the un-expected guest.
I knew a family once, who went out in the morning to find a lonely,hungry, poor person, and invite them home for dinner that day. Lovely huh? If we all could do that?
Of course I buy New Year gifts every year, both for myself and close people. (But as we meet so seldom, it happens that they would get those gifts sometime in the middle of summer next year, but they don’t mind.)
And actually it’s nice with all these decorations and lights, especially now when it’s so dark almost all the time.
As to inviting a poor person for a dinner… I have my doubts that it’s lovely. And knowing that 50% of the group that I belong to are unemployed, which in terms of this country is equal to poor, strengthens my doubts. A dinner certainly wouldn’t solve their problem, just would remind them of what they don’t have, because society denies them job. It just would point out, for one more time, that they are outsiders and subjects to charity. Once a year, when someone suddenly feels like being generous. The very someone who doesn’t see them at point-black 364 remaining days. How lovely is that?
But I know, I know: it’s Christmas and everybody has to be happy, at least for show, so my doubts are out of place here. ::apologizing::
Tulefel: Of course I buy New Year gifts every year, both for myself and close people. (But as we meet so seldom, it happens that they would get those gifts sometime in the middle of summer next year, but they don’t mind.)
And actually it’s nice with all these decorations and lights, especially now when it’s so dark almost all the time.
As to inviting a poor person for a dinner… I have my doubts that it’s lovely. And knowing that 50% of the group that I belong to are unemployed, which in terms of this country is equal to poor, strengthens my doubts. A dinner certainly wouldn’t solve their problem, just would remind them of what they don’t have, because society denies them job. It just would point out, for one more time, that they are outsiders and subjects to charity. Once a year, when someone suddenly feels like being generous. The very someone who doesn’t see them at point-black 364 remaining days. How lovely is that?
But I know, I know: it’s Christmas and everybody has to be happy, at least for show, so my doubts are out of place here. ::apologizing::
And actually it’s nice with all these decorations and lights, especially now when it’s so dark almost all the time.
As to inviting a poor person for a dinner… I have my doubts that it’s lovely. And knowing that 50% of the group that I belong to are unemployed, which in terms of this country is equal to poor, strengthens my doubts. A dinner certainly wouldn’t solve their problem, just would remind them of what they don’t have, because society denies them job. It just would point out, for one more time, that they are outsiders and subjects to charity. Once a year, when someone suddenly feels like being generous. The very someone who doesn’t see them at point-black 364 remaining days. How lovely is that?
But I know, I know: it’s Christmas and everybody has to be happy, at least for show, so my doubts are out of place here. ::apologizing::
Ever heard the story of the little girl who walked the beach throwing washed up Starfish back into the water?
Someone asked her why she is wasting her time, there are so many washed up on the sand ..... what difference does throwing a few back make?
Her answer: "It makes a difference to the ones I threw back".
So, my opinion here, to be unemployed,lonely, poor, and hungry all year must make a pretty miserable Christmas when no-one invites you to join them for a meal.
Christmas is a time for Giving. Not forgiveness, or being kind .... just for Giving. Without any thought of return. No big deal - just a plate of food - for one person, or two, or three, if you have it to spare.
"If you dont have it to spare,
then you can always share".
smoky: Ever heard the story of the little girl who walked the beach throwing washed up Starfish back into the water?
Someone asked her why she is wasting her time, there are so many washed up on the sand ..... what difference does throwing a few back make?
Her answer: "It makes a difference to the ones I threw back".
So, my opinion here, to be unemployed,lonely, poor, and hungry all year must make a pretty miserable Christmas when no-one invites you to join them for a meal.
Christmas is a time for Giving. Not forgiveness, or being kind .... just for Giving. Without any thought of return. No big deal - just a plate of food - for one person, or two, or three, if you have it to spare.
"If you dont have it to spare,
then you can always share".
Someone asked her why she is wasting her time, there are so many washed up on the sand ..... what difference does throwing a few back make?
Her answer: "It makes a difference to the ones I threw back".
So, my opinion here, to be unemployed,lonely, poor, and hungry all year must make a pretty miserable Christmas when no-one invites you to join them for a meal.
Christmas is a time for Giving. Not forgiveness, or being kind .... just for Giving. Without any thought of return. No big deal - just a plate of food - for one person, or two, or three, if you have it to spare.
"If you dont have it to spare,
then you can always share".
Well… if some people like to descend to those they otherwise don’t consider as their equals, and if some people accept to be descended to, then I have no objection.
But I’m really grateful that this girl puts back star-fish, not jelly-fish.
Tulefel: Well… if some people like to descend to those they otherwise don’t consider as their equals, and if some people accept to be descended to, then I have no objection.
But I’m really grateful that this girl puts back star-fish, not jelly-fish.
But I’m really grateful that this girl puts back star-fish, not jelly-fish.
So, if someone is unemployed, lonely, and hungry, they are "not your equal"?
Is feeding someone "descending" to them?....
Actually it`s called "being condescending". But I am 100% sure a hungry person will not be insulted when offered a meal!Another adage: "There, but for the Grace of God, go I". Ever heard that one? When we ignore those who suffer, then one day it will be our duty to also suffer, and to hope for a sign of compassion from others. That is called "Karma".
KemChi: This is not a gift...but I am kinda feeling guilty...but I took the ex-in-laws off of my Christmas card list this year. Feels so weird.
hahaaaa ... evil girl KemChi!Why? You got children? Their Gwanny and Gwanpa are not getting a Christmas card this year?.......
or are they not deserving?
smoky: There must be ONE person who has pissed you off this year and is now off your gift list? Who and why?
I never do that 
smoky: So, if someone is unemployed, lonely, and hungry, they are "not your equal"?
Is feeding someone "descending" to them?.... Actually it`s called "being condescending". But I am 100% sure a hungry person will not be insulted when offered a meal!
Another adage: "There, but for the Grace of God, go I". Ever heard that one? When we ignore those who suffer, then one day it will be our duty to also suffer, and to hope for a sign of compassion from others. That is called "Karma".
Is feeding someone "descending" to them?.... Actually it`s called "being condescending". But I am 100% sure a hungry person will not be insulted when offered a meal!
Another adage: "There, but for the Grace of God, go I". Ever heard that one? When we ignore those who suffer, then one day it will be our duty to also suffer, and to hope for a sign of compassion from others. That is called "Karma".
.......and that just reminded me of a thought I had earlier today.. I feel like spending Christmas day at the Children's Hospital Wards...and enjoy a simple meal of Hospital Canteen baked pasta, or pizza.. and a cup of tea. Life in hospitals, hotels, animal shelters, airline people, policemen, etc....doesn't stop for a-Christmas-Lunch-that-lasts-the-whole-day!! It's lovely to be with family, I'm not saying Christmas is all gloom-and-doom, but I feel we should spare a thought for those who can't celebrate, because work calls.....
Cheers everyone!
smoky: So, if someone is unemployed, lonely, and hungry, they are "not your equal"?
Is feeding someone "descending" to them?.... Actually it`s called "being condescending". But I am 100% sure a hungry person will not be insulted when offered a meal!
Another adage: "There, but for the Grace of God, go I". Ever heard that one? When we ignore those who suffer, then one day it will be our duty to also suffer, and to hope for a sign of compassion from others. That is called "Karma".
Is feeding someone "descending" to them?.... Actually it`s called "being condescending". But I am 100% sure a hungry person will not be insulted when offered a meal!
Another adage: "There, but for the Grace of God, go I". Ever heard that one? When we ignore those who suffer, then one day it will be our duty to also suffer, and to hope for a sign of compassion from others. That is called "Karma".
It’s proclaimed that the unemployed and the hungry and the sick and the poor have the very same value, as those employed and well-fed and healthy and rick. On paper. In the real world, where I happen to exist, there’s quite another attitude, descending as best, or condescending (if it’s righter word). And I’ve experienced that both in the real world and in the virtual space.
There are people, of course, who offer solidarity and support to others slightly more often than once a year, but they are significantly fewer than it appear to be at Christmas time. (Show time?)
I haven’t heard anything about any graces of any gods, but I’m certainly will take it as an insult when someone who despise me 364 other days, would suddenly want to improve their karma on my account.
But it’s my perception of the matter, I don’t persuade anyone to change theirs.
KemChi: No kids...and they are nice people, but I think it is time to cut the ties.
Yes, you are right. Time to move on..........
Tulefel: It’s proclaimed that the unemployed and the hungry and the sick and the poor have the very same value, as those employed and well-fed and healthy and rick. On paper. In the real world, where I happen to exist, there’s quite another attitude, descending as best, or condescending (if it’s righter word). And I’ve experienced that both in the real world and in the virtual space.
There are people, of course, who offer solidarity and support to others slightly more often than once a year, but they are significantly fewer than it appear to be at Christmas time. (Show time?)
I haven’t heard anything about any graces of any gods, but I’m certainly will take it as an insult when someone who despise me 364 other days, would suddenly want to improve their karma on my account.
But it’s my perception of the matter, I don’t persuade anyone to change theirs.
Oh well, I guess different countries have their own different ways of life, huh?There are people, of course, who offer solidarity and support to others slightly more often than once a year, but they are significantly fewer than it appear to be at Christmas time. (Show time?)
I haven’t heard anything about any graces of any gods, but I’m certainly will take it as an insult when someone who despise me 364 other days, would suddenly want to improve their karma on my account.
But it’s my perception of the matter, I don’t persuade anyone to change theirs.
Although, I still find it strange to talk about "despising" poor people and not wanting to offer them a meal once a year specially at a time of Grace.
In the World Wars in POW camps, prisoners would gather together little scraps of food and share it with everyone equally, as a symbol of Grace. But if one does not aspire to this Grace, then that`s fine too. As long as one is happy with oneself?
smoky: Oh well, I guess different countries have their own different ways of life, huh?
Although, I still find it strange to talk about "despising" poor people and not wanting to offer them a meal once a year specially at a time of Grace.
In the World Wars in POW camps, prisoners would gather together little scraps of food and share it with everyone equally, as a symbol of Grace. But if one does not aspire to this Grace, then that`s fine too. As long as one is happy with oneself?
Although, I still find it strange to talk about "despising" poor people and not wanting to offer them a meal once a year specially at a time of Grace.
In the World Wars in POW camps, prisoners would gather together little scraps of food and share it with everyone equally, as a symbol of Grace. But if one does not aspire to this Grace, then that`s fine too. As long as one is happy with oneself?
Of course, there are different ways of life in different countries. Here in Sweden there are no prison camps, so extrapolation would lead anywhere. But sure, there are poor people here: it’s sick (both physically and mentally), unemployed, paperless emigrants, certainly a few groups more.
The unemployed and the sick get some kind of well-fair – its’ not much money, but it’s enough for not to starve. It’s poor existence, but it has nothing to do with any graces, but with taxes, and as a taxpayer I contribute my share, and on regular basis, not once a year.
The paperless, ie illegal emigrants… They usually don’t hurry to make contact with the “legal” people, as they know that a “good citizen” can report them to police on standing foot, and that’s the least they wish. I personally don’t know any people of this group, hence can’t help in any way, and I don’t want to pretend that I can.
As to one’s happiness… Admitting that there’s a problem, then defining it and then trying to solve it permanently – yes, I’d perceive that as more fair way. As to now… we are talking about different things: you propagate for maintaining a ritual that I find humiliating. When it’s about different believes, consensus is hardly possible: different galaxies.
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