Season's Greetings

[vandermolen]

Had to look up,if the apostrophe was correct (it is apparently). 

Anyway, my best wishes to you all for 2016 and a Happy Christmas or Hanukkah or whatever is or isn't appropriate for you. My thoughts particularly with those of you going through a difficult time at the moment.
My daughter is laudably working on Christmas morning giving out food in a charity organisation. I, on the other hand, will be opening my new CDs. 

Best wishes to you all.
Jeffrey 'vandermolen'   .

[Holden]

.....and a happy Christmas to you too Jeffrey and to all of your family. I'm overseas staying with friends and catching up with family. Always nice to do at the time of year.

Also a happy festive season to all on GMG whatever your religious persuasion or beliefs. The great thing about this time of year is the goodwill it generates for most of us.

[vandermolen]

.....and a happy Christmas to you too Jeffrey and to all of your family. I'm overseas staying with friends and catching up with family. Always nice to do at the time of year.

Also a happy festive season to all on GMG whatever your religious persuasion or beliefs. The great thing about this time of year is the goodwill it generates for most of us.

Thank you Holden. 
Have a lovely time with your family.

[ComposerOfAvantGarde]

I hope everyone enjoys their holidays.

I got in trouble for posting things about the history of Easter on another forum....is it taboo to speak of such things here as well? Mentioning the pagan origins of modern festivals seems to not go down well with some people.

[vandermolen]

I hope everyone enjoys their holidays.

I got in trouble for posting things about the history of Easter on another forum....is it taboo to speak of such things here as well? Mentioning the pagan origins of modern festivals seems to not go down well with some people.

I think that it's just important to be aware and respect the fact that people have different views on such matters but I'm sure that you would anyway. Probably depends on what you actually say. That's my view but I don't speak for anyone else here. 

[Hollywood]

Season's Greetings from Vienna, Austria.

[aligreto]

Happy Christmas to everyone here.

I got in trouble for posting things about the history of Easter on another forum....is it taboo to speak of such things here as well? Mentioning the pagan origins of modern festivals seems to not go down well with some people.

I, for one, would be very interested to read what you had to say on the subject 

[Mirror Image]

It doesn't feel like Christmas time but considering it's five days from today, I suppose I better start getting into the Holiday spirit. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my fellow GMGers.

[ZauberdrachenNr.7]

I don't really expect the ancient Yuletide carols to evoke the same 'spirit' as in yore.  It's so commercial now it truly takes away some of the joy of it and I must say I greatly miss the Christmas cards, a tradition that is fast disappearing.  My parents used to receive more than a hundred of 'em, all taped ceremoniously to the archway separating dining from living room.  As a little guy, I would weigh their respective artistic/holiday-inspiring merits for hours.  Still, I enjoy our family traditions - the cookies (esp. the cookies!), the music, and usual viewing : Grinch ; Bishop's Wife ; Year W/O Santa Claus ; and the Black Adder Christmas special.  We've long since ceased buying Christmas trees but for several years have gotten a two-three foot rosemary tree which sometimes survives into the spring to be planted outside! 

Best holiday cookies possible to all GMGers!

[Mirror Image]

You certainly touched on some of the same things I've experienced, Zauber. Christmas just doesn't feel special anymore and it's just turned into what I would deem simply as some kind of an obligation. People aren't just happy being with each other (or so it seems) and are so fixated on the materialism of it all that they've lost their way. I could really careless about what presents I receive or don't receive and have always held the opinion, in my adult life, that it's 'better to give than receive.' This holiday doesn't mean much to me anymore as 18+ years of retail has completely zapped my enthusiasm for it as I watch people scurrying to buy the latest whatever only for them to turn around and be returned the next day for something little Susie or Billy really wanted. It's just made the whole Holiday experience overall horrible for me and the troubling thing is I would probably feel the same way even if I didn't work in retail.

[aligreto]

I don't really expect the ancient Yuletide carols to evoke the same 'spirit' as in yore.  It's so commercial now it truly takes away some of the joy of it and I must say I greatly miss the Christmas cards, a tradition that is fast disappearing.  My parents used to receive more than a hundred of 'em, all taped ceremoniously to the archway separating dining from living room.  As a little guy, I would weigh their respective artistic/holiday-inspiring merits for hours.  Still, I enjoy our family traditions - the cookies (esp. the cookies!), the music, and usual viewing : Grinch ; Bishop's Wife ; Year W/O Santa Claus ; and the Black Adder Christmas special.  We've long since ceased buying Christmas trees but for several years have gotten a two-three foot rosemary tree which sometimes survives into the spring to be planted outside! 

Best holiday cookies possible to all GMGers!

The Christmas Cards are a big part of it all right and happily that tradition is still going strong here in Ireland. We have lots of them adorning two rooms 

[Harry]

I wish all on GMG very happy and blessed Christmas days. It's always good to remember that the light comes back in the world, for however short a period. Thus it is for me. I remember fondly the days when materialism was not the greatest asset of christmas, but good cheer and good food, and the warmth of a home were seen as essential. It is not anymore alas! Christmas cards, well we use to get a lot of them, but these days its all E cards. Christmas is a fashion statement, but people forgot what christmas is about.
Anyways I keep to the old ways of Christmas, but maybe that is because I am an old fellow Keep safe and healthy. For those that are sick I pray, for those that are in need I do the same. Remember me, but more so my wife in your prayers, if you are so inclined. It's certainly needed.

[ZauberdrachenNr.7]

The Christmas Cards are a big part of it all right and happily that tradition is still going strong here in Ireland. We have lots of them adorning two rooms 

Ha-ha, you lucky schnook!!     Why do you think that is, aligreto?; what socio-cultural influences are in play there and not here?  For four or five years I even created my own cards (mostly humorous) in an attempt to get relatives and others more interested in 'em but failed miserably.  Comments were few.  Last year on the back of my card I noted that if you wanted to no longer receive them, send me $10.    Can't get any play no matter which way.  My own brother doesn't send me a card (he likes to save money, though has plenty).  So far this year we have seven and one of those is commercial.   

[ZauberdrachenNr.7]

I could really careless about what presents I receive or don't receive and have always held the opinion, in my adult life, that it's 'better to give than receive.'

Took me long enough to figure that out, but quite true.  Sorry about your retail experience; that's definitely a mood killer!  And having friends about is critical - people who "have to love ya', and whom you love, no matter what."  Laughter and drinks and gentle conversation are a big part of it.  And cookies, don't forget those.

[vandermolen]

I wish all on GMG very happy and blessed Christmas days. It's always good to remember that the light comes back in the world, for however short a period. Thus it is for me. I remember fondly the days when materialism was not the greatest asset of christmas, but good cheer and good food, and the warmth of a home were seen as essential. It is not anymore alas! Christmas cards, well we use to get a lot of them, but these days its all E cards. Christmas is a fashion statement, but people forgot what christmas is about.
Anyways I keep to the old ways of Christmas, but maybe that is because I am an old fellow Keep safe and healthy. For those that are sick I pray, for those that are in need I do the same. Remember me, but more so my wife in your prayers, if you are so inclined. It's certainly needed.

I certainly will Harry and send you my warmest best wishes.
Jeffrey

[Mirror Image]

I wish all on GMG very happy and blessed Christmas days. It's always good to remember that the light comes back in the world, for however short a period. Thus it is for me. I remember fondly the days when materialism was not the greatest asset of christmas, but good cheer and good food, and the warmth of a home were seen as essential. It is not anymore alas! Christmas cards, well we use to get a lot of them, but these days its all E cards. Christmas is a fashion statement, but people forgot what christmas is about.
Anyways I keep to the old ways of Christmas, but maybe that is because I am an old fellow Keep safe and healthy. For those that are sick I pray, for those that are in need I do the same. Remember me, but more so my wife in your prayers, if you are so inclined. It's certainly needed.

Merry Christmas, Harry to you and yours! I hope things will improve for you in time. All we can do is be thankful for what has been given to us and this should be enough. I know I'm certainly grateful for everything in my life.

[Mirror Image]

Took me long enough to figure that out, but quite true.  Sorry about your retail experience; that's definitely a mood killer!  And having friends about is critical - people who "have to love ya', and whom you love, no matter what."  Laughter and drinks and gentle conversation are a big part of it.  And cookies, don't forget those.

No argument from me, Zauber. All the best and I wish you and your family well this holiday season.

[Mirror Image]

I certainly will Harry and send you my warmest best wishes.
Jeffrey

And the same to you, Jeffrey!

[aligreto]

Ha-ha, you lucky schnook!!     Why do you think that is, aligreto?; what socio-cultural influences are in play there and not here?  For four or five years I even created my own cards (mostly humorous) in an attempt to get relatives and others more interested in 'em but failed miserably.  Comments were few.  Last year on the back of my card I noted that if you wanted to no longer receive them, send me $10.    Can't get any play no matter which way.  My own brother doesn't send me a card (he likes to save money, though has plenty).  So far this year we have seven and one of those is commercial.

I suppose that Irish society is still somewhat "old school" thankfully and that family and friends are still an integral part of ones life and the "personal touch" is still important. Overt materialism is no doubt becoming rampant and I would say that the "old values" will be lost in a generation or two when we will eventually receive "Happy Holiday" e-cards 

[Mirror Image]

Perhaps I should just move to Ireland and be done with it then? Considering that I have a lot of Irish blood in my veins already --- I'd be right at home.