The commercialisation of Christmas
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Dan Fante
moonbeam
Heretic
Kazza
stuart torr
AW
Bellatori
Dr Sheldon Cooper PhD
blueturando
dimsum
Phil Hornby
Shirina
Ivan
whitbyforklift
GreatNPowerfulOz
oftenwrong
witchfinder
astra
22 posters
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The commercialisation of Christmas
Uh HUH!!!
No Kiddin'
We got a chrismas tree up in our street already.
Is this the first? Or have some been put up elsewhere?
(now where's the Purdy and Purdy?)
No Kiddin'
We got a chrismas tree up in our street already.
Is this the first? Or have some been put up elsewhere?
(now where's the Purdy and Purdy?)
astra- Deceased
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The commercialization of Christmas
There ought to be a law or a set of bylaws barring Christmas decorations from all public places until the 1st December, its absolutely ridiculous.
witchfinder- Forum Founder
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
The convention around here is that, as soon as the halloween stuff has cleared the shelves, then they bring in the Christmas stuff. It's marketing - period. I've never been all that fond of the commercialization of Christmas but it happens anyway.
gator
gator
gator- Guest
Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
A lady in our office had the same sprig of mistletoe suspended over her desk for four complete successive years.
Allegedly without result.
Allegedly without result.
oftenwrong- Sage
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
*puts fake christmas tree back in the attic until next weekend*
GreatNPowerfulOz- Deactivated
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
A lady in our office had the same sprig of mistletoe suspended over her desk for four complete successive years.
Allegedly without result.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some people just cannot take a hint, and possibly passed through TWO leap years. (Was that two lucky escapes OW??)
Allegedly without result.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some people just cannot take a hint, and possibly passed through TWO leap years. (Was that two lucky escapes OW??)
astra- Deceased
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
She's probably hoping someone will give her a peck on the cheek (a peck, not a pecker) so she could sue for sexual harassment.
GreatNPowerfulOz- Deactivated
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
One Xmas a yob throw a firework into a shop and smashed all the Easter eggs.
whitbyforklift- Deceased
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
A Christmas tree before Thanksgiving violates Article I Section 82 of the Constitution of the UPA (United Planets of Andromeda).
Guest- Guest
Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
Yeah, that's the first thing you notice after clearing Customs and Immigration in Andromeda.
oftenwrong- Sage
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
How long does it take to clear immigration in Andromeda? Have they relaxed passport checks?
Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
2.5 million light years, but who's counting? Anyway, they still accept Drachmae, Italian Lire and Zlotys. Poor fools.
oftenwrong- Sage
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The commercialization of Christmas
drunks dressed in santa costumes - Tesco s - plastic reindeer antlers that light up - Boots chemists - Debenhams - Christmas 24 Movies (in October) - Airwick Christmas fragrances - must have toys - Argos - Channel No 5 - the must have game this Christmas.
About two weeks ago in early november I watched an advert on TV by Marks & Spencers which stated that its party season, and I wondered what they meant exactly, it was not even December, surely they dont mean Christmas.
As I get ready to go to bed at 0100 GMT on the 24th November, I have to say I am fed up of hearing about Christmas, the TV has been on as I type here, and I guess that listening to the television I must have heard the word "Christmas" about a thousand times.
I am not particularly religious but I like the idea of peace and goodwill to all, and I like the idea of much of what is contained in the Christmas message, but where is that message, it seems to have either been lost or forgotten about.
The stampede for materials and money and the clamour to sell - sell - sell seems to be what counts today, the latest IPhone, the most expensive trainners, balance sheets and targets, where have we gone wrong. ?
About two weeks ago in early november I watched an advert on TV by Marks & Spencers which stated that its party season, and I wondered what they meant exactly, it was not even December, surely they dont mean Christmas.
As I get ready to go to bed at 0100 GMT on the 24th November, I have to say I am fed up of hearing about Christmas, the TV has been on as I type here, and I guess that listening to the television I must have heard the word "Christmas" about a thousand times.
I am not particularly religious but I like the idea of peace and goodwill to all, and I like the idea of much of what is contained in the Christmas message, but where is that message, it seems to have either been lost or forgotten about.
The stampede for materials and money and the clamour to sell - sell - sell seems to be what counts today, the latest IPhone, the most expensive trainners, balance sheets and targets, where have we gone wrong. ?
witchfinder- Forum Founder
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
I think what disgusts me the most are the stampedes on Black Friday. You can get on YouTube and watch videos of these people literally crashing through plate-glass doors and through barricades, throwing clerks and security guards alike to the floor as they surge through the store like a tsunami. It's absolutely pathetic, and people actually get KILLED in these mad rushes to grab stuff off the shelves. I sometimes wish the store would close the doors behind them, lock the doors, and make them sit in there until mid-January ... and then charge them full price for all of that garbage they mauled and maimed their fellow humans to get.
Shirina- Former Administrator
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
On 24 December 2011, if possible, I’ll be with folks with whom I’ll commemorate the birth of Y’shua bar Yosef, Y’shua Moshiach, Jesus son of Joseph, Jesus the Anointed, Jesus the Christ. As I drive, I’ll listen to Christmas carols and hymns (Noel, Silent Night, O Holy Night) while turning away from nonsensical jingles (jingle bells, sleigh ride), with the sole exception of White Christmas, and that only if sung by Bing Crosby, Mr. Crooner himself.
But then, if Bing sings it, I’ll hear it.
Guest- Guest
Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
Shirina wrote:
I think what disgusts me the most are the stampedes on Black Friday.
Why do they call it “Black” Friday? Couldn’t it be “White” Friday? Or “Red”, “Yellow”, or “Brown” Friday?
Sheesh!
Guest- Guest
Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
From what I understand, it's called "Black" Friday because that's when retailers begin to turn a profit - or are "in the black."Why do they call it “Black” Friday? Couldn’t it be “White” Friday? Or “Red”, “Yellow”, or “Brown” Friday?
Shirina- Former Administrator
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
British newspapers provided an alternative explanation. For U.S. Retailers, the day immediately after Thanksgiving would be so quiet it wasn't worth turning the lights on.
Then good ole American know-how turned a dismal day into a busy one by slashing prices to get people into the shops. The practice has inevitably spread to this side of the Atlantic, and shops now begin their discounting the day following Christmas.
Then good ole American know-how turned a dismal day into a busy one by slashing prices to get people into the shops. The practice has inevitably spread to this side of the Atlantic, and shops now begin their discounting the day following Christmas.
oftenwrong- Sage
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
Given the importance of seasonal shoppers spending lots of cash to assist the economy, it is fortunate indeed that Jesus was born at this time of the year...
Phil Hornby- Blogger
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
In some of the towns of North Yorkshire the term for the last Friday before Christmas is "black eyed friday" this refers to the amount of fights and drunken brawls that take place on the day that many men break up from work for Christmas and head straight for the pub.
Again - so much for the true meaning of Christmas, or am I just becoming a Victor Meldrew.
Again - so much for the true meaning of Christmas, or am I just becoming a Victor Meldrew.
witchfinder- Forum Founder
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
Well, I just now clicked to buy a new $1200 computer for only $700, so I can't say this time of year is totally pointless. However, note I said clicked ... not stampeded, mauled, maimed, and trampled my way into a store. I'll sit back and wait for it to be delivered to my home and let the herd do all the stampeding.
Shirina- Former Administrator
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
Theoretically it should be possible to escape Christmas if you want to, by taking a holiday in a non-Christian country. It doesn't always work though. Istanbul stores had decorated trees, and carols on the loudspeakers when we went, and on a later trip to Morocco the charming locals presented us with boxes of oranges and dates on December 25th. Some friends who worked in Thailand were surprised and delighted when neighbours brought them a perfect two-tier iced Christmas Cake they'd made specially with white icing and decorations. On cutting, however underneath the icing was sponge cake. You can't see that in a photo.
oftenwrong- Sage
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
What I want to know is,why do we have xmas(I can't spell Christmas)
when the shops are full?
when the shops are full?
whitbyforklift- Deceased
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
Christmas is such fun, they should have it every year.
oftenwrong- Sage
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It's Christmas
Here is a little story involving a well known traditional brewery in Yorkshire, its Christmas beer and an American crime drama.
For some reason Theakston's "Christmas Beer" appeared on an American crime drama called "NCIS Los Angeles", now we here in Yorkshire allready know about Theakstons legendary ales, made in the traditional way in the little town of Masham on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
But as of this morning the brewery has been swamped with enquiries from accross the pond, at first poor old Simon Theakson wondered what was going on, and everything was explained to him.
For some reason Theakston's "Christmas Beer" appeared on an American crime drama called "NCIS Los Angeles", now we here in Yorkshire allready know about Theakstons legendary ales, made in the traditional way in the little town of Masham on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
But as of this morning the brewery has been swamped with enquiries from accross the pond, at first poor old Simon Theakson wondered what was going on, and everything was explained to him.
witchfinder- Forum Founder
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
Heh, looks like Simon received some free advertising for a market he didn't even know he had. I hope he's equipped to handle international orders. Now is the time to expand his business!
Shirina- Former Administrator
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
“Cross pond traffic”…
… uh, “Cross town traffic?” My bad.
Guest- Guest
Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
Ok so possibly Theakstons Christmas Ale could make it into next years top 10 British exports to America for Christmas, so what from England, Scotland and the British Isles contributes most to the American Christmas. ?
For me personaly, the Christmas season is not complete without the film "Miracle on 34th street" - the original one from the 1940s.
Something that virtualy every British household now has on Christmas day is Cranberry Sauce, all the way from Massachussets.
And Christmas just would not be Christmas without hearing Bing Crosby singing what is the most famous Christmas song of all time.
For me personaly, the Christmas season is not complete without the film "Miracle on 34th street" - the original one from the 1940s.
Something that virtualy every British household now has on Christmas day is Cranberry Sauce, all the way from Massachussets.
And Christmas just would not be Christmas without hearing Bing Crosby singing what is the most famous Christmas song of all time.
witchfinder- Forum Founder
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
The way High-Street shops are dwindling in numbers suggests that before long, Christmas will be an Internet-only festival.
Would that be a good thing?
Would that be a good thing?
oftenwrong- Sage
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Total Agreement.
I agree totally, Christmas used to be wonderful and could be still if we wern't all fed up with it by the 1st of November. Our tree was put up on Christmas Eve when I was young and it was such a magical day.witchfinder wrote:There ought to be a law or a set of bylaws barring Christmas decorations from all public places until the 1st December, its absolutely ridiculous.
jennym42- Guest
Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
We put up our tree about 10 days or so before Christmas, at least when I was a teen. The reason, it was said, was to help build the anticipation and excitement of Christmas Eve/Christmas Day.
It worked.
It worked.
Shirina- Former Administrator
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
This year we are not in a position to buy gifts so we put the tree up early and all the pretty lights. I do a lot of baking and we are spending Christmas Eve at Mom's house having goodies and maybe a hot toddy and listen to Christmas music. This year I am not rich in money but I feel very blessed in every other way. Family and friends. Good food good music can not get better than that.
dimsum- Posts : 46
Join date : 2011-11-16
Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
This year I am not rich in money but I feel very blessed in every other way. Family and friends. Good food good music can not get better than that.
I envy you in that. I am not blessed in either department.
When I was younger the gifts were a big part of Christmas, but they aren't anymore. For a kid, it's a big deal since children do not have money to go out and make their own purchases. For an adult, however, most of the things you want, you end up buying long before Christmas anyway hehe. As you say, it's the family and friends that mean the most.
Shirina- Former Administrator
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
Well ladies and gentlemen, I shall be hosting my whole family - mother, brother and sister + wifes & husbands, nephews and nieces + partners.
The gifts are nice but been surrounded by family and eating together is what I realy look forward to, I am fortunate as we have a large dining room with a long table which comfortably seats 10.
And of course afterwards its The Queens address to the Commonwealth accompanied by blue stilton, crackers and port.
The gifts are nice but been surrounded by family and eating together is what I realy look forward to, I am fortunate as we have a large dining room with a long table which comfortably seats 10.
And of course afterwards its The Queens address to the Commonwealth accompanied by blue stilton, crackers and port.
witchfinder- Forum Founder
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
I must say I am touched by "dimsum s" post
I am guessing by the word "mom" that dimsum is American, I grew up living in what we call here in Britain a Council House, which is a home owned by the local authority ( the county / city council ), there are millions of people who live in council homes, mostly people who cannot afford a mortgage, or to buy a house.
For many years my parents had little, my mother joined a savings club in a local toy shop to provide us with gifts at Christmas, I never had a new bike, always a hand-me-down or second hand bike.
At times my family struggled, but even so we were a family and with aunties and grandparents helping out, we always had extremely happy Christmas s - so it just goes to show.
These days I suppose I am quite well off, but money is not everything, not by a long way, and I am very proud of been brought up by hard working parents on a council estate, and I am definately a better person for knowing what hardship and struggling is all about.
Can I hear violins
I am guessing by the word "mom" that dimsum is American, I grew up living in what we call here in Britain a Council House, which is a home owned by the local authority ( the county / city council ), there are millions of people who live in council homes, mostly people who cannot afford a mortgage, or to buy a house.
For many years my parents had little, my mother joined a savings club in a local toy shop to provide us with gifts at Christmas, I never had a new bike, always a hand-me-down or second hand bike.
At times my family struggled, but even so we were a family and with aunties and grandparents helping out, we always had extremely happy Christmas s - so it just goes to show.
These days I suppose I am quite well off, but money is not everything, not by a long way, and I am very proud of been brought up by hard working parents on a council estate, and I am definately a better person for knowing what hardship and struggling is all about.
Can I hear violins
witchfinder- Forum Founder
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
Here here Witchfinder and ditto
blueturando- Banned
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
It drives me batty I have to say, but then I don't feel the same urge as the average citizen to festoon my gaff in paper fire hazards and nauseating flashing lights for weeks on end, or indeed to bankrupt myself for years to come, and stuff myself with rich fatty foods just because some superstitious monks hijacked a pagan festival a few hundred years ago.witchfinder wrote:There ought to be a law or a set of bylaws barring Christmas decorations from all public places until the 1st December, its absolutely ridiculous.
I also object to the way those people who indulge this idiocy try to label me as some kind of misery guts because I manage to hang onto most of my sanity for an extra month or two.
Last edited by Dr Sheldon Cooper PhD on Sat Oct 12, 2013 11:41 pm; edited 1 time in total
Dr Sheldon Cooper PhD- Posts : 3167
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Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
What a load of curmudgeons.
Happy Xmas one and all... Come on it is October after all...
Happy Xmas one and all... Come on it is October after all...
Re: The commercialisation of Christmas
It's a wonderful time of the year:
AW- Posts : 40
Join date : 2013-10-11
commersialisation of xmas
Hi I get classed as even worse than that!! the only thing that goes up my flat is the xmas cards I recieve. My ex-partner who has my daughter living with her can put 2 xmas trees up and all the decorations she wants. I only see my daughter on xmas eve, not xmas day when she opens her presents with me then. The ones that shes picked out in sept/oct. then she still believe that santa can deliver 2 places at different times bless her.(edit) which one out the two is you tony ahah
Last edited by stu on Sat Oct 12, 2013 4:05 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : added few words on)
stuart torr- Deceased
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