I hate this holiday. It's probably the worst time of year, for all of the reasons the author mentioned: the traffic, the economic stress, the repetitive music, the fruitcake. There's a reason the projected percentage of suicides sky rocket during Christmas. Worst yet, however, is that we trick ourselves, as a society, to believe that we're truly happy, simply due to the time of year. In response, we have an assortment of holiday fakers like myself, who smile and wave, pretending that this holiday actually makes us happy, when the reality is that every moment is absolute torture, and to help those of you who aren't in my position understand it, just try to consider that when you're miserable, the last thing you want to see or be involved with are happy people.

You know what? I don't need to see the part of my family who only comes around once a year. They don't know me, they don't really care about the people they come to visit, but we do this because we feel we're socially required to pretend we love one another. Me? I prefer honesty. Why should anyone who feels this way be forced to suffer through something we all realize we'd rather not be taking part of, and would rather be spending our time elsewhere? Don't get me wrong, I love my intermediate family, but I don't consider this to be stuck strictly within the blood line of my relatives, or find a necessity that we follow a traditional pattern for a traditional Christmas. Rather, my definition of family includes those people who I may not be physically related, but who I can stand spending time with, doing things we all enjoy and making the Holiday mean something very specific, and different for us: a day to go wild, and lose our inhibitions. In that regard, that we celebrate in a manner which brings us closer together with the people we call family, I would agree with the author of the original post.

I don't celebrate Christmas, but I'll be sloshing with the best of you come New Years. Happy holidays everyone, drive responsibly!

Merry Christmas everyone, we may not always agree (ever?), but have to say.. we do all care about the games that make up the genre with which we all have a personal interest... so, have fun, take care, and may your gods go with you :D

There's nothing special about christmas other than the birth of Christ.

Wow a couple real scrooges in this thread lol

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!!!

Originally posted by Zadawn

There's nothing special about christmas other than the birth of Christ.

just goes to show how unlucky he was.. being born on christmas day means he gets fewer presents every year!! still at least his parents save on prezzies, every cloud has a silver lining eh

Happy Fesituvs to you as well good sir! (<- big Seinfeld fan).

Well done article, merry christmas and happy gaming to everyone out there.

Originally posted by 77lolmac77
No I dont live with my mother and I dont ask my family for anything for Christmas because I prefer to get it myself and because I dont get them anything. I work 40+ hours a week and pay all my bills. I may be a bit cynical but I prefer to call it like I see it which is what I did. And I dont wear Aeropostale my jeans are ripped from actual work not as a fashion trend.

Oh so your jeans are ripped? OK not Aeroprostate or whatever it's called, Hot Topic, different store same mall.

Merry Christmas.

Happy Christmas to all.  Holidays are what you choose to make them.  It's all how you look at it.

Great article Bill.  I can definitely relate on a few levels.

Damn, did this article hit some spots...

I am not a christian, in fact i don't practice any religion or beliefs but i know the holiday spirit and how to enjoy it. So, happy holidays then.

Happy holidays and Christmas everyone hope you enjoy yourself!

Originally posted by black_isle

Damn, did this article hit some spots...

I am not a christian, in fact i don't practice any religion or beliefs but i know the holiday spirit and how to enjoy it. So, happy holidays then.

Don't get bogged down in the whole christianity aspect of christmas as the religous undertones of christmas barely remain for most people now days. It's turned into more of a holiday to celeberate friends and family. Before Christmas there were similar holidays almost at the exact same time of year like the Roman winter solstice or the pagan winter festivals. Christmas has a mix of traditions at this point as well. There are customs and traditions that are pagan in origin, some christian ones and then whats considered secular ones. 

At the end of the day whether you are religious or not what Christmas has become is a time of year to gather your loved ones together and celebrate. So kick back, don't be so serious and enjoy. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

I don't see a real holiday at all.

All Isee are irritating television commericials for jewelry, cars and cell phones.

Merry

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Happy Yuletide Everyone!

Merry Christmas!

Like the OP I looked on longingly at the atari and took every chance I could get to play.  After a lot of begging...ALOT...my parents finally broke down and got me a game console.  I still remember the excitement as I unwrapped the box from under the Christmas tree and there it was....a Magnavox Odyssey.  It was not the first....but one of the most memorable WTF moments of my childhood.  I had never even heard of a Magnavox Odyssey.  In fact, there was only one kid in my entire school that ever had the Magnavox Odyssey, and he went on to become our towns notorious hammer murderer.  I'm sure it was just a cooincidence he had an Odyssey...

Merry Christmas everyone! Happy Holidays! Best wishes to all of you!

Merry Christmas to all from my cosey flat in England get together with friends and family and enjoy some good food, wine and games and enjoy being alive.

Merry Christmas! :D