... and if you think It's too soon, this could be just the thread for you.
Anybody else seen anyone with lights and other decorations up yet? I've just walked to and from the centre of where I live and spotted maybe ten or so trees and exterior lights.
At what age do you think you should enlighten your kids about Santa, or should you let them work it out for themselves?Enlighten them about Santa with regard to what?
Our eldest girl was three when she announced that Santa couldn't possibly visit all the children in one night and would need a lot of help. We explained that was what Mums and Dads were for. ;D My parents had it easy with me, I was terrified of Santa having seen one in a very scary mask when I was about 18 months old. I begged my parents to bring my stocking up to my room and not let Santa do it.
Enlighten them about Santa with regard to what?
No?
Oh dear! :oYou and your wild ideas!
When should we tell our kids Santa is a fictional character? Oh Whoops, sorry to break that to you, have I spoilt it for you? ;D
You and your wild ideas!
Didn't go in for pretending Santa Claus was real but explained it was a story that could be fun - also that Santa traditionally wore green!That's Father Christmas, i.e. the real one, none of these garish imports from the colonies.
It was a huge relief when the santa thing ended for us. One of my daughters got so scared of the thought of seeing him that she used to vomit all through Xmas Eve night, but also got distressed at the thought that he didn't exist. I ended up lying to my kid, something that I hated.
Just another aspect of the bollocks that is Christmas. Thankfully we don't need to bother with the fakery any more.
Didn't go in for pretending Santa Claus was real but explained it was a story that could be fun - also that Santa traditionally wore green! That was how I understood it when I was a kid,
Thank the Goddess for Yule!
Absolutely no Santa bollocks to worry about.
My youngest loves it - none of the God bothers want to work Christmas Eve equals time and a half or double time for her - all same every other Christian Holy day - Easter etc.
She's making a fortune out of Christianity!
According to Wiki, the first pictures of Santa Claus had him dressed in tan! Then green and later, as you say, red after Coca-Cola. Well I've learned something today, always thought the tradition was green.
Yes it is unclear, Maeght. If we are confused imagine how it must be for some kids? I really think it's better to just tell them that there are lots of Christmassy stories.
I don't see why not.
Neither do I. Midwinter is a good time for myths and folk stories of all kinds.
Like the fight between the Holly King and the Oak King
https://www.paintingdreams.co.uk/product/luna-moon-hare
Gorgeous book.
Like the fight between the Holly King and the Oak Kingor... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vScpHFKcTZs
I started yesterday and will finish today.Are they your Vladmates?.............Vladmates?................geddit?
I'll be lighting up around 4:30pm. With any luck my mates Alexei and Vladimir will give the house a wave when the ISS passes overhead.
Yes, celebrate each day as if it is the last day of your life. Happy un-Christmas.
I'd rather celebrate all year than one day when everyone witters on about 'proper family fun'.
Are they your Vladmates?.............Vladmates?................geddit?
Yes, celebrate each day as if it is the last day of your life. Happy un-Christmas.
I prefer to decorate the house when it isn't Xmas so we have twisted willow with lights and little sparkly things up all year round.One can do both ;)
One can do both ;)
You left out the 'scrooge' bit.I took that as read ;)
You don't sound like a "scrooge" to me. Just a very human being.
We all have different experiences in life which make us form feelings and opinions about issues which the majority find hard to understand. I hate the herd instinct that quite often surfaces around issues like this.
Anyhow for me the main thing at Christmas is to stay warm, drink good ale and watch Dr Who. Christmassy or what?
I took that as read ;)
In all seriousness, I'd just like to put across how hard Xmas can be for people and how difficult the pressure to 'have a great time' can be. Because I don't throw myself into it I get called a 'scrooge'. to my face sometimes, and by people who I think of as friends. I'm told that it only takes a change of mindset and I, too, will welcome the plastic shit and flashing lights into my home and feel that special Xmas magic.
Yeah, it doesn't quite work like that.
If you associate Christmas with trauma of any kind or with being shown how different your life is to other peoples' then the whole thing can trigger memories that you wish you didn't have and 'Christmas fun' is meaningless. And please bear in mind that it isn't just adults that get these experiences, it is children too.
I hate having Christmas thrown in my face. Maybe one day I won't. Until then feel free to call me a 'scrooge' and tell me to pull myself out of it and I'll pretend to laugh along with you.
I agree with Trentvoyager, I look on Christmas as an opportunity to avoid people and get away.Now there's something I do all year round.
I am sorry you associate Christmas with bad experiences in your life, that is really sad; I can quite understand why you dislike the festival.
The thing that makes it worse for people is that, as Rhiannon has raised, if you don't join in, you're made to feel worse by being told off for not doing so.
'they are trying to ban Christmas'
That we get that along with the whole 'they are trying to ban Christmas' stuff is just bizarre.I don't see that that even exists in this country though. I'm prepared to believe that it may well be a thing in the States for example, with their customarily insane and toxic blend of Christianity, patriotism, tradition and what have you, but I don't see that it's a thing here - not even in the fevered minds of Daily Mail leader writers, who I don't think even believe the wretched horseshit that they come up with.
I don't see that that even exists in this country though. I'm prepared to believe that it may well be a thing in the States for example, with their customarily insane and toxic blend of Christianity, patriotism, tradition and what have you, but I don't see that it's a thing here - not even in the fevered minds of Daily Mail leader writers, who I don't think even believe the wretched horseshit that they come up with.Depends - there was the stushie about the 'Muslims' in the Christmas advert
It's odd really - given the massive spread of Christmas so that it starts late October - which was when I heard the first set of Christmas songs in a shop, there are lots of people who express the Bah humbug sentiment but it seems as if it becomes even more pressurised to join in each year as well. That we get that along with the whole 'they are trying to ban Christmas' stuff is just bizarre.
I feel sympathy with those Christians who say that it's missing the 'true' meaning of Christmas for them.I don't. That's just a whine, isn't it - "You're not doing things the way I do them and think you should do them" - the battle-cry of authoritarians everywhere since for ever.
Christmas is for everyone who wants it to do it however they want.
I feel sympathy with those Christians who say that it's missing the 'true' meaning of Christmas for them. I must be getting old but I remember with affection when it was a much smaller thing.
I feel sympathy with those Christians who say that it's missing the 'true' meaning of Christmas for them. I must be getting old but I remember with affection when it was a much smaller thing.
Including being left alone to not do it? I don't see you advocating that one.Sure, if that's your bag. But relentless negativity is incredibly wearing after the first five minutes or so - see any Remain voter for details. (Political material always an option, kids).
I feel sympathy with those Christians who say that it's missing the 'true' meaning of Christmas for them. I must be getting old but I remember with affection when it was a much smaller thing.Problem is that the 'true meaning of Christmas' is different for each of us. Largely I think it tends to be a sort of nostalgic harking back to some long forgotten childhood feeling, but that is gone as we aren't children anymore, and often many of those who made that time special are gone too.
But relentless negativity is incredibly wearing after the first five minutes or so - see any Remain voter for details.
Problem is that the 'true meaning of Christmas' is different for each of us.Got it in one. And thank goodness for it.
Sure, if that's your bag. But relentless negativity is incredibly wearing after the first five minutes or so - see any Remain voter for details. (Political material always an option, kids).
If we had a national show of hands of who associates Christmas with something traumatic there would be a great many hands in the air. I mean millions - in the tens of millions, probably. It's not unusual. It's not special. I could tie trauma to Christmas if I chose to. Not just one but a series of them, a run of them in the 1990s so horrific that, careful writer that I try to be, I don't even possess the vocabulary to describe their wretchedness even if I wanted to, which I wouldn't. A quarter of a century on and with a beard increasingly more white than brown I can still be a prisoner of that or I can make Christmas my own. I chose the latter. I'm decidedly in the Julian Barbour camp: I don't think time exists in any objective sense and as commonly thought of is an illusion. But subjectively we find it easier to manage linear time - past-present-future. The downside is that you can't do anything about bad memories - they're stashed away in the past and all you can do with them is keep the lights off and the door shut. The good news is that if memories of the past are shit, make some new ones. In fact make more of them than the old ones. I did.
My husband had his devastating brain haemorrhage on December 28th 2006, it has rather spoilt the season for me.
not wishing to derail but relentless negativity worked for Farage didn't it?
And yet not for Remain and Project Fear.
And yet not for Remain and Project Fear.But the predictions of 'Project Fear' and coming true one by one - Project Reality more like.
I'm sorry that my negativity wears you so much. I'm so boring. Forgive me.I am missing your relentless negativity here. We're back at the whole if you don't join in you are to be attacked. It's all a bit Invasion of the Body Snatchers (which i associate with Christmas because that's when I first saw it)
I am missing your relentless negativity here. We're back at the whole if you don't join in you are to be attacked. It's all a bit Invasion of the Body Snatchers (which i associate with Christmas because that's when I first saw it)
I don't believe for one minute Rhiannon is a scrooge. What you (Rhi) said about having a fire pit on Christmas Eve is a beautiful idea as is being considerate to people all year round, not just at Christmas. So much pressure is put on folks at this time of year; Christmas is difficult for some and relentless cheer can be very wearing.
(Another thing is summer holidays. I never ask anyone if they've booked anything because I've known people who cannot afford a holiday and it's embarrassing for them to be put on the spot.)
I associate it with the Poseidon Adventure.So many films are associated with Christmas because that used to be when they would be shown for the first and the nth time. High Society and Cabaret are more Hogmanay for me.
So many films are associated with Christmas because that used to be when they would be shown for the first and the nth time. High Society and Cabaret are more Hogmanay for me.
There was Death on the Nile too, the really hammy one with Bette Davis and Peter Ustinov, and Mia Farrow having a blast.Where Eagles Dare - its got snow and everything ;)
Where Eagles Dare - its got snow and everything ;)
There was Death on the Nile too, the really hammy one with Bette Davis and Peter Ustinov, and Mia Farrow having a blast.Bridge on the River Kwai, The Magnificent Seven and The Sound of Music as well. And you are right about Death on the Nile which is glorious. We will, of couraey, this year not get the Christie adaptation the BBC has been trying to turn into a new tradition because of the while Sexual behavior of the Acting industry thing.
Rhiannon:- And I have a date on Sunday. Screw Xmas, its the cuffing season. ;)
Quite right too!
Bridge on the River Kwai, The Magnificent Seven and The Sound of Music as well. And you are right about Death on the Nile which is glorious. We will, of couraey, this year not get the Christie adaptation the BBC has been trying to turn into a new tradition because of the while Sexual behavior of the Acting industry thing.
They'd done Ordeal by Innocence hadn't they? There's a version of that I've only ever seen once with the rather lovely Donald Sutherland in the lead. Bleak as bleak but it is one of her darker stories.
For some reason I associate the Sound of Music with Easter. Maybe it's because of Edelweiss.
In my head I should be played by Helena Bonham Carter. In reality I’m probably more Queenie from Blackadder.It's the mix between M*A*S*H, Klute, and Kelly's Heroes that I see Donald playing.
The only films I have ever enjoyed are the Harry Potter ones. I would no doubt fit in well as a character at the famous Hogwarts, which is reminiscent of the Ladies college I attended in my youth. ;D
I think you could put yourself forward as a test subject for transcranial magnetic stimulation - this uses magnets around certain areas of the brain to affect likes/dislikes and so forth. Possibly could increase the kinds of things you would enjoy:
Now you like it, now you don't... (https://francais.mcgill.ca/channels/channels/news/now-you-it-now-you-dont-282882)
It's the mix between M*A*S*H, Klute, and Kelly's Heroes that I see Donald playing.
Hate Christmas .. possibly would not be as bad as birthdays if it could never be mentioned except during, say, the three days 24th, 25th and 26th.
.. may try the magnets myself!.
Ooooh I love that as long as it's very apply and not too sweet. Long time since I actually made one but remember it was lovely.
I have a home made apple strudel slice that I might just need to eat now.
They'll be thinking "what the fuck happened the the runway?".
What the pilots trying to land on Heathrow 28R must think is beyond me.
They'll be thinking "what the fuck happened the the runway?".
There is no 28R, you can have 27R or 27L (or alternately 9L or 9R.
They'll be thinking "what the fuck happened the the runway?".
There is no 28R, you can have 27R or 27L (or alternately 9L or 9R.
The runways used to be 28R and 28L. Perhaps the position of the North Pole has changed.Well England is slowly moving North East. Maybe it's twisting too.
Well England is slowly moving North East. Maybe it's twisting too.
My science knowledge is pretty pathetic, but isn't the magnetic North Pole supposed to be moving? If so, woulkdn't (possibly) explain the change?It probably is but I thought the runways were named based on true North (could be wrong though).
It probably is but I thought the runways were named based on true North (could be wrong though).
I was going to say that your original answer - the confusion between 28 and 08 is more likely to be correct, but if one runway was named 28, the other would be named 10 (since they are always 180 degrees apart).
True ...
https://tinyurl.com/y83v2xcf
As a slight derail but I think within the spirit of the tine of year, i would like to do some posts about much missed members. First amongst those is the lovely Leonard James. It's well over a year since he last logged in and despite a variety of efforts, there is no news. I fear the worst in this case but hope Len is still gazing at his garden, and laughing at the rest of the world.
Feel free to add and join in.
I fear the worst too, LJ was a stalwart of this forum. Gonnagle hasn't posted since July, I hope he is ok.Yes, Gonzo would have been the next person on the list. A man I have shared milk, beer, and bread with. An utter delight of a person and again one who despite some varied efforts, we have been unable to contact. I remember well his audition for doing a TED talk, something I had encouraged him to do. Standing on that stage making the case for compassion, and being the very incarnation of his message.
Such is the way with forums - people do drift away sometimes, and sometimes permanently. On small and close-knit forums though this is always going to lead to concern as to welfare. Facebook set up the legacy contact scheme for this reason but I doubt it's feasible on forums.
We did suggest something to try and cover this at one stage but the problem is that it involves some giving up of personal info. Though people could nominate friends, relatives to get in touch via the email. One of the most touching posts we had was Gonnagle's post in reply to the news from elevenses's daughter of his death.
On the subject of Keturah didn't she mod NGLreturns after not posting on here?
That’s so worrying. Gonners, hope you are ok, mate.
I want to remember Elevenses. Gentle, interesting and cultured. I loved talking to him and wish I’d known him better.
Sadly we do know that he died. :(
And I miss FastFlint with whom I have shared a good bottle of GSM. Come back and post for Christmas
I miss father patrick who was articulate and intelligent on matters theistic. It seems a long time ago.Did we ever get Father Patrick here? Or was he only on the Beeb?
It has been one of those 'this page can't be displayed' days, and I have only just managed to see this site. I do of course agree with other comments above.
This forum does feel like a group of friends, doesn't it?
Lovely Christmas topic
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42219472
NS must have been reading my mind when he brought up this topic. :) I didn't sleep well last night, I lay awake thinking about the absent posters, like Gonnagle, who have played a big part in shaping this forum after the Beeb shut up shop.
Just noticed that Bluehillside appears to be in retirement. :(Yes, the name change happened last week. Let's hope it's a break and then he comes out of retirement
Yes, the name change happened last week. Let's hope it's a break and then he comes out of retirement
Name change?His current board name is 'bluehillside Retd.'
His current board name is 'bluehillside Retd.'Ah, that's all right then! I too had noticed the absence of his posts.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/08/metoo-skip-office-parties-sexually-assaulted-christmas
Christmas office parties sound as if they are best avoided.Yes, though that's because they're parties and not because it's Christmas.
Yes, though that's because they're parties and not because it's Christmas.
I have never enjoyed parties, even as a child, unless they are exclusively family affairs.Whereas I have never enjoyed parties, even as a child, unless they ate specifically not family affairs.
Whereas I have never enjoyed parties, even as a child, unless they ate specifically not family affairs.
I have never enjoyed parties, even as a child, unless they are exclusively family affairs.Too much music?
Too much music?
We never had music, that I remember, at any of the parties I have attended, family or otherwise.They weren't parties then. They were meetings!
They weren't parties then. They were meetings!
Christmas office parties sound as if they are best avoided.
Why do you have to have music at a party?It's music. All the go these days.
It's music. All the go these days.It's probably just a fad that will pass in no time!
https://wtnww.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/08/metoo-skip-office-parties-sexually-assaulted-christmas
That sounds so grim, Rhiannon. I feel very sorry for her.
However not all office parties have that sort of thing going on. At my previous firm my department always hosted an excellent party which was well attended. People generally didn't drink too much because most had to travel home by train or tube.
Where I work now we go out for a Christmas meal which is always very good.
I like parties and dancing. My parents used to have good ones - my children, nieces and nephews and 2nd cousins have had some marvellous do's.
I don't have any plans for a party this year but have had some invitations which I might attend, I'll see how things go.
Too much music?Might lead to dancing*.
The one where we all listened to two clients shagging in the toilets was, um, memorable.
I take it, then, that you didn't have music at this party!
... but I do like dancing so I end up shaking my whatsit in the kitchen while I'm cooking.
Might lead to dancing*.
*Punchline of an ooooold gag you probably all know anyway.
Your sauce bottle?
Hope to see you again before too long.
Just had adverts flash up on computer - 'Gifting' ideas from various shops. Grrrrr.
It seems that GPs are getting in on the Santa myth!Said GPs really ought to piss off and crawl back under what dreary, joyless trying-to-be-funny-and-failing-dismally stone they were under.
Said GPs really ought to piss off and crawl back under what dreary, joyless trying-to-be-funny-and-failing-dismally stone they were under.Cor blimey Mr Sourpuss
Beautiful, Walter. Thank you. Watched with subtitles so as not to disturb so don't know if it had Carl Sagan's amazing sexy voice.sounds de-lish mmmmm!
Just had some (2 helpings) of my husband's Apfel Strudel and it was just wonderful - lots of nice big bits of apple which was what I wanted, pastry as light as a feather. Perfect!
I don't know how many people here will like this.... but from my school days in the 1960's Christmas time has meant Jim Reeves.
Here are some favourites.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLmt345o3mc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19gdSmrMNCU
I love to listen to these songs even now.
My father liked Jim Reeves.my father liked my mother .
my father liked my mother .
NO! , we can't be..... ???
My father liked your mother! :o ;) :-[
Now this is Christmas
http://www.bfi.org.uk/news/ghost-stories-christmases-past
Just got a promise of a Christmas present that I'm so excited about. I know that many here are going to laugh at me but I don't care. It's got to be the child in me, I know, but I've always wanted a ride in a fire engine. One of my sons is a firefighter and actually drives the engine. He's about to move to a station that is close to where we live, and he's promised to take the fire engine around the block with me on board, sometime in the New Year. ;DIt's good to see when someone's burning ambition is fulfilled!
A very happy Christmas and New Year to everyone. :)
Just attended a very mad lovely Christmas Eve Gala dinner in Goa. Off to watch Scrooged and drink Bailey's. Best wishes to all.
Dear Santa, can you bring me news that Gonnagle is ok?
Seconded! (Or thirded ... whatevs).Can you believe this ?
Can you believe this ?They certainly are!
People I only met yesterday who realised I was going to be on my own today (I'm staying in their field), have just brought out a tray complete with Christmas dinner and two gifts beautifully wrapped . Actually brought a tear of joy to my eye .
Aren't some people wonderful!
They certainly are!
curiosity killed the cat: Are you in a campervan or something? Hope you have radio and/orTV?
Can you believe this ?That's beautiful
People I only met yesterday who realised I was going to be on my own today (I'm staying in their field), have just brought out a tray complete with Christmas dinner and two gifts beautifully wrapped . Actually brought a tear of joy to my eye .
Aren't some people wonderful!
That's beautifulforgot to mention , they've also allowed me to use their own personal Wi-Fi which I can just about detect on my laptop at a distance of around 80metres from their house.
Can you believe this ?
People I only met yesterday who realised I was going to be on my own today (I'm staying in their field), have just brought out a tray complete with Christmas dinner and two gifts beautifully wrapped . Actually brought a tear of joy to my eye .
Aren't some people wonderful!
WalterHi SusanDoris
thank you for your reply. I do like to know what's what, and what's going on, you know! :)
I had a phone call the other day from a friend who lives on the outskirts of Brisbane.
I'm always interested in travel, since I have done a fair amount myself. Perhaps we should have a topic on this?perhaps you could start one and ill join in
It was very good here on Christmas Day and at sister's yesterday. We didn't stay until late last night, took parents and in laws home about 9pm and then came home ourselves - our girls there with their cousins 'til about 1am I think.
Had a good lie in this morning! Lovely. Could happily snuggle under the duvet all day today. Just before waking I was dreaming about Donald Trump of all people!!!
Hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as possible - it is nice to be back to normal though.
Christmas is over an done with for another year, I hope you all had a good one. We had a pleasant family time.
I have put all the decorations away; it is good to be back to normal. :)
Ours stay up until Epiphany.
Christmas is over an done with for another year, I hope you all had a good one. We had a pleasant family time.whos' normal , yours or mine ? 8)
I have put all the decorations away; it is good to be back to normal. :)
whos' normal , yours or mine ? 8)
I am talking about what is normal for my husband and I. I don't think your 'normal' would suit me, especially if over indulgence of alcohol is involved. ;Dyour last sentence is rather odd, why did you mention overindulgence of alcohol?
your last sentence is rather odd, why did you mention overindulgence of alcohol?
I apologise, it was a stupid, crass remark, which I have removed. :-[