Don't worry pualty, mutton hails from Tronna
Don't worry pualty, mutton hails from Tronna
More like Tiranna
Christmas kind of lost any possible bit of magic when I read that two people died on Black Friday in the U.S.
And over what? I don't think it's possible to die for some thing more pathetic.
You realize that you essentially based your entire thread on
How can Christmas *ever* be enjoyable with this kind of mindset?Christmas has become a business transaction. It starts with some negotiation on the total value of Christmas this year, usually adjusted for the perceived "necessity" of the gifts I want this year, and largely influenced by the gifts I was promised the year before that I never got around to picking up from the store. After some careful analysis, comparison, and evaluation, we arrive at some mutual limit which establishes the theoretical boundary of gifts this year.
I understand how you COULD like capitalism (it gave rise to all the gadgets etc. that we have today) but you bring it to a whole new level where it, essentially, becomes the center of your dealings. And even if you still enjoy the family etc. aspect of Christmas, you still made this huge post about how Christmas essentially sucks compared to before but the reason for that is because of your mindset of money. There shouldn't be any of these analyses of money for Christmas outside of dedicating X to overall spending on gifts (so as to not make yourself broke).
Moderation is key. I have nothing against people who like Capitalism, don't get me wrong, even though that I think capitalism is doomed for failure. The point I'm making here is that your perspectives and cognitions of Christmas is what is making you feel this way about Christmas. Fuck money, seriously. Dedicate X to Christmas, stay within those lines and keep it there, no need for further analysis. The only thing that's different about Christmas now and Christmas when we were kids is that when you think about Christmas when you were a kid you get a heavy feeling of Nostalgia (which is a "false" feeling because you didn't actually feel what you are feeling about the memories when you were a kid). The only real difference is the element of semi-surprise at what gifts you're going to get, other than that it's the same thing.
So yeah, try something new (ie. fuck worrying about all this cost, evaluations, timings etc.) and you might come out pleasantly surprised.
Telling stupid people they are idiots since 1987
http://www.georgehernandez.com/h/aaB...nceVsFaith.png
only devastating for the weak-minded; for others it is a good lesson learned
more like, the animals get the treat periodically, and then you stop giving it to themRegardless though, this kind of behavior is akin to taunting animals by dangling treats before them, only to jerk the sweets away at the last second. We spend all the time crafting this elaborate prank that lasts years and years, supports the notion that greed and handouts are a part of the natural world and the best way to show your love is to spend money on somebody, only to have the magic and beauty of the season disappear as such illusions cannot last in the face of reality; the desire for material things, the notion that one is obligated to spend vast amounts of money based on the time of year and the notion that you are entitled to gifts that are supposed to be given altruistically remain behind. Some choose to recreate the fantasy with full knowledge of reality, and others turn bitter.
the experience of withdrawal is a good test for character
as you have experienced the greatness of knowledge you know to never be jealous of people who don't know any betterRegardless, I never really bought into the 'magic of christmas.' I always enjoyed visiting with family who i didn't see all that often, and who doesn't love getting free shit? But seasonal celebrations and santa claus were always far-fetched, and I never believed in them. Seeing through the illusion spared me the pain of disillusionment (what a crushing disappointment for a child), yet at the same time, as though I was looking in through a window from the outside in, those who buy the image and stagnant mythology seem so blissful, and I suffer a pang of jealousy for that.
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