Thoughts: Advent Advent Calendars anticipation Bah Humbug Celebrating Christmas too early child-like wonder children Christmas Christmas Eve Christmas Shopping Christmas Spirit Excitement humour Motherhood Offloading parenting Santa Sleep is for the Weak the Grinch Thoughts toddlers
by Josie
42 comments
Bah Humbug – A Christmas Rant
Gah what is it with all you people and your determination to make Christmas last as long as possible?!
Not only have I had to suffer Christmas hitting our high street before Halloween this year, now December 1st has rolled round I’m suddenly met with endless accounts of people with their tree up, presents bought and wrapped, and Christmas cards written.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas. But I just start to think about it on the 1st, using the whole advent period to gently warm up to the idea. I put up Kai’s advent calendar last night and got my first little Christmas tingle filling it with various disproportionately sized plastic animals for him to find each day. By the weekend I might just start thinking about doing some Christmas shopping. In another couple of week’s we’ll put the tree up and try a think of a way that we can ensure it survives three weeks of toddler attention. I probably won’t even eat a mince pie for at least another fortnight. This way my excitement builds slowly up to an uncontrollable hysteria on Christmas Eve (where my brother will come and we will play board games and eat our body weight in buffet food), a night lying awake wondering if that sound I just heard really was Santa, not daring to move and thinking that all those unbelievers are going to feel such eejits when they don’t get a Canon SLR under their tree, and then be up at the crack of dawn for a few days of festivities and more food and mulled wine than should probably be legal.
If I started with it all too soon, my excitement would have peaked and waned by the time we gotten half way through advent and I’d be bored and disinterested with the whole thing by the time the big day rolled round. Now fair enough if you personally have the energy to maintain your Christmas Spirit for endless weeks at a time, I just don’t have it in me.
And, for me, having Christmas last a whole month, or even longer, kind of throws out my whole rhythm for the year. Christmas is a specific day, or a few days at most, which is proceeded by ADVENT. Which, if you’re of the non-religious persuasion as I am, means a time of getting ready. If you’ve already got ready then what the frick is the point? You’ve lost all the build-up, all the magic – all you’ve got to look forward to is three weeks of novelty chocolates which I swear are made up of the ground up cardboard of last year’s advent calendars.
*sigh*
I’ll stop ranting now. I don’t mean to wee on your Yule log or anything like that.
I’m just saying, let’s all calm down a bit shall we. We’ve got 24 days people, let’s enjoy them.
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I feel where you are coming from with this. if i started putting up decorations now I’d be so sick of the whole thing by around the 15th. And i couldn’t stand going to someones house with the decorations up either. Presents are a different matter. as my family live in UK and I have to rely on postal services of several countries i try to post them before Dec starts.
Heather´s last blog ..Flood : Help needed. 
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I used to feel the same as you. Still do, really. But when your child has reached the age where she truly understands Christmas and what it’s all about and her preschool is having her practise Christmas songs for the play and they’ve got all THEIR decorations up and you walk past the shop that sells all the decorations every day, it’s easy to see how starting earlier might have something to do with the munchkins, not the adults. This is the first year where we will likely have decorations up by this weekend, purely for my 3-year-old’s benefit. But mince pies and mulled wine and wrapping presents?! No way, not yet! I have my pride… 
Noble Savage´s last blog ..It’s raining, it’s pouring
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Josie Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 8:35 pm
@Noble Savage, You see, I can get behind that – tree first but then everything else gradually. It’s the ‘get it all out the way by Dec 2nd’ that gets my goat a bit. Or my Turkey. Or something…
And yes. Ask me again in another couple of years when Kai’s clamouring to have the tree by Bonfire Night and I may be practising something rather different from what I preach!
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Josie Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 8:35 pm
@Noble Savage, You see, I can get behind that – tree first but then everything else gradually. It’s the ‘get it all out the way by Dec 2nd’ that gets my goat a bit. Or my Turkey. Or something…
And yes. Ask me again in another couple of years when Kai’s clamouring to have the tree by Bonfire Night and I may be practising something rather different from what I preach!
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Hey Mrs Porridge, I used to be an RE teacher (oh, yes!) and I’m here to tell you that Advent means exactly that for all those of a religious persuasion, too. (Well, it does if their religion’s vaguely of the Christianity-type thing, anyway!) It’s a penitential period of preparation (dig the alliteration) and should be undertaken soberly, and with due reverence. Mind you, Christmas (when it does come) should be twelve whole days long. Personally, I make it last as long as possible. The tree goes up this Saturday. And we’re already singing carols…
Timmy Time´s last blog ..Kick Ass Blogger!
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Josie Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 8:32 pm
@Timmy Time, Ahh didn’t explain myself – I meant Advent as getting ready for Chrimbo rather than getting ready for the arrival of the little George Jesus. Daughter of a Baptist Minister here, 14 years of Sunday School… I should know better…
12 days sounds about right to me!
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Josie Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 8:32 pm
@Timmy Time, Ahh didn’t explain myself – I meant Advent as getting ready for Chrimbo rather than getting ready for the arrival of the little George Jesus. Daughter of a Baptist Minister here, 14 years of Sunday School… I should know better…
12 days sounds about right to me!
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Hear Hear! Completely agree with you on each and every point hon. XXX
P.S. Poor Izzy, I almost wish that her birthday wasn’t directly after Christmas; must try hard to put as much effort into planning her first birthday as making Christmas special for her and Lulu the monster.
P.P.S. What the heck am I doing up at this alarmingly late hour…ah yes, pretending to do PhD work, whilst in reality messing about on eBay, hee hee. XX
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Josie Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 8:35 pm
@Marianne, Lucy & Izzy, Birthday’s right after Christmas DO suck. But we will make it extra special – just you see 
P.S. Go to bed xxxxx
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Josie Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 8:35 pm
@Marianne, Lucy & Izzy, Birthday’s right after Christmas DO suck. But we will make it extra special – just you see
P.S. Go to bed xxxxx
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December 1st: advent calendar goes up.
December 16th: school breaks up
December 18th: tree arrives, goes in the garden
December 19/20: Christmas decorations go up.
December 24th: Christmas tree goes up and is decorated.
December 25th: Christmas.
I will consider no alternatives, I don’t care how many bloody carols they’re playing at me in Tesco.
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Josie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:51 pm
@Sally, Who’s the Mummy, I approve… How does Flea feel about it out of interest? Seems like a lot of people here do things earlier ‘because of the children’…
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Josie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:51 pm
@Sally, Who’s the Mummy, I approve… How does Flea feel about it out of interest? Seems like a lot of people here do things earlier ‘because of the children’…
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We have a brilliant way around this: most of Belgium abides by the rule of no Christmas crap until after Sinterklaas, which is on the sixth of December. So we only have to start thinking about Christmas from the seventh. (Even later than you!)
I’d better not mention then that I already have the kids’ presents sorted (not wrapped)? No one else’s though.
Mwa´s last blog ..Dinosaur cake and a judgemental clown-god
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Daughter’s birthday today so definitely no Christmas celebrations here for a while. Where would we put her birthday cards? I think this must be the first Christmas in a year where I haven’t received a card on the 1st! Phew!!
Tree will not be purchased for at least a couple of weeks but I must admit to being so excited with children number 1 and 2 when it was Christmas. Now down to number five it just seems a huge chore and a lot of work and expense for one day!! So I’m definitely bah humbug!!!
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Josie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:53 pm
@Chic Mama, My uncle broke all records this year by sending out his Christmas cards mid November!
Blimey oh riley. I don’t know how you manage Christmas with FIVE! As always, I am in awe of you… xx
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Josie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:53 pm
@Chic Mama, My uncle broke all records this year by sending out his Christmas cards mid November!
Blimey oh riley. I don’t know how you manage Christmas with FIVE! As always, I am in awe of you… xx
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Given that my older son’s birthday is 13th December I always thought I’d manage to hold out until that had passed to start with the Christmas stuff. It never quite worked out that way. I remember late nights feeding him by fairy light…. I can’t wait!! Am I terrible? I’ve always had to budget for Christmas gifts and find it easier to buy them WHEN I have the money, cos if I put the money away until December… well I wouldn’t, something would crop up, it always does. So my gifts are all but bought, bar the ones I can get in town between pubs, the tree is up (individual branches, I will not put myself through that for a mere two weeks twinkling) and tomorrow I steam the pudding. As my OH says (regularly) Hum Bawbag!
MrsW´s last blog ..iHeart Tooshies
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bah humbug!!
I like to squeeze every bit of christmas out of the season and you know why? because the kids love it!! I love seeing their faces when decorations go up around the town or in people’s homes. As a supermarket worker i learn to embrace how early christmas gets advertised every year and it just adds to the build up even more.
Hold onto your seat but my decorations are up! they have been up for a week and the tree is going up on saturday, i have already had many mince pies, we’ve watched at least 6 christmas films and i pulled a cracker at the weekend (oh the horror!!!)
Enjoy christmas the way you like it and merry christmas (oh sorry was that too early lol) xxx
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I have ALWAYS stipulated that the tree and decs go up just before Yule (as you know I’m a Pagan) not just because of religious reasons but because it draws Christmas out too long.The anticipation is part of the excitement and it gives me a 3 weeks to make things with the kids.I have also learnt from expereinece the tree gets trashed, chocolates eaten and 20 month old DD2 is into everything and I don’t trust 4 year old DD1 one bit being left alone with tree.We do have chocolate Advent calenders, last year we had ones that went up to New Year.They are probably the reference to The nativity we have.I do plan to make my own ‘Winter Calender’ next year just to make a compromise, it’s when I’m ‘the odd one out’.I prefer The Grinch by the way.
Aly ´s last blog ..Unwrapping Christmas
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Ahem.. you may wish to delete this comment but…. I have just finished decorating the Christmas tree. And have the presents bought. I know, I know, but I do love it. And I do have a good excuse (not that I actually need one it has to be said) but my entire family is descending on me this weekend from the various corners of the UK to celebrate our little pre-Christmas since this is the year of the in-laws…. so really, I’m allowed. Just a little.. so without further ado I’m going to whisper (very softly) but with a decidedly giddy giggle because it is officially the month of Christmas….. “Happy Christmas…!”
Mummy Mania´s last blog ..Movie Star Syndrome
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Josie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:05 pm
@Mummy Mania, Oh Alana… *tut tut*…
You DO have a good excuse though so I’ll let you off xx
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Josie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:05 pm
@Mummy Mania, Oh Alana… *tut tut*…
You DO have a good excuse though so I’ll let you off xx
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You’re talking about me, right? RIGHT?!!! (That’s the hysterical Christmas excitement getting the better of me there …!)
I don’t hate your post. Not at all. Because, if you’re less excited, then that means I have an excuse to be even MORE excited. And I am, oh god, I am.
I actually think I might vomit with joy. So don’t feel bad. Trust me, I have more than enough excitement, energy and hysteria for the both of us.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
(Bet you’re glad you’re not seeing me until the 29th, yes?!)
xxx
Kathryn´s last blog ..Advent: Day 1
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Afraid i’m of the same ilk as you. I was channel hopping the other day and noticed Noddy Holders top 40 Christmas songs… at which point it was still November. You should have seen the text rant i sent to my boyfriend – IT WAS STILL NOVEMBER!!!
Now don’t get me wrong, i love christmas just as much as anyone, but it doesn’t need to be celebrated for two bloody months!
Kelly´s last blog ..What Not To Do When Being Burgled…
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Oh thank goodness – someone else who puts the christmas tree up on christmas eve. It seems like everyone wants Christmas to go from August till January – only it doesn’t. I had mini-panic last night realising that if I want kids to write cards to teachers and friends I need to start NOW and the night before about advent Calander (that induced fits this morning *note to self, put no suggestions that involve bed making in the jar next year) But shopping – Nup – still to wrapped up in well, auditions, possibly moving interstate, Tim Minchin on Friday (GLEE) and Parents goodbye party on saturday…until they leave for France I will not even be considering Santa – but I think you just gave me a brilliant idea – I will invite my friend around on Christmas Eve – new tradition and this may make it happier. (I right there with you – theres almost a whole month till chrissy- sigh)
april´s last blog ..On the first day of Advent…
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I would just like to assure you that, while I have been TALKING about Christmas, so far that’s all it is. Talk. I’ve purchased a few gifts for the kids and I’m working on knitting a pair of socks. Otherwise, I am woefully, woefully unprepared.
Bah, Humbug to you, too!
Amber´s last blog ..Weaning, Partial Weaning and Mixed Feelings
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Amen to you! I adore Christmas but am not a fan of having it shoved down my throat for 3 months a year. I have bought a few presents as we couldn’t afford them all in paycheck & I have no concept of saving money. I have no tree, I forgot to get Sam’a advent calender out and I’ve lost the baubles. I hate writing Christmas cards (if you don’t get one, don’t be offended) and wrapping drives me round the bend. However I cannot wait to see Sam’s little face on Christmas morning when he opens his dolly, throws it on the floor and plays with the wrapping paper and box it came in. Lovely!
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Josie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:36 pm
@Emma @ Notsuchayummymummy, Haha that made me laugh. I also hate writing Christmas cards, and the thank you cards afterwards. I think me saying ‘thank you’ should be enough really. You may just say ‘Happy Christmas’ to you and I will let you off your card xx
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Josie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:36 pm
@Emma @ Notsuchayummymummy, Haha that made me laugh. I also hate writing Christmas cards, and the thank you cards afterwards. I think me saying ‘thank you’ should be enough really. You may just say ‘Happy Christmas’ to you and I will let you off your card xx
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You truly are the grinch. I used to feel something similar to you once upon a long time a go.
The thing is I now try to buy presents when I see them throughout the year reduced and also make presents too, so I do have most of my shopping done. In fact I have all the boys shopping done, we just havent wrapped it.
Also the school have their decorations up. Christmas is a time for children, so I give in and comply, infact I decided I would jump right in come December the first.
You will look back on this post in years to come and smile at the bah humbug quality of it!
TheMadHouse´s last blog ..Advent Calenders a Plenty
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Josie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:38 pm
@TheMadHouse, Quite possibly! I know it will be different when Kai is a bit older but I’m determined to only extend my schedule by a week, max x
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Josie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:38 pm
@TheMadHouse, Quite possibly! I know it will be different when Kai is a bit older but I’m determined to only extend my schedule by a week, max x
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totally agree! my mums birthday is on the 29th nov and russ birthday is on the 5th december so i refuse to think about christmas until ive got those days out the way.
i absolutely love christmas, but only at christmas time! xxx
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I know, I know. I’m hearing you. But think how it feels to start Christmas in July? That’s when we have to begin planning what’s going to be hot in the present world, what’s not, and how we’re going to make like Santa and actually get the stuff out. I adore Christmas and all its shiny, snowy, childlike wonder. But I don’t think my Christmas countdown is ever going to be the same again!
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I admit i am one of those almost done shopping and the wrapping . It is more for convenience though, we received some extra money recently and wanted to buy what we needed before it got spent . Then wrapping it all so we can send it up my mils for safe keeping, don’t want it all back and have to spend all Christmas eve wrapping.
This is the first year i have been so excited over it but my girls are 4 and 3 and it is all they talk about. Hard not to feel it
Laura McIntyre´s last blog ..Rambles
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[...] Josie is likely wretching at the thought, but I have already been sucked into the Christmas Vortex, the depths of which I shan’t return from until the January sales are upon us. I know, I know, it’s only December-the-bloody-4th and there’s still three weeks until the jolly man in the red suit squeezes his corpulent frame down my soot-laden chimney and the little George Jesus lays down his sweet head, and I’m an atheist and a cynic and have never been big on Christmas and all its capitalistic, religious-driven dogmatic glory. Believe me, I know this. I’d never EVER have pegged myself as a ‘Christmas Person’ but this year has been different. [...]
Seriously. I only like Christmas things a week before. All the yule happiness makes me grinchy.
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If I start getting the house Christmasey I get less negative comments about the never-ending pan of mulled wine that lasts until January. Hence my tree being up. mmmmmmmmmmmmmm mulled wine.
George’s Mum ´s last blog ..December 5th- a confession.
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In contrast to the content of this blog, I’m turning up here late. Ha ha.
It’s always bothered me that the Christmas merchandise section of the supermarket takes root in September and starts growing, hitting its peak and plateauing in about mid-November. Then December 26 rolls around and it withers into a shrinking collection of heavily-marked-down leftovers.
Since when has Christmas overtaken the entire month of December? Ridiculous.
Don’t you find those people who are already absurdly prepared are the same kind of people full of oh-so-helpful parenting advice about structured play and the like, who just seem to be so on top of everything, so capable, never flustered, making you feel like you’re a lesser parent, a lesser person…?
Or is that just me?
Michael´s last blog ..My escape
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Josie Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 8:33 pm
@Heather, Hurray! I have an ally! Everyone else is going to HATE this post – haha!
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