christmas/holidays

[aaron]

whole lotta dick-swingin' goin' on in that other thread, so let's talk about christmas (or whatever wintery holiday you may celebrate) in here. i'm honestly having a hard time getting into the spirit this year but i'm sure it'll be a pretty good time once i'm in the thick of it. still haven't gotten any presents for anyone (well, that's not true, i got a minecraft book set for my kid, but that's it). considering baking something.

you guys/gals have any cool holiday plans?

[oxymoron]

Off topic but how's your barcade coming along?

[flojocabron]

I love the holidays, but I cant wait for it to be over.

Especially at my job.

Like most have said already, the same songs have been playing over and over again.

Its okay for some customers to hear it for the hour or so they are there, but I've had to hear the same songs over and over since halloween.

In my lawn and garden department they have all the inflatables. Right now there is a Darth Vader Holiday Inflatable. Its an okay thing if you are a starwars fan.

But I've heard the Imperial march to my own death now. The stupid vader plays it non fucking stop. LOUDLY!

I've put a sticker on it to tone it down, right over the speaker. We turn it off only to have the manager turn it right back on again. I'm glad he didn't find the sticker over the speaker. It gets twice as loud.

I still have a few more weeks to go before that thing is finally gone. I cant wait to sell the display! GOOD EFFIN RIDDANCE!

/Rant. Wanted to get that off my chest.

Oh and happy holidays!

I'll say holidays because I'm sure you're tired of the annoying facebook posts that say

LETS PUT THE CHRIST BACK IN CHRISTMAS!

but to each his own.

[aaron]

Off topic but how's your barcade coming along?

getting there! restoring games, looking for a place, meeting with investors, etc. thanks for asking!

[BRIK]

I've worked retail for the last three years so the weeks leading up to Christmas is something I actively dread.
Having said that though, it's always great to see all the family together on Christmas day. None of us are religious, but it's a great excuse if anything. Sadly, I doubt it would happen otherwise.

I don't really like buying presents though. Not because of money, but because I really suck at picking out things for other people. I think I might just make it through this year though.

Another thing is the food and booze. There are not many other times throughout the year I can consume so much and not be frowned upon (because everyone else is doing it too) and that's awesome.

[fastbilly1]

Our holidays are always difficult. My family is spread all over the east coast so it is hard to sync up schedules. But we all try to meet at my Grandmothers for Christmas Eve. So my wife has a deadline at work of Christmas Eve at 1500 CST so we are gunning it down my Grandmothers shortly after 5ish hour drive. To try and make it for dinner at 2000 EST (1900 CST). Then, mid morning Christmas day, we have to get up and drive back up to meet with my inlaws for Chirstmas Dinner. Then my wife goes back to work the day after Christmas at 0700 CST.

So yeah, lots of driving. I dont have to work after Christmas but we are trying to build a machine shop at the farm so I will most likely spend my week off moving tons of scrap and tools. But if that goes well New Years Eve I can start welding again.

[vatermuzik]

I love Christmas but I hate Christmas in retail. I've worked in the retail field for about 10 years now. Luckily, I've worked up to a purchasing position; but that also means my Christmas work starts in August.

Anyhow, I feel I've learned to put aside all of the corporate, Christmas BS and now just enjoy spending time with family and friends over the holidays. We're not a religious family but we can certainly appreciate all of the spiritual undertones that go along with the season.

Merry Christmas!

[Luke]

Went to great Christmas concert last night. Most of the songs were sung in German, and most songs were also not your traditional fare.

The wife and I are alternating days/gifts on our advent calendar (it's actually an advent box, but who cares?). We'll exchange gifts on Christmas morning, but it's fun knowing that each day in December either she or I will be getting a gift. It's even more fun hiding her gifts and giving her vague clues on where her gifts are hidden. She still hasn't found the toblerone hidden under the couch, and it's been there since 12/2.

Having a huge party on Christmas eve. It's more of a party for one of my friends, as she recently lost her job and is now working for Toys R Us. I throw a lot of "appreciation parties" where there is a guest of honor, and this time she's the one. Should be a blast as she requested a pajama jam. So lots of food, drinks, music and games. I'm thinking helium karaoke is a must.

This weekend my wife and I are volunteering for a "Breakfast with Santa". The title of the event should explain itself. Mrs.Luke will be reading a few short stories for the kiddos, and I'll be a greater/server/cleaner upper. We're expecting over a hundred people, so it should be a wonderful time and experience.

Rather warm here for December. Winter runs late here in Eastern NC.

[laurenhiya21]

I really like the holidays because it means a break from school and I get to see my boyfriend and family I don't get to see my boyfriend very often (last time I saw him was in late July), so I'm very excited to be able to see him again on Monday. Plus his family is awesome so I'm sure Christmas with them will be good (first time having Christmas away from home though which will feel a little odd). I see my family more often than my boyfriend, but my mom works a ton, so I like how the holidays give her a break and we get some time to spend together.

I also like the holidays for eggnog, mandarin oranges, and snow but spending time with awesome people is definitely my favorite thing

[BogusMeatFactory]

I work retail so the atmosphere would seem pretty terrible, but in reality, it has been a blast. I work in the electronics and photo department for a big midwest retail chain and I spend a whole slew of my time helping people pretty up their pictures and make them perfect.

Sometimes it is just helping people navigate making Christmas cards and giving my opinion on what looks good and not, but sometimes, I get the elderly coming in to scan pictures of their childhood in and make a digital album for their grandkids. The pictures themselves are absolutely fascinating as many of them tell insane stories. What makes it even more special is the time I spend helping them makes their day as well.

With that, and finding out that my wife is having a baby girl has really brightened what should be a horrible time in all honesty. Actual Christmas will be spent with my brother and my wife's family and they are a joy to be around.

No religion to adhere to here, but I am definitely taking the time to express my appreciation to those around me, even though I do it regularly, Christmas gives me the opportunity to take it to the next level.