More Christmas Opinions

[Peg Herring]

Readers tell what they dislike about Christmas:

Deciding who you're supposed to buy for. You always miss someone!

The weight I know I'll gain, and knowing I'm going to eat that red-and-green iced bon-bon anyway.

The awful songs that begin blasting out into public spaces anytime after Halloween.

The proliferation of blow-up Christmas lawn ornaments.

The ad I saw on television in the only 5 minutes of prime time television I’ve watched in months (and I’m paraphrasing here): “Save more, so you can buy more Christmas!”

Knowing I'll have to pretend I like what my mother-in-law gets me (she'll be doing the same thing.)

The we're-too-busy-and-important-to-write-individual-messages Christmas letter. Just sign your name if you can't be bothered to write to me personally.

And what they like about Christmas:

A true day off. What other day of the year is almost nothing open for business in this country?

Wrapping presents and anticipating the happiness of the giftee.

Opening Christmas cards.

Rereading “Miracle on 34th Street.”

Playing Christmas music on the piano.

Sitting on the couch with my husband in front of the fire, wine in hand, listening to Christmas music and enjoying the sight of the Christmas tree.

Baking, baking, baking!

All my favorite foods on one table at one time!