In which stgulik goes full Grinch
Dec. 11th, 2011 10:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
stgulikLifted from ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
droxy, teddyradiator and the other cool kids. I am NOT a fan of Christmas, so get ready to be offended.
1. How many times have you ever drunk too much during the holidays? Include the number of times you've drunk so much you've thrown up: Christmas holiday? Never, because we always visit relatives out of town, and the highway patrol still tends to frown on one driving while drunk. Now New Year's; that's another matter.I'm sure at least once. College was a learning experience!
2. Have you ever been so worn out you've not bothered to wrap presents?
Never. Wrapping presents is actually one of the few things I like about Christmas.
3. What decorations do you consider tacky?
All of the lawn decorations they've got nowadays are unbelievably tacky. Yesterday I saw a blow-up display featuring Pooh Bear on a seesaw with Tigger. I ask you.
4. Any Christmas traditions you hate and/or cringe when faced with them?
All of them. The tradition that calls for us to celebrate Christmas every year is the one I hate most.
5. Have you ever had a year when you didn't put up any decorations and/or a tree? If so, why?
No. My mom and brother and I trimmed down our traditions after my dad moved out (see below), and the season got sort of manageable for me. Then I went and married a sentimental man from a sentimental family, and we inherited a shit-ton of decorations, all of which must be put up every year.
6. What holiday dish do you avoid like the plague or hate?
Fruitcake. Droxy said all there is to be said.
7. Worst Holiday memory as a child?
My dad left my mother and us kids right before Christmas. His reasoning was, he would gift us with one more holiday "as a family," then he would promptly move into his newly-leased apartment just in time to start the new tax year. Nice, huh? Really pumps up the ol' Christmas spirit.
8. What is the thing each year that makes you say, “Ok, now it’s Christmas”?
Every year, I attend the holiday concert put on by the choir my husband sings in. They always start the concert with the same beautiful carol, "Once In Royal David's City." It's very moving, and this from me, so you know it must be true.
Original #8: People saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." Sensitive to others who are not Christians or political correctness run amuck?
If you were going to offer a timely seasonal wish to a stranger, why would you limit yourself to Christmas? They might not celebrate Christmas. You might get it wrong. So you say "happy holidays" in order to be inclusive in your sentiment. And stores put up "happy holiday" signage in order to be inclusive in their commercialism. That's it, that's all. The whole "War on Christmas" deal was cooked up by baby boomers who are scared of a changing world.
9. Have you ever had a year when you say, "Fuck it. No gifts”?
I would never be allowed!
10. Is there a Christmas ornament or decor item that is really ugly that you hate, but someone always puts it out anyway? Maybe even wish you could throw it away if you wouldn't get caught?
The one I really dislike is this 70s lime-green macrame Christmas tree wall hanging. Sometimes I think I'll cause it to mysteriously disappear; other times I just promise myself I'll give it to my daughter when she moves out.
11. Christmas dinner. Do you cook it or go over some someone else's house for Christmas dinner?
We always go to some else's house. One day I'll finally be called upon to cook, and all hell will break loose when I serve 12 Banquet frozen turkey dinners.
12. What is the one thing you dread having to do during the holidays?
All of it. I can't narrow it down.
13. What gift was your biggest disappointment?
One year I got a purple linen blazer. For all of your sakes, I hope you never have to hear those three words in one sentence again.
14. What’s the most unpleasant thing about the Holidays for you?
All of it. Really. I'm not just saying this.
15. What is the worst Holiday Dessert, in your opinion?
Well, we covered fruit cake, so I'd like to say a few words against the tradition of eggnog. Why would anyone ruin perfectly good bourbon by putting it into thick milk?
16. What is your most dreaded holiday tradition?
All of them. Quit asking!
17. How do you dispose of your tree?
I cut it up and put it into our green waste bin for pickup. Two consecutive pickups will get rid of the whole thing. Sometimes the Boy Scouts come around and haul it away for $5 instead.
18. Do you re-gift and have you ever done a re-gift faux pas by re-gifting the gift back to the original giver?
My side of the family have become veteran re-gifters. My brother is so blatant, he texts me at garage sales and then forwards pics he snapped with his phone of potential gifts he wants to give us. I guess he's found his own way of dealing with the holidays. Wow. I just thought of that! Anyway, no, I myself don't re-gift.
19. What Christmas/Holiday sweet makes you gag at the thought of it?
Fruitcake and eggnog. See above.
20. Worst Christmas show/movie you ever saw?
Wow. Well, nobody should ever, ever do another re-make of "A Christmas Carol," ever again. Patrick Stewart took care of business, y'all, so save your energy.
21. Christmas Song you loathe the most?
I'm with everyone who said that John Lennon one. I think Yoko Ono should have been checked for rabies solely on the basis of her voice in that song. Runner-up: this one. Because it lies.
22. Most inappropriate Christmas humor you find funny?
Oh, gosh. I'd have to say the manger scene of Monty Python's "Life of Brian." Know any others? Please??
droxy, teddyradiator and the other cool kids. I am NOT a fan of Christmas, so get ready to be offended.1. How many times have you ever drunk too much during the holidays? Include the number of times you've drunk so much you've thrown up: Christmas holiday? Never, because we always visit relatives out of town, and the highway patrol still tends to frown on one driving while drunk. Now New Year's; that's another matter.I'm sure at least once. College was a learning experience!
2. Have you ever been so worn out you've not bothered to wrap presents?
Never. Wrapping presents is actually one of the few things I like about Christmas.
3. What decorations do you consider tacky?
All of the lawn decorations they've got nowadays are unbelievably tacky. Yesterday I saw a blow-up display featuring Pooh Bear on a seesaw with Tigger. I ask you.
4. Any Christmas traditions you hate and/or cringe when faced with them?
All of them. The tradition that calls for us to celebrate Christmas every year is the one I hate most.
5. Have you ever had a year when you didn't put up any decorations and/or a tree? If so, why?
No. My mom and brother and I trimmed down our traditions after my dad moved out (see below), and the season got sort of manageable for me. Then I went and married a sentimental man from a sentimental family, and we inherited a shit-ton of decorations, all of which must be put up every year.
6. What holiday dish do you avoid like the plague or hate?
Fruitcake. Droxy said all there is to be said.
7. Worst Holiday memory as a child?
My dad left my mother and us kids right before Christmas. His reasoning was, he would gift us with one more holiday "as a family," then he would promptly move into his newly-leased apartment just in time to start the new tax year. Nice, huh? Really pumps up the ol' Christmas spirit.
8. What is the thing each year that makes you say, “Ok, now it’s Christmas”?
Every year, I attend the holiday concert put on by the choir my husband sings in. They always start the concert with the same beautiful carol, "Once In Royal David's City." It's very moving, and this from me, so you know it must be true.
Original #8: People saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." Sensitive to others who are not Christians or political correctness run amuck?
If you were going to offer a timely seasonal wish to a stranger, why would you limit yourself to Christmas? They might not celebrate Christmas. You might get it wrong. So you say "happy holidays" in order to be inclusive in your sentiment. And stores put up "happy holiday" signage in order to be inclusive in their commercialism. That's it, that's all. The whole "War on Christmas" deal was cooked up by baby boomers who are scared of a changing world.
9. Have you ever had a year when you say, "Fuck it. No gifts”?
I would never be allowed!
10. Is there a Christmas ornament or decor item that is really ugly that you hate, but someone always puts it out anyway? Maybe even wish you could throw it away if you wouldn't get caught?
The one I really dislike is this 70s lime-green macrame Christmas tree wall hanging. Sometimes I think I'll cause it to mysteriously disappear; other times I just promise myself I'll give it to my daughter when she moves out.
11. Christmas dinner. Do you cook it or go over some someone else's house for Christmas dinner?
We always go to some else's house. One day I'll finally be called upon to cook, and all hell will break loose when I serve 12 Banquet frozen turkey dinners.
12. What is the one thing you dread having to do during the holidays?
All of it. I can't narrow it down.
13. What gift was your biggest disappointment?
One year I got a purple linen blazer. For all of your sakes, I hope you never have to hear those three words in one sentence again.
14. What’s the most unpleasant thing about the Holidays for you?
All of it. Really. I'm not just saying this.
15. What is the worst Holiday Dessert, in your opinion?
Well, we covered fruit cake, so I'd like to say a few words against the tradition of eggnog. Why would anyone ruin perfectly good bourbon by putting it into thick milk?
16. What is your most dreaded holiday tradition?
All of them. Quit asking!
17. How do you dispose of your tree?
I cut it up and put it into our green waste bin for pickup. Two consecutive pickups will get rid of the whole thing. Sometimes the Boy Scouts come around and haul it away for $5 instead.
18. Do you re-gift and have you ever done a re-gift faux pas by re-gifting the gift back to the original giver?
My side of the family have become veteran re-gifters. My brother is so blatant, he texts me at garage sales and then forwards pics he snapped with his phone of potential gifts he wants to give us. I guess he's found his own way of dealing with the holidays. Wow. I just thought of that! Anyway, no, I myself don't re-gift.
19. What Christmas/Holiday sweet makes you gag at the thought of it?
Fruitcake and eggnog. See above.
20. Worst Christmas show/movie you ever saw?
Wow. Well, nobody should ever, ever do another re-make of "A Christmas Carol," ever again. Patrick Stewart took care of business, y'all, so save your energy.
21. Christmas Song you loathe the most?
I'm with everyone who said that John Lennon one. I think Yoko Ono should have been checked for rabies solely on the basis of her voice in that song. Runner-up: this one. Because it lies.
22. Most inappropriate Christmas humor you find funny?
Oh, gosh. I'd have to say the manger scene of Monty Python's "Life of Brian." Know any others? Please??
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no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 07:10 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 12:09 pm (UTC)But seriously... those inflatable lawn ornaments? They make lawn flamingoes look tasteful. Every time I see one that has been deflated by hoodlums, I pump my fist and shout "YES!"
no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 05:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 01:04 pm (UTC)The whole war on xmas thing may be boomer generated on both sides. The boomers only share a chunk of time but have vast and wide political beleifs. If you are a last year boomer like me, the boom doesn't fit as I missed the 60s and 70s for the most part. The folks starting this is the PC movement and their "abundance of tolerance" for all faiths (sarcastic), and the PC movement -are- boomers. I think the whole war on xmas is busy bodies who don't have enough work to do and have a need to feel to be "a part of something". It's sad I don't get to prioritize the world's problems needing solutions, because let me tell you the war on xmas is small potates compared to other pressing issues. But if someone wants to force me to have an opinion, they better have a good argument for selling it, as I will tell them to get-a-life. -sighs- I'll give an example if boomers for you. B. Obama and I are the same age and born the same year.
However, I am ALL FOR removing the commericalism of Xmas. The commericalism is what makes this holiday stressful. Why cant Xmas be a small family celebration like Hanuka? I don't mind the music and a little decorating, but the commercialism is extreme and I find that distasteful.
Totally agee on inflatable decor as tacky.
Hugs you because of your dad. That sucks, and what a jerk thing to do to kids. Sadly, that is/was the culture of the "me generation".
OMG- lime green 70's macreme...oh thats horrible. LOL. You can burn it while sipping a beverage of your choice.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 05:14 pm (UTC)I need to take a pic of that macrame tree hanging and then turn it into my LJ icon for the rest of the season. :)
no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 06:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 01:24 pm (UTC)#22 - Mixed Nuts. A suicide hotline during Christmas that fails. Utterly. Good for many laughs.
#7 - Husband went through the same thing. People are a piece of work, I tell you.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 05:17 pm (UTC)I forgot about "Mixed Nuts." What an awful movie!
no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 05:33 pm (UTC)No, no Tiny Tim!Hermione, I promise. You should have the last chapter now and can verify, I did not use the dreaded phrase. ;)
Hell if I know which style I kept it in. *head desk*
no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 06:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 11:48 pm (UTC)*runs and cringes in the corner*
no subject
Date: 2011-12-13 12:02 am (UTC)Dear god... Severus and the phrase, 'God bless us, everyone,' just don't belong in the same country.
At least you have him still alive. I kept the poor bugger dead. Oh, and dirty limericks with Sirius. ;)
no subject
Date: 2011-12-13 12:26 am (UTC)Of course, Teddy, if Snape ever turns OOC in his levels of seasonal good cheer at the end of this fic, I *might* have to de-schmalzify him a little. Or a lot. But you already expect that from me. And Carrie, don't give away the middle of your fic yet!
no subject
Date: 2011-12-13 12:38 am (UTC)Yes, ma'am. *zips lips*
I must start editing. Again, I wish I could stick to one style. I'm hopeless.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 02:56 pm (UTC)It sounds like the holidays haven't had the best track record for you, but I wish you a happy holiday season anyway, because I love you.
Your dad leaving right after Christmas reminds me of something that happened to my Dom friend Brian. They were all sitting around the Thanksgiving table, he said, when his mom and dad rose and put their arms around one another and said, "Kids, we want you to know we love you very much, but your mother and I are getting divorced. We're both very happy about it, and we want you to be happy for us."
He said somehow Thanksgiving got a little weird after that.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 05:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 05:27 pm (UTC)While I have a broad tolerance for different flavors and levels of tackiness, with additional thought I realize that what really bothers me is religious displays using plastic figurines and/or blow-up ones.
They are so damned ugly, how can people who put them up not realize that when they die Jesus and Mary are going to be waiting for them and telling them that they are going to Hell because those people put up such ugly, tack images of them! LOL
15. What is the worst Holiday Dessert, in your opinion? Well, we covered fruit cake, so I'd like to say a few words against the tradition of eggnog. Why would anyone ruin perfectly good bourbon by putting it into thick milk?
I wouldn't. Rum's the eggnog booze of choice 'round these parts.
19. What Christmas/Holiday sweet makes you gag at the thought of it? Fruitcake and eggnog. See above.
I forgot to mention popcorn balls in my own blog of this meme, so I'll mention it here! lol
no subject
Date: 2011-12-12 05:48 pm (UTC)