• I received this email from a close relative who is experiencing anxiety because of christmas and the cost of christmas presents.

    Respect people at christmasComparatively, this relative and her spouse make a really good living, however, she is self employed and her income is never guaranteed.

    She was also brought up in a church (Worldwide Church of God) that strongly denounced christmas and it's celebration.

    She is surrounded by family members who strongly believe in christmas. She has agreed to visit the family at christmas time, for the sole purpose of visiting family and having that sharing, loving time.

    BE ASSERTIVE WHEN EXPRESSING CHRISTMAS EXPECTATIONS
    I love her assertiveness. She is firm in this letter and is good enough to let everybody know how she feels. In writing this letter she outlines her expectations of the family event, in her regards. If the family members have any respect for her, they will not treat her badly for not giving everyone gifts. As well, if they respect her wishes, they won't give her any gifts.

    Knowing this person, she's very happy just to spend time with the family and visit.

    I applaud her on her assertiveness regarding christmas and christmas spending.

    RESPECT PEOPLE'S WISHES AT CHRISTMAS
    The reason I thought I would take the time to write about this is that not everybody celebrates christmas, and not everybody wants to give and receive christmas gifts. Sometimes people just can't afford christmas gifts with their current job, debt, financial situation.

    Certainly, Canada being a multicultural society, means that many of the cultures don't celebrate christmas. Jews, muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses, Buddhism are a few religions that DON'T celebrate christmas.

    THE BOTTOM LINE:
    For what ever reasons, be they financial, religious or what ever, christmas ( December 25th ) should be a time when people respect each others situations and love them anyway.

    If a person is short of cash and having an anxiety attack regarding giving christmas presents, don't make a fuss out of it. Just appreciate the time you have to spend with them.. This makes it a less of a financial burden on those loved one.

    See also:

    Hi Everyone,

    Well, I?ve been having mini-anxiety attacks about Christmas?again?
    So I?ve made a decision?to let you know what?s going on with me.

    I don?t like Christmas. Giving and receiving Christmas presents creates far too much anxiety.

    This year these feelings are exacerbated because my business/ me are in debt. I?ve got no real in roads to solid income for 2007 as of yet. It makes no sense for me to go into debt even further in order to fulfill an obligation that gives me anxiety in the first place.

    I?ve bought the kids and spouse presents. Beyond that I?ve decided not to buy anything else.

    Please don?t give me presents. I don?t need or want anything (other than a publishing contract if you can magically make that appear). Spouse doesn?t want anything either.

    I?m sorry to be so miserable about this but I can?t go on feeling this much anxiety around the holidays.

    What I want for Christmas is some good food and family time. That?s it.

    Love you all for understanding my circumstance.,

    Close Relative





Add Your Comments:
Fields with * are required
Your Comment Below:
 
Name*
 
Email*
 
Website
 
Code*
 
Enter Above Code
 
Note: Comments are moderated - Spam will be deleted
 

2 Comments
On Dec 21, 2006, Monty Loree Said:
Hey Cajun Man,

Well, from her perspective christmas is not really a time for celebration. She has other times to celebrate.

It only becomes an issue when you have to visit with people who are all for christmas celebrations.

Many people in Canada don't celebrate christmas.
I was doing some research for my Life insurance blog and asked funeral homes if they were open for christmas.

Surprisingly, many of these funeral home directors mentioned that they don't really celebrate christmas, and are very pleased to be open for business on christmas.

That may seem shocking for people are hard core into christmas.

Thanks for dropping by.
On Dec 20, 2006, Big Cajun Man Said:
It's sad that Christmas can become that kind of an event for someone.

Merry Christmas to you and your readers, and a Prosperous and Happy 2007 as well!

Big Cajun Man
http://canajunfinances.blogspot.com