I am the ripe old age of 21.
I have noticed that since I was about 13 or 14, this period of the year doesn't hold the same appeal as it once did. As i don't follow a religion as such, i enjoyed Christmas (or whatever you and yours call it, but i will refer to this period as Christmas from this point onwards, don't take offense, and don't expect an apology if you do, this is as good as it will get, a pre-warning) mainly because it was a time when i received some nice presents, and i was able to see my whole family at the party we had in my house. (also at the New Year too).
These days I still enjoy Christmas and New Year, but mainly for the social aspects ( good excuse to go out with friends - as if you need one ) and i feel that the general excitement of the time is gone. I also enjoy being able to give gifts to those i love and cherish, although i'm sure the heart-shaped pebble i found and gave to my Gran when i was 6 means just as much to her as whatever gift i buy for her this year.
Nothing surprising there i suppose, especially as this time of year holds little religious signifigance for myself.
I expect that when i am slightly older, married and have a few young kids that i'll enjoy this time more as i will be happy to see my kids excited. Disregarding of course the extra stress that Christmas brings for a lot, if not most people.
Do you feel the same way? Have the older members of the board found in their experience that Christmas means different things to you at different points in your life. I'd be interested to hear from you all (Commericial Christmas veterans like myself and Religious Festival followers alike)
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