r/The10thDentist • u/thetreesknees_ • 3d ago
Society/Culture I low key hate Christmas and everything it stands for
I hate the pressure and obligation of gift giving. This is not just the usual "it's too capitalist". I don't want things, and I don't want to be forced to give things. If I want things I'll get them myself. If someone wants to get me a gift, I want it to be something organic not just that it's that time of year again. Similarly, when I give gifts I want it to be something I made or came across naturally.
I hate that once November rolls around everything becomes about having to buy all this shit for everyone and if you miss someone and they get you something you just feel so guilty.
I hate that it's supposed to be about family and whatever but it just becomes this big thing full of obligations including giant gatherings and appearances and gift exchanges. It certainly doesn't help when you're not in a position to really contribute much other than your time, and you just feel like a giant drain on it all.
If it was just a time of the year to relax and spend time with your family that would be great. But Christmas is in no way relaxing. It sits in the middle of our culturally accepted holiday time off and uses up a big chunk of it with preparation and obligation. My birthday is also 2 days before Christmas and though my family has always been good about keeping them separate, trying to have a party is always an exercise in scheduling hell.
I dread it every year and wish I was part of a family/society that celebrated other holidays at this time of year.
16
u/Mission_Grapefruit92 3d ago
If you define social norms as “nothing” and cultural influence as “nothing” and your loved one’s feelings as “nothing” then, sure, I guess nothing is actually stopping him from just not buying them.