What do you like more about Christmas-actual day or build-up

[ObsessiveSanta]

I am wondering if people on this forum like Christmas Day better, or the build-up to it. I like the actual day the best. :D

[frank8265]

Well ObsessiveSanta,

I for one like both elements of christmas.
I really enjoy building up to christmas, planning my decorations midsummer, starting making new decorations late summer.
Popping my christmas cd's and dvd's in the player in september and starting decorating by the end of november. Mid November the christmas markets starts here in europe.

Then christmas day comes of course. Spending some special quality time with my wife, visiting my parents, watching some more christmas movies and making something special for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sharing presents, etc....

In short, christmas is more than just christmas day to me. Christmas really starts in the second half of the year.

[Jeff Westover]

I like all of it. :lol:

But Frank is right...there are so many sides to the season. I love working on our web sites in the dead of, say, May. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only guy in the world celebrating.

And I definitely love the build up of these last few months. And of course, Christmas Eve is the biggest night of the year in my house. And Christmas day is beloved because all we have to do is bathe in it without interruption...the only day of the year when we can say that.

Jeff

[Mr. Christmas]

I love every single thing about Christmas but one: when it is over. I love the build-up, and the day. It's a great time to gather and get re-acuainted with the family and celebrating our savior's birth. Plus, I get to put up decorations, which I love doing. Christmas is great. :grin:

[SnowAngel]

:D

i would have to say that i love the build up and anticipation of Christmas just as much as i love Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (both days are celebrated in my family). The Christmas season starts for me in September, when i start listening to my Christmas music and start watching my Christmas movies, but the day after Thanksgiving officially starts the season when the tree and all of our decorations are put up and everday you can feel the magic of Christmas growing stronger in the air!

:grin:

http://www.geocities.com/wdonald_s/pictures/lights/lights11.gif

Well ObsessiveSanta,

:D wow interesting way of putting it.

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

:-) I adore Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but the build up and the excitement of planning for the next one keeps my enjoyment for the holiday lasting all year.

:( There have been a few Christmas Eve or Christmas Day let-downs over the years (not many, but a few) so the build up and the reflection can be far better than the day itself. :)

[cspelling]

I think most people find the build up very stressful. Everything is so busy and when people work full time jobs it is tough to get everything done before.

I myself like the evening before when things start to slow down and the day of to spend with family and relax by the :)

[SinatraClaus]

Count me a fan of the build up! Witch is every day of the year but Christmas day itself for me! The music, movies, shops, few websites i regulary take part of, to the lights and decorations, and the overall Christmas Spirit.

There is just nothing wrong at all with this holiday!

[scottishrose]

I presonally prefer the build up. Too many let downs for the actual day itself...

Annie
:grin:

[cspelling]

I presonally prefer the build up. Too many let downs for the actual day itself...

Annie
:grin:

Yeah it seems to be over too quick once the day arrives. :(

[drumboytko]

I would agree, the buildup is def. great! I love Christmas day, but it is too short. My favorite day out of all is Christmas Eve, because my family always has a big party, and eats food, and watches christmas movies. I try not to get to upset when christmas is over. :( I actually have a tradition of not tearing down anything until after New Years. I continue listening to Christmas music and celebrating right up until New Years Day. That is when it is officially over for me.

[gracie]

Ive got to say the build up is what I like the most. I actually started christmas shopping at LAST years after season sale. Over the past months I have bought 4 pair of birth stone earrings for my favorite girls and just tonight I layed away 2 ipods. I got them at a great price. I am always thinking ahead about what some one wants or needs.It makes thinkgs much nicer in december when everyone else is celebrating --I can enjoy the season and much less of the stress. BTW i am about 3/4 of the way done with my shopping. I love EBAY


Now I wonder what Santa is bringing me :-D

[dowload]

I like th build up better but the day is good to .

[sheepsnot]

I believe that in most things, the joy is in the wishing, not the having. I used to find things I wanted in a catalog, but never played with my toys for very long. The anticipation starts to die down, quite naturally, as soon as the wrapping comes off. The only gift that is better to have than to wish for is my good wife. (She'll never read this, so I'm not buttering her up!) ;)

[Jeff Westover]

(She'll never read this, so I'm not buttering her up!) ;)

It never hurts to be careful though...just in case.

Jeff

[whitexmas]

Good question. I would have to say the buildup. I love listening to the music and watching the movies, baking cookies, everything that has to do with christmas. THe actual day itself goes too fast.

[HolliDee]

I love the build-up. The day after is kinda sad to me. I love all the music, decorating, family warmth, the spirit of giving, and all the rest! I refuse to get stressed during the season. My list of things to do is always way too long - but I do the most important things first and if it doesn't all get done it's no big deal. The most important things are family, love and sharing the spirit during the season. I admit that I love it all - but the build-up is the best! Woohoooooo!!!! :lol:

[SnowAngelChristmas]

Build up is fun. All the shopping, cooking, Decorating and hoping someone will like their gift. :) :smile: :) :grin: :) :smile: :) :grin: :) :smile: :) :grin: :) :smile:

[Ervserver]

The build up. Weeks of preparing, shopping, baking. Watching movies, music.

[dominick]

Definitely build up. It all leads up to Christmas morning, and then all Christmas day I'm actually a little disappointed that it's all over. I'd have to say that Christmas Eve is the most exciting day of the season for me.

[Christy Carol]

Most definitely the build up but sometimes I wish I wouldn't build it up so much. I know that sounds crazy but like Dominick I am normally very disappointed come the actual day. We used to have HUGE Christmas celebrations but in the past few years my sis and family haven't been able to come home and my nephews have gotten older (and not so much into it anymore) so the family aspect is gone. My parents moved from our family home so that is gone. Normally it is a very quiet day, not much more different than any other day of the week. :(

[caseydbell]

I love it all, it starts in November and goes until 25 December this is the most wonderful time of the year.

[silver bells]

Most definitely the build up but sometimes I wish I wouldn't build it up so much. I know that sounds crazy but like Dominick I am normally very disappointed come the actual day. We used to have HUGE Christmas celebrations but in the past few years my sis and family haven't been able to come home and my nephews have gotten older (and not so much into it anymore) so the family aspect is gone. My parents moved from our family home so that is gone. Normally it is a very quiet day, not much more different than any other day of the week. :(

Same here. I love all of the build up to the holidays but the actual day is kinda quiet unless we make the trip south. This year I know that I have to work so it's already a little depressing to know that I have to spend the holidays away from my kids and husband. (I have to work Christmas Eve night and Christmas night) Although I know that they understand, I've been a nurse for almost 18 years, I kinda feel like that I'm letting them down by being gone. The trade off is that I'm off the next 2 Christmases so that helps!

[Christy Carol]

Most definitely the build up but sometimes I wish I wouldn't build it up so much. I know that sounds crazy but like Dominick I am normally very disappointed come the actual day. We used to have HUGE Christmas celebrations but in the past few years my sis and family haven't been able to come home and my nephews have gotten older (and not so much into it anymore) so the family aspect is gone. My parents moved from our family home so that is gone. Normally it is a very quiet day, not much more different than any other day of the week. :(

Same here. I love all of the build up to the holidays but the actual day is kinda quiet unless we make the trip south. This year I know that I have to work so it's already a little depressing to know that I have to spend the holidays away from my kids and husband. (I have to work Christmas Eve night and Christmas night) Although I know that they understand, I've been a nurse for almost 18 years, I kinda feel like that I'm letting them down by being gone. The trade off is that I'm off the next 2 Christmases so that helps!

And I hope against hope next year yall get to come home and then we can have a huge family Christmas again and this time do it at my house! :D

[silver bells]

Me too!!!! Sounds like a plan!!! :D

[reindeerelf]

The build up is great but can be a bit stressful, especially early to mid December. We really start to relax on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is usually quiet with only our immediate family. Living in the north where winters are long (May snowfalls are not uncommon) we are in no hurry to end the season with its bright lights and sparkling decorations. My wife's sister and brother in law and our two neices come in from out of town shortly after Christmas Day. All the decorations stay up until Jan. 6 (we usually host a large party after New Years Day) and the last of them are not put away until Candlemas (Feb. 2). With such a long celebration there's really not much of a post Christmas let down and by mid summer I'm shopping for the first pick of new ornaments and Advent calenders so the build up starts again.

[sheepsnot]

(May snowfalls are not uncommon)
How about pre-Halloween snowfalls? Did you get blasted with the one that hit Buffalo?

[Ervserver]

Strage enuff we get our heaviest snow here in March-April

[dominick]

I've noticed that out here, too. In the dead of winter with highs peaking in the teens, all we get is dust. It's when the temperatures are hovering around the upper 30s and even low 40s when we get the big, wet, heavy flakes that really blanket everything.

[Christy Carol]

I've noticed that out here, too. In the dead of winter with highs peaking in the teens, all we get is dust. It's when the temperatures are hovering around the upper 30s and even low 40s when we get the big, wet, heavy flakes that really blanket everything.


I dont know how much truth there is to it but I have heard it can be too cold to snow and that right around freezing is the best temp for it to be to get a good snowfall.

[dominick]

I'd say based on my experience that it's completely true. When you see those picturesque winter scenes with a foot of snow, it's those large, heavy, wet flakes you only seem to get on those warmer winter days... and yes, I consider 35° to be a warm winter day. The stuff is a real pain to shovel; they don't call it heart attack snow for nothing.

[Ervserver]

I love those HUGE snowflakes, but yea a pain to shovel. Even snowblowers struggle with the heavy wet stuff

[dominick]

That's why I got that big two stage I was talking about. It will be almost worthless with the light stuff, but it'll be a life saver if/when the serious stuff falls. Unfortunately after I got it to behave for so long, the carburetor decided it was going to start leaking again. I think it might need a new float.

[Ervserver]

Order a kit from the back of Popular Mechanics and turn into a fuel injected

[dominick]

Are you going to help me shovel when the snow comes and my snowblower is in 1000 pieces on the floor?
8-)

[mrshamm]

I love the parties but I have to say that the build up to them is probably my favorite part.

[Ervserver]

Are you going to help me shovel when the snow comes and my snowblower is in 1000 pieces on the floor?
8-)


8-)

[Holiday]

The build up is the best part..the Christmas music, Christmas movies, decorations..I love it all! Christmas Eve is my favorite day/night & it never lasts long enough!!

I agree..the best snow is when it's about 30 - 34º!! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow (it's supposed to be 67º today..lol)

[reindeerelf]

We are about 250 miles east of the Buffalo area so the October storm missed us. Just as well. Heavy snow with leaves on the trees is not good.

[Billy Battles]

I probably like the build up more, however it would be close.

Saying good snow sounds like a oxymoron to me, well I guess the only snow I would call good is Christmas Snow(and no not the character from 3's Company)

[JanaBanana]

I would have to say the build up :) Thats why I decorate so early, the day or so after Halloween.. so I can enjoy it longer, as it passes too quick for me.

Also have to say, A christmas without snow is like the 4th of July without fireworks. (cant even imagine, nor would I ever want to )Snow is a wonderful addition to the season. Bring it on from Nov 1st - December 26th :D

[Undrtakr]

I love both. Christmas day goes by way too fast. And yes the 1st weekend in November I put all my Christmas stuff up :) I cant wait..AHHH!!!!!!!!

[RavenHardt]

I enjoy the build-up of it all...most of the time the actually day does not go as planned....but the magic of standing on line on black friday in the cold with a hot cup of coffee or hot cocoa to save a few bucks...makes it all worth while....heheheheh

[Iron Eagle]

I love both with seamless joy. The build up is great, all the way to Midnight Mass, Christmas Day at my sister's is like a day off. I can finally relax and enjoy the family. Christmas continues until about the 3rd week of January. Then s l o w l y we take things down and put them away. Outside lights stay on at night until everyone else has turned their lights off ( I try to be the last ).

Jana - Mrs.Eagle has a lock on the storeroom door, and won't let me start until a few days before Thanksgiving, and then only a few items. I do put up the outdoor roof lights after halloween, while the weather is still good. Ladders and snow do not go together well.

RavenHardt - Black Friday . . . . . bad memories. I got hit in the parking lot one year (not hurt too bad, just knocked off my feet), and just "brushed" by a car the next year. I stay home now.

[Holiday]

Christmas day is *almost* a let down b/c it's all almost over! :( My favorite day of the year (Christmas Eve) is over & that makes me a little sad!

[MarthaK]

I'm a huge fan of the build up. I work on Christmas things, to one extent or another, all year, but start the actual "build up" in July.

Waiting until September or October to start thinking about it all, just puts me behind in getting things done. I prefer to start unseasonalby early so that I can do things at a relaxed pace and enjoy the holiday. Now for me, the holiday is not Christmas Day itself but every day between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There are all sorts of extra things to do during the season from shopping, to church and school programs, decorating, baking, mailing gifts and cards, etc. that are considered part of our Christmas memories and traditions. How can it all be packed into one or two days?

The joy of giving a gift is not in handing to someone, but thinking about it, shopping and choosing something that's "just right" then watching the person's face when they open it. That takes time. There are the chances to give to others, and time to just STOP all the craziness, look around and enjoy the Christmas wonderland while doing nothing.

That's why I enjoy the build up....because it too is Christmas.

[JollySteve]

I love the build up. The feeling thats in the air. Lights strung up everywhere. Christmas music playing at just about every store, or mall you go to. Getting into the car for another grueling day at work, but cheering up as I turn on the radio and hear Christmas music. The joy in little kids eyes when they are lined up to see Santa, or staring at a Christmas display, is just priceless. Better yet, be able to tell you kids to be good because Santa knows if you have been naughty, or :nice:.

I especially love it now because Christmas season pretty much starts right after Halloween.

[sgrover]

For me, it's definitely the build up. It lasts the whole year, really. I sneak little listens of my Christmas CDs once in a while when I need a "fix". I start thinking about buying gifts in April or so, and really start the shopping in June. I have a little slate at my desk, and I count down the days, starting right after New Years. My co-workers get a kick out of it, while they may not be as enthusiastic as I am, I know it gives them a little smile once in a while.

I really get into the swing of it now though, once the kids are back in school. Now I'll really pin down what I'm going to get the last few people I haven't boughten for yet. I'll start work on my yearly Christmas letter. As the kids' school pictures come in, I'll get those ready to send with the letters. I'll listen to Christmas music much more now, even at home beginning in November. This year having a newly remodeled living room, I'll get to replan all my decorations, which will be a blast. So, the excitement is really beginning to build now.

I love Christmas Eve, the children's service at church, the buffete of finger foods I spread out, having family over, opening gifts, leaving milk and cookies for Santa, convincing my youngest that Santa won't come unless she is asleep. And Christmas Day, more gifts, going to relatives for a big turkey dinner etc.

Have I babbled enough yet? I havne't been on here in a while, it feels good, I needed this.

[JollySteve]

I don't think you can ever babble enough about Christmas.

[Billy Battles]

I don't think you can ever babble enough about Christmas.


I agree, however I know a lot of people who would disagree.

[JollySteve]

^ That is true, and I know a few. I should have said, "I don't think you can ever babble enough about Christmas on these boards :).

[Storeytime]

8-)

If I were up there I would come help you.

The buildup is always my favorite part. I actually start getting post Christmas blues about noon on Christmas day because I know that the music is going to stop being played on the radio at midnight, the Christmas shows and commercials will stop at midnight, and it just always puts me back into the reality that for most of the world Christmas is just a day. The great thing about this forum is finding that you're not alone. There are other people who love and understand the whole Christmas feeling. It's a frame of mind that we ought to have 365 days a year. So, for me, definitely the buildup.

:snowball:

[Sunshine73]

For me, I definitely enjoy the build up and anticipation. The Christmas shows on tv, the commercials, the songs on the radio, getting ready for the day, the shopping, the gatherings, parties, etc. I do enjoy Christmas Day itself but it's also a bit of a let-down, knowing that the season is mere hours away from being "over" for another year.

[Iron Eagle]

I agree too. Never too much Christmas talk. We don't babble, Do we ?????

[Holiday]

The buildup is always my favorite part. I actually start getting post Christmas blues about noon on Christmas day because I know that the music is going to stop being played on the radio at midnight, the Christmas shows and commercials will stop at midnight, and it just always puts me back into the reality that for most of the world Christmas is just a day. The great thing about this forum is finding that you're not alone. There are other people who love and understand the whole Christmas feeling. It's a frame of mind that we ought to have 365 days a year. So, for me, definitely the buildup.

:snowball:

EXACTLY!!!

[kidzrme]

Christy Carol,
I Agree, I Love The Build Up. I Too Have To Work Christmas Eve, And Christmas Day...i Am A 9-1-1 Dispatcher, We Don't Really Get Much Time Off. I'm Sure That You Understand, Your Schedule Is Probably Similar To Mine.

[haagarr]

The build-up the Christmas season is longer.

[JOHNOR]

without doubt, the build up!

it starts now in september for me, that is when i start thinking about what present to buy who etc..
i love cleaning the house and blasting christmas music, i love planning my annual chrsitmas party for the kids in my family, i love shoppng for christmas presents and decorations, i love how people seem just that little bit friendlier.

once christrmas day comes around, as much as i enjoy it, i feel a little sad as i know it's almost all over. once we get around to january i can safely say that i have a severe case of the blues!

[Amanda Elf]

There are all sorts of extra things to do during the season from shopping, to church and school programs, decorating, baking, mailing gifts and cards, etc. that are considered part of our Christmas memories and traditions. How can it all be packed into one or two days?

The joy of giving a gift is not in handing to someone, but thinking about it, shopping and choosing something that's "just right" then watching the person's face when they open it. That takes time. There are the chances to give to others, and time to just STOP all the craziness, look around and enjoy the Christmas wonderland while doing nothing.

That's why I enjoy the build up....because it too is Christmas.

That says it all! :treeguy:

I love the build up..the day can be a let down..knowing it's over for another year, the clean up and the fact that not everyone lands to Mom's like they used too. Everyone has kids and grandkids..Mom had 10 kids, so you can imagine how full the house could get plus the cousins!

This will be my first Christmas without my sister Sharon. She passed this Feb. and she was a whole other reason to love Christmas! She shopped year 'round. Came home to N.S. from N.B. to wrap gifts at Mom's. We always helped.