Holiday Things That Make Me Get My Grinch On

It is the most wonderful time of the year and all that jazz but that doesn't mean that it's all twinkly lights and candy canes... The holidays can be annoying. 

Today, for Top Ten Tuesday, I'm listing things that make me get my grinch on... But don't worry, I've tried not to make it too depressing. 

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Christmas cards, decorations and other Christmas paraphernalia in the shops from August. 
I love Christmas but not before October! Halloween comes first.
If you're in doubt, pop on the Nightmare Before Christmas and see what happens when the natural order is interfered with.
(FYI - I love that movie.)

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The crowds! 
Everywhere, all the time... And people are rabid and super grumpy!
It affects parking, eating, browsing, buying... Everything. I leave the house full of festive cheer and return ready to burn down the Christmas tree.
But not to worry! I'll pop on some well worn festive jingles and eat some mince pies (no I won't, I don't like mince pies) and I'll be happy again.

(Although, this year, Covid has made this some only semi-applicable so I suppose that's one good thing...)

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The prices. 
A body wash and a loofah in a festive bag. £10. Two days after Christmas, £4.
Talk about festive price gouging!

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Elf on The Shelf
I hate it. He's creepy and it just puts unnecessary pressure on parents at an already busy and pressured time of year!
(And I'm grumpy about this despite the fact that monstrous little monster has never been "a thing" in my house!)

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People getting bent over the phrase Merry Christmas.
I don't even want to start on this one honestly... But I guess I'm going to?
Yes, not everyone is Christian and, Christian or not, not everyone celebrates Christmas. Many people of no faith or other faith celebrate Christmas as a family day. (At least here in the UK.)
No matter where you sit on this topic, is it REALLY a reason to lose it on a shop assistant being polite? It is REALLY a reason to rant at people?
Is it?! I don't think so.

(She says while ranting.)
It comes down to basic humanity and not being an asshole and taking something in the spirit it is intended. Not everybody is out to insult people.

Swallow some festive spirit (maybe some mulled wine or eggnog?) and chill out!

PS - Don't get me started on those who try to weaponise Merry Christmas... Oh, do I have words for that bunch.

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It hardly ever snows here.
It rarely snows where I am at any point in the year so snow at Christmas?! Super super rare.
But in all the books, all the movies, on all the cards and in all the songs - snow! Snow everywhere. 

I think I'm so bitter about it because I love snow and I'd love a snowy Christmas... I haven't seen one since I was a kid. 

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People criticising how people choose to do gifts.

For some reason, this topic erupts on social media every single year and it drives me bug-fucking crazy.

It always starts with an innocent post about what someone is buying their kid(s) or a picture of a pile of presents, and then suddenly everyone thinks they're allowed to pile on with their opinion. 

It's usually focussed around accusations of "making other parents feel bad they can't do that for their kid(s)" and affordability/debt but sometimes it veers in the direction of new vrs second-hand or sustainability and it never fails to irritate me because it's nobody's business! 

Seriously, stop harshing people's happy! 

Everyone's circumstances are different. Circumstances vary year-by-year for most people. Everyone has different attitudes and beliefs. You do you and let others do what they do and, generally, just live and let live! It's Christmas! Be kind. 

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People when they complain about socks or books as presents.

I live in fluffy socks. I live and breathe books. Do I really have to explain why this one irritates me?

And seriously, even if you're not a bookworm, why are you complaining about getting a book someone put thought into buying you? Why complain when someone spends any of their hard-earned cash on you, regardless of what they've purchased? Talk about ungrateful. 

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The pressure to be happy, jolly and festive.

I'm not going to lie, I'm one of those people who has two modes at Christmas: Elf or Grinch. I often swing between the two (probably because of some of what I've listed) but one thing I dislike more than just about anything is when people say things like, "Cheer up, it's Christmas." Or just expect you to be happy because... It's Christmas. 

There are a lot of things to be happy and excited about at Christmas but Christmas can also be a tough time for people. Some people have to work all the way through it. Some people have no one to celebrate with. Some are gutted with pain over those who are no longer with us. Some feel sadness and guilt because they can't afford to "do" Christmas. Some don't have their kids with them because they're separated and the kids are with the other parent. Some have to spend the holidays with people they don't like because their loved ones like/love them. People are allowed to feel sad at Christmas. People are allowed to feel a big confusing mess of all the things! 

Accept people are nuanced and they don't have to feel how you think they should feel.

And be nice!

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So... What makes you grumpy this time of year?