Christmas is here! I never used to celebrate...

[Sammy420]

Is everyone excited for Christmas? Or are you not so into Christmas?
Some people celebrate, Some people don't.
I grew up not celebrating it until I was 16. Now I love the warmth of the family.
I grew up a JW. No birthdays, no Christmas, no "hanging out" after school, no college dreams or after school activities.. Just service, yes "going door to door", studying for baptism. I can't sleep without thinking Armageddon is going to happen tomorrow.. The thought of death terrifies me now since my mother told me I'd live forever on paradise earth. Reality hit me, and I went to the hospital. After I was out I saw the world really did have a lot to hide.. My small JW world lifted away once I saw how sad everyone was, secrets buried in congregations that authorities should know about. Im diagnosed scitzophrenic, but all my delusions are from what they taught me. (We have our own "translated" bible named The New Worlds Translations) that is full of mistaken stories stolen from other older religions. I'm sorry but these people are making others mentally ill. Apparently 70% are mentally ill already (Like me). Serious do some research about JW's and you'll double think before asking for a magazine..
I'm not sure if this post is allowed, but yea.. That's why I feel the love of my boyfriends family during Christmas

Let it Snow
Let it Snow
Let it Snow

 

[Kemosloby]

Yeah well your mama's not all wrong, if it was a perfect world it would be like Christmas everyday, or better.

Malachi "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

But for some reason organized religions try to pen people up and suck the joy out of life. So I agree with you there.

 

[psychoslice]

I think much of religion puts a damper on anything that is fun in life, no wonder they are hoping to go to heaven, but they are going to be disappointed because there is no heaven, this is heaven here, Now, so enjoy.

 

[Deeje]

"Schizophrenia involves a range of problems with thinking (cognition), behavior or emotions. Signs and symptoms may vary, but usually involve delusions, hallucinations or disorganized speech, and reflect an impaired ability to function.

Symptoms may include:

• Delusions. These are false beliefs that are not based in reality. For example, you think that you're being harmed or harassed; certain gestures or comments are directed at you; you have exceptional ability or fame; another person is in love with you; or a major catastrophe is about to occur. Delusions occur in most people with schizophrenia.
• Hallucinations. These usually involve seeing or hearing things that don't exist. Yet for the person with schizophrenia, they have the full force and impact of a normal experience. Hallucinations can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is the most common hallucination.
• Disorganized thinking (speech). Disorganized thinking is inferred from disorganized speech. Effective communication can be impaired, and answers to questions may be partially or completely unrelated. Rarely, speech may include putting together meaningless words that can't be understood, sometimes known as word salad.
• Extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior. This may show in a number of ways, from childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation. Behavior isn't focused on a goal, so it's hard to do tasks. Behavior can include resistance to instructions, inappropriate or bizarre posture, a complete lack of response, or useless and excessive movement.
• Negative symptoms. This refers to reduced or lack of ability to function normally. For example, the person may neglect personal hygiene or appear to lack emotion (doesn't make eye contact, doesn't change facial expressions or speaks in a monotone). Also, the person may have lose interest in everyday activities, socially withdraw or lack the ability to experience pleasure."

Symptoms and causes - Schizophrenia - Mayo Clinic

 

[Deathbydefault]

Is everyone excited for Christmas? Or are you not so into Christmas?
Some people celebrate, Some people don't.
I grew up not celebrating it until I was 16. Now I love the warmth of the family.

I don't really care for it, more into not feeling social pressure and getting trampled over in stores.
This time of year is the best for getting your wallet stolen, too. That's always fun.

Never really got the chance to celebrate Christmas until last year, what with the family issues and all.
I use "celebrate" lightly, I don't do holidays or pay attention to birthdays at all.

Last time it was just me and my now fiancee, this year it will include my youngest sister and a couple friends as well.
As far as presents go, I generally give gifts randomly whenever I see something interesting, Christmas is just an excuse.

I grew up a JW. No birthdays, no Christmas, no "hanging out" after school, no college dreams or after school activities.. Just service, yes "going door to door", studying for baptism. I can't sleep without thinking Armageddon is going to happen tomorrow.. The thought of death terrifies me now since my mother told me I'd live forever on paradise earth. Reality hit me, and I went to the hospital. After I was out I saw the world really did have a lot to hide.. My small JW world lifted away once I saw how sad everyone was, secrets buried in congregations that authorities should know about. Im diagnosed scitzophrenic, but all my delusions are from what they taught me. (We have our own "translated" bible named The New Worlds Translations) that is full of mistaken stories stolen from other older religions. I'm sorry but these people are making others mentally ill. Apparently 70% are mentally ill already (Like me). Serious do some research about JW's and you'll double think before asking for a magazine..

Sounds like something worth researching, thanks for sharing.

 

[Glaurung]

I think much of religion puts a damper on anything that is fun in life, no wonder they are hoping to go to heaven, but they are going to be disappointed because there is no heaven, this is heaven here, Now, so enjoy.

How can the unconscious dead be disappointed?

And Christmas is fundamentally a religious construct. Christ-Mass...? Think about it.

 

[BSM1]

Is everyone excited for Christmas? Or are you not so into Christmas?
Some people celebrate, Some people don't.
I grew up not celebrating it until I was 16. Now I love the warmth of the family.
I grew up a JW. No birthdays, no Christmas, no "hanging out" after school, no college dreams or after school activities.. Just service, yes "going door to door", studying for baptism. I can't sleep without thinking Armageddon is going to happen tomorrow.. The thought of death terrifies me now since my mother told me I'd live forever on paradise earth. Reality hit me, and I went to the hospital. After I was out I saw the world really did have a lot to hide.. My small JW world lifted away once I saw how sad everyone was, secrets buried in congregations that authorities should know about. Im diagnosed scitzophrenic, but all my delusions are from what they taught me. (We have our own "translated" bible named The New Worlds Translations) that is full of mistaken stories stolen from other older religions. I'm sorry but these people are making others mentally ill. Apparently 70% are mentally ill already (Like me). Serious do some research about JW's and you'll double think before asking for a magazine..
I'm not sure if this post is allowed, but yea.. That's why I feel the love of my boyfriends family during Christmas

Let it Snow
Let it Snow
Let it Snow

We all have to find our own truth. Merry Christmas.

 

[Revoltingest]

Xmas is a terrible pox upon us all.
Gifts are expected.
Wants & dis-wants must be anticipated.
Thank you notes must be written,.
Obligations...obligations...obligations...

But there is something better....

 

[BSM1]

Xmas is a terrible pox upon us all.
Gifts are expected.
Wants & dis-wants must be anticipated.
Thank you notes must be written,.
Obligations...obligations...obligations...

But there is something better....

But it seems Festivus has fallen prey to greed and commercialism. I am starting to see the beginnings of pole envy in my neighborhood; and many Feats of Strength are simply symbolic at best. The only thing that has remained constant, IMO, is the Airing of Grievances. I really look forward to this every year. As a matter of fact, I like the A of G so well that I keep it alive in my heart all year. Mazel Tov.

 

[RedDragon94]

Is everyone excited for Christmas? Or are you not so into Christmas?
Some people celebrate, Some people don't.
I grew up not celebrating it until I was 16. Now I love the warmth of the family.
I grew up a JW. No birthdays, no Christmas, no "hanging out" after school, no college dreams or after school activities.. Just service, yes "going door to door", studying for baptism. I can't sleep without thinking Armageddon is going to happen tomorrow.. The thought of death terrifies me now since my mother told me I'd live forever on paradise earth. Reality hit me, and I went to the hospital. After I was out I saw the world really did have a lot to hide.. My small JW world lifted away once I saw how sad everyone was, secrets buried in congregations that authorities should know about. Im diagnosed scitzophrenic, but all my delusions are from what they taught me. (We have our own "translated" bible named The New Worlds Translations) that is full of mistaken stories stolen from other older religions. I'm sorry but these people are making others mentally ill. Apparently 70% are mentally ill already (Like me). Serious do some research about JW's and you'll double think before asking for a magazine..
I'm not sure if this post is allowed, but yea.. That's why I feel the love of my boyfriends family during Christmas

Let it Snow
Let it Snow
Let it Snow

Wow, this is inspiring. When did you find out about your mental problem? Did it develop over time or have you always had it?

Also, how has being a JW made things worse?

Am I being too nosy?

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I don't like it; their is too much stupidity over it, too much consumerism, too much materialism, and it has so very little to do with the Christian part of it or its Pagan roots because it's so heavily over saturated with corporate cartoons, characters, and jingles. Rudolph, Frosty, even our modern take on Santa Claus are nothing more than pleas to get you to spend money.

 

[Revoltingest]

But it seems Festivus has fallen prey to greed and commercialism. I am starting to see the beginnings of pole envy in my neighborhood; and many Feats of Strength are simply symbolic at best. The only thing that has remained constant, IMO, is the Airing of Grievances. I really look forward to this every year. As a matter of fact, I like the A of G so well that I keep it alive in my heart all year. Mazel Tov.

At least there are no Festivus sales or music blaring around here.

 

[BSM1]

At least there are no Festivus sales or music blaring around here.

Give it time, Kemo Sabe. Give it time.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I'm not a very festive person. Christmas lost much of its fever since childhood and approach the holidays with a more complacent approach.

I think enjoying the day off with a good meal and drink and a chance to relax without commitment is more than enough of a joy in itself but that's because I've had too much excitement.

Maybe for those who had too little excitement, the reverse is also true for holiday joy and good cheer. ;0)

 

[SomeRandom]

Being in retail Christmas is a most dreaded time of the year. Used to love it as a kid obviously. That little bit of specialness and magic has waned as I grew up though.
In saying that though on the actual day itself I do look forward to a day spent with my dad's close friends as we play xmas games eat a hungee and drink ourselves silly. So I do celebrate it.
And I am still quite fond of Christmas specials. Even modern ones (except the Rankin Bass ones. They creep me out.)

 

[Sammy420]

Wow, this is inspiring. When did you find out about your mental problem? Did it develop over time or have you always had it?

Also, how has being a JW made things worse?

Am I being too nosy?

Well when I was little I was afraid of things like demons standing next to me while I sleep.. As we had a scripture that implied that read at our hall. I've always felt I've been watched from a darker spirit because of the amount of time they use Satans name, and tell us about him. It's just all so much darker then it appears.

 

[Sammy420]

Yeah well your mama's not all wrong, if it was a perfect world it would be like Christmas everyday, or better.

Malachi "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

But for some reason organized religions try to pen people up and suck the joy out of life. So I agree with you there.

My mamas clearly mislead actually.. She cleans houses for a living but was an A student, she could have done so much more with her life. Instead she spends 3-4 hour preparing for the meetings that were 3 times a week when I was younger but now only 2 for 2 hours. This post was not about "Christmas everyday" but it was showing how my family hasn't talked to me in 6 years due to me being "disfellowshiped" (banned from the hall and talking to jw's unless it's to study), and that I'm finally happy with my boyfriend on Christmas. A normal holiday

 

[Kemosloby]

My mamas clearly mislead actually.. She cleans houses for a living but was an A student, she could have done so much more with her life. Instead she spends 3-4 hour preparing for the meetings that were 3 times a week when I was younger but now only 2 for 2 hours. This post was not about "Christmas everyday" but it was showing how my family hasn't talked to me in 6 years due to me being "disfellowshiped" (banned from the hall and talking to jw's unless it's to study), and that I'm finally happy with my boyfriend on Christmas. A normal holiday

Well I guess my question is did you give up on Jesus and Christianity altogether or just the JW's?

 

[Tumah]

Yeah well your mama's not all wrong, if it was a perfect world it would be like Christmas everyday, or better.

Malachi "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

But for some reason organized religions try to pen people up and suck the joy out of life. So I agree with you there.

Wow. 'The Sun of Righteousness'? Really?

The previous verse uses the metaphor of the heat of an oven to describe the destruction of the wicked. This verse is continuing on with the 'heat' metaphor, explaining that for the righteous the heat would be beneficial like the suns healing rays. The 'sun of righteousness' shining for those that fear G-d is a metaphor for the righteous people experiencing the benefit of their righteous deeds.

 

[Kemosloby]

Wow. 'The Sun of Righteousness'? Really?

The previous verse uses the metaphor of the heat of an oven to describe the destruction of the wicked. This verse is continuing on with the 'heat' metaphor, explaining that for the righteous the heat would be beneficial like the suns healing rays. The 'sun of righteousness' shining for those that fear G-d is a metaphor for the righteous people experiencing the benefit of their righteous deeds.

Yeah well better to be the calf let out to pasture huh?