I didn't start enjoying Christmas until a few years ago when I moved away from family and started living on my own again. Now I spend Christmas with my two beloved dogs. I don't travel and no one visits. I bake, drink hot cocoa, listen to the carols on Classic FM. Finally, after decades of madness, I get what I want for Christmas each year: peace and quiet.
We are reading from the same carol sheet. I’ve been on my own for years, and my family learned not to pressure me a long time ago. I have one good friend, and I’ll go there for a meal at some point around Christmas. She thinks just like me, so we are totally relaxed in each other’s company.
Something you just said - “I don’t need anything” when asked by your children what you want for Christmas. You are a very wealthy man, Nigel, and that is determined by the fact that you are happy and satisfied with what you have ❤
I mentioned this in a video I uploaded ‘Spend Less, Be Happy’. My daughter asked me what I wanted for my birthday, and I genuinely searched my mind, but came up with nothing. It was when I heard myself say it on the recording that it really sank in about how lucky I was. I have very little, I want for nothing. My kids love me and my dog loves me.
I told my kids many years ago not to buy me anything for Christmas or birthdays. I don't need anything and if there's something I do want, I can buy it myself. I don't want them spending what little money they have on me.
I am with you 100%! I start looking forward to Christmas around Halloween too. I love the sights, smells, etc. Last year my Mom passed on Christmas Eve and, as you can imagine, it was the worst Christmas of my life. This year I have a decision to make....be miserable and make everyone around me miserable...or try to make things good. I've decided to switch things up at our house by getting a real tree and making decorations so I don't have to be reminded of past Christmases by our " regular decorations". I'll go back to them one day, but I need a change this year. I want to be happy and I want to make my family happy this Christmas. So....Merry Christmas!!
Only do what YOU want to do for Christmas! Cherish the elements YOU enjoy and maybe add some you know your would enjoy that we're not a tradition before! It was hard for me, to eliminate from my Christmas Boxes but it feels so easy now to navigate through the season, now that I have forged it MY WAY! I guess it was hard to accept I was no longer taking from tradition, but creating my own traditions and giving to the next generation. And they will add their experiences of Christmas, too!
It really was. All the kids charging round the streets with that one special present they got, and if you went carol singing now, you’d probably end up with a fat lip, or in court for religious discrimination. ☃️🎄😊
@@primalenglandlol fat lip for singing. yes I too love seeing children out playing. You make some good points that would be useful pointers for parents now.
I never comment on videos on any channel I follow but am always careful to like. You speak so much sense about Christmas and everything you've said really resonates with me. Maybe it comes with age but I love living alone, would be happy to spend Christmas alone indulging in all my favourite, simple pleasures. Peace and love to you and sweet Molly x
Since the kids have grown we usually spend the morning on the beach then grab a indian takeout on Christmas day, no cooking no dishes a day to kick back and relax. We used to traditionally celebrate Yule on the 21st but a lot of the time family were still working so we created a new tradition. How ever you celebrate i wish everyone a wonderfully time.
When I lived in England my ex wanted me to spend Christmas Eve with her and our daughter at my ex's dad's but I wanted to spend it with my dog. After dinner we went for a walk and it was quiet, cold and frosty and I had the best time....just me and my buddy 🙂
Christmas is about being cozy, quiet and peaceful. I love a rustic Christmas with natural decorations and mulled cider. I start listening to Christmas music early, too. We have a very large family but we enjoy being on our own at Christmas time.
Your view of Christmas is exactly mine too. It was after bonfire night that thoughts turned towards Christmas for me as Halloween wasn't a thing when I was young. I love a simplified festive season.
I’ve never really done Halloween. When I was a kid it wasn’t really a big thing. I’m not a New Year’s Eve person, either. I’ll probably be in bed before the fireworks go off.
I’ve lived in the US most of my life, and now, I live in Hawaii. My husband and I bought air tickets to Sweden and Norway (my favorite country evar!) for Yule in 2018. When we arrived we were expecting what we found …Darkness, with candles, white lights, no commercialism at all. The only Christmas phenomenon I enjoy are the carols…
I would love to spend Christmas in a Nordic country. I’m really into Nordic culture, generations of my family have lived in the Danelaw area of the Uk, and I recorded a short ‘15 minute’ saga that I uploaded to my Bandcamp channel. I feel they have a deep affinity with nature, and can imagine Christmas being the rustic, natural celebration it should be.
Here in the US we have seen Christmas inventory in the stores for at least two weeks; not even Halloween, yet! I am spending Christmas Eve at church then Christmas Day with two close friends enjoying a small bite before hitting the coffee, some wonderful desserts, and visiting. My “splurge” at Christmas is sending extra special cards to friends and family.
It's hard to be disappointed when you keep it simple and focus mainly on enjoying the simple, inexpensive pleasures daily and that's my motto for life. No sugar highs, thanks, and the crashes that come with it. Slow and steady, a walk, enjoying the pictures I take daily, a nice dinner, a glass of wine on occasion, a good nice sleep, my favorite morning coffee, rinse, repeat, and peace of mind. Right on Nigel.
You have a life rhythm that almost lends itself to a good life vibe. 4/4 beat…nice dinner..glass of wine..good nice sleep…………… my favourite morning coffee. Rinse, repeat. 😊
@@primalengland In comparison to me, you've been living the slow and simple life longer, as I'm 63, and probably more consistently and successfully, so I see you as the thought leader and role model. Your videos, though, are excellent reinforcements for me to never let up and live daily, and I greatly appreciate that. See you on the flip 🙂
My mantra has always been ‘you do you,’ and this never been as relevant as it is at Christmas. Yet so many people insist on ‘you do whatever makes you look right in their eyes’.
One Christmas, my children were older and made me a coupon book….free kitchen cleanup, 4 loads of laundry, no argument time, etc. I got to decide when I wanted to redeem the coupons. I held onto some of those until July!! We all laughed about how much fun it was….just their labors of love…..but my best Christmas gift. I have a simple pumpkin roll recipe that I make for gifts. It was my son’s favorite…this year I want to make it for my neighbors to share with coffee. Love to all reading this and hopes for a Christmas of the ❤!!!! I
Hi Nigel, loving all your videos and your wise words and positivity. I was thinking today about how to deal with bottled up anger. Anger from years of bad experiences and abuse from horrible people. I see a lot of angry people everywhere these days and I often feel so bottled up with anger and don't really know many ways that are appropriate to off load. This might be an idea for a video? Peace and love brother.
I don’t hate Christmas even though I don’t really celebrate it. I don’t want cards/presents or want to send any cards or give presents, my wife sees to all that. My daughter was killed at Christmas so it has sad memories for me and my wife. Now that I have young grandchildren I do look forward to seeing my family. I remember as a kid when on Christmas Eve we would tidy and clean the house and then put the tree up in the morning. Then in the afternoon mum would get ready and we would shop in the city centre for presents and even the Christmas food. The pavements and shops were thronged and you had to hold mum’s hand tight so you wouldn’t get lost. I remember seeing the illuminations and feeling excited. We had very few presents. On Boxing Day we took the tree down and Christmas was over. Just having it for 3 days made it so special. Nowadays seeing the mince pies etc in supermarkets from September and how long the festive season now seems to last, it’s just lost the joy and the spontaneity for me.
I went to the local garden centre on Friday it was rammed with christmas paraphernalia as are the supermarkets, its far too early to be remotely in the festive groove its off putting we are only just in autumn.Ive always worked at christmas and new year as my job is contracted to do so. Its never really a break.
I spent a lot of my time as an NHS nurse and as oil rig worker. Christmas is just another day. It’s way too early, but I’ll get the buzz when the time is right for me. Ignore the shops. They have nothing to do with the season.
Yule for me is about the return of the sun on the solstice and has been for millennia. It’s comfort, warmth, food, love and nature. Nothing to do with spending money or religion , just what I believe anyway. Bright blessings to you and yours xxx
And what you believe is perfectly valid. I’m a closet Buddhist, well, slightly more than closet, and think that keeps me in sympathy with the seasons and nature.
@@primalengland my sister is a huge advocate for Buddhism having visited Vietnam several years ago. She loved how calm, kind and friendly the people were x
This is an interesting topic Nigel. For thirty odd years since marrying and having children I have spent Christmas making sure all my family had a great time, everybody at my house and all the work that entailed. I was exhausted and ended up finding Christmas a chore to be endured and a big sigh of relief when I had to go back to my paid work. My mother loved coming and I pretended I was fine being a martyr and that I too loved it. After losing my mother a couple of years ago I made a stand. The children all grown up, I joined them in the pub Christmas afternoon and then all back to mine as usual but for a takeaway meal. No more sweating over three course meal and messy kitchen for us it was time to make new traditions. Blessings to you and Molly 🥰
And I think many are taking the same route. I only cook for myself, and then it’s just rice and chicken, so I don’t mind that, especially with a glass of wine or gin and tonic. Many love the big family Christmas, but the people who enjoy it most are those who don’t do the washing up and cooking. I remember being very young and going to my Auntie’s at Christmas. She and mum would work like slaves to feed an extended family, then be too worn out to eat. I would never criticise anyone for buying all the ingredients ready prepared. Why not. Bung ready made pigs in blankets in the oven, pour a drink and relax.
I love Christmas too, although it’s most often just my husband and I now as my children live away and we only get together for Christmas occasionally. I still love it though, it’s like a bubble of excitement inside me, I can’t help it. It’s the child in me that refuses to grow up, and it makes me feel so happy. 🎉
My husband and I will be spending Christmas Day on our own for the first time as our daughter is going to her in-laws ( they came to us last year ). We will be having a small get together on the 21st to celebrate Yule and the Winter solstice but Christmas will be peaceful and quiet and we can do what the heck we want! Xxx
Although I divorced when the kids were young, their mum and I used to rotate Christmases, with all of us involved. ( We were divorced, but she is the best mum, grandma any kid could have. She is awesome, it just didn’t work.) Then my kids grew up and did their own thing. Zoom calls on Christmas Day are great, then Molly and I get on with our own celebrations. I thought I was the only one that celebrated the Winter solstice. It’s later in the year than most people think, but gives me a profound feeling of time moving around me.
Hi Nigel. Love your videos. I can very much relate to your lifestyle. I’ve live alone for 10 years now in the NW. I love simple things and it helps how I cope with situations. I come home from work, and can do whatever I want to do. Unfortunately, I lost my little dog last year, and I’m not ready to get another one. It doesn’t feel right.
I know what you mean. Molly is an old lady, and I can’t stop thinking about life without her. I’ll carry on, but a little slice of the cake won’t be there.
Christmas is a beautiful time (although I know that unfortunately not for everybody due to personal reasons). I don't celebrate it (I use the holiday for resting), but I agree with you. It should be less about gifts, but more about time with family or friends. And for those who feel lonely, I wish them strength and remember: this too shall pass ❤. Thank you for another lovely walk and talk, stay safe Nigel 🙏
Thank you so much, Anita. I must admit I enjoy it, but just for me. I put my tree up and cut holly from the local bushes, that’s about it apart from a couple of candles. I was lucky enough to have had a fabulous childhood within a lovely family, and I think it just transports me back for a fleeting moment. ❤️
A decade ago, I split with my wife. And with that went the family Christmas. No longer would I wake with them on the big day and see the magic in their eyes. Now, a decade later, I've healed from the pain and have now started to enjoy Christmas again. My kids are now teenagers. And they like to visit me at Christmas. So it's all good now. But Christmas for me is now all about low lights, candles, good food, long walks, and time with my folks who won't be around forever.
I’m with you. My kids are now in their late 30s. We divorced when they were 9 and 6. Christmas had always been my huge highlight. It was all about them. We got through, and now my Christmases are about low lights, good food, good drink and spoiling my dog in a warm, welcoming Christmas atmosphere. My kids know how I rock, and they love me for it.
Christmas has always had a special place in my life. A bright light at the end of a working year. Where we can rest, enjoy company of family and watch the little ones full of excitement. A favourite quirk of mine is to watch the comedy classics. I’ll try to avoid them all year, but then in the week or so before Christmas I like to watch the Steptoe and Sons & Only Fools and Horses Christmas specials with a few pints of traditional ales. Love it…
I loved Christmas when the kids were little. I think I was probably more excited than them on Christmas eve. In the run up to the big day, I'd make decorations, go shopping for a real tree, buy loads of presents, and on the day I'd cook a big meal with all the trimmings. It never quite lived up to my expectations though. These days, it's a much more modest affair. All my family live away, so it's just me and my dog. It sounds very much like your Christmas, in that I make the house warm and cosy, and put a few decorations up. I enjoy the small touches that make it special; making a wreath for the door, a table centrepiece with greenery and berries from the garden, lighting candles, and playing carols. I always buy some extra special treats and sit at the table to eat my Christmas dinner with a glass of wine. I really enjoy the simplicity of it. A few years ago a friend insisted I go to her house. After that we started taking it in turns each year. But I'd have much rather have spent it on my own with my dog. She always complained about what people had bought her, even what I'd bought her! And the food had been cooked the night before and reheated. No, give me a simple quiet day, good food, a dog for company and no stress.
That sounds perfect. I loved it when the kids were young. I’d stand at the living room door with the tree lights on and just gaze at it, imagining what my kids would see when we all came down early on Christmas Day. 😊☃️🎄
When my kids we're little they brought back a nasty bug from Kindergarten for me to have one Christmas Day. We we're in a phase where a fillet of pork was our Christmas roast - and it was vacuumed. So my husband made Spaghetti 🍝 and played with them and everybody was happy! Me, too, because I knew they were having fun! Since then we never had roasts, only stews, goulash, things that get better reheated! I am so lucky to stretch out the Holidays for nearly a week! The kids invite friends for a spontaneous messy late cookie baking session: No Problem! My BIL and wife tour through Germany and we get together only late! I would hate to rush around with all those presents in the car! I am happy to cook for them late as it stretches our season and gives us time to enjoy Christmas with an evening service/carol singing/Mass! The point of Christmas is to reset, focus on yourself, your family (and doggies) and enjoy life! New Year is for looking back and planning the future, but til then why not just enjoy the present? I hope you have a beautiful Advent with your young dog!
@@primalenglandWhy did you stand at the door with the tree lights on? Did you want to light up like a Christmas tree? Or was it a case of, the lights are on but no one's home? 😂
@@primalenglandI get what you felt! In Germany, kids have presents under the tree on Christmas Eve! Decorating was on the night of the 23rd, and then the door to the living room was closed till after Family Afternoon Service! I always enjoyed the late night action and then a glass of cheap champagne admiring the tree, lights, nativity and presents! When the kids we're about 10, our eldest helped decorate the tree (she had felled!) in the morning! Then the door was closed! Daddy and the children went off to church on their bikes and I "had to go by car to get grandma"! I had about two minutes to empty the preloaded washing baskets under the tree decoratively. I so enjoyed watching my daughter racing our car back home to make sure nobody opened our door uncontrolled!😂
Christmas commercialism starts early in the stores. We have Christmas in competition with Halloween and don't forget Remembrance day Nov. 11th before Christmas. Let's get those over with first. I myself am not into Halloween anymore, its become quite "dark" here. Less pumpkins, more scarier stuff put out. Some families don't have little ones go door to door because of it. Christmas on the other hand, some people spend more $ on Halloween decorations than Christmas. I prefer a low key Christmas too. I don't have much on my wish list. I don't need anything. I want nothing either. I am usually having to travel to see my adult children. Each year I want to say no and stay home. Maybe go for Boxing day or not. I haven't decided. We will see you two on the flip! ✌️ & ❤.
I was never big on Halloween. It was still the 50s when I was growing out of it. We’ll probably go for a night time walk when the door knockers are about. I’ve been a bit nervous about Remembrance Day these last two years. Don’t want any idiots trying to disrespect it.
Rustic and simple, the way to go. I too choose to be alone because I love it, just me and animals. Christmas is wonderful when one can do it their way. Brussel sprouts and chestnuts, love preparing and cooking plant based festive meals and watching Christmas movies and carols...cosy, cosy. Much love to you Nigel, Molly and all. ✨✨❤❤🐾🐾
In the States we have an extra holiday between Halloween and Christmas . Thanksgiving is actually even more enjoyable in many ways . Family and friends gather at a lovely traditional or non traditional meal to enjoy each other and the wonderful food . No gifts are purchased or exhanged. Very little pressure, except maybe on the hostess if the group is large. Our family of 30 came from near and far Thanksgiving week to cook, talk, ramble in the woods, play games, make projects, take pictures, play with the babies who were so soon grown. It was glorious and my sweetest memories. Then Christmas with all its joys a month later. Thank you Nigel for another thoughtful video and all the blessings of Chrismas to you 🎄
“ what started as a religious holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus, has become a commercial exploit- enshrouded in pointless consumerism feeding society’s obsession with materialism.”💯🙏🇮🇳
Totally agree on that one! I only got one gift from Santa, and a couple more from my aunt and grandma! That was my Christmas! I looked forward to the dinner!! Turkey! Once a year. Church was the main event ! Christmas pagent... Candlelight service on Christmas Eve. Wishing everyone a good Christmas
I know I have lived a long life, but it seems only a moment ago that we celebrated the birth of Christ and nothing else. School was magic. Building a nativity, carol singing and going to church with my mum and dad and my brother. Watching my dad give a reading because he was a lay-reader and church treasurer. It took but the blink of an eye to all disappear.
As a child Christmas was always an anxious time…. Never able to defuse family emotions; never able to escape everyone’s expectations and then witness their disappointments; feeling responsible for events but only a child. As an adult I don’t live within 400 miles of family; I can choose who my family will be.
I feel so lucky that my Christmases were idyllic, but as an adult I do my own thing, and my family understands. I love the season on my own or with my only friend occasionally. She likes her own company, too. ❤️😊
Hello my friend, i agree with you about Christmas. It is not just one day, it is the anticipation, the music, cold crisp nights, snow falling softly. I do spend Christmas Eve and day with my girls. It is my favourite time of year ❤ hugs for you and lovely Molly. ❤❤. She is so intrepid isn't she? Plodding through the wet and mud, happy, happy, happy! You have to love her 😊
The scenery around my little industrial town may not be as dramatic as some, but I can be there and in it within 5 minutes of leaving my door. I love it. ❤️😊
My wife and I were in the grocery store the other day, and in the main isle way across the front of the store stood a massive cardboard display with a Christmas steam locomotive as well as Santa Claus, and loaded to the gills with Little Debbie brand Christmas snack cakes! On October 19th for crying out loud! The big box home stores have moved out their Halloween stuff, and now have a veritable jungle of artificial Christmas trees, lights, decorations etc. Makes me sick!
It really is too much. It’s like Corporate are on a mission to completely destroy the wonderful meaning of Christmas that I had but 40 years ago. I want to isolate myself from all this, and that’s why I want to take Molly away to somewhere where we aren’t subjected to this.
Every year I dread Christmas. My parents ruined the joy of it. I do lietererly cry every year. And now the decoration are in store already 😢 it is depressing and makes my heart break. I so love to know that other people have a Merry Christmas whit famely and happiness. Maby in my next life...
I think we forget that not everyone is having as nice a time as we are. For some people it can be a torment. All we can do is reach out and let those people know that we know. ❤️
Thank you for your good hearts. I used to help homeless on Christmas, we where a team creating it. It made me look forward to it. But my healt and personally is safety is no good now. I still knit warm clothes as gifts for them tho. Giv seecret Santa gifts to people I know have less. Putting Christmas card in post boxes where I know there lonely people live to make them a bit more happyer. But then I go home and cry.., don't know why I am writing this at all. Just longing for January at the end of the day.
I too love Christmas and much prefer a quieter time. 😊 Christmas cake will be made this coming weekend! Just a lovely tradition I enjoy doing whether I’m alone or not. Take care Nigel ❤
Good morning Nigel. I'm from the states and I have always loved Christmas. We have a tradition of putting our tree and inside decorations up on November 1st. We have been known to watch Christmas movies and listen to Christmas music at different times throughout the year. We never tire of it. haha I do agree about the commercialism and that Christmas is definitely more than just gifts. If a person celebrates it for the right reasons they should have Christmas spirit in their heart all year, but sadly that isn't true for a lot of people.
I’m completely with you. Why should you adhere to a certain time of year to celebrate? It’s nobody’s business but your own. I can get the same warm and fuzzy feeling listening to carols in the middle of June as I can in December. Carry on. You do you. ❤️🎄☃️
Im not overboard but I love the magic of Christmas. I love a tree, some lights, a fire, giving modest gifts, enjoying yummy food and shared with others, if possible. I often read "A Child's Christmas in Wales" by Dylan Thomas. We have our first snowfall today (Southern Alberta, Canada). Tis the season!❄️
Christmas started showing up in my part of Canada in September this year! Christmas emails too (I unsubscribed those immediately) The push and commercialism turns me off before I can even begin to enjoy anything. I slaved, shopped , cooked and prepared for Christmas for decades, mostly on my own and I was exhausted and often sick by the big Day. I had a full time job as well. I always went into debt and didn't have enough time to do the little things that made me happy. I stepped back this Thanksgiving just to see what would happen and voila!? Nothing! Nobody stepped forward to suggest we do anything.....Our holiday dinners were always 15 or more people. The big family dinners and holidays are going to be no more, they are dying out with the last of the baby boomers and my family has no idea what to do when I don't do it ALL.
Wow! Debbie. That is so harrowing yet so typical. We were the generation that provided, but perhaps it’s time to think about you and those very close to you. It’s been Molly and I for 8 years since I got her as a rescue. Best 8 Christmases ever.
I agree with you Nigel. When I was young I had my own horse and would clear off riding on my own Christmas day. People would be happy and surprised to see me, I had one lady come out of her house with carrots and another, who was seeing family off, made me wait while she ran back in to get me and my horse each a mince pie 😂
Hi Nigel. I agree wholeheartedly your views of an old fashioned simplistic Christmas. I love more the run up to Christmas than Christmas day itself. It's great to forage for Holly for my vase. This year I'm going to attempt to make a garland with fresh conifer, pine cones and spruce etc. I've been looking around recently to pick some when it's nearer to advent. Like you, I love carols and love listening to choirs singing them. I love playing old videos on TH-cam of Andy Williams Christmas shows that were going when I was growing up. Like yourself, I prefer Christmas day on my own as I don't like the present opening ceremony. I leave my family to do as they wish. It's so much nicer to please yourself. I love looking in the Range for ideas and inspiration for Christmas crafts. Great video today Nigel 😊
Like a few other people here, I really love spending Christmas day alone, in my own way - I like going to church and singing all the festive carols, it puts me in a a great mood - I will have purchased a takeout turkey or roast beef dinner and some little extravagant dessert beforehand - if I feel like it, I take a walk or a country drive - I relax in my pajamas with some ho cho and chocolate truffles and watch one or two classic Christmas movies - It's absolutely fantastic 🥰 Like you, I kind of just ignore all the complicated buying & glitz and just enjoy the warmth of the season.
We grown-ups do not exchange gifts. I instilled in my kids to build memories with their kids, because they soon forget many of the gifts received, but they forever remember the good times shared with you. I still hear, "mama, do you remember...?", from my own kids. No Nigel. It's not too soon to help others reset. It'll be on us before we know it. Thank you.
No, we don’t exchange gifts, and my mother set a limit for everyone of £10 maximum some years ago. Woe betide anyone who goes above. I don’t give presents, but I let my daughter buy me a decent whiskey because she’s cost me enough grief in her lifetime.
I’d like more cards, but because I only send 5 (One to my mum, one to my brother, one to my son, one to my daughter and a joint one to my grandsons.) I can only expect 5 back. I toast each one with a glass of wine, so there’s an upside. 🍷
You're definitely right about the food! Over the years presents became fewer and less important than the Swiss Cheese Fondue on Christmas Eve! On Christmas Day we have Spaghetti Pronto, because we all want to play and eat cookies! Boxing Day is pre-cooked Hühnerfrikassee (Brides Chicken) with MIL! I cook Venison Goulash several times during autumn and freeze a large batch for Christmas! That makes the family get together after Boxing Day so much easier and relaxed! And gives us some festive autumn family evenings! I love that the kids are bigger now and I have given away all the decorations we didn't really enjoy! That makes it so much easier, too! All dishes are child-requests! Now that the kids are teens we wrap our meals around helping out at evening/late Mass - I never expected it to be so rewarding to straighten the music sheets and chairs for the next service! We do not enjoy the commercial Christmas Overkill downtown! Nor Christmas cookies in August! We bake ourselves! We found a plantation, where you can cut your own tree and we take walks in the woods!🌲🌧️🌳🦌🌲🐿️🐦⬛🌬️❄️🌲 Oh, but I do need my Christmas-Rock-CD!🕺🏼💃🏼🕴🏼 And for some years now, we decorate our house with simple warm-white lights! It really does help against winter S.A.D. to return home 🛋️🍵after 4 and enjoy them!🌌 💚🐕🤗🍷🛋️🍂✨ Peace and Love 🪷
@@primalenglandNo snow here Hamburg for Christmas, only mud and fog, or icy rain and black ice! So no🌨️☃️❄️ Thought of you today, as our Aldi has beautiful 1000 piece Ravensburger puzzles (Norwegian harbour town on a snowy evening) for 2,99 Kind remembrances of puzzling 2000 pieces of an autumnal Neuschwanstein in a Whaley Bridge BnB with the kids on several rainy summer afternoons! There was a DVD of Mamma Mia and they didn't understand it but they loved that, too!
for me i like xmas for the food and good company on xmas day. decorations minimal. taking time to wind down and watch trash tv afterwards then taking time for myself afterwards :) one of the best was showing my dad the spectrum next as one xmas as children we were fortunate to be gifted a zx spectrum by our parents. i just think ppl should be kind and come together every day and not just use xmas to make up :)
Every day is the same for me, don't do such celebrations as Christmas, waste of time and money.. Best to enjoy life to the full every day, and not just days like Christmas!...
It is too early, before Halloween has even arrived you have Christmas stock on the shelves at the same time. Create seasonal/Christmas traditions and do more/buy less. I say seasonal as we still have November to get through, let's not make November into December before it's time.
I can't stand christmas anymore. Sept 18 I saw the first christmas stuff and the weekend all shops stuffed their shelves with christmas sweet and many plastic santas - yuk! I celebrate solstice instead with walks in nature and the past 2 years I've spent it with a friend who also likes the quiet days around solstice looking forward to the light and spring. I think christmas is fake: it's all about being together but we are not except during christmas. So many are lonely all year round. We should spread the joy of being together instead of faking it's so cosy those few days every year.
If we stripped commercialism from Christmas only to leave religion. I think very quickly we would see how few people actually care about Christmas and it would only really be celebrated the week before the 25th instead of the day after Halloween
I didn't start enjoying Christmas until a few years ago when I moved away from family and started living on my own again. Now I spend Christmas with my two beloved dogs. I don't travel and no one visits. I bake, drink hot cocoa, listen to the carols on Classic FM. Finally, after decades of madness, I get what I want for Christmas each year: peace and quiet.
We are reading from the same carol sheet. I’ve been on my own for years, and my family learned not to pressure me a long time ago. I have one good friend, and I’ll go there for a meal at some point around Christmas. She thinks just like me, so we are totally relaxed in each other’s company.
Totally feeling you here! I just love spending Christmas alone 🥰
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Something you just said - “I don’t need anything” when asked by your children what you want for Christmas. You are a very wealthy man, Nigel, and that is determined by the fact that you are happy and satisfied with what you have ❤
I mentioned this in a video I uploaded ‘Spend Less, Be Happy’. My daughter asked me what I wanted for my birthday, and I genuinely searched my mind, but came up with nothing. It was when I heard myself say it on the recording that it really sank in about how lucky I was. I have very little, I want for nothing. My kids love me and my dog loves me.
I told my kids many years ago not to buy me anything for Christmas or birthdays. I don't need anything and if there's something I do want, I can buy it myself. I don't want them spending what little money they have on me.
And we love you!@@primalengland
I am with you 100%! I start looking forward to Christmas around Halloween too. I love the sights, smells, etc. Last year my Mom passed on Christmas Eve and, as you can imagine, it was the worst Christmas of my life. This year I have a decision to make....be miserable and make everyone around me miserable...or try to make things good. I've decided to switch things up at our house by getting a real tree and making decorations so I don't have to be reminded of past Christmases by our " regular decorations". I'll go back to them one day, but I need a change this year. I want to be happy and I want to make my family happy this Christmas.
So....Merry Christmas!!
Only do what YOU want to do for Christmas! Cherish the elements YOU enjoy and maybe add some you know your would enjoy that we're not a tradition before!
It was hard for me, to eliminate from my Christmas Boxes but it feels so easy now to navigate through the season, now that I have forged it MY WAY!
I guess it was hard to accept I was no longer taking from tradition, but creating my own traditions and giving to the next generation. And they will add their experiences of Christmas, too!
Your mum wouldn’t want you to be miserable. Celebrate her life with all the sounds, smells and sights of Christmas. ❤️
I love your videos Mr!, so easy to watch, nothing complicated or nasty, keep em coming please 😀
Thank you, and we certainly will. 😊
💟 well said that man. I know each Generation says things were different but bloomin eh Xmas really was soooo much better pre 80's
It really was. All the kids charging round the streets with that one special present they got, and if you went carol singing now, you’d probably end up with a fat lip, or in court for religious discrimination. ☃️🎄😊
@@primalenglandlol fat lip for singing. yes I too love seeing children out playing. You make some good points that would be useful pointers for parents now.
I never comment on videos on any channel I follow but am always careful to like. You speak so much sense about Christmas and everything you've said really resonates with me. Maybe it comes with age but I love living alone, would be happy to spend Christmas alone indulging in all my favourite, simple pleasures. Peace and love to you and sweet Molly x
Thank you Sandra. Perhaps it does come with age. I value peace, quiet, lack of drama and the choice to just sit and enjoy the moment. ❤️
Since the kids have grown we usually spend the morning on the beach then grab a indian takeout on Christmas day, no cooking no dishes a day to kick back and relax. We used to traditionally celebrate Yule on the 21st but a lot of the time family were still working so we created a new tradition. How ever you celebrate i wish everyone a wonderfully time.
And I think we all wish you a wonderful season, no matter how you spend it. We’re just all here doing the same stuff. 😊
When I lived in England my ex wanted me to spend Christmas Eve with her and our daughter at my ex's dad's but I wanted to spend it with my dog. After dinner we went for a walk and it was quiet, cold and frosty and I had the best time....just me and my buddy 🙂
How romantic . 😊
I’m with you, there. It’s me and Molly. If anyone else gets invited in, they should consider themselves honoured.
Same here in northern ontario. Me and my dog Simba. Make him a christmas dinner as well.@primalengland
That's how I prefer it, too. I spend the days with my cat and quiet walks. I've celebrated solstice instead looking forward to spring and the light.
Christmas is about being cozy, quiet and peaceful. I love a rustic Christmas with natural decorations and mulled cider. I start listening to Christmas music early, too. We have a very large family but we enjoy being on our own at Christmas time.
That sounds like my kind of Christmas. 😊
Your view of Christmas is exactly mine too. It was after bonfire night that thoughts turned towards Christmas for me as Halloween wasn't a thing when I was young. I love a simplified festive season.
I’ve never really done Halloween. When I was a kid it wasn’t really a big thing. I’m not a New Year’s Eve person, either. I’ll probably be in bed before the fireworks go off.
Same here!!
I’ve lived in the US most of my life, and now, I live in Hawaii. My husband and I bought air tickets to Sweden and Norway (my favorite country evar!) for Yule in 2018. When we arrived we were expecting what we found …Darkness, with candles, white lights, no commercialism at all. The only Christmas phenomenon I enjoy are the carols…
I would love to spend Christmas in a Nordic country. I’m really into Nordic culture, generations of my family have lived in the Danelaw area of the Uk, and I recorded a short ‘15 minute’ saga that I uploaded to my Bandcamp channel.
I feel they have a deep affinity with nature, and can imagine Christmas being the rustic, natural celebration it should be.
Here in the US we have seen Christmas inventory in the stores for at least two weeks; not even Halloween, yet! I am spending Christmas Eve at church then Christmas Day with two close friends enjoying a small bite before hitting the coffee, some wonderful desserts, and visiting. My “splurge” at Christmas is sending extra special cards to friends and family.
It's hard to be disappointed when you keep it simple and focus mainly on enjoying the simple, inexpensive pleasures daily and that's my motto for life. No sugar highs, thanks, and the crashes that come with it. Slow and steady, a walk, enjoying the pictures I take daily, a nice dinner, a glass of wine on occasion, a good nice sleep, my favorite morning coffee, rinse, repeat, and peace of mind. Right on Nigel.
You have a life rhythm that almost lends itself to a good life vibe. 4/4 beat…nice dinner..glass of wine..good nice sleep…………… my favourite morning coffee.
Rinse, repeat. 😊
@@primalengland In comparison to me, you've been living the slow and simple life longer, as I'm 63, and probably more consistently and successfully, so I see you as the thought leader and role model. Your videos, though, are excellent reinforcements for me to never let up and live daily, and I greatly appreciate that. See you on the flip 🙂
You are spot on Nigel about Christmas, it’s a joyful feeling and a moment for me of reflection.
My mantra has always been ‘you do you,’ and this never been as relevant as it is at Christmas. Yet so many people insist on ‘you do whatever makes you look right in their eyes’.
One Christmas, my children were older and made me a coupon book….free kitchen cleanup, 4 loads of laundry, no argument time, etc. I got to decide when I wanted to redeem the coupons. I held onto some of those until July!! We all laughed about how much fun it was….just their labors of love…..but my best Christmas gift.
I have a simple pumpkin roll recipe that I make for gifts. It was my son’s favorite…this year I want to make it for my neighbors to share with coffee.
Love to all reading this and hopes for a Christmas of the ❤!!!! I
That is a fantastic idea. 😊❤️
Hi Nigel, loving all your videos and your wise words and positivity. I was thinking today about how to deal with bottled up anger. Anger from years of bad experiences and abuse from horrible people. I see a lot of angry people everywhere these days and I often feel so bottled up with anger and don't really know many ways that are appropriate to off load. This might be an idea for a video?
Peace and love brother.
Indeed. I’m always grateful for suggestions for videos that are relevant to watchers. Thanks. 👍
I don’t hate Christmas even though I don’t really celebrate it. I don’t want cards/presents or want to send any cards or give presents, my wife sees to all that. My daughter was killed at Christmas so it has sad memories for me and my wife. Now that I have young grandchildren I do look forward to seeing my family. I remember as a kid when on Christmas Eve we would tidy and clean the house and then put the tree up in the morning. Then in the afternoon mum would get ready and we would shop in the city centre for presents and even the Christmas food. The pavements and shops were thronged and you had to hold mum’s hand tight so you wouldn’t get lost. I remember seeing the illuminations and feeling excited. We had very few presents. On Boxing Day we took the tree down and Christmas was over. Just having it for 3 days made it so special. Nowadays seeing the mince pies etc in supermarkets from September and how long the festive season now seems to last, it’s just lost the joy and the spontaneity for me.
So sorry for your loss x
So sorry for your loss. I too lost my daughter at Christmas and it's never felt the same since.
I went to the local garden centre on Friday it was rammed with christmas paraphernalia as are the supermarkets, its far too early to be remotely in the festive groove its off putting we are only just in autumn.Ive always worked at christmas and new year as my job is contracted to do so. Its never really a break.
I spent a lot of my time as an NHS nurse and as oil rig worker. Christmas is just another day. It’s way too early, but I’ll get the buzz when the time is right for me. Ignore the shops. They have nothing to do with the season.
Yule for me is about the return of the sun on the solstice and has been for millennia. It’s comfort, warmth, food, love and nature. Nothing to do with spending money or religion , just what I believe anyway. Bright blessings to you and yours xxx
And what you believe is perfectly valid. I’m a closet Buddhist, well, slightly more than closet, and think that keeps me in sympathy with the seasons and nature.
@@primalengland my sister is a huge advocate for Buddhism having visited Vietnam several years ago. She loved how calm, kind and friendly the people were x
I absolutely love your videos and the scenery at your location is amazingly picturesque, wow ❤
Thank you. I’m lucky to have this on my doorstep. 😊
This is an interesting topic Nigel. For thirty odd years since marrying and having children I have spent Christmas making sure all my family had a great time, everybody at my house and all the work that entailed. I was exhausted and ended up finding Christmas a chore to be endured and a big sigh of relief when I had to go back to my paid work. My mother loved coming and I pretended I was fine being a martyr and that I too loved it. After losing my mother a couple of years ago I made a stand. The children all grown up, I joined them in the pub Christmas afternoon and then all back to mine as usual but for a takeaway meal. No more sweating over three course meal and messy kitchen for us it was time to make new traditions. Blessings to you and Molly 🥰
And I think many are taking the same route. I only cook for myself, and then it’s just rice and chicken, so I don’t mind that, especially with a glass of wine or gin and tonic.
Many love the big family Christmas, but the people who enjoy it most are those who don’t do the washing up and cooking. I remember being very young and going to my Auntie’s at Christmas. She and mum would work like slaves to feed an extended family, then be too worn out to eat. I would never criticise anyone for buying all the ingredients ready prepared. Why not. Bung ready made pigs in blankets in the oven, pour a drink and relax.
@@primalengland 🥰
I love Christmas too, although it’s most often just my husband and I now as my children live away and we only get together for Christmas occasionally. I still love it though, it’s like a bubble of excitement inside me, I can’t help it. It’s the child in me that refuses to grow up, and it makes me feel so happy. 🎉
My husband and I will be spending Christmas Day on our own for the first time as our daughter is going to her in-laws ( they came to us last year ). We will be having a small get together on the 21st to celebrate Yule and the Winter solstice but Christmas will be peaceful and quiet and we can do what the heck we want! Xxx
Although I divorced when the kids were young, their mum and I used to rotate Christmases, with all of us involved. ( We were divorced, but she is the best mum, grandma any kid could have. She is awesome, it just didn’t work.) Then my kids grew up and did their own thing. Zoom calls on Christmas Day are great, then Molly and I get on with our own celebrations. I thought I was the only one that celebrated the Winter solstice. It’s later in the year than most people think, but gives me a profound feeling of time moving around me.
Hi Nigel
I love Christmas
God bless you and Molly ❤❤
And you, Mary. ❤️❤️
Hi Nigel. Love your videos. I can very much relate to your lifestyle. I’ve live alone for 10 years now in the NW. I love simple things and it helps how I cope with situations.
I come home from work, and can do whatever I want to do.
Unfortunately, I lost my little dog last year, and I’m not ready to get another one. It doesn’t feel right.
I know what you mean. Molly is an old lady, and I can’t stop thinking about life without her. I’ll carry on, but a little slice of the cake won’t be there.
Christmas is a beautiful time (although I know that unfortunately not for everybody due to personal reasons). I don't celebrate it (I use the holiday for resting), but I agree with you. It should be less about gifts, but more about time with family or friends. And for those who feel lonely, I wish them strength and remember: this too shall pass ❤. Thank you for another lovely walk and talk, stay safe Nigel 🙏
Thank you so much, Anita. I must admit I enjoy it, but just for me. I put my tree up and cut holly from the local bushes, that’s about it apart from a couple of candles. I was lucky enough to have had a fabulous childhood within a lovely family, and I think it just transports me back for a fleeting moment. ❤️
@@primalengland I'm glad you enjoy it. Being on your own means often peace and quiet.
A decade ago, I split with my wife. And with that went the family Christmas. No longer would I wake with them on the big day and see the magic in their eyes. Now, a decade later, I've healed from the pain and have now started to enjoy Christmas again. My kids are now teenagers. And they like to visit me at Christmas. So it's all good now. But Christmas for me is now all about low lights, candles, good food, long walks, and time with my folks who won't be around forever.
I’m with you. My kids are now in their late 30s. We divorced when they were 9 and 6. Christmas had always been my huge highlight. It was all about them. We got through, and now my Christmases are about low lights, good food, good drink and spoiling my dog in a warm, welcoming Christmas atmosphere. My kids know how I rock, and they love me for it.
Christmas has always had a special place in my life. A bright light at the end of a working year. Where we can rest, enjoy company of family and watch the little ones full of excitement. A favourite quirk of mine is to watch the comedy classics. I’ll try to avoid them all year, but then in the week or so before Christmas I like to watch the Steptoe and Sons & Only Fools and Horses Christmas specials with a few pints of traditional ales. Love it…
The Christmas specials were always an important part. Morecambe and Wise, Steptoe and Son, Only Fools and Horses. No one does it better than us.
I loved Christmas when the kids were little. I think I was probably more excited than them on Christmas eve. In the run up to the big day, I'd make decorations, go shopping for a real tree, buy loads of presents, and on the day I'd cook a big meal with all the trimmings. It never quite lived up to my expectations though.
These days, it's a much more modest affair. All my family live away, so it's just me and my dog. It sounds very much like your Christmas, in that I make the house warm and cosy, and put a few decorations up. I enjoy the small touches that make it special; making a wreath for the door, a table centrepiece with greenery and berries from the garden, lighting candles, and playing carols. I always buy some extra special treats and sit at the table to eat my Christmas dinner with a glass of wine. I really enjoy the simplicity of it.
A few years ago a friend insisted I go to her house. After that we started taking it in turns each year. But I'd have much rather have spent it on my own with my dog. She always complained about what people had bought her, even what I'd bought her! And the food had been cooked the night before and reheated. No, give me a simple quiet day, good food, a dog for company and no stress.
That sounds perfect. I loved it when the kids were young. I’d stand at the living room door with the tree lights on and just gaze at it, imagining what my kids would see when we all came down early on Christmas Day. 😊☃️🎄
When my kids we're little they brought back a nasty bug from Kindergarten for me to have one Christmas Day. We we're in a phase where a fillet of pork was our Christmas roast - and it was vacuumed. So my husband made Spaghetti 🍝 and played with them and everybody was happy! Me, too, because I knew they were having fun!
Since then we never had roasts, only stews, goulash, things that get better reheated!
I am so lucky to stretch out the Holidays for nearly a week!
The kids invite friends for a spontaneous messy late cookie baking session: No Problem!
My BIL and wife tour through Germany and we get together only late! I would hate to rush around with all those presents in the car!
I am happy to cook for them late as it stretches our season and gives us time to enjoy Christmas with an evening service/carol singing/Mass!
The point of Christmas is to reset, focus on yourself, your family (and doggies) and enjoy life!
New Year is for looking back and planning the future, but til then why not just enjoy the present?
I hope you have a beautiful Advent with your young dog!
@@primalenglandWhy did you stand at the door with the tree lights on? Did you want to light up like a Christmas tree? Or was it a case of, the lights are on but no one's home? 😂
@@primalenglandI get what you felt! In Germany, kids have presents under the tree on Christmas Eve! Decorating was on the night of the 23rd, and then the door to the living room was closed till after Family Afternoon Service! I always enjoyed the late night action and then a glass of cheap champagne admiring the tree, lights, nativity and presents!
When the kids we're about 10, our eldest helped decorate the tree (she had felled!) in the morning! Then the door was closed! Daddy and the children went off to church on their bikes and I "had to go by car to get grandma"! I had about two minutes to empty the preloaded washing baskets under the tree decoratively. I so enjoyed watching my daughter racing our car back home to make sure nobody opened our door uncontrolled!😂
Christmas commercialism starts early in the stores. We have Christmas in competition with Halloween and don't forget Remembrance day Nov. 11th before Christmas.
Let's get those over with first. I myself am not into Halloween anymore, its become quite "dark" here. Less pumpkins, more scarier stuff put out. Some families don't have little ones go door to door because of it. Christmas on the other hand, some people spend more $ on Halloween decorations than Christmas. I prefer a low key Christmas too. I don't have much on my wish list. I don't need anything. I want nothing either. I am usually having to travel to see my adult children. Each year I want to say no and stay home. Maybe go for Boxing day or not. I haven't decided.
We will see you two on the flip! ✌️ & ❤.
I was never big on Halloween. It was still the 50s when I was growing out of it. We’ll probably go for a night time walk when the door knockers are about. I’ve been a bit nervous about Remembrance Day these last two years. Don’t want any idiots trying to disrespect it.
Merry Christmas Nigel and Molly and everyone!
And you too. 😊❤️🎄☃️🐾🐕🦺
Rustic and simple, the way to go. I too choose to be alone because I love it, just me and animals. Christmas is wonderful when one can do it their way. Brussel sprouts and chestnuts, love preparing and cooking plant based festive meals and watching Christmas movies and carols...cosy, cosy. Much love to you Nigel, Molly and all. ✨✨❤❤🐾🐾
Sounds perfect to me 🥰
Much ❤ from a Texas-sized Xmas SOFTY !!!🎄🎄🎄
We’re Lancashire sized softies here. ☃️🎄😊
In the States we have an extra holiday between Halloween and Christmas . Thanksgiving is actually even more enjoyable in many ways . Family and friends gather at a lovely traditional or non traditional meal to enjoy each other and the wonderful food . No gifts are purchased or exhanged. Very little pressure, except maybe on the hostess if the group is large. Our family of 30 came from near and far Thanksgiving week to cook, talk, ramble in the woods, play games, make projects, take pictures, play with the babies who were so soon grown. It was glorious and my sweetest memories. Then Christmas with all its joys a month later. Thank you Nigel for another thoughtful video and all the blessings of Chrismas to you 🎄
“ what started as a religious holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus, has become a commercial exploit- enshrouded in pointless consumerism feeding society’s obsession with materialism.”💯🙏🇮🇳
Totally agree on that one! I only got one gift from Santa, and a couple more from my aunt and grandma! That was my Christmas! I looked forward to the dinner!! Turkey! Once a year. Church was the main event ! Christmas pagent... Candlelight service on Christmas Eve. Wishing everyone a good Christmas
I know I have lived a long life, but it seems only a moment ago that we celebrated the birth of Christ and nothing else. School was magic. Building a nativity, carol singing and going to church with my mum and dad and my brother. Watching my dad give a reading because he was a lay-reader and church treasurer. It took but the blink of an eye to all disappear.
@primalengland I see this too! Christmas isn't Christmas without Christ
As a child Christmas was always an anxious time…. Never able to defuse family emotions; never able to escape everyone’s expectations and then witness their disappointments; feeling responsible for events but only a child. As an adult I don’t live within 400 miles of family; I can choose who my family will be.
I feel so lucky that my Christmases were idyllic, but as an adult I do my own thing, and my family understands. I love the season on my own or with my only friend occasionally. She likes her own company, too. ❤️😊
Hello my friend, i agree with you about Christmas. It is not just one day, it is the anticipation, the music, cold crisp nights, snow falling softly. I do spend Christmas Eve and day with my girls. It is my favourite time of year ❤ hugs for you and lovely Molly. ❤❤. She is so intrepid isn't she? Plodding through the wet and mud, happy, happy, happy! You have to love her 😊
Molly is my absolute everything. ❤️ Yes, the anticipation. We should have the right to have that feeling for a few days once a year. ❤️🎄☃️
Another brilliant video. Thank you so very much for creating these videos.
Thank you so much. 👍
Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄🧑🎄🌲🤶☃️🎁☃️. Everyone .
And why not! 🎄☃️🎄☃️
Such a magical scenery 😍
The scenery around my little industrial town may not be as dramatic as some, but I can be there and in it within 5 minutes of leaving my door. I love it. ❤️😊
Xmas commercialised demigod people stressed out for a couple of hours, then months of debt, then the hamster wheel continues it's lost its meaning
😂 It’s madness. We all know it’s madness, yet so many of us worship at the alter of commercialism every year. We really are a funny lot.
My wife and I were in the grocery store the other day, and in the main isle way across the front of the store stood a massive cardboard display with a Christmas steam locomotive as well as Santa Claus, and loaded to the gills with Little Debbie brand Christmas snack cakes! On October 19th for crying out loud! The big box home stores have moved out their Halloween stuff, and now have a veritable jungle of artificial Christmas trees, lights, decorations etc. Makes me sick!
It really is too much. It’s like Corporate are on a mission to completely destroy the wonderful meaning of Christmas that I had but 40 years ago. I want to isolate myself from all this, and that’s why I want to take Molly away to somewhere where we aren’t subjected to this.
Every year I dread Christmas. My parents ruined the joy of it. I do lietererly cry every year.
And now the decoration are in store already 😢 it is depressing and makes my heart break.
I so love to know that other people have a Merry Christmas whit famely and happiness.
Maby in my next life...
I'm so sorry Christmas is a sad and difficult time for you. Sending big hugs. x
I think we forget that not everyone is having as nice a time as we are. For some people it can be a torment. All we can do is reach out and let those people know that we know. ❤️
Thank you for your good hearts.
I used to help homeless on Christmas, we where a team creating it. It made me look forward to it. But my healt and personally is safety is no good now.
I still knit warm clothes as gifts for them tho.
Giv seecret Santa gifts to people I know have less. Putting Christmas card in post boxes where I know there lonely people live to make them a bit more happyer. But then I go home and cry.., don't know why I am writing this at all. Just longing for January at the end of the day.
I too love Christmas and much prefer a quieter time. 😊 Christmas cake will be made this coming weekend! Just a lovely tradition I enjoy doing whether I’m alone or not. Take care Nigel ❤
My mum is in her mid 90s but still makes a Christmas cake. She just gets so much pleasure out of it. 😊
Good morning Nigel. I'm from the states and I have always loved Christmas. We have a tradition of putting our tree and inside decorations up on November 1st. We have been known to watch Christmas movies and listen to Christmas music at different times throughout the year. We never tire of it. haha I do agree about the commercialism and that Christmas is definitely more than just gifts. If a person celebrates it for the right reasons they should have Christmas spirit in their heart all year, but sadly that isn't true for a lot of people.
I’m completely with you. Why should you adhere to a certain time of year to celebrate? It’s nobody’s business but your own. I can get the same warm and fuzzy feeling listening to carols in the middle of June as I can in December. Carry on. You do you. ❤️🎄☃️
@@primalengland Thank you so much! ❤️💚
Im not overboard but I love the magic of Christmas. I love a tree, some lights, a fire, giving modest gifts, enjoying yummy food and shared with others, if possible. I often read "A Child's Christmas in Wales" by Dylan Thomas. We have our first snowfall today (Southern Alberta, Canada). Tis the season!❄️
I have an illustrated copy of ‘ A Child’s Christmas in Wales.’ That was my dad’s. He was a real fan of Dylan Thomas…. Apart from the drinking. 😊
funky top and hat
Christmas started showing up in my part of Canada in September this year! Christmas emails too (I unsubscribed those immediately) The push and commercialism turns me off before I can even begin to enjoy anything. I slaved, shopped , cooked and prepared for Christmas for decades, mostly on my own and I was exhausted and often sick by the big Day. I had a full time job as well. I always went into debt and didn't have enough time to do the little things that made me happy. I stepped back this Thanksgiving just to see what would happen and voila!? Nothing! Nobody stepped forward to suggest we do anything.....Our holiday dinners were always 15 or more people. The big family dinners and holidays are going to be no more, they are dying out with the last of the baby boomers and my family has no idea what to do when I don't do it ALL.
Wow! Debbie. That is so harrowing yet so typical. We were the generation that provided, but perhaps it’s time to think about you and those very close to you. It’s been Molly and I for 8 years since I got her as a rescue. Best 8 Christmases ever.
I agree with you Nigel. When I was young I had my own horse and would clear off riding on my own Christmas day. People would be happy and surprised to see me, I had one lady come out of her house with carrots and another, who was seeing family off, made me wait while she ran back in to get me and my horse each a mince pie 😂
It’s that time of year that seems to bring out the very best in people. ❤️
Just request that it be a superb quality whiskey. 🤗❤
Oh! Don’t worry… they know better than that! 🥃
Hi Nigel. I agree wholeheartedly your views of an old fashioned simplistic Christmas. I love more the run up to Christmas than Christmas day itself. It's great to forage for Holly for my vase. This year I'm going to attempt to make a garland with fresh conifer, pine cones and spruce etc. I've been looking around recently to pick some when it's nearer to advent. Like you, I love carols and love listening to choirs singing them. I love playing old videos on TH-cam of Andy Williams Christmas shows that were going when I was growing up. Like yourself, I prefer Christmas day on my own as I don't like the present opening ceremony. I leave my family to do as they wish. It's so much nicer to please yourself. I love looking in the Range for ideas and inspiration for Christmas crafts. Great video today Nigel 😊
Like a few other people here, I really love spending Christmas day alone, in my own way - I like going to church and singing all the festive carols, it puts me in a a great mood - I will have purchased a takeout turkey or roast beef dinner and some little extravagant dessert beforehand - if I feel like it, I take a walk or a country drive - I relax in my pajamas with some ho cho and chocolate truffles and watch one or two classic Christmas movies - It's absolutely fantastic 🥰 Like you, I kind of just ignore all the complicated buying & glitz and just enjoy the warmth of the season.
Your Christmas Day mirrors mine so perfectly. ☃️🎄❤️❤️
We grown-ups do not exchange gifts. I instilled in my kids to build memories with their kids, because they soon forget many of the gifts received, but they forever remember the good times shared with you. I still hear, "mama, do you remember...?", from my own kids.
No Nigel. It's not too soon to help others reset. It'll be on us before we know it. Thank you.
No, we don’t exchange gifts, and my mother set a limit for everyone of £10 maximum some years ago. Woe betide anyone who goes above. I don’t give presents, but I let my daughter buy me a decent whiskey because she’s cost me enough grief in her lifetime.
@@primalengland By all means, cash in on her. Lol.
Christmas is just another day to after a tragic loss Dec 17th 2001
I think we forgot that many people are mourning a loss as the rest of us are celebrating. ❤️❤️
@@primalengland thank you for your empathetic response.. good wishes to all on your lovely channel ❤️
My Christmas cards have been printed up up for a month...now they're just waiting to be written up... 7:55
I’d like more cards, but because I only send 5 (One to my mum, one to my brother, one to my son, one to my daughter and a joint one to my grandsons.) I can only expect 5 back. I toast each one with a glass of wine, so there’s an upside. 🍷
You're definitely right about the food! Over the years presents became fewer and less important than the Swiss Cheese Fondue on Christmas Eve!
On Christmas Day we have Spaghetti Pronto, because we all want to play and eat cookies!
Boxing Day is pre-cooked Hühnerfrikassee (Brides Chicken) with MIL!
I cook Venison Goulash several times during autumn and freeze a large batch for Christmas! That makes the family get together after Boxing Day so much easier and relaxed! And gives us some festive autumn family evenings!
I love that the kids are bigger now and I have given away all the decorations we didn't really enjoy!
That makes it so much easier, too!
All dishes are child-requests!
Now that the kids are teens we wrap our meals around helping out at evening/late Mass - I never expected it to be so rewarding to straighten the music sheets and chairs for the next service!
We do not enjoy the commercial Christmas Overkill downtown!
Nor Christmas cookies in August!
We bake ourselves!
We found a plantation, where you can cut your own tree and we take walks in the woods!🌲🌧️🌳🦌🌲🐿️🐦⬛🌬️❄️🌲
Oh, but I do need my Christmas-Rock-CD!🕺🏼💃🏼🕴🏼
And for some years now, we decorate our house with simple warm-white lights!
It really does help against winter S.A.D. to return home 🛋️🍵after 4 and enjoy them!🌌
💚🐕🤗🍷🛋️🍂✨
Peace and Love
🪷
I’m coming to your house for Christmas. It sounds fabulous! 😊🎄☃️🎄☃️
@@primalenglandNo snow here Hamburg for Christmas, only mud and fog, or icy rain and black ice! So no🌨️☃️❄️
Thought of you today, as our Aldi has beautiful 1000 piece Ravensburger puzzles (Norwegian harbour town on a snowy evening) for 2,99
Kind remembrances of puzzling 2000 pieces of an autumnal Neuschwanstein in a Whaley Bridge BnB with the kids on several rainy summer afternoons!
There was a DVD of Mamma Mia and they didn't understand it but they loved that, too!
Same ❤
Advent; stones, plants, animals, humans and than the holy spirit, new born, hope, life, light... thats enough.
Thanks Neil❤
Nigel 🤭
If I could bottle that comment, I would be a millionaire. It nails it beautifully.
I love the Christmas period. Can't wait, will keep it simple.
That is the secret…. Keep it simple. 😊❤️🎄☃️
for me i like xmas for the food and good company on xmas day. decorations minimal. taking time to wind down and watch trash tv afterwards then taking time for myself afterwards :) one of the best was showing my dad the spectrum next as one xmas as children we were fortunate to be gifted a zx spectrum by our parents.
i just think ppl should be kind and come together every day and not just use xmas to make up :)
The total commercialism of Christmas is lamentable. The essence has been lost and replaced with rapacious commercialism
Absolutely. The irony is that, for many of us, the commercialism hasn’t added anything, rather it has diminished the meaning and the enjoyment.
I love it too! November 1st it’s GAME ON! 🎄😂🎄
That’s me. 😊☃️🎄☃️🎄
Every day is the same for me, don't do such celebrations as Christmas, waste of time and money.. Best to enjoy life to the full every day, and not just days like Christmas!...
I enjoy the last 3 months of the year.
Happy XMas Mate!
And you, pal. 😊👍🎄☃️
It is too early, before Halloween has even arrived you have Christmas stock on the shelves at the same time. Create seasonal/Christmas traditions and do more/buy less. I say seasonal as we still have November to get through, let's not make November into December before it's time.
🙋Nice stroll an video,look forward to you every day,ty 😀📯🫶🍂🍁☃️🪺🌳🌬️🍃🌌🦉🥮🐿️🌼🕯️🥧
Thank you 😊❤️☃️🎄🐕🦺🌸🌸🌸
I can't stand christmas anymore. Sept 18 I saw the first christmas stuff and the weekend all shops stuffed their shelves with christmas sweet and many plastic santas - yuk! I celebrate solstice instead with walks in nature and the past 2 years I've spent it with a friend who also likes the quiet days around solstice looking forward to the light and spring. I think christmas is fake: it's all about being together but we are not except during christmas. So many are lonely all year round. We should spread the joy of being together instead of faking it's so cosy those few days every year.
If we stripped commercialism from Christmas only to leave religion. I think very quickly we would see how few people actually care about Christmas and it would only really be celebrated the week before the 25th instead of the day after Halloween
I didn’t watch because of that. Haha I listen rather than watch so I didn’t know the dog was with him.
I never even thought about until the comments started coming in. 😳
@ I so enjoy your walk and talks. Your positivity is healing.