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Sad: New Poll Claims 45 Percent of Americans Would Rather Skip Christmas, Here’s Why

Nov. 19, 2012 9:50pm Guest Post

[Editor’s note: The following is a cross post by Christina Cheddar Berk that originally appeared on CNBC.com]:

New Think Finance Poll Finds 45% of Respondents Would Rather Skip Christmas Altogether

(Pic: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty)

Despite a whittling away of consumer debt that has been underway since the recession, many Americans are still entering the holiday season unprepared to cope with the expenses that crop up around this time of year.

Think Finance, a provider of payday loans and other financial services for consumers with limited or no access to banking services, recently surveyed 1,000 Americans across all income levels who use various forms of alternative financial services — including payday loans, prepaid debit cards, and direct deposit advances.

Although many of these consumers are on better financial footing and optimistic about their economic future this year, the holidays are still a source of stress and strain on their precarious finances, Think Finance said in the poll.

Some 45 percent of those polled said the holiday season brings so much financial pressure, they would prefer to skip it altogether. Almost half said their level of stress related to holiday expenses is high or extremely high.

That’s probably because nearly the same amount — some 45 percent — say they do not expect to have enough money set aside to cover holiday expenses.

Although those percentages are high, they are an improvement over a survey Think Finance conducted last year. However, it should be noted that survey focused only on consumers who earned less than $50,000 and used alternative financial services, while this year’s survey also polled consumers in higher income brackets. That suggests the financial anxiety may be more widespread than it had been in prior years.

Eight-five percent of those in this year’s survey plan to spend the same amount of money or less on gifts this year, with 54 percent planning to spend $500 or less, and 27 percent planning to spend between $500 and $1,000 on holiday gifts.

To make those purchases, about two-thirds of these consumers are looking into various options to help ease the financial pinch of holiday gift buying. Still, they wish they had more options, according to Think Finance’s poll.

Some 41 percent planned to use layaway programs, an option that has grown easier and cheaper this year as retailers waive fees and extend the timeframe for making payments.

Yet don’t think of layaway as only a tool for the poor. Half of the consumers polled in the survey who make between $75,000 and $99,999, said they would put items on layaway, and 32 percent who earn more than $100,000 said they did.

The crowd around the tree as it is lit during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, California. (AP)

Think Finance CEO Ken Rees said the fact that consumers of all income levels are using layaway shows there is a demand for financial options beyond just credit cards.

“The economy has shown gradual improvement in recent years, but everyday Americans are still working hard to cover expenses making holiday spending particularly stressful,” Rees said.

It’s easy to understand why the holidays are a source of worry when you consider how many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. About 41 percent said they would only be able to get by for two weeks without a paycheck, while an additional 25 percent say they could only survive a month.

The holidays are expected to only make the situation worse. About 59 percent of those in the survey expect to carry debt with them into the New Year, including more than half — some 54 percent — of those who earn more than $100,000 a year.

Some financial advisers recommend that if you must use credit cards to fund your holiday spending, you should be able to pay it off in two billing cycles.

The Think Finance survey comes as more Americans cranked up their use of credit cards in the third quarter, while also becoming less diligent about paying their bills on time, according to analysis of consumer credit data by TransUnion.

–

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Comments (142)

Netsurfer2
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:56pm
And I thought Christmas was about the birth of Christ, the beginning of forgiveness for others sins, the learning from others in doing what is rightful with justice holding the flame of liberty! I begin to say then, why is it that we live life with the pursuit of happiness? Where is the warmth in life, to feel loved, to feel appreciated? Why then must we feel thankful when things could be far worse? Who are we? Where is the truth in life? Jesus said that others will hate you because of him and that the truth will set you free! Jesus said that he is the way, the truth and the life! There is nothing hidden, God knows everything and the final judgement is upon everyone regardless! Christ came to not only spread his word, but to redeem the sins of man!

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- KyleD
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 11:31pm
  While the actual meaning of Christmas is inherently spiritual you can’t deny that the social customs and expectations demand a certain amount of temporal exchange and that if you can’t do that you feel somewhat lacking.
  
  Actually I’ve felt somewhat similarly. It’s not so much not being able to give someone a gift but the fact that you’ve been given a gift that you can’t reciprocate. It makes you feel uncaring, cheap and obligated. It really just makes you feel like it would be better if nobody exchanged gifts at all.
  
  At the same time it makes you appreciate when you can give gifts to others…possibly even makes you more generous.
  
  Report this comment
- puravida56
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 11:55pm
  Well said kyled. The corporations have brainwashed the masses into believing they must buy lots of gifts. Nothing in the bible says to give gifts on this day. Christmas trees and gift giving were popular pagan traditions. The early church incorporated these traditions to facilitate converts. They even chose a day to celebrate christs birth that was close to the winter solstice (the date of the pagan celebration) when Jesus was most likely born in early fall.
  
  Fast forward 2000 years and christ is not the reason for the season….its corporate greed that drives all things christmas. Cant wait for black friday! The day after Thanksgiving (another holiday created by companies looking to make money)
  
  Report this comment
- The-Monk
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 12:16am
  All these polls and I’ve never been called???
  
  Anyone else here never been called?
  
  I’m thinking they are all false…..
  
  Report this comment
- Mil Mom
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 12:53am
  I remember when our 4 kids were all in elementary school. A major theft collapsed our family business barely before Christmas. It was my and my husbands main source of income, although he made about $20 a week doing an odd job over the weekend. Christmas seemed really lean, but we had the Lord Whose birth we were celebrating, and I got a job just before. We had numerous bills to pay off because it was a small family business, and we’d taken out personal accounts for the expenses. We tried to explain to our kids to not expect Santa, (their teachers kept telling them about him) to have big presents for them. My new boss’ daughter adopted them and knitted hats, gloves and scarves for each, baked pies and cookies, and made home made candy, Mom added a turkey and the fixens, and brought them to church, the kids were thrilled, then Christmas Eve, a teacher stopped with 2 huge garbage bags of wrapped gifts, the school faculty had adopted them. They threw “the don’t expect” back in my face, but we all agreed, it was the Christ, Who’d put the joy in their Christmas. The Chance for 3 nights of carolling made it their perfect Christmas that they’ll always talk about. And We’ll always thank God for!
  
  Report this comment
- Chet Hempstead
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 2:26am
  Christmas was always about salesmanship. Originally the product was religion – a fairly austere new religion that would be a lot easier to sell to people if they could keep the feast days they already celebrated, like the beginning of winter and the beginning of spring. If it was about the birth of Christ, that probably happened some time in the late spring or early summer.
  
  Report this comment
- sillyfreshness
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 2:52am
  Christmas……the annual time every year where Gentiles become that much poorer paying the “chosen people” merchants, making Judens that much richer. Merry Christmas everyone.
  
  Report this comment
- Small_Al
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 5:10am
  Of course they would rather skip Chrismas, they don’t need it with Barrack O’ Clausein the White House. Read fresh political commentary at: http://smallcraftadvisorychronicles.blogspot.com
  
  Report this comment
- Zwolle
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 8:58am
  puravida56,
  
  I don’t know that I would place the blame on corporations. After all, the consumer is the captain of the Capitalism ship. Most are just not willing to take control. The stores don’t make one buy expensive presents, it is individual choice. If a majority of people participated in Christmas as you, Kyled, and myself (and others) believe it should be practiced, the companies would cater to our changed behaviors instead of us catering to theirs. It ain’t easy (there is a vicious Civil war going on in my head concerning this on a day to day basis) but shooting for acting with virtue is a worthy goal. It took me quite a while to see there is more to life than beer, loud guitars and girls, but virtue is the new “cool” in my book.
  
  Z
  
  Report this comment
- AlinskyS
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 9:03am
  Well said. Thank You
  
  Report this comment
- memyselfandi
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 9:41am
  According to the Bible, the wise men followed the star until it appeared to stand still over Bethlehem and that is where they found the Christ child and gave gifts to Him.
  
  Astronomers have looked into this event and discovered that the planet Jupiter and two other stars came into alignment with each other in space and would have appeared to be one single star and it would have been the brightest star to have ever been seen by the eyes man. On one certain day its orbit would have matched the rotation of the earth and for a time it would have appeared to stand still. Astronomers have proven this to be true and that day was December 25, 3 B.C. (?-year) And that is the real reason why we celebrate Christmas on this day and giving gifts to children is the primary focus. But as with everything else when it relates to the one true God and our savior Jesus Christ…whatever is good and pure and true…the godless people in the world (and yes maybe with some help from the early Catholic Church), they incorporate it into their lives as well and what it truly signifies is lost or forgotten.
  
  Report this comment
- RDavis49
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 11:09am
  WHAT? that’s old school stuff you’re talking about … aren’t you supposed to stress out over what to get whom, how much to spend according to their value in your life, whom to invite to dinner or whom to not invite and gossip about why. Make your second appearance in church for the year. Spend into the red to impress each other so you’ll have reason to work all the next year to pay off your credit cards. Spirit of Christmas? Isn’t that about having parties, drinking too much, eating to much and all that? The birth of Jesus, who was He? Isn’t He the one that athiest and liberals despise because of what He stands for? Why celebrate His birth?
  
  If we skip Christmas, it’s only going to be for missing out on the above that Christmas has become to many people, and more. My family will celebrate the birth of God’s Son in our church and in our home. If we give a gift, it will be genuine love and respect for one another, not some store bought item, enough is spent over the course of the year. We know the true meaning of Christmas, we know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and we thank God for His birth. We praise Him for sending Him into this world to redeam sinful mens souls from the final judgement by the Almight Living God. Giving gifts & good deeds is fine, but it isn’t enough to get you into Heaven. You must believe in Christ too.
  
  “John 3:36…. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath re
  
  Report this comment
- longknifed
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 11:21am
  Silly LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- SocialistSlayer
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 3:30pm
  Let’s face it Christmas is gone ! I now am waiting for the crowd to turn on that vile Holiday Thanksgiving ! But wait don’t stop there – the 4th of July must surely be offensive to all those immigrants, Earth Day I must admit is offensive to me, who wants to worry about trees and flowers and such ? Veterans Day? Why they killed all those people you know ! Labor Day – A communist Holiday with workers that have abused their employers and the people that buy their products – they must not be celebrated. New Year’s – Whats the point? Who wants to think that things will get better in the coming year ? Ground Hog Day – Abuse of Ground Hogs! Heck let’s do away with all Holidays !
  
  Report this comment
- Chet Hempstead
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 6:41pm
  memyselfandi
  “Astronomers have proven this to be true and that day was December 25, 3 B.C. (?-year) And that is the real reason why we celebrate Christmas on this day”
  
  Okay how do you figure that makes any sense when astronomers could not possibly have proved any such thing until after the invention of calculus and the discovery of Newton’s laws of motion in the 18th century? The reason Christmas is at the beginning of winter and Easter is at the beginning of Spring is just what I said it was, those were already holidays, and it was easier to get people to convert to a new religion if they didn’t have to give up all the holidays they were already celebrating. We know Christmas wasn’t in the winter. Shepherds don’t watch their flocks by night in the winter because it would be too cold. They watch their flocks by night in the summer when it is too hot to pasture them in the daytime.
  
  Report this comment
ErinLindsey
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:43pm
I love Christmas. Always have. I was also an atheist for more than half of my 43yrs. (changed my views recently, but I’m still not practicing a religion) Christmas is fun. Even last year when I was sick from a multiple sclerosis flare it was a fun holiday. This year Christmas is going to be extremely special. My mother almost died from an infection this summer. My dad has been really sick with his own health problems. This year, I could care less about presents or a tree. I’m just happy my parents are still here.

I’m still going to buy presents, and still kind of hope for one thing that I’m hoping to get, but if I dont get anything, or if I cant buy my parents anything, it wont bother me much. I’m just hoping we have a good time hanging out.

All those years I considered myself an atheist, I never once thought that Christmas was a bad thing, and it never offended me. I never understood why non-christians would be offended. The non-christian holidays have never caused me any problems either. (I’ve celebrated Haunakah with Jewish friends)

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- rickc34
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:51pm
  Erinlindsey-good post.
  
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- The-Monk
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 11:22pm
  Ditto. : )
  
  Report this comment
- americangrammy
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 10:36am
  I am not a christian but I am not offended by christians celebrating their holidays. I love christmas and thanksgiving and have never been able to understand why atheists are so hot to remove all religious references during this time of year. As a pagan person I get the best of both worlds. We have a tree and greenery in the house to celebrate our pagan beliefs and I will put out a little creche with the holy family for the christians in our family. I take my christian granddaughter to church on christmas eve and enjoy the service. This is a wonderful country we live in where all religions are tolerated as long as they are law abiding and non violent. None of the pagan people I know have any interest in destroying christianity, that seems to be the goal of atheists and radical islamists. One big difference in how we celebrate the holidays is an emphasis on hand made gifts rather than expensive bought ones. We still buy lots of things, but the ones that mean the most are made. I know that I don’t speak for all pagan folk, but I can’t think of anyone of my faith who is suing anyone to take down a religious display. We tend to enjoy them! Have a happy thanksgiving and a very merry christmas!
  
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PeachyinGA
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:43pm
I adore the holidays from Thanksgiving to Christmas to a few weeks after New Years day. It is a Holy period for me and I concentrate on being thankful for the gifts God has given me and my gratefulness for my family. I would never expect our president to understand this who grew up thinking Hanuman the Monkey God was an impressive idol in his life.

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- barber2
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:58pm
  Our president had a very unstable and ” changeable ” youth which might explain a lot about how he turned out. Sad for all of us.
  
  Report this comment
Brooke Lorren
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:42pm
Not sure if we’ll have much for Christmas, but that’s okay. One year I only had about $10 to spend on Christmas, and using coupons and my sense of bargain hunting, I was able to get my kids each a present worth about $5, as well as movie tickets for my husband.

This year, I’m using Coke Rewards points to get some of my gifts. My mom gives me points at Christmastime, and I’ve been entering the points for a couple of months to get gifts.

It’s better to not spend money and use the resources that you have than to go into debt.

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- The-Monk
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 11:26pm
  Hi Brooke Lorren,
  
  Same here. : )
  
  Report this comment
barber2
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:35pm
Everyone: Ignore Trollmonger. He is just here to insult and ignore. Do not fee his illness. The poor guy needs therapy .

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RamonPreston
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:32pm
I haven’t “done Christmas” in over 30 years. Christmas is a pagan holiday with a Christian sounding name and God says it is an ABOMINATION unto Him.

BTW: Christ could not have been born after October 15th when the shepards bring their flocks down for the winter. The shepards were still in the fields.

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- rocktruth
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:54pm
  I agree it’s not good to celebrate pagan Holidays if you’re a Christian. But my family likes to celebrate the Birth of Christ, not Paganism.
  
  No one knows for sure His real birth date. So the 25th of December will just work fine for me. We like to sing to Jesus Happy Birthday. My children love that.
  
  As long as parents teach their children the true meaning of Christmas, which is the celebration of the day our Lord and Savior, The King of Israel, the Messiah, came to this planet, Immanuel(God with us), for the purpose of dying on the Cross for our sins, and rising from the dead 3 days later, to prove His worthiness in order that we may have a relationship with Him, our Creator from now into eternity. Then I think Christmas is Okay. What an amazing Love story.
  
  Report this comment
- The-Monk
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 11:25pm
  @RamonPreston
  
  I understand your avatar now.
  
  Report this comment
- soybomb315_II
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 12:23am
  Good for you Ramon. Dec 25 is a pagan holiday (same with all the other holidays we celebrate). Exactly right about the time period. Furthermore, Rome would not have had people traveling to pay their tax in the cold winter nights.
  
  I applaud you Ramon for seeking something more pure. As a Ron Paul supporter, let me say – there is nothing wrong with that!
  
  Report this comment
- Mil Mom
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 1:03am
  @rocktruth
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:54pm
  
  I agree it’s not good to celebrate pagan Holidays if you’re a Christian. But my family likes to celebrate the Birth of Christ, not Paganism.
  
  No one knows for sure His real birth date. So the 25th of December will just work fine for me. We like to sing to Jesus Happy Birthday. My children love that.
  
  As long as parents teach their children the true meaning of Christmas, which is the celebration of the day our Lord and Savior, The King of Israel, the Messiah, came to this planet, Immanuel(God with us), for the purpose of dying on the Cross for our sins, and rising from the dead 3 days later, to prove His worthiness in order that we may have a relationship with Him, our Creator from now into eternity. Then I think Christmas is Okay. What an amazing Love story.
  ***
  I could echo your entire post. I always love the carol, “I heard the bells on Christmas Day” especially the part that says: “Then in dispair I hung my head, there is NO peace on earth I said, Then rung the bells more loud and deep, GOD IS NOT DEAD NOR DOES HE SLEEP, THE WRONG SHALL FAIL, THE RIGHT PREVAIL, with Peace On Earth Good Will to Men” and the last verse is great too.
  
  Report this comment
- longknifed
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 11:47am
  Ramon bravo,
  
  you figured out that Bible is filled with stories that are not necessarily true. Mother Mary could not actually have an immaculate conception…maybe with a turkey baster? Maybe we should just discard the book entirely and worship Karl marx’s little red book, huh?
  
  Report this comment
- mcsledge
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 2:19pm
  Although Christmas (in its present state) may be pagan, the recognition and worship of the birth and gift of the Only Begotton of the Father, Jesus Christ, to the world is absolutely accepted by the Father.
  
  By the way, Christ’s real birth date is April 6th.
  
  Report this comment
- L.B.Stephens
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 5:19pm
  mcsledge,
  
  How did you come up with Jesus’ birth date as April 6?
  
  Report this comment
Alisterbane
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:31pm
everybody got obama phone we gotta keep obama in president cuzz he gave us a phone , food stamps ,more welfare ,obamacare ,abortion on demand , fluke contraception for all, no more god .oh wait god may have been put back in i,ll check. obama bless amerika. in the name of obama -obamas son -and obamas spirit- obama .

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- barber2
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:52pm
  AL : sounds like you are channeling the followers of some tribal chief , some community organizer, some mob boss, or some Democrat politician…whatever…..
  
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Major Flynt
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:30pm
Its Christmas all year round in Obama Land unless you are a taxpayer in this country

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- Mr.buff1959
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 1:05am
  Excellent post
  
  Report this comment
universalphilos
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:28pm
A man asked, November 26, 1971: ‘What is the basis of my dread of Christmas this year?’”
Spiritual messengers of God answered him, “Thy dread of Christmas is the dread of the gifts thy should receive. But fear not, for remember, accept a gift as it is given with love. Do not enter into that proportion that is given from those with false faces. Send them love unto the same. Ask in thy prayers that we may enter, and we should enter, therefore, and give guidance and healing into the same.
But as your Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of the one known as Jesus, and of a gift from God unto you, and as man chose to give gifts unto this one known as Jesus, he has chosen to give gifts to one another.
Quite often we lose sight of the true art of giving. For remember, you are the children of God. Therefore, the Lord should look into thy needs, and therefore, give a gift into thee in a manner that will be most marvelous for thy eyes to see.
But fear not, for we see no sin. Remember these words, what is sin to man is not sin to God. You have made many rules, therefore, to worship our Lord, and your Father. But remember, as you celebrate the coming of the Messiah, we are here but for one purpose, that is in the preparation for the coming of the Messiah upon your earth. But remember, not only your earth shall celebrate this, for in all the galaxies that thy can think of, they shall celebrate this also….
So should this happen on your earth.

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rickc34
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:28pm
Share a meal with someone less fortunate. Christmas is not about stuff. It is about a God that loves mankind and came to show that love. Instead of buying something that you don’t need how about donating ten or twenty bucks to a mission that feeds familys a christmas meal. It is the best time of the year to show love even to those that disagree with you. This may be the last Christmas that any of us celebrate so make it a good one. What Would Jesus Do.

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soybomb315_II
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:23pm
good – lets get rid of the commercialism and keep the good parts

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- RamonPreston
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:33pm
  what good parts???
  
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- barber2
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:42pm
  SOY: since you are an atheist, what are the non-commercial ” good” parts ?
  
  Report this comment
- soybomb315_II
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:42pm
  the parts where i dont have to work – lol
  
  Report this comment
- soybomb315_II
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:53pm
  barber – i am a christian, dont be a jerk. It’s good to celebrate Jesus’ birth and all – even though it is a pagan holliday
  
  Report this comment
- TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 11:02pm
  SOY’s an atheist too among having all those other nasty Liberal-tarian traits? Lmao…
  
  As the Apostle Paul so rightly warned, “in the last days perilous times shall come. For men will be lovers of their own selves … lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4). That sounds like a pretty good description of where we are at today with Libertarians and atheists.
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 11:05pm
  SOY: You are a Christian ?? I could never have told from your comments. It’s that ” love ” part which is hard for all of us !
  
  Report this comment
- TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 11:10pm
  So it’s Christian then? I’ll go half way… I’m betting SOY’s an agnostic regardless of what he says.
  
  Report this comment
- soybomb315_II
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 11:17pm
  the character of you two is on full display
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 12:07am
  SOY: and what, exactly, is that supposed to mean ?
  
  Report this comment
- TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 6:50am
  Well, getting back to the story here…. 45% of Americans would rather skip Christmas.
  
  Tying that in here somewhat…. 99.9% of Blaze commenters would probably rather skip SOY but he seems to be the gift that keeps on giving… to the left.
  
  How’s that Obama enabling working out for you so far SOY? You guys still feeling the effects there at the hemp colony, or has it gotten better?
  
  Report this comment
- longknifed
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 10:51am
  Time2,
  
  I think we actually crossed paths in Tampa Bay. I was there a week before the convention. Were you that creepy old guy on the beach with the metal detector going underneath everybody’s umbrella when they were in the water?
  
  I recognized your face on the neighborhood watch list…your shadowy traits look just like the one on the yellow sign.
  
  Report this comment
longknifed
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:21pm
I’ve been saying this for years, but I thought I was the only one. I’m seriously going to ask to work on holidays from now on because I just don’t care anymore…It’s all been so commercialized to the point that I’m thinking about decorating my tree with the almighty dollar where the star used to go.

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- RamonPreston
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:36pm
  The star at the top represents Satan. When you kneel at the bottom it represents worship. Above all else Satan wants worship.
  
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- longknifed
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 10:48am
  I usually put an angel up there. What if I worship the tinsel?
  
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Skrewedretiree
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:20pm
Makes sense to me……
It’s hard to hold Christmas when half of your family is gone (dead).
It’s useless to send Christmas cards to neighbors who voted for Obama, are Atheists, Communists or Socialists and think I am the Bad Guy.

Only 45 percent?

More than that got Obama elected; Fifty percent, wasn’t it/

Well, the other 5 percent are in for a rude awakening. It will come soon…..soon……

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- barber2
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:33pm
  SKREW: Agree. The Far Left Democrats’ re-election has been the Grinch to me. To see the old pride , trust and faith in America to have so devolved has dampened my Christmas / hope/ love feeling. Now I am expecting just more of the hate, division, “gimme, ” dysfunctional America that Obama has inflamed . Not a sign of ” good times to come.” Very sick And very sad. Saul Alinsky and his angry atheist demons/ angels / Democrat disciples must be jumping for joy : Hate rules. Hope Michael and the other angels are on notice. We sure need them now.
  
  Report this comment
- Mil Mom
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 1:15am
  @Skrewedretiree
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:20pm
  
  Makes sense to me……
  It’s hard to hold Christmas when half of your family is gone (dead).
  It’s useless to send Christmas cards to neighbors who voted for Obama, are Atheists, Communists or Socialists and think I am the Bad Guy.
  
  Only 45 percent?
  
  More than that got Obama elected; Fifty percent, wasn’t it/
  
  Well, the other 5 percent are in for a rude awakening. It will come soon…..soon……
  ****
  Remember how Jesus said, “In as much as you do it unto the LEAST of these my brethern, ye do it unto me”? I’ve found many through the years who were hard enough to get along with that I considered them the least I’d want to do for, so they must have been who He was talking about. I prayed for His heart of love for them, then did something for them. He always gave me that love and it made it so much more valuable. Many of the hard-hearted, asked me why, and when I told them because My Lord wanted me to show His Love, they were incredulous. Some even accepted their Savior in years since and said that was a turning point in their attitude toward God.
  
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- Mil Mom
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 1:23am
  @barber2
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:33pm
  
  SKREW: Agree. The Far Left Democrats’ re-election has been the Grinch to me. To see the old pride , trust and faith in America to have so devolved has dampened my Christmas / hope/ love feeling. Now I am expecting just more of the hate, division, “gimme, ” dysfunctional America that Obama has inflamed . Not a sign of ” good times to come.” Very sick And very sad. Saul Alinsky and his angry atheist demons/ angels / Democrat disciples must be jumping for joy : Hate rules. Hope Michael and the other angels are on notice. We sure need them now
  ***
  Have you read the stories of the first century AD (No CE here) and how the Christians were being put in the colleseum to fight to death, or fed to hungry lions? How they left Jerusalem and were scattered all over the world? Do you remember the end result. My Bible says that everywhere they went, they told the story of Jesus, and made diciples! It’s only joyful Christians, who will make diciples. The world has enough, dejected, sad, dispirited beings. Pray that Christ will light your heart, that others may see your light, and praise God for it! That’s what Christians did in the past, and that’s how the Light of The Gospel spreads to the unbelieving!
  
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Cryinthewilderness
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:20pm
Christmas is about the birth of our savior Jesus, it is not about how much money you spend and how much you get. Jesus gave his life for you so that should be the Christmas for everybody. Stores have made it about the things but it is about Jesus not Macy’s, target, wal-mart, or any stores. And we do not attack people who do not believe in Jesus notice they are the ones always attack Christians because we say that sinners need to change. We have a country now that has no morals, honesty, intregrity, or love for one another. No matter what people say there is a GOD and the government can not save you from the judgement.

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- Blitz
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:35pm
  I agree, 2 Timothy ch 3:1-5.
  
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- rickc34
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:37pm
  Jesus is the reason for the season. Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  
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Junter
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:18pm
How is this news? The Blaze you’re starting to fall short on new coverage.

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- LostInTheSpin
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 1:22am
  Your problem has a solution: If you don’t like the subject of some of the articles, then don’t read them.
  
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- Mil Mom
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 1:32am
  @Junter
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:18pm
  
  How is this news? The Blaze you’re starting to fall short on new coverage
  ****
  It’s the same kind of news as all the election coverage was. American’s are choosing whether to have the Joy in their hearts which makes Christmas wonderful, or to be depressed because they can’t afford gifts like they want to. That’s a more important choice than who we want in some office, it’s what we want in our hearts! This IS what America was created for. The ability to worship (or not) as we so please! And to share God’s love with those around us. That’s what all the lights are supposed to stand for. The glow of God’s love in our hearts! We just got too used to hanging up lights and forget to have our hearts scrubbed like the old coal oil lamps, they get dirty easily and the flame can’t shine through. Think about it!
  
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endthemindlessspending
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:14pm
These people have no one to blame but themselves. Christmas in America is so far for it’s true meaning all because of our consumer mindset. The parents teach their kids that it is all about toys and gifts which it’s meaning is much different. It is about the coming of our Savior and being together with friends and family celebrating his birth. This world is very sick and greatly needs a new awakening to come!

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denkat56
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:12pm
This is how they want us to act, all is lost, nothing to live for. Don’t fall into their trap, don’t spend more than you have. Celebrate Christmas, Muslims don’t believe in Christmas. Maybe Christmas needs to be about religion or families instead of too many gifts , too much debt, maybe just maybe hold your families as close as you can and cherish the time together. It isn’t going to get any easier, or better until it gets worse first. This is just a thoughtful reminder of what’s really important.

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- Skrewedretiree
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:29pm
  Don’t forget what has happened in Amerika…:
  
  As soon as Halloween is gone, here come the Christmas decorations, the carols, the decorations.
  
  It’s as if Thanksgiving never existed. I got a wish today at a local grocer to enjoy “Turkey Day”. I bit my tongue and did not tell her what I thought of that. I try to be a good Christian. I try……
  
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RonPaulOrNoOne
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:12pm
Christmas is a joke. It is ignored about what it really means and the Devil manipulated the day with his darkness. SANTA = SATAN

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- The-Monk
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:39pm
  Ron Paul is a Christian who celebrates Christmas….
  
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- longknifed
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 11:22am
  monk,
  
  I thought Ron Paul was the anti-Christ and we were his fallen angel apostles?
  
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- The-Monk
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 11:33am
  @longknifed
  “monk, I thought Ron Paul was the anti-Christ and we were his fallen angel apostles?”
  
  Now, I have never said that. I was only quoting what I heard Dr. Paul say.
  
  Was I incorrect in my statement? BTW, I left you a reply on the Agenda 21 story.
  
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Dawn
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:10pm
If only we would get back to the basics, appreciating a good meal together as a family, taking time to realize the real gifts, of health, family, and good friends. These things could be celebrated whether you believe in God or not! We have allowed ourselves to be duped into believing that we must buy gifts to be happy. It’s time to re-evaluate!

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Texanbyluck
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:10pm
It’s bizarre to hear Christmas communicated as a consumer oriented, present centric, lights on the big Christmas tree thing. That must be a greed based far right Blaze reader thing. I think of Christmas as celebrating Christ’s birth.

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- Junter
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:20pm
  Agree! What a stupid article. hmm.. should I use layaway or credit cards to buy gifts this year? Spend spend spend!
  
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- endthemindlessspending
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:20pm
  That must be a far right blaze reader thing? Really, you think the ones on the left that wanted to take God out of there views promotes the true meaning of christmas? You have just shown how close minded you are. The blaze is posting this to so we can see what people are thinking from the survey, not to promote the consumerism side of the holidays.
  
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- Ragnars Repos
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:30pm
  And here I thought it was a time to celebrate family/love, abundance, good food and drink, the smell of pine and cinnamon, old movies and Christmas tunes, etc.
  
  Well, it’s still gonna be like that in my house.
  
  I highly recommend it.
  
  I know no one ever told you, but this is indeed part of that ‘American exceptionalism’ thing.
  
  That thing you traded for ‘free’ stuff from pols.
  
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Ragnars Repos
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:10pm
Hey, you want a ‘social safety net’ you got one. Eat spam for Christmas, foolish Americans.

“Social safety nets’ are expensive, and you’re about to learn that they cost much more than money.

So, enjoy your Medicare, your SS, your food stamps, etc. this Christmas.

It’s the new American way of life.

Christmas on the dole.

Merry dole, Americans!

(And so the pain begins.)

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- Ragnars Repos
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:34pm
  I want to make it clear that I don’t wish pain/suffering on anyone, anywhere.
  
  I am very angry as I watch this country be destroyed by rampant ignorance.
  
  Seriously, may you all have a wonderful Christmas.
  
  And may we all come back to our senses and restore this nation to its former glory, before it’s too late.
  
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Impenitent
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:00pm
but free obamabucks will buy christmas for everyone!

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Metallicat
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:00pm
Its a shame so many put a price tag on the holiday. its the thought that counts,after all.

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TROLLMONGER
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 9:58pm
Bc most Americans dont want to endure the holier than though fire and brimstone christian crowd spewing their hate speech towards them.

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- endthemindlessspending
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:26pm
  The people who don’t believe in the true meaning of Christmas are the ones who put the consumer pain on themselves. Christmas has nothing to do with presents and morons like you gave it meaning. The article had nothing to do with people fearing ideals being pushed on them. Just that the money involved was too much, and they put that stress on themselves. I feel no pity for them.
  
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- Git-R-Done
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:28pm
  What a bitter hateful loser you are.
  
  I’ve had nothing but wonderful experiences with Christmas.
  
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- Tractorboy
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:31pm
  I’m a Christian troll, I love you brother, would give you a hug if I could, what happened in your life to make you so bitter brother? release the hate man, it will tear you up, it’s not worth it, there is a better way in life. I know, anyway, even though I disagree with you on many subjects would like to wish you and your family peace, and a happy thanksgiving. God Bless
  
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- Qoheleth
  Posted on November 20, 2012 at 6:13am
  Agreed. Most Christians don’t want that either and don’t give it.
  There are plenty of other times around the year, but Christmas, with it’s focus on God’s presence in and love for all the world tends to preclude the stereotyped “fire and brimstone” self-righteous condemnation you either assume or sadly might have experienced. I hope you won’t let one set of experiences eliminate any opportunity for some better ones elsewhere.
  
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NOTMOHAMMED
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 9:55pm
Best way to slow down, or even stop the 0bama train. Then after New Year’s, don’t pay taxes.

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- 1snake1
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:02pm
  enjoy prison
  
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- Skrewedretiree
  Posted on November 19, 2012 at 10:22pm
  Too late…they got it anyway.
  
  Frankie Roosevelt signed the law. It was during World War 2 as a wartime measure. (What was it Reagan said about a short term Government program….? Look it up!)
  
  It’s called Withholding and it comes out of your paycheck BEFORE you get it.
  
  Surprise!
  
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