for me:
"... the commercialization of Thanksgiving into Black Friday. I hate that people are discouraged for being Thanful for having a Family (and spending time with their families) to instead be coerced into buying material things to overcome the lack of family time and communication."
What I dislike the most is having to experience holidays without loved ones that aren't around anymore. And even though it causes sadness in my heart, it brings a sense of gratitude for being alive another year and puts into perspective that not everyone gets that chance and to enjoy every moment with loved ones because it can be taken away at any given moment.
G
Not having my Mother and Father during his time of year really really sucks. But it is a time for and Celebration and Friends. Cheers.
Is that it ends. This is seriously my favorite time of year! 
I get to spend lots of time with my family and my friends, I don't have classes to take and I get to shop for cute beanies and winter boots. There are a ton of holiday traditions that I try to meet every year and experiencing them with my loved ones is a great way to bond and share in the holiday joy.
Atlanta is one of the best "holiday cities" in my opinion... The Nutcracker ballet at the fox, Rudolph at the Center for Puppetry Arts, The skating rink and lights at Centennial Park, the tree lighting at Macys, snow mountain at Stone Mountain, the ASO's holiday performance, Dad's Garage improv Christmas show... the list just goes on and on.
The only thing I really dislike about the season, is that at the end of it.. we often all go back to treating one another the way we did before. Right now, there's a focus on feeding the homeless, housing them to keep them out of the cold, there's "toys for tots" for disenfranchised children, we reach out to our elders that often go ignored throughout out the year, and somewhere around the 2nd of January.. it all just stops. And I'm so guilty of that.
So ga_kosh, since you've shared what you dislike.. maybe you could share what you like? 
She's seriously the Christmas Cheer Fairy, resistance is futile. Just let her whip out the mistletoe and cheer you up gents. I promise it will be painless, you'll probably even like it. She's a great kisser 
You're no Grinch sexy.. but I think you'd be pretty cute dressed as one. Furry green ears, red shoes, a naughty grin and a bag of stolen toys.. oh goodness. I think you and I need to do a little costume shopping. ;
you two are too cute. stop it.
I thought about inventing a Mistle Toe Belt Buckle. I should patent it and make a fortune.
I like people with attitudes such as Taylor Morgan!
I like people that like people with attitudes like mine
Happy Holidays!!!!
xoxo
"What I like about the Holidays" - kept to a short list:
A) My first "Christmas Present" is always my favorite - a postcard for the upcoming Labor Day. Yep, my Eternal membership code card arrives shortly after Thanksgiving - reminding me of my favorite 'family reunion' called DragonCon. It hangs on a magnet on my fridge and reminds me that for a week out of the year - I feel right at home. It's an especially useful token of the "Peace On Middle Earth/ Good Will to Klingons" attitudes I see that week, especially when it seems that the rest of the world is on edge.
B) There's a 'real', "actual" family reunion held on a designated day and time and place each year where I get to see most of the blood relatives I actually like for a few hours instead of relying on emails and phone calls to communicate (I don't Facebook). We do a summer date as well but Christmas is always better attended and more lighthearted.
C) People watching.... ya know, watching neighbors outside with their kids putting up lights and decorations, instead of going to some pre-made show like Lake Lanier Islands (no offense intended, just an example). Families being families at the Malls. Laughter, talking, screaming and a few frustrated parents... something that went missing "a long time ago, in a lifetime far, far away" when a rotten set of circumstances forced me to grow up quickly. I'm an envious yet happy voyeur of witnessing what my family once was.
So maybe the easiest answer is "...I smile a little easier for a few weeks". I try to give gifts year round, see my more elderly relatives on a schedule, and perform what I've heard called 'Random Acts of Kindness" (buying the meal of the car behind me at Chik-Fil-A, giving to the Salvation Army after a sudden garage sweep, donating blood and platelets and bone marrow, etc.)
Thanks for asking, Taylor.
ga_kos
"I smile a little easier for a few weeks" I think that's exactly what the holiday season is all about.. having a reason to smile and giving others a reason to smile, too. It sounds like you're doing a great job at that!
By the way, the best place to go people watching is the ice skating rink at Centennial Park. It's adorable to watch the little kids fall on their bottoms, the adults fall on theirs and to see the "pro-skaters" get thrown off balance by a wobbly six year old in a Santa hat.
Happy Holidays ga_kosh, and thanks for sharing with me
xoxo
How inane was the outrage about Starbucks using red cups to signify the holidays? I mean, it's not like we've had anything more terrible going on, like cities getting bombed or mass shootings at healthcare facilities. It's been the most vapid, self indulgent, and superfluous use of public discourse I've seen in a long time. I take the conversations we have as a nation and a globe seriously, we have many ills that plague us and problems to solve. People are going hungry, not being educated, getting sick, and dying because these issues aren't being addressed properly. The world we live in is becoming increasingly violent. And yet half the candidates for President of the United States feel the need to express their outrage that a cup is not representative of one specific holiday in a country that prides itself on freedom of religion?
Btw Kosh I very much agree with you, I have a family member who works in retail who had to work Thanksgiving due to 4pm doorbusters. It's depressing.
-- Modified on 12/3/2015 12:21:51 PM
-- Modified on 12/3/2015 12:41:31 PM
Why exactly does STARBUCKS need a different cup at all? It caused a big stink and raised public awareness that STARBUCKS still sells over-priced coffee. Modern Advertising, love.
Heck I once ate Sushi with a Jew and a Muslim (old college friends) on Christmas day. We talked about Politics. What a Country!
My favorite Sushi Bars and Chinese restaurants are still open on Christmas - same as many theatres. A long time ago, there was a concerted effort to take the Holy out of Holidays, same as the NFL was among the first groups to make sure people worked on the Sabbath.
But, a job is a job. The only saving grace for your relative Ava is that blue collar people generally get double pay for Holidays - including many retailers. Double his pay and he didn't have to watch the Lions? I call that a Win-Win!!
You're right Ava. There are a lot of ills in the world. Your Cindy Lou Who Taylor friend and I will both remind you that our part is to do our very best to make our part of the world better.
ga_kosh
My Dad not being here. This was his favorite time of year.
I'll echo what Grace said, red cups and Black Friday aside I truly think the worst part of this really rather special time of year is missing everyone who is no longer around to celebrate with. I'm going to give my grandma an extra big hug this year, I know I won't always have the chance to do so. Be well TL, you bring light and joy to many!
Warmly,
Ava
Can't wait to see you! !!
What do I hate about the holidays?
Hmmm
The fact that I inexplicably gain 8 to 10 pounds.
It's the strangest thing.
Oh, and beer bottles that attach themselves to my hands and won't let me set them down until they are empty.
Weird.
And all my favorite foods appear and start calling my name. It drives me insane unless I heed their call. The siren song of the seven layer dip. It is a force to be reckoned with.
It's like some kind of evil conspiracy designed to undo all the good I've done (working out, eating right, etc.) throughout the year in just a matter of days.
And not being able to Grinch it up at all - that hurts the worst. Having to be festive, and loquacious, and magnanimous, and full of good will toward my fellow man. "Bah humbug!" as my man E. Scrooge would say. It's so tedious being an Upscale Gentleman all the time, I tell you.
What I wouldn't give to channel my inner John Belushi from "Animal House" just once at a holiday party. That's what I'm talking about. That guy knew how to party.
Oh, and what do I like about the holidays?...
Magic cookie bars.
Those things are fucking delicious.
I think they would even make Mr. Scrooge dance a little jig.
-- Modified on 12/3/2015 1:48:21 PM
Food sneaks up on me year round.
Mainly if it's named Chocolate. Dark, White, Milk or flavored (salted caramel.. dayum). It's sneaky stuff.
For example: Last weekend, I'm minding my own business, walking with my basket through Publix, when BAM! Suddenly there's a package of six Kit-Kat bars looking up at me! I took it out and placed it on the shelf. Less than 2 mins later, it came back! A few mins after that, I'm surprised to see that there's a Bodegas Malbec bottle sitting beside that Kit-Kat like it's BFF. Stuck together like Crazy Glue. Next morning, I'm pretty sure the seven of them (6 KKs and the bottle) ganged up on me because I wake up with a headache, tummy-ache, a bunch of trash, and a fuzzy recollection. I go to the bathroom only to see the scales light up with the message "WTF?"
Seriously though, Chocolate. it's almost all good - exception being that cheap cheap crap that tastes like it was driven past the Hershey's plant after it was manufactured in the town's water treatment plant.
This time of year though.... Too. Much. Chocolate.
I await someone to call me Blasphemer (b/c you can't have too much chocolate)
ga_kosh
Yeah man, you're not kidding - I was almost carjacked by a dozen Krispy Kremes the other day.
Driving with my window down listening to some tunes and enjoying the weather. And they just flew in through my window before I even knew what was happening.
It was touch and go there for a while.
The streets just aren't safe anymore.
Mainly if it's named Chocolate. Dark, White, Milk or flavored (salted caramel.. dayum). It's sneaky stuff.
For example: Last weekend, I'm minding my own business, walking with my basket through Publix, when BAM! Suddenly there's a package of six Kit-Kat bars looking up at me! I took it out and placed it on the shelf. Less than 2 mins later, it came back! A few mins after that, I'm surprised to see that there's a Bodegas Malbec bottle sitting beside that Kit-Kat like it's BFF. Stuck together like Crazy Glue. Next morning, I'm pretty sure the seven of them (6 KKs and the bottle) ganged up on me because I wake up with a headache, tummy-ache, a bunch of trash, and a fuzzy recollection. I go to the bathroom only to see the scales light up with the message "WTF?"
Seriously though, Chocolate. it's almost all good - exception being that cheap cheap crap that tastes like it was driven past the Hershey's plant after it was manufactured in the town's water treatment plant.
This time of year though.... Too. Much. Chocolate.
I await someone to call me Blasphemer (b/c you can't have too much chocolate)
ga_kosh
The true meaning of Christmas was to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ because for those that believe, he is your savior. The holidays have been commercialized. I have worked plenty of Sunday's and holidays and have no qualm with corporations making their employees work. I only agree with (for what it is worth) Grace in that I miss some people that are no longer here and I strive to take care of myself so that I may be here next year. The best part of the holidays for me is remembering that when I was younger I worked a lot harder for less money and now I work a lot less for a hell of a lot more money.
-- Modified on 12/3/2015 4:17:16 PM
I'm Agnostic. I think there's a higher power but I haven't seen it yet. No religious replies please.
I love the commercialism because it cheapens them all - Kwanzaa, Hanuakah, Christmas, Saturnalia, whatever. Maybe Capitalism is my religion but fuck Donald Trump. No political replies please.
To answer Kosh
Worst part - Fucking mall crowds. It's like the People of Wal-Mart all came out at once to wherever I'm at. Call me paranoid but I think they're stalking me.
To Answer Taylor
Best part - Gift cards for nephews. The boys play Clash of Boom Beach or some phone game crap I don't know about - so an iTunes card goes a long ways. They get what they want (phone game stuff) and I don't have to worry about another unloved toy going to the landfill.
Harry
See the History Channel's rundown on how Christmas evolved to what it is today.
What I like the least about this holiday is...Christmas music! OMG! I LOVE MUSIC, but this, THIS? I absolutely cannot stand Christmas music. You know how when a song that you can't stand comes on the radio and then for the next few months, they play it over and over and over until, in spite of the fact you can't stand it, you find yourself knowing all the words? Now take that scenario, and play it again next year, and the year after, and the year after, only it's the SAME SONGS! Idc whose latest, "So-and-So Sings the Holidays" album it is, it's the same songs! Like, can someone come up with some original sh*t please??? And ohhhh how do I pity those who have to work retail this time of year....the same Christmas Muzak cd played in a loop day after day from October through December. I think I'd rather be subjected to water torture.
What do I like most about Christmas? My grandma's party. She has a party for all of her kids, grandkids, great grandkids and extended family every year. It's a family reunion of sorts and is usually the only time the whole family is together at once.
xoxo
Caylee
Until "A Tale of Two Cities" was written by Charles Dickens in the mid 1800s, Christmas was mostly celebrated by Catholics, was considered a "papist celebration" by many Protestants in the USA and elsewhere. Easter was the big holiday, and for those steeped in the faith, there would be no Christmas without Good Friday and Easter.
when they're all dancing around. Holly Jolly Christmas from Rudolph is a good one too.
Grandma got run over by a reindeer lol
We believe! :
LOL GREAT! now this song will be stuck in my head all day! lol :
The Twelve Redneck Days of Christmas by Jeff Foxworthy
We can't hardly stand the wait,
Please Christmas don't be late.
What I like the least about this holiday is...Christmas music! OMG! I LOVE MUSIC, but this, THIS? I absolutely cannot stand Christmas music. You know how when a song that you can't stand comes on the radio and then for the next few months, they play it over and over and over until, in spite of the fact you can't stand it, you find yourself knowing all the words? Now take that scenario, and play it again next year, and the year after, and the year after, only it's the SAME SONGS! Idc whose latest, "So-and-So Sings the Holidays" album it is, it's the same songs! Like, can someone come up with some original sh*t please??? And ohhhh how do I pity those who have to work retail this time of year....the same Christmas Muzak cd played in a loop day after day from October through December. I think I'd rather be subjected to water torture.
What do I like most about Christmas? My grandma's party. She has a party for all of her kids, grandkids, great grandkids and extended family every year. It's a family reunion of sorts and is usually the only time the whole family is together at once.
xoxo
Caylee
There's plenty of great Christmas music... like... uh...
Gimme a sec. There was that one... no, not that one - I started having an existential crisis after about the 5th time hearing it.
Ok, you may have a point - not many Christmas songs hold up well at all.
But - come on, you have love some TSO, right?
Put on some Sarajevo, or Faith Noel, or Wizards in Winter, or Canon, or Wish Liszt, or Carol of the Bells, or... Requiem (if you want to go dark) and fucking crank it up! Now that's Christmas Music worth listening to.
Also - when played at loud volume it really pisses the neighbors off.
So that's an added bonus.
http://youtu.be/MHioIlbnS_A
TSO - Sarajevo (timeless)
http://youtu.be/wQNirj6lbGY
TSO - Canon (Christmas)
http://youtu.be/R9afXCa5g8o
TSO - Wish Liszt
http://youtu.be/ALdT6ldq2C0
TSO - Wizards in Winter
http://youtu.be/saPeOqxxNHw
TSO - Carol of the Bells
http://youtu.be/iDpEW6yZ600
TSO - Faith Noel
http://youtu.be/Z_spMSsB12I
TSO - Queen of the Winter Night (Any Herr Mozart fans? - come on, The Magic Flute - amazing)
http://youtu.be/DsxzBCr2zNM
TSO - Requiem/The Fifth (Ok, technically not Christmas - but riffing on Beethoven and/or Mozart is always awesome)
http://youtu.be/Sf_vTHI3A04
TSO - Piano Duel (amazing keyboards, again not technically Christmas)
-- Modified on 12/3/2015 10:20:20 PM
I can get down with the TSO in any season! What would you call that genre anyway? Classical Rock? Chamber Metal? Baroque (pronounced ba-ROCK)?
xoxo
Cayle
I knew you would be down for some TSO. Cause you're cool like that.
Genre? Good question.
If Spinal Tap and Abba had a love child that was a classical piano prodigy then that's what they'd be.
Oh, and they really liked Christmas.
Something like that.
More or less.
xoxo
Caylee
captures the season pretty effectively.
Ruckin, I am not an atheist but you have the best take on "the holidays" of anyone. I have no problem with people not believing, as we cannot make people believe or not believe. I have no problem with Jews celebrating Hannukah; I wish Jewish friends Happy Hannukah. But, I do have a problem with people who constantly remove religious aspects, both Christian and Jewish, for fear of offending someone. You are the one who, theoretically, should be offended most, yet you get it. It is kind of like trying to take Martin Luther King out of MLK Day, or the flag out of the Fourth of July.
I don't think there is a "War on Christmas," but I do think there is maybe too big of a rush to diminish the reasons why Christmas and Hannukah are celebrated.