Is it really Christmas?

fiorentina51 that’s especially good to hear. People at the DWP are mainly contacted by people who are in difficult situations and their own jobs must be very stressful too, so it’s heartening to hear of a cheery response.

I haven’t been out much, but just come from a lovely nativity service in the local church and people were all enthusiastic ’greeters’.

Mither away, that was just not the same.

I must admit I was a bit disappointed in our church's carol service on Sunday night. We have a beautiful atmospheric old church and yet they held the service in the community room this year. They'd obviously got more attendees than they expected (not sure why, it's usually popular) and ran out of chairs. Half of us were tucked around corners, not able to see the musicians. The singing was good though, and we had mulled wine and mince pies, so I'll stop mithering!

I wonder if carols outside were transferred to the church because of the weather? I can't see ours taking place outside tonight because it's lashing down with rain, the wind is blowing and we could sink into the mud on the green.

Just the other day I thought how cheerful and happy everyone seemed when out and about (despite the rain), greeting one another, passing the time of day and wishing each other Merry Christmas.

And although I was careful to send our Muslim and Hindu friends seasonal greetings cards, I notice they have sent us cards saying Merry Christmas.

Not been very Christmassy here. The village tree is pathetic this year. It's a bush srrounded by a fence!

We used to have carol singing in the square on Christmas eve but that's stopped. Now it's a formal event in the church last Sunday.

There will be a community meal tomorrow for anyone on their own.

April, maybe shop assistants and passerby’s are not outgoing people either?

It is awful. I find it really difficult. No joy just a miserable y
old man to contend with. But when my little grandsons come in a few days it should be better.
I think my daughter is working over Christmas. That's nurses for you.

I’ve been saying Happy Christmas to everyone recently and everyone has said the same in reply.

Could it be that your region has become more diverse, april and not everybody celebrates Xmas? Or people aren't sure who does and who doesn't? They could solve that, of course, by simply saying, "Happy Holidays!" so IDK if that's the reason, but maybe.

As for me, I've enjoyed several Merry Christmases and Happy Christmases and Happy Holidays and say the same (or send the cards) to others. As a matter of fact, sending best holiday wishes to everyone here!

I’m an outgoing person
Urmstongran Oh Dear! I, for one, will miss you, even though you're only a pseudo Mancunian, but just in case you don't change your mind and come back, I wish you "Season's Greetings" AND "A Happy New Year", where ever you are!
Cheers

I’m an outgoing person. I’ve said ‘Merry Christmas’ to many folk - in lifts, leaving a checkout at the supermarket, at the doctor’s and pharmacist where I’ve left a card and a tin of biscuits.

Someone has to be brave and break the ice!

The response is always positive.
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Had a hospital appointment this morning and was wished a lovely Christmas by every medical person and receptionists . Lots of friendly smiles and appointment on time.

I've just received a seasonal (not religious) Christmas card and a gift wrapped box of biscuits from our Muslim neighbours. Their daughters come to play when my grandchildren stay with me during the summer.
Quite a few people in shops and restaurants wishing us Happy Christmas too.

I tend to say " have a good break" or " have a nice rest", not to a shop keeper or a para medic obviously.

I've had many greetings and given them.

In fact all this week, I've answered the phone with 'Merry Christmas!'

So Very Happy, Peaceful and Joyful Christmas to YOU aprilrose

I don't wish "merry Christmas" to people I don't know well because, for all I know, they may have good reasons for not being "merry" - bereavement, bankruptcy or serious illness, maybe.
I do, however, wish people the compliments of the season which acknowledges the festival and covers all faiths and none.

april; Many, many, years ago when I was a little urchin living in Manchester, we'd go to the vegie shop in the New Year and say "Happy New Year" and he was obliged by custom to give us an apple or orange!
I don't remember anyone actually throwing them at all; if they did they were poor shots!
So just hang about for a week or so!

Have to say have been wished MerryChristmas in lots of places especially our lovely local pub

All the shops where I live are run by Asians. They don't wish anyone 'Merry Christmas' even though, oddly enough, many of them celebrate Christmas too. When I asked why, they said 'It's such a nice festival, we want to enjoy it too'.

We're all Merry Christmassing round here, Aprilrose. Delivery people, neighbours, the postman, bus drivers, random pedestrians you pass in the street... Our shop assistants are a cheerful lot as well. What a shame it's not like that in your area.

Merry Christmas in all the shops here and the pubs and re4staurants - I haven't been in them all - yet!

I've had at least 3 weeks of "Merry Christmas" here.
Like DoraMarr this has come from all sorts of people, postmen and women, shop-workers, delivery drivers, a big issue seller, a security guard, policeman...
Can hardly think of anyone who hasn't said it... even my Muslim neighbour.
So sorry you have missed out on this little bit of good cheer aprilrose.

A rather nice young man on the DWP customer services line the other week, asked about the weather, was I ready for Christmas etc. At the end of the conversation he wished me a happy Christmas and reminded me to take care of myself.
He dealt with my query very efficiently too.
It's not often I finish a call to the DWP with a smile on my face!

I always put Merry Christmas and Happy New Year on card's but people don't put it back on card's.