One of the things I truly like most about living in Thailand is being able to escape all the pressure and obligations surrounding the Christmas holidays. No pressure to send out Christmas cards. No pressure to put up a Christmas tree and Christmas lights. No pressure to run out and buy everybody Christmas presents. I heard a statistic this morning that a large percentage of Americans don't enjoy Christmas that much. Whether this is true or not, I think we all know that the holidays can sometimes become a bit overwhelming.

Now, please don't get me wrong and jump on me with all fours. I love the meaning of Christmas. Really, I do. The birth of Jesus. The spirit of giving. I don't mean to dampen anyone's holiday cheer in the least. It's just that I don't like how commercialized Christmas has become, and I think it's kind of nice how low-key/low-pressure it's observed here in Thailand.

Is there anyone else out there who secretly enjoys that Christmas celebrations here are laid back, and that there isn't as much sense of expectation and obligation here as you might otherwise have to endure back home? Or am I the only one who feels this way?

Merry Christmas to one and all.

Soft shell crab....beer......sunshine......smiling gf......all I need at Xmas thanks.

great OP.

i love the meaning...our lords birthday...but the commercialized madness in the west FO..

Not working, a couple of hours on the beach, full Chrstnas lunch, a sundowner, music and eventually sleeep

I agree with you, Christmas celebrations here are laid back, but to tell you the truth, these days make me depressed.

I loved the Christmas hassle, I loved the whole family being together celebrating Christmas, I loved looking at the kids opening their presents, I loved watching on TV all the repeats and I loved listening to Sir Cliff singing, I wish for a white Christmas.

Here it's another working day, wife will be at work and Costas will be posting on TVF....................

I agree with you, Christmas celebrations here are laid back, but to tell you the truth, these days make me depressed.

I loved the Christmas hassle, I loved the whole family being together celebrating Christmas, I loved looking at the kids opening their presents, I loved watching on TV all the repeats and I loved listening to Sir Cliff singing, I wish for a white Christmas.

Here it's another working day, wife will be at work and Costas will be posting on TVF....................

I am looking forward to my hammock....bliss!

Off my tits. Dancing at the beach. Can't get enough of it.

I hate Christmas so I like living somewhere where I can ignore it's existence most of the time. Although more and more stores seem to be playing Christmas music these days. Quite annoying just trying to get some shopping done and Tesco is blaring out jingle bells over and over again.

having no christmas is one of the BEST things about thailand!