[I know I might sounds like an asshole.]
During the 2009 I've changed. I don't join in celebrations any more, I don't follow traditions. It's not some sort of rebellion against the conservative model of the world, I've never been like that.
Most people I know think tradition is important to maintain identity and to hand over cultural legacy to the next generations; but for me tradition seems to serve no purpose on itself. It's like a placeholder for some sort of ancient need to be part of a group, of something bigger. I draw parallels with religion here. But the action itself - it has no practical purpose. It fills the emotional void, suppress the fear of being alone.
But I don't feel this need, so It all seems alienating to me. And yes, I feel better not celebrating. I have my own plans. This shouldn't be affecting my family, but looks like it does. Although my family has lost many of our previous customs since my childhood, we at least did something associated with particular celebration, like decorating a house or baking gingerbreads together.
This year we didn't celebrate Christmas at all. There was nothing. Of course, if other family members need my assistance in something, I help them, but It seems like my unwillingness to celebrate has an impact on them. Is it my fault? Is it bad to be like this?
P.S. Traditonal celebrations here are Christmas, New Year, Easter and Midsummer. This affects birthdays, too.
During the 2009 I've changed. I don't join in celebrations any more, I don't follow traditions. It's not some sort of rebellion against the conservative model of the world, I've never been like that.
Most people I know think tradition is important to maintain identity and to hand over cultural legacy to the next generations; but for me tradition seems to serve no purpose on itself. It's like a placeholder for some sort of ancient need to be part of a group, of something bigger. I draw parallels with religion here. But the action itself - it has no practical purpose. It fills the emotional void, suppress the fear of being alone.
But I don't feel this need, so It all seems alienating to me. And yes, I feel better not celebrating. I have my own plans. This shouldn't be affecting my family, but looks like it does. Although my family has lost many of our previous customs since my childhood, we at least did something associated with particular celebration, like decorating a house or baking gingerbreads together.
This year we didn't celebrate Christmas at all. There was nothing. Of course, if other family members need my assistance in something, I help them, but It seems like my unwillingness to celebrate has an impact on them. Is it my fault? Is it bad to be like this?
P.S. Traditonal celebrations here are Christmas, New Year, Easter and Midsummer. This affects birthdays, too.