Do we still really need this sort of extravagance? They can cost many tens of thousands and for what? Aren't these marriages just a carryover from the days of religion? Once it was Until Death do us part. Today it seems to be Until the First argument followed by a very bitter Divorce. Today, more than ever before, people are having great trouble getting together the money for a deposit on a home. Instead of wasting it all for just one day of pleasure, why not put it towards that house you want to buy?

I honestly believe that every city in the world should have a "Garage of Donations" (GOD) where everyone donates anything they don't use or want anymore, and where everyone who needs or wants those things should get them for FREE! Our Garage of Blessings is a recycle place where this is done. They run on donations, once a year sales to raise money, and volunteers who sort and put the items out in the building sorted by what it is. I have used and donated to them for almost 10 years. It saves people money, and saves the landfills. It won't cost anyone anything! RECYCLE, Please! ;-D

The whole concept of "good manners " went by the wayside when we lost the ability to punish our kids with a swift kick in the pants. The current generation have no respect at all. Rewarding phone use? That's subjective. If someone is in conversation with me, I expect their full attention. People in public? Well they're not disrespecting me personally, so I overlook that. Although hands-free calls can be annoying. I was visiting someone at a hospital a while back. I got into the lift with rather attractive doctor. As the doors closed she said, "Hi, how are you?" As there was no one else in the lift I said, "Good thanks." She, then stunned me by asking what I was doing on the weekend. I told her it depended on my wife. She then swung her eyes toward me and indicated that she was using a hands-free device. I was so embarrassed.

Technology is here to confirm and control us. We are lucky we have sensible people in our area, you want a 'scooter' you need to pay to register, and if you can get insurance you can't ride. So they get you with LAZY apps etc. THIS world has turned to satan and going to hell in a handbasket on warp speed.

Equity associated with the net value of an asset one receives after disposing of such asset. Example, equity of your home, is the net value of it after taking out the expenses on that home. Equality is the equal rights any person enjoys in society. Like Man and Woman or any other sexual orientation have equal rights to have their opinion heard. This is how I understood these two terms.

I\u2019m holding on to my last baby. She\u2019s 18, going to college and works. I do not ask her to pay rent. She pays for her own college tuition and school supplies. So I definitely don\u2019t take the lil that she makes she\u2019s responsible for buying her own food sometimes and she\u2019s very smart. I also give her any extra money I have. I\u2019m very blessed to be able to do that.

Not sure this talent is in the artistic category (?). I am 'good' at solving crossword puzzles (where you have to pay a fee(s) to enter a crossword puzzle solving contests) - find that out about ten years ago - earned 3,000 dollars in prize money in 2022! Side benefits are: This talent widened my vocabulary. In addition, this talent increased my ability to think outside the box!

TO ME NOT ANY MORE IT ALL ABOUT CELL PHONES AND COMPUTERS NOW THE OLD DAY WERE GREAT WISH WE HAD THEM ACK BUT THAT'S ME MIKE

A good hobby. But do not think you will save money. Unless you have at least 700 square meters to put under crops. It's is nice to have fresh veggies.

This really goes without saying, if you have a pet you must care for it properly. Failing to do tis is abuse and those people should be punished. I am not a pet owner or lover and I do think some people are nuts in the way they care for their animals, house pets that is , farm animals are different. Some people do treat their animals better than people, this to me in crazy and unnecessary. A couple of examples would be allowing you dog, for example, to share your bed. Sometimes sleeping between two people, or putting sweaters on dogs when they already have been evolved to handle the colder weather. here is another, someone I know lets the dog out to have a pee, when the dog reenters the house the "parents" wipe the dogs behind with a tissue. This behavior is over the top and these people should be in a rubber room somewhere!

My phone company allows me to select report as a scam when I receive texts or calls, so it's easy to do.

I was unable to take my phone to school as it was connected to the wall in our hallway and the lead was not long enough to get to our school.

Get a plastic bag from the fruit and vegetable section, put the meat into that, otherwise take your own plastic bags from home.

Look I have nothing against gender equality, but when places promote or employ people based on gender or race just to tick an equality box requirement, rather than that person being actually qualified for a job then there's an issue. Unfortunately this happens a lot, so skilled very qualified people are loosing positions to people with lesser skills simply because they're female or of a certain race. But it means the efficiency and the competency within workplaces reduces.

You must be paid enough now so stop bleating. Think of all those people who are just existing through no fault of their own. You chose to get your education while others could not afford that way of life. This does not mean they are not capable. There are many highly educated people that are incompetent and do not deserve what they are paid.

Thankfully my phone usually comes up with a potential scam warning. Most numbers are overseas numbers, Aussie usually. I don't usually answer calls from numbers I don't know, if it's important they will leave a message. Emails are a bit easier to workout if a scam, claim to be from a genuine company, if in doubt always check the email address, usually a "mistake" in it.

One silly survey had a question that asked "Are you dead? Yes / No" to test that people were reading the questions properly.

Bad behaviour in pets should not be allowed. If you are considering caring for a pet, make sure you train it! Most problems stem from not enough attention. Give your pets love, attention, exercise and mental stimulation, and their behaviour WILL improve.

They\u2019re asking me to do a job that I\u2019m untrained for and don\u2019t get paid for so they can save money, then they still want to check my receipt at the door.

I hate people airing their dirty laundry on socials.. not a true friend to begin with by the sounds of it! Goodbye and good riddance

I have no idea. Edward S when you click on Submit and get those oh-so-annoying " Sorry Survey Closed" messages click on your Points (top left-hand of screen) and you will very often find that though you got that msge you have, in fact, been given the points. I agree with you that this seems to happen every time you take part in one of those impossibly long surveys. We can't seem to do the right thing can we? We are told Never to Rush, Always take our time, give honest and thought out answers and when we do as told we get punished for doing so. Maybe Rewardia and those they run the survey for should sit down and have a chat about allowing us time to complete their surveys.

I can't believe that we are having this topic again. It was already done within the last month. In Australia, at least in Victoria, a landlord cannot refuse you on the basis of pets and nor can they kick you out if you get pets afterwards. I think that this is terrible as, at the end of the day, it is your house and your rules. The other problem I have with it is many people that rent do not care about the property they rent to start with because it is not theirs and these type of people would allow pets to damage and destroy the house and the type of damage these tenants do, the bond is not enough to even pay for the materials needed to repair the property, much less any tradespeople to do the work. The other issue I have is certain tenants are always behind on their rent and bills and will use pets as excuses on why they are behind. Even worse, they may not be able to afford to care for the pet (basic food and vet care) and this is abuse. I am a pet owner but would never even think about having a pet unless I can afford it.

Jacqueline R 353303 AND boston 1352573...have exactly the same response to this question...just take a look below....word for word...what is going on here?...same person with two accounts?....

It\u2019s like most things eating it in moderation is ok. So once a week or fortnight as long as you aren\u2019t having huge portions of it. I\u2019m always shocked at school holidays seeing parents not only buy them mcds for lunch plus the soft serve ice cream plus the frozen fizzy drink. Way to much sugar!!

Anyone watch banged up abroad? Schapelle Corby story.. or if the plane goes down I guess your life as you previously knew it would change !

Stop giving to Charity, no eating out, only replacing what we use, no more takeaways, use the car less, no new clothes or shoes, no cinema and more internet purchases. In other words NO LIFE

Criticism is envy? Is that some new psycho-babbler's clap-trap to make people feel good about themselves? If someone criticises another person it is usually because of some, rightly or wrongly, perceived failing in what that person does or says and most certainly not because they do or say something of which the critic is envious. Maybe Its Time to have a good hard look at yourself and consider whether what you say or do is deserving of criticism or do you really think that every word you utter, ever thing you do is so perfect, so ideal it is all above criticism and that you and you alone are always in the Right! If my friends criticse me I accept it and then check out if what I have said is wrong.

You can forgive those that hurt you, but forgetting is harder, if not impossible. Be careful who you trust. Guard your heart.

Have you seen Capitalism: A love story by Michael Moore? It's great but then again I think all his documentaries are great.

Nah I only get my Nigerian friend who tells me I am about to inherit and my Indian mate who tells me I have a problem with my computer. Am very lucky to have all these well advised "friends."

Yes, I use them all the time. Can't use online unfortunately. Probably easier to save up to $100 then do a big shop through a manned checkout. Personally though, I tend to go almost every day and buy a few things in self service. Can never get it to scan properly, but I just write down the code on a piece of paper and enter it in then write the balance down when I get out to the car. Have to cut out the first 3 digits I think it is when entering it in, should start with 924701

Raising interest rates is a way of reducing the growth of aggregate demand and the amount of money in circulation, which can lead to lower inflation. By making it more expensive to borrow money, the Fed (USA) hopes to discourage consumer and business spending, especially on big-ticket items like housing and cars. Raising interest rates also tends to lower asset prices, reversing the wealth effect and making banks more cautious in lending. Raising interest rates might seem harsh when prices are already high, but it's intended to eventually cause a slowdown in economic growth and a drop in inflation..

If we had decent government who knew how to govern efficiently and not throw our money away on shite causes like climate change and social engineering we\u2019d be better off!

Did you ever stop and think that their son has anxiety or something else going on and he simply can't answer? The fact that you don't even think about why a person doesn't say hello back is rude in itself. Are you so self absorbed that that you think everyone just needs to behave the way you want them to? The fact his parents don't force him is a good thing.

I don't have any 'streaming services' (aka a cheap bastard - lol) on my computer - also I don't 'own' a TV - hence - I don't have 'any' suggestions on what to watch next. CIAO

Humans aren't the problem. Inherited sin through our original parents because of disobedience, listening to Satan, the Devil, is the problem, and from the beginning God has told us in the Bible what that caused, what will fix the problem, but not exactly when. Only God knows when it will happen. Read Matthew chapter 24. We know from the signs of the end recorded in the Bible that we are living in the last days. Soon the Great Tribulation will occur, then Armageddon, them a Paradise Earth, as God purposed it to be! I'm waiting as patiently as I can, without any doubt! Read Isaiah 45:18 in the Bible. I'm just a messenger. You can agree to disagree, or you can read the scriptures I've suggested to find the Truth! ;-D

Silliest question ever. Of course they don't want us to know the truth. That's called MARKETING. And our skin has protective layers, and these creams can't even get to the layers that need restorative therapy in the first place. So disappointed in how the women of the world are so caught up in any fad, no matter the cost, to stay looking young. Hey, you!!!!!!! If you are old enough to have wrinkles, I'm smart enough to see them. No matter how much of that cream you put on everyday to make your insecure self feel "younger". Age is a number, not defined by grey hair or lines on your face. It's called natural degeneration and IT'S NOT YOUR ENEMY. Wisdom of life is far more valuable.. You'll never find me falling for STUPID, no matter how it's advertised. So wake up humans and grow a brain. Read more. You'll be much more beautiful for being able to carry on a conversation and having a great personality. Not your eye cream that's not helping, and not your clothes label hidden where no one can see what it says. Your not impressing me. Btw, I'm 52 and look fabulous and am beautiful and don't throw my money away. I'm as God intended me to be.

you cannot change your 'past' - but - you can always work on being a better version of yourself - on an everyday basis in the 'present'

Showing them what you wrote on Rewardia should do the trick...You may never hear from them again however.

I don't MISS not having flies around and I don't care if flies don't like rain (for whatever reason). Who cares?

Multi purpose croping is the way to go and opting for native croping as well. We need to change with the times

Never heard about this. Maybe it's mental illness on the increase? Perhaps alcohol and drugs? Is it really increasing or is it just increase in population (more people = more criminals though the proportion may still be the same).

Just be you, be polite and honest, and you are sure to find friends soon enough. Most people are quite happy to accept others as they are. Any that do not are the ones with the problem, not you.

Chocolate! My biggest weakness but so far this year I have not had any,it's my journey to start eating healthier and look after myself better so as I age I won't be suffering like my mother is.

Save the money and invest it in a term deposit then if you need it it’s there for medical expenses if your not sick use it to have a holiday

In Tasmania an American came and saw a beautiful valley, bought it and arranged to have some cabins built. With a big privacy fence. He returned to open a nudist camp in May to find snow and freezing wind. He never opened his camp.

Up all night! Be damned. The fat free loading bugger sneaks around peeping through bedroom windows to check on kids. He then breaks into houses to drink all the beer and snack on a few biscuits. I got arrested when I tried doing that type of thing. No one wanted me to come back the following year.

I was born in 1947, and graduated high school in 1965, so I really loved the 60's the best! There were also the Kingston Trio, and the other Folk Music stars of that era! I Loved Folk Music, also Bob Dylan, Donovan, Mama's and Papa's, ABBA, just to name a few. Good Ole Days! ;-D

In your fifties, that is young, don't worry, by the time you get to almost 90, you will have slowed down!!!!! Guaranteed !!!!!

We have tadpoles here. Herds of the damn things. They grow into gangs of nasty frogs and annoy the living hell out of me. I will happily trade a deer or two for all of my frogs. Let me know if you are interested.

I have reservations about this one! Seems like a sledgehammer to squash a flea. My immediate reaction is a bit like the essential basis of democracy going back many centuries being "The Seperation of Church and State". Yes, I'm comparing "Church" to "Internet", which will offend many people! But more of us spend more time using the Internet than participating in faith based social activities. Having said that, I had a friend/client scammed out of several thousand dollars by an internet fraudster who also tried to get his wife' identity, scan of Drivers Licence, Birth Certificate etc. Bullying IS a serious thing, in any form but I am uneasy about Government involvement in our privacy. More "Traditional" Policing methods & education of legitimate users to know what to look out for seems less draconian. Happy Monday!

All animals and plants including us human beings. Are carbon bases life forms. Climate change is a myth, the earth has always heated up and cooled down. Its a blatant money grabbing exercise for the UN and other powers who want to dictate what we say and think. Just blowing off some stream.

My husband and I have discussed solar panels and decided that should we ever get them because yes I believe that are a great idea but we've come to the conclusion that unless we can afford to buy a battery to store any excess power that we won't use at the time it's not worth it cause you just get ripped off by greedy power companies because they buy it off you for next to nothing then sell it back at huge profits.

If everyone stopped using their car for one week or longer and used other transport, the prices will drop...

I don't see a lot of hope for the rest of my life, and I'm sick of making lists I can never hope to cross off.

We did not open too early; we shouldn't have shut down. We didn't shut down for Swine flu, bird flu, or any other health issue. The problem isn't money, it's rampant inflation due to an idiot who shouldn't be in charge. For anyone who hates capitalism, I do hope you live in (or move to) a socialist county. Let me know how well that works out for you LOL

An inside flushing toilet. Beats the old dunny or going in the bush.I've been around long enough to use the long drop. the dunny, hear and smell the duinny carts coming to pick it up. Most of you lot weren't even born then.

Was fund whle we were younger, having an older brother meant I could go 'out with the boys' and do fun stuff, like climbing trees, lighting fires, etc, good exciting stuff for a girl.

no, money comes later, teach them first, to help to do chores at home, so they learn the value of helping each other, helping others.. Yes earning money is good, but money is not everything. Love and education starts at home

If you are in the market, you buy you sell the dividends are the same. Future generations are unable to buy property because everyone the older generation is investing and negative gearing with portfolios connected to their super. The cost of buying and keeping up with technology is eating up our money with iPhones and internet connection and also smart technology. The aged care sector has bought all the small home units that use to be a way for first home buyers to enter the market. Whose responsible? the Government are always involved.

Unfortunately, money and poor health is a problem so I cannot live the life I would like. I do not have any friends as my sisters were my friends and they have passed. It is a bit lonely and at times I also feel very invisible to people around me i.e. in shops etc. and I really do not like being treated as some idiotic insignificant person. When I go to the doctors and explain my symptoms it is usually brushed off with Oh it's your age or gender. I would have loved to travel more as I enjoyed every country I visited. I have traveled extensively also around Australia but some areas I have not yet seen and would love to. I do think you need someone beside you who has similar views on life and you can enjoy it with them.

I used to watch bet then realised they are really just big ads foe whatever and are really very biased to one point of view so have not watched foe years

The worst thing is having someone cheat on you and when you ask them they lie and make you feel as if you are in the wrong, and when found out and they leave it is worse than when someone close dies, the one who dies doe not leave you by choice and then quite often the one they took up with rubs your nose in it. You can forgive but you can never forget, even after 30 odd years certain things make you remember and hurt.

Here's a thought. Make it possible for EDs to Charge - Not Bulk Bill - people who clog up EDs for no good reason. If it can be shown there is a Real Emergency then the ED Bulk Bills to Medicare. Hitting even the most selfish people in their wallets and purses with No Recourse to claim from Medicare would have an immediate effect. This Fee would amount to being a Fine for Time and Resource Wasting - I have yet to hear of anyone being issued with a Fine who has been able to claim the cost of it on any form of insurance or tax dodge!

Captain CH Upham VC & Bar, NZEF WW2, The only combat soldier ever to be awarded the Victoria Cross twice. He got the job done, looked after his men, If its was a dangerous job he would go himself, Just look up his Citations

Who would not want to be the next Niel Armstrong?? Dull as Mars looks (it's not as interesting as the green of Aotearoa) it would be cool to be fist there, wouldn't it???

Agree with all the above. A bit dismal isn't it. Perhaps we can have a laugh on this discussion panel along the way over the coming year. Happy New Year everyone and let's hope it's a good one.

All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances. beware the conversations centred around health, relatives in trouble, money.

just look at the kids of today compared to when I grew up, I got the jug cord lots as well as backhanders and even nose bleeds from my mother and I turned out ok I must say. The kids of today have no respect

I honestly can't understand why people pay rent and not own their own home, hard work and sacrificing a lot of luxuries is the only way to go. It will pay off in the end.

I would seriously think that if you had to really consider that, then you had better find another girlfriend, she's not the one for you.

Live to work or work to live, maybe live to exist or exist to live is more appropriate. How about be happy to live & live to be happy. Adjust any of that to suit yourself because your life is about you.

Doctors are forced to charge high rates so they can cover their university fees plus staff wages and other general business fees. Also every time they attend a routine status upgrade session to improve their abilities, they have to pay to this - so they need to cover this.

ask a politician this question and sit back and listen to the crap that would pure from them ALL.....

In my experience as a parent and an early years (birth-11) teacher, not everyone can be good at both or either. So as a society we help out with those who struggle, educate where we can, help where possible and be there all the time. For me personally, I could take my degree elsewhere and make more money, but it's more important for me that I help produce an amazing cohort of Kiwi's.

Self centre, self absorbed, egotistical nobody’s who think their opinions are of importance to the world …. What a load of rubbish these people gush …. So wrapped up in themselves and people are stupid enough to make them a fortune by taking notice of the rubbish they tout … give me a break people get a life ??

Children should not be exposed with adult issues. Let them be children and free from stress for as long as they can. Outside is better than indoors. Children have too much internet time and less exercise.

What sort of lunatic is advocating this nonsense? I didn't have a father after I was 11 - he died - but I didn't grow up all warped and twisted because my friends did. Teachers should stick to teaching the three R's. There are kids who can't read, write or do simple maths and their general knowledge leaves a lot to be desired. So glad I'm at the older end of my life - too many stupid people in the world advocating crap thee days.

Congratulations to you but no. In the second week of January, on the Wednesday my FIL was diagnosed with bowel cancer, on the Friday my father was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer and on the Sunday one of my cats passed away suddenly. And I'm still unemployed after 12 years

I think about existence and the wondrous subjects of creation and of life after death. I also think very much about mortality. Where do we go after death, if we go anywhere? These are all challenging thoughts and the older you get the more you think about it. Your emotions come rushing to the surface of your thoughts. In most of us we are taught to believe in a God, or higher power; someone or something that created life and put us on the Earth to exist and live a normal life. Of course, the kind of life we live is coloured or influenced by our environment and again, by our upbringings and circumstances, education, and beliefs. We should remember that for every action and decision there are consequences. Most religions nearly always come to a similar conclusion at the end of life. I do not include the fundamentalists who persist in taking a severe approach to matters and doing things to society against the accepted norm (actions and consequences). In 2015 I was conducting a criminal case in Sydney that was moved from the Downing Centre to the Central Criminal Court. On my way to the Central Court, I was crossing Castlereagh Street and a few paces before I reached the other side I had a Cardiac arrest. I remember going down and my secretary screaming but that was all. Apparently, a young man caught me from behind and proceeded to administer CPR. I came to and was taken to RPA Hospital where after two Angiograms I had a Defibrillator implanted. This was a quick way of letting me know that it was time to retire. I was 74 at the time. I still think very much about that day and how lucky I was to survive. Despite it all, there was nothing on the other side to relate; there was no bright light or rushing wind like near-death stories talk about. But perhaps I had not died in the true sense of the word? The experience has made me think about all these things very deeply and realise we are here on Earth to look after one another as best we can. I have three adult sons, a darling wife of 54 years of marriage, and 6 Grandchildren. Perhaps we weren’t meant to know all about our own existence and mortality? It may come later...I wonder.

Your choice, and no body else’s business. Some would give anything to be a parent, some shouldn’t be parents, others live with regrets, and most of us wouldn’t change a thing and the learning curves that come with being a parent. Follow your wishes

Do children and teenagers need to be more cyber-safe - YES (quite obviously). However, this is strictly the responsibility of a PARENT(S) - law enforcement becomes involve after the damage is done to a child or a teenager - the parent responsibility is to stop the problem before damage is done to a child or a teenager - (because we all know predators are everyone - especially online - and predators prey on the weak and/or unaware!!!!!!.)

As far as I’m concerned every day is Valentine Day with the love of my life every day is special,57 years together love her dearly

Agree we need to go back to basic maths, spelling and sounding the alphabet. Just crazy how kids work out sums I can't help my grand-kids and when I do I get the answer so much faster than them. Need to learn how to cook basic things & sew on a button. Algebra was the most useless thing I learnt, never had cause to use it.

Happiness is not a false goal at all,happiness is a term used for what and whoever makes you happy,eg: I feel great happiness and joy whenever I spend time with my children.

Thanks for sharing your recipe. I am a vegetarian. I will give your recipe a try (with some minor adjustments to satisfy my taste buds :-)). BTW your recipe reads delicious (River).

I'm retired and I get bored too...here's what I do: I do diamond painting for hours. It's relaxing, fun and takes away any stress you might have. You may be asking "what is diamond painting"? It's almost like paint by numbers except you don't use paint, you use beads. I have done everything from flowers to scenery to custom diamond painting (portraits of my grand children or other family members). It keeps me out of trouble too. LOL

Why bother? I have just completed 2 surveys in a row, only to be screened out both times when I submitted them. Do survey companies use our data after they have kicked us to the curb? I am getting fed-up with this screened out habit. Kick us out at the beginning, don't waste our time!

Get a life. My business is open at 8:30...I like to get a coffee/talk to staff...I'm on at 8:40. WHAT IS SO IMPORTANT ABOUT YOU THAT NEED THE SECOND WE COME ON.....no really what to know? Can't wait 10 min???....You so important!!!!!.......I REALLY WANT WHY YOUR SO IMPORTANT........I promise with all my heart that if your answer is in the realm of (I have adha) I will come to you home and give you 110% focus, and more. PS...get a life. They didn't come on at 8:30...did you ever think to try 10 min later???...I'm thinking no.....and what was so important than another 10 min couldn't wait?...Yeah/no answer/just talk.

I have always enjoyed poetry and in Australia we have some beauties. The Man From Snowy River is a classic but there are others I'm fond of. Two poems I don't like are number 1, The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner, and number 2, The Kon-Tinki Expedition. I was enthralled with Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Elliot so got quite a thrill when I found they had all been put to the music of Cats the musical. Indeed, life would be dull without poems.

Advertising does influence consumers into buying products through various psychological, emotional, and cognitive factors. Advertisement creates awareness, provide information, and evoke emotions that drive purchasing decisions (aka a 'sucker is born every second' - LOL).

I remember being put on my Father's shoulders when they came to Adelaide. My older sister wanted to see them so we, along with thousands of others lined the road coming from the airport to see them when they drove past. As they slowly drove past, everyone...my sister included... rushed the open topped car they were in.

My brother was a Superman freak...Every day after school I was made to sit down in front of the TV and watch Superman.. I hated it... One day I said to him after an argument " why don't you do what Superman does....put on your cape, jump off the shed roof and fly away" The next day...I got home to find my brother crying with a broken collarbone....My mother said your brother said you told him to jump off the roof. I replied, " No I didn't he's an idiot"

Keep an eye on your teenager's mental health. My son had depression and was suicidal but he was usually in his room and I didn't realize until someone at my church put him onto headspace. Staying in your bedroom and not talking is not normal teenage behaviour. Also look out for lack of interest in things they used to love.

I don't discuss finances with anyone but my husband. I never talk about anything personal with friends.

Like Rhonda D I'm terrible at making bread, so I buy par baked, and when visitors arrive it's like I've been slaving away, and yes I hide the packaging.

Rude. Narcissists. Got no time for 'em. Life's too short to argue with ego's. Let them go.\u270c\ufe0f

It doesn't matter if it is Winter or Summer where you live, Christmas\ud83c\udf84 will always be Christmas no matter what the season.

I think Christmas should be spent however you want. If hosting a dinner is it then by all means. The stress can be alleviated by turning it down a notch or two.. It doesn't have to be elaborate. The whole idea is the sharing and caring as we get together and celebrate. Get family members involved. They can contribute by bringing something.

If different traditions enter through new family members what is wrong with that. You can keep yours and just add theirs. We are all immigrants or ancestors of immigrants. We used to be mainly English traditions which did not suit our climate anyway. I never saw snow until my teenage years, so a snow scene scenario is not my tradition. A roast in Australia during 30 plus degree temps. is just ridiculous so a BBQ or beach setting with seafood etc. became the rule for us although many still keep up the UK traditions. Each to their own. It is basically all about family isn't it?