[Vivienne]

Anyone just plain glad the holidays are over, or almost over for most people? I am. I don't like being out of normal routines and patterns, and smiling fakely at people I can't really stand during hols.

So, officially from me, thank f*** it's all over.

[Andy B]

No, I like the holiday period. I like my family, I like all my friends, I like most of my co-workers so I enjoy it really. I don't want to be back at work.

Still things could always be worse.

[Vivienne]

They could be. You could have people who lie to you, for example.

[Console]

Did you just find out that Father Christmas isn't real?

[Andy B]

No-one lies to me. They wouldn't dare as I'm far to naive and guilible for them.

Who's been lying to you?

[catherine]

I can't wait for college on Monday. Who would of thought i would ever say that, Yudster don't faint. I really can't wait though i get my knife set and get to wear my chef uniform and go back to doing what i love.

[Zoot]

I can't wait for college on Monday. Who would of thought i would ever say that, Yudster don't faint. I really can't wait though i get my knife set and get to wear my chef uniform and go back to doing what i love.

Do we get to see a photo of you in your whites then Cat?

(I really didn't mean that to sound as sleazy as it did...)

[catherine]

Well they are hardly flattering, totally figureless but i shall see what i can do.

[Yudster]

I can't wait for college on Monday. Who would of thought i would ever say that, Yudster don't faint. I really can't wait though i get my knife set and get to wear my chef uniform and go back to doing what i love.

Good on you. I wish I felt as enthusaistic about getting back to my job.

[Jonny56]

i go back on tuesday and the only things im looking forward to are seeing my girlfriend and seeing my mates which i havent seen in ages

[Sunny So Cal]

Did you just find out that Father Christmas isn't real?

He isn't??

[S4B]

Did you just find out that Father Christmas isn't real?

WHAT?????

[S4B]

Oops I was just so outraged by Console's statement that I didn't read to the end!

[MK Chris]

Too obvious, that gag.

[Console]

The idea of Father Christmas is just one of many lies that parents and other people in authority try to indoctrinate children with. It's all a power play to keep children being good through threats of no presents and possible kidnapping by magical creatures; it's a lot like religion in that aspect.

[MK Chris]

So if you have kids, will they know from the start that Father Christmas doesn't exist?

[Console]

Pretty much, yeah.

[foot-loose]

Pretty much, yeah.

But he is half the magic of Christmas?!

I don't agree with parents lying to their kids and I was pretty pissed off with them when I found out (mainly cos it was about three years ago and I was in the pub) but surely it's maybe a worthwhile tradeoff for a few years when they are young?

[Boboff]

That will be sad if you do, and not really fair on the other children in the class.

Whether you use Santa or just say if you don't behave you won't get any presents, it's the same thing isn't it ? You have to discipline children and explaining the consequences of their actions is fairly key I would say.

But most of all as a Parent you get given the chance to bring Joy and happiness to your children, and make believe is all part of that, and really do we ever grow out of it as most people enjoy fiction ( soul less people excepted like Toph who prefer "autobiographies and true crime thrillers excepted)

And Console you kind of need to find real human ladies and impregnate them first, first, for the first time. ( And I think Viv is probably past child raising)

[catherine]

That is mean. All kids need to believe in something magical at Christmas. It is what makes Christmas so exciting when you are a child. Santa is coming with presents on a magical sleigh with flying reindeer, not my dad is wrapping up presents for the morning.

[MK Chris]

most people enjoy fiction ( soul less people excepted like Toph who prefer "autobiographies and true crime thrillers excepted)

Haha.. that's not strictly true. I much prefer true crime books and (some) autobiographies to most fiction. As a kid I loved Roald Dahl's books - and I do mean loved - and actually I still do.

[Yudster]

I clearly remember enjoying the Santa story as a child, and clearly knowing that it was a wonderful, magical game. I think most kids do to be honest. Mine did and do. Its not about lying, or controlling, or indoctrinating, its about joining in a lovely fantasy, being part of a huge worldwide game - and its great.

[Nicola_Red]

I only had two days off work so I didn't really have a holiday to be glad about seeing the end of! But i do know what people mean, I'm not a big christmas person.

[Console]

All kids need to believe in something magical at Christmas.

True, and after all, what's more magical than an old man that spies on all the children of the world and breaks into their home once a year.

Why do all kids need to believe in something magical at Christmas? Isn't the virgin-birth of our lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, enough magic and lies for that time of year?

[catherine]

No. Jesus doesn't bring presents, Santa does. When you actually have kids i bet you 10 pound your view will change and they will be listening to you telling stories about magical santa on christmas eve, before picking the best mince pie and carrot out as a thank you present back and then going to bed.