Things People Only Say Around The Holidays

Every year, the holidays bring seasonal cheer, bustling shopping malls, quality time with loved ones and the same old conversations about the weather and the year's end. You'll also hear a few key phrases that would be incredibly out of place during any other month. Whether people are hating on Christmas carols or wishing that the stores would wait until after Thanksgiving to start selling holiday decorations, you're bound to hear about it. So brace yourself and prepare your responses because people are definitely going to be saying these phrases over and over again.

“Christmas keeps starting earlier and earlier.”

Yes, some stores, such as Target, Home Depot and Hallmark, really do put out their Christmas decorations toward the end of summer. Although those who detest this practice are the most vocal, the National Retail Federation reports that 48% of constumers are expected to start crossing items off their holiday list before Halloween this year. So as much as people complain, there really is a market for this.

“Don’t spend too much on me.”

Parents, grandparents and well-meaning folks will often beg their loved ones and children to not get them anything lavish — or anything at all — this holiday season. It's a bit awkward because this feels like a comment on the state of your finances and you know how much they'll end up spending on you. But hey, they asked...

“Happy holidays!”

It's the seasonal version of, "Have a nice day." Spring hosts just as many holidays as the winter, including St. Patrick's Day, Passover and Easter. And yet, it's November and December that are designated as the holiday season.

“I say ‘Merry Christmas,’ not ‘Happy holidays.’”

Some folks sure are obsessed with Christmas. Whether you say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy holidays," it's all about being kind to one another this winter.

“I’m so sick of Christmas music already.”

Sure, hearing Mariah Carey belt out "All I Want for Christmas Is You" or Bing Crosby croon "White Christmas" over and over again can be tiring, but people who spout out this phrase get sick of Christmas music after listening to the radio for half an hour. It must stink to be a Scrooge.

“I need a gift idea from you.”

The ins and outs of holiday gifting etiquette can be incredibly difficult, but it's only around the holidays that you hear people begging you to tell them what material goods you want. It's hard to be surprised when you offer up an itemized list for Christmas, but at least you saved someone the head-scratching.

“I always gain so much weight during the holidays.”

Between holiday cocktails, cookies, office parties and a big Christmas Eve dinner, it's easy to feel bloated around the holidays. But don't worry, the average person only gains 1 pound every December, which will hardly show on your waistline.

“So, were you good this year?”

"Were you good this year?" Yes? No? Sometimes. Though this is meant to be a cheeky question about whether or not you made the naughty or nice list, there's no real answer. Nobody ever asks about your morality on your birthday, do they?

“This year went by so fast!”

The holiday season coincides with the end of the calendar year, so when in discussion about your life over the past 12 months, expect this phrase to pop up with everyone you talk to. Especially around New Year's Eve, you're bound to hear people talking about how grateful they are the year is over, even though the next year will just be more of the same.

“What did Santa bring?”

"What did Santa bring" is a slightly whimsical spin on "What did you get for Christmas?" taps into the spirit of the holidays, but if you're older than 10, it just feels cheesy

“’Die Hard’ is the best Christmas movie.”

"Die Hard," is an action movie that just so happens to take place during Christmas. Choosing this 1988 Bruce Willis film as your favorite holiday-time watch is a bold choice. 

“The gift receipt is in the box.”

It's hard to find the perfect gift for anyone at any time of the year, but there's an added pressure during the holidays. Luckily, there's the gift receipt to make returns easy for all involved.

“You look festive!”

Is this a compliment? A mildly rude statement? The jury is still out on that one, but telling someone they look festive instead of handsome, pretty or simply "nice" is really only appropriate when one is wearing a Santa hat, ugly sweater and string lights.

“I’m going to head out for a walk for a bit.”

OK, sure. People will go for a walk at any time of the year, but what could drive someone to excuse themselves from a warm home to wander out into the biting cold and snow? Family. Yes, getting out of the house after a big holiday dinner and taking a stroll through the neighborhood is a perfect way to deal with holiday houseguests.

“Who wants to go for a drive?”

Walking isn't the only way to escape some of your family during the holidays. As you listen to Christmas music, go on a mini road trip to check out the best holiday light displays in your state.

“Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?"

Going home for the holidays may mean seeing relatives you don't interact with as frequently. Thus, you'll have a nosey uncle or well-meaning grandma asking "why is a nice guy/gal like you still single?" Related personal questions also include: "When are you moving home?" "When are you having kids?" and "When are you going to get a new job?"

“Are you really going to eat that?”

You'd think that the snide comments about going for seconds of stuffing would be left at the Thanksgiving table, but you'll hear plenty of this chatter during the Christmas and New Year season too. But don't worry what other people think. Go for that extra-large mitten-shaped sugar cookie. The holidays only come but once a year, after all.

“Christmas has become so commercialized.”

Sometimes it can feel like Christmas has lost any religious meaning and is all about the gifts. While Dec. 25 is a major Christian holiday, Christmastime is also about being with friends and loved ones and showing them how much you care

"Don't be a Grinch!"

"The Grinch" is a classic Christmas book by Dr. Seuss, or depending on the year you were born, a very popular Jim Carrey Christmas movie. If you're not feeling the holiday spirit, expect someone to tell you to cheer up by exclaiming "Don't be a Grinch!"

“I really do wish it would snow.”

It's not often that people wish for cold weather and piles of snow, but then Dec. 25 rolls around. Thanks to Bing Crosby, we've all been dreaming of a place "where the treetops glisten and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow." Luckily, there are some states that get the most snowfall.

More from The Daily Meal:

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The Best Pie Recipes for the Holiday Season

24 Make-Ahead Dishes to Serve on Christmas Morning

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You Know You're From The South If You Eat These Things on Christmas