Why talk about xmas in September!

I don't think anyone expects the world to stop for them. But the very public and persistent pushing of Christmas merchandise etc from September onwards makes what should be yet another difficult occasion to get through become a marathon for those who are lonely, depressed, bereaved or struggling financially.

Why can the Christmas music, displays and lights not commence around mid November? People can still buy presents, make their Christmas cakes and puddings, arrange who is going where for the day from September onwards.

But people trying to quietly ignore the prospect of Christmas for as long as possible because it's distressing, or who simply find the long build up stressful or a spoiler of a special time of year are also considered.

I cant remember a time when there wasnt an August sale of Christmas toys or last years trimmings.
So I dont think Sept is that early to be thinking of Christmas.

I have quite a few difficult anniversaries around and including Christmas and Boxing day. Naturally it's been hard at times, but the world doesnt stop for me so....

One of the ways (when I feel strong enough) to cope is to occupy myself with craft. That way I'm engaged with but not swamped by, the pretence that Christmas is only for the happy few with perfect families, and a perfect bank balance.

Of course that means I have to start early, as Witzend pointed out

It's the only way I have found to cope with the emotions that flood in.

Beswitched you understand clearly what the post was about?
but being called a wuss PippaZ is uncalled for..and I'm not a coward or a weakling but Yes do feel my confidence has hit an all time low mainly due to present/ongoing health conditions...but like to join in on threads at home alone a lot to share or give my opinions on whatever the subject..

Yes Callistemon they do still make those plaster of Paris type kits. I bought one for my gd recently. It makes two unicorns which then have paint and glitter applied.

I think the OP wanted to start a conversation about why Christmas seems to start so early now. That's different to starting a conversation about Christmassy stuff in general. The fact that some posters have turned it into that kind of thread is not the OP's fault.

Exactly MayBeMaw and the OP just encouraged posters like me to chat about Christmas even more!
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Bea65

Sorry going for cover but CANNOT stand chat about the December event in September/October or November..just causes more anxiety..am in a minority or majority?

Of course, ironically, OP has instigated just what she says she abhors!

Did the OP mean general chat or just chat on gransnet.
Not that she is likely to return given the rudeness of one or two posters. Honestly why can some people not disagree politely?

Josianne

I got carried away today and bought some craft box sets for my 8 year old DGC to make Harry Potter figures and the owl. It wasn't until I got then home that I read it is crocheting, and for age 14 +. Is crocheting difficult? I am off to find a youtube tutorial in case I end up having to teach her!
Always read the back of the packets!

???
Sorry, I shouldn't laugh but DIL (who can crochet) bought herself a kit to crochet Star Wars figure. It sat there for ages unopened and she sent it to her school Christmas Fair.

I used to love making plaster of Paris figures when I was a child, painting then glazing them. Do they still make the kits?

Bea65

Sorry going for cover but CANNOT stand chat about the December event in September/October or November..just causes more anxiety..am in a minority or majority?

I never, ever get these posts. Of course you can stand other people's chat. You are not going to spontaneously combust. Don't be such a wuss.

People organise their lives differently to how you do - so what? Just don't join in or post threads that attract just what you are complaining about.

I got carried away today and bought some craft box sets for my 8 year old DGC to make Harry Potter figures and the owl. It wasn't until I got then home that I read it is crocheting, and for age 14 +. Is crocheting difficult? I am off to find a youtube tutorial in case I end up having to teach her!
Always read the back of the packets!

Nannashirlz

I love Christmas in fact I’m nearly done just got few things to wrap then I can enjoy the rest while everyone else stresses. Would rather be a happy wrapper than a bar humbug lol

As some of us have explained why the very long build up can be difficult that 'bah humbug' comment is surely a little insensitive.

Already have some pressie bought, some turned up today and I have had a Mince pie from M&S.
Last Christmas was miserable, My mum had not long died, couldn't see my DS and DIL my little Granddaughters. Normally see my sister and her family, we always have a great time.
So this year, going for it!

I love Christmas in fact I’m nearly done just got few things to wrap then I can enjoy the rest while everyone else stresses. Would rather be a happy wrapper than a bar humbug lol

Bea65

I understand why people have to organise but for lots of us its a reminder of those who are not with us to celebrate or hug..

Yes, my mum died a, few, weeks ago. Normally when I see Christmas stuff in the shops, this early I just feel mildly irritated. But this year I'm finding it quite difficult and am dreading all the Christmas trees going up in November.
Obviously life goes on and every year there are going to be bereaved people dreading the Christmas season.

But starting all the hype and.
decorating and Christmas music so early just drags the pain out for those who aren't looking forw8to Christmas. If it could be confined to about 5 or 6 weeks of the year it would be easier.

Tried to book a Father Christmas/light show event at a very well known venue, almost every slot was taken, instead of making a day of it, as we’ve done previously, we will have to go up after school one day.
That will teach me not to book in august!

Josianne would love to but are you sure there’s nothing else you could make your order up with? They have lots of vegan and vegetarian dishes as well as meat and fish. We like their King Prawn Linguine and coq au vin. Yum yum!!

I understand why people have to organise but for lots of us its a reminder of those who are not with us to celebrate or hug..

I buy my Christmas gifts from about June onwards as and when I see something suitable. Much easier that way, and no stress. Food and drink are last minute usually.

25Avalon can you order a couple of Cook nut roasts for me please? That's all I want for the veggie eaters who love them, but I have to spend over £40.

I have just placed my Cooks order for a complete Christmas main dinner for 2 and lobster soufflé starters to be delivered on 5th November and transferred to my freezer ready for Christmas Day. All for under £50. Nothing for me to do except make Christmas pudding. So no, no anxiety cos it’s sorted. Just presents which I will order online. As I’m not going out to the shops I won’t be bombarded.

Galaxy - what activities are you booking for Christmas. I live in the West Country so if anybody has ideas for Christmas activities around here please let me know.

MayBeMaw

Why?
Because it beats Brexit or mothers in law.
Easy enough to skim past though if it offends

Exactly.

Might add that I had one very sad and subdued Christmas, when I knew my father was dying. I was told on 10th December - a date forever etched on my memory, since my mother, who’d just been told by the GP, was in tears, and speaking from inside the cupboard under the stairs, since she didn’t want him to hear.
He died exactly a month later.
I’ve never let that memory overshadow subsequent Christmases though - he was a very jolly, cheerful type, so it’s the last thing he’d ever have wanted.

It helps to spread the cost of Christmas presents now we are retired.

Jaxjacky

theworriedwell ????

Merry ChristmasX