Can’t-be-bothered Christmas

I might bring in the tiny tree too, NotTooOld - but only because my granddaughters are visiting. Perhaps I'll decorate the mantlepiece too - but no more than that. It's me that has to pack it all away again.

Calistemon, my pre-lit tree is very lovely - but it's just too big. I have to assemble three sections (and they're heavy) then need steps to reach the top. If I were you, I'd get a small one - really wish I had.

I have a naughty cat that can't resist removing baubles etc. and chasing them round the house in the early hours - so must keep that door shut.

I love Christmas but hate the fuss too. Today or tomorrow will bring out the table top tree I slid into a bin liner last year with ornaments still on and give it a tickle.
It was nice to find the small coloured lights permanently fixed to my wooden trellis arch came on after a year, at least thats something cheery from the road.
The very thought of Christmas plans and bother induce a feeling of inertia.

I looked at the candles and thought no, can't be bothered, but yes, I need to get them out.

Calistemon

Right, onwards and upwards (but not up a ladder!)
I shall feel better if I make just a bit of an effort.

That's exactly how I felt the last three days Calistemon. And I do feel better now it's done. We haven't put anything up high for years, just masses of (mainly fake) greenery on widow sill and mantelpiece, strewn with (mainly fake) red and gold and white flowers, berries and pine cones and some small lights and pretend candles. Plus the front door and the tree. We used to have real candles in amongst real greenery but after nearly setting fire to the mantelpiece one night decided to stick to battery operated candles ?

I'm not really bah humbug either but we are not seeing any family this year as it seems sensible not to, so it is just DH and me again. I have left the big artificial tree in its box but brought in the tiny real one in a pot and decorated it. We also have a lot of cards on a string and a few lights about, not as much stuff as usual. I'm finding the whole thing very depressing and will be glad when it's over, tbh.

I am another one who can`t be bothered but I did the whole Christmas thing for so long I`m now happy with mostly ignoring it.
I have a few candles and some nice flowers thats it.

Christmas through to the New Year will be just the two of us.
Family gatherings have been postponed as has my birthday on the 30th.
Presents for us have been forbidden as I know my two AC are both struggling financially. Our main gift to them will be in their bank accounts for them to treat themselves. Some tasty Cornish treats will arrive next week. Parcels have been sent to all DGC.
I’m hoping for good weather so we can do a short coast walk on Christmas Day and again for my birthday. Then we’ll find the bench that overlooks our favour beach and enjoy a picnic lunch of soup and sandwiches.

Hats, gloves, scarves and throws will be in the car ?.

A bit of sparkle has gone out of Christmas 2021 for me so nowhere near as many decorations have gone up.

Right, onwards and upwards (but not up a ladder!)
I shall feel better if I make just a bit of an effort.

Relax and just do what you want. Please do not be driven by people saying that you will have fun! I am not keen on these festivities either.

A fellow retired teacher keeps her tree, fully assembled and decorated, in her garage, covered with a dust sheet.

Oh, what a good idea!

I thought of going out and buying a pre-lit LED tree

Got the decorations out, looked at them then decided to polish the furniture first and clean just one window and one patio door which now look more smeary!

The Christmas musical box is in its usual place so it's a start

Horrible feeling isn't it watermeadow ?

Christmas can be whatever you want it to be. Had to spread the decorating out over three days this year, just didn't have the energy to do it all at once like I used to. But there's a bit of extra sparkle in the room now which cheers me up every time I come into it.

I actually don't know anyone who has huge family get togethers anymore, although I am sure there are some. Most people I know seem to prefer their own homes for Christmas or to go away to a hotel or cottage.

I love decorating the house for Christmas, as I love the cheer it brings during these dull and dismal days. However, I do appreciate that for some, this period is a difficult time for them and being “jolly” and “festive” just doesn’t feel right, so understand why they don’t want to decorate. Others just don’t have the energy nor the enthusiasm, for many and varied reasons, and I understand that, as well. We all have to do what feels right for us. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

The huge, pre-lit tree remains in it's box in the garage. The tiny real tree (last year's substitute) sits in it's little pot in the back garden. I can't be bothered either, watermeadow. I've no excuses, plenty of time, strength and good health - still, can't be bothered.

We had our big Christmas dinner here last Saturday. Did I decorate the house, make a door wreath, put fairy lights and candles on the table? Did I heck.

I'm going to my daughter's place for the big day itself. She has a husband and three children, a job, degree study - and an energetic dog to cope with. Will her place be decorated - yes, perfectly, as always!

A fellow retired teacher keeps her tree, fully assembled and decorated, in her garage, covered with a dust sheet. Her neighbour helps her to move it into the house, then back, for Christmas. Clever woman!

Bertha, I so love your attitude. Such a cheerful heart. Bravo! Quite made my day. Thank you??

If it hadn't been for the GC, I wouldn't have bothered getting a Christmas tree at all this year. As it is, they enjoyed an afternoon decimating decorating it so worth it for that.

I also do not feel Bag Humbug but the 25th will be a pleasant but normal day. I no longer have any relatives so there is not much to celebrate but if anybody wants to, please feel free.

I will do what I like when I like and I will have a pleasant meal of duck in orange sauce with trimmings watching TV in the evening, having opened a bottle of wine.

As you read - there's a big club of us who do not bother much with it. Only lasts a few days - just drift along and we'll be in 2022. It's the 'meeja' hypes it up and that's just to get you buying junk.

watermeadow I hope you have a lovely Christmas with you family.

Trees are not compulsory and were only introduced relatively recently by Prince Albert!!

I wish I'd bought an 18" one in a pot this year

I'm sorry about your MIL, paddyann; DH had to go to a funeral last week, couldn't not go although I didn't, another one in the NY of a friend. There have been so many in the last couple of years and none, that I know, from Covid.

I haven't decorated yet but feel I should make an effort today. The grandchildren could have come and decorated the tree but we're being careful, hoping all will be well for Christmas Day.

Last year I put out decorations just for us, enjoyed them, then put them all away again but not in the attic so at least we don't have to clamber up there.

I don't feel Bah Humbug, just a bit down in the dumps.

Right! First I have to clean

Christmas is cancelled here ,we have my MIL's funeral tomorrow and another on Tuesday with a third on Friday.Hardly puts you in a festive mood .
The presents were all wrapped weeks ago so no one will do without but its just my OH and me here on Christmas day ,for the very first time in 47 years .Anyone who thinks we should party can go give their heads a wobble

We don’t do Christmas at all. We are not scrooges as we give lots of presents when we see something or something is needed. I like giving. But we are not religious and therefore can’t see the point. So on Christmas Day we enjoy a quiet meal and all friends are welcome. It is nice that most of them have the same day off so we can meet up, but there are no decorations, cards or turkey. I think my husband would be happy to go to work, but I insist a day off is good for him. Our family have got used to it, we just do as we please and if anyone doesn’t like it they don’t have to come round.

So do what you like not what others expect you to.

I too also have arthritis and it takes me all my time to wrap presents. I bought the Christmas bags they are brilliant no pain just open bag and drop gift in and pull ties as for a tree I’ve not bothered this year but I’m going to my oldest for Christmas and youngest for new year’s so didn’t see point not that I can be bothered anyway but that’s more to do with my condition than any thing else. Trying to explain to ppl why isn’t easy as they don’t understand why you feel the way you do.

Well said Bertha