I know not many will agree but I ll say it anyway

Not at all. I am totally with you BlueBelle. Have never really been a fan of Christmas as an adult. We are led to believe everyone else is having a wonderful time when we may not. I think it is very over hyped and the reality for a lot of people is it is a stressful, tiring and difficult time but it's difficult to admit that sometimes. I believe I read (pre Covid) that the first week of January, more people agree to divorce than any other. I'm not complaining either, we are comfortably off, will have nice food with some presents but it will be a quiet day, just me, DH and adult DD. I hope you everyone else manage to enjoy your day.

Not just you BlueBelle, I imagine very many are going through the motions and hoping for a better year ahead. I’m one of those lucky ones but am very aware that many aren’t.

It will just be the two of us and the dog as always as both son and daughter and their families live overseas. It’s a shame to miss grandchildren growing up but the thought of anything but a quiet Christmas would concern me now. I’ve become so lazy over the last couple of years.

Same here BlueBelle. I’m lucky not to be alone as I have my husband but can’t see my son and daughter in law and exchange gifts until some time next month. Apart from speaking to my son and having some nice Christmas food it will be just another Saturday. Too wet to garden so I’ll probably do the washing and other usual chores before cooking dinner. I’m another one who will be quite pleased when it and NYE (no lovely fireworks this year) are over. Not sorry for myself, initially it was a bit depressing that this Christmas will be the same as last but there are lots much worse off than me, with no family or food and no roof over their heads.

How are you swimming Christmas Day? Private pool? The sea? In which case you’re very brave.

We’re Christians, so means a lot to us. Can understand totally if you’re not....it seems pointless.

Hope you enjoy whatever you do.

Christmas day with the family means a lot to us because we thought it wouldn't happen. Just a family meal but which has assumed such importance for us this year.

You are not alone thinking this bluebelle, like you ...roll on next year and I really hope its a better one for us all, because I'm very weary of this one ?
Have a lovely day though, enjoy your swim ...crazy lady ! ?

I wish you all a good few days whatever your circumstances x

Just 4 for christmas here and a toddler ,We've had 2 funerals this week one of them my MIL and another 2 next week of folk we;ve known over 40 years ,Both my OH and I are finding it very hard to keep a smile on our faces for the family.2022 needs to be much better ,not just for us but for most of the country.
Have the best of days that you can and All the best for the New Year

No, you are not alone, Bluebelle. I will be glad when it's all over. Just me and DH again this year so it will be much like any other day but I am counting my blessings as he is still with me after a bit of a health scare in the Autumn. On 27th of this month I always think 'oh good, it will soon be Spring' - something to look forward to. Some of my tulip bulbs are already up.

In the sea Disco only 5/10 mins though I ve been going through the year for the first time ever, so far so good it’s the most exciting moment of the day ??

Bluebelle you're not alone and it doesn't matter who agrees. Lots of people spend this week trying to live up to the myth of a happy family Christmas and falling short of the mark. Then feeling let down after spending a fortune trying to make it the best one ever. We were having coffee out this morning a woman on the next table was in tears telling someone that her teenage sons were already drunk and not interested in the family meal she had planned. Her husband apparently doesn't 'do' Christmas and she works hard to give her children a nice Christmas. So sad.

Whatever you are all doing - make sure it's something you enjoy and ignore what others are doing. A lovely Christmas to you all.

paddyann54

Just 4 for christmas here and a toddler ,We've had 2 funerals this week one of them my MIL and another 2 next week of folk we;ve known over 40 years ,Both my OH and I are finding it very hard to keep a smile on our faces for the family.2022 needs to be much better ,not just for us but for most of the country.
Have the best of days that you can and All the best for the New Year

Sorry that you have lost your MIL, I remember you posting she was very poorly.

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and New Year, let’s hope 2022 is kinder to us all.

Bluebelle, you definitely aren’t alone.

We have had a very difficult year, there have been some good times too but a lot of illness and sadness.

I am hoping 2022 is a better year for everyone??

I finished all my chores in time to sit down and listen to Carols from Kings on Radio 4. That is the start of Christmas for me, and the true purpose, whatever else may or may not happen.

As usual these days, it is just the two of us, and I don’t do much fancy food. But I am really looking forward to going to my daughter on Sunday, and my son will be there too, and all four grandchildren ( LFT s permitting).

Although my school days are in the very very distant past, I always think of September and December as the time for making new starts.

At the bottom of my report for the Michaelmas term 2021, the words “Could do better if she applied herself, more effort required” would be justifiably written.

At the beginning of the first lockdown, I certainly did “apply” myself. Jobs long overdue were completed, new tasks undertaken, every day filled to overcome the shock of lockdown. Gradually over time, things have become more lax, standards are dropping, things have been left undone, enthusiasm has waned. True more serious health problems have developed, but I think I am certainly reaching the ‘moaning old bat” stage.

Now, on Christmas Eve, we are looking forward to our family Christmas, and from now on I intend to give my head a good wobble, and be more than ready to meet whatever 2022 throws at us while simultaneously believing that things will get better, I’m aiming for A* at the end of the summer term!

A happy and peaceful Christmas to all, and a far better New Year than 2021.

I can identify. I just don't feel the same about Christmas at all. We lost a friend this month very unexpectedly and funeral was two days ago. I really can't be bothered. Im trying to pluck up the courage to say it's just all too much, but feel the family would be devastated. I honestly could not do that to them. Im not doing the cooking this year. It was a massive effort just to put decorations up. For me Covid has changed something in me, the constant uncertainty. I will never be so glad as to get to 2nd January. Sadly, I think next year will be the same. This virus isnt going anywhere. Im sure I come across as miserable and ungrateful and I don't mean to be. I do know Ive much to be thankful for. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, however you spend it and wherever you are.

I say each 1 to their own, 8f you are looking forward to getting past Christmas thrn who is it to say its wrong, your perogative.

I absolutely love Christmas, i celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and i revel in the tree, presents, love, cuddles, films, making perfect memories.

I will say that i did feel a bolt of annoyance while i was painstakingly decorating the 6FT TREE and i have to say that yes, negative thoughts ricocheted around my head hahahaha, but apart from that i am loving the fact that joy and happiness is circulating..

No you are certainly not alone, it will be just me and Mr B with a long drive to visit my daughter with a couple of meals she can heat up, won’t stay long as the house is just to cold. Son will be with his children but can’t visit as two of them are unvaxed, and they haven’t got over me not visiting and giving them physical support when their mum died nearly 2 weeks ago. Will speak to my son though.. have a lovely Christmas whatever you are doing

I am another that does not like it, by the time it happens I am bored by the songs, stuff in the shops,adverts and people talking about it.

Christmas is a sad time for many, but I do think that there is too much hype, expectation and inevitable feelings of inadequacy as a result. So, this year, I am delighted to have two of my adult children here, all safe and well, we shall eat when we are hungry, drink when we wish, snooze as we see fit, it is only a roast dinner with presents! Hoping all of you have a good Christmas whatever you do, raise a glass and toast to all on GN

I've always thought it's all for the kids. Giving them a lovely day is so important - and very hard work. We had a big family Christmas dinner a couple of weeks ago, so now, no pressure, just a nice lunch, a walk and watch a few films, nice!

BlueBelle I would just say stop wishing your life away and wanting to rush into 2022.

Christmas does not just have to be for big families and plenty of children around also grand-children. Many of my once large family of older relatives are dead, I haver even lost a much loved brother in the last few years. None of this means I can no longer enjoy that special feeling that comes with Christmas, it is still special for me.
Live for each day take joy in the moments feel something in just one part of the day. The day is soon gone and so are many life is too short to wish it away and hope for a different year. The pleasures are found in the present seek and you will find.

Merry Christmas.

I just find Christmas quite sad nowadays. Think of those loved ones no longer here. All the hype. Nothing is different or exciting anymore, the food can be eaten any time of year, presents that so many neither want or need, rubbish on the tv…….

I sound a right misery don’t I, but that is how I really feel I’m afraid. Always glad when it’s over to be honest.