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

I really hate Christmas it brings back so many memories both good and bad both of which I find upsetting .We do not have a single card or decoration up and are just longing for January to begin .

So glad you are ‘comfortably off ‘

Same here, Franbern. Christmas is all about children for me. We used to drive to my in laws on Christmas Day and one year we dressed our little boy up as Santa and he had a sack full of presents for the family. It was our wedding anniversary on Christmas Eve, but we’re divorced now. Still friends with the family but I don’t get invited to what is now a pre Christmas get together that my daughter holds each year and I don’t have family of my own.

I loved Christmas when the children were young and we also celebrated my parents wedding anniversary on 25th December. Nephews and nieces would then join us on Boxing Day and friends later in the week. Great times !!!

Never been the same as the children became adults. My earlier attempts at trying to do large family Christmas's were pretty unsuccessful. And as g.children arrived most preferred to spend Christmas;s in their own homes.

I detest winter, always have, always will. At my lowest ebb during these long dark times. Christmas is just something to be endured as I look forward to the Spring.

Not too well this particular christmas (not covid,), and am rather enjoying the lazy day by myself. My children have all phoned me, my daughter who lives nearby has popped over each day bringing plated meals.

Not wishing my life away - just looking forward to better weather, flowers, trees coming back alive, and needing to wear less clothes, and turning the heating off. Much prefer spring fests than winter ones.

It’s a complete non event these days for me. I was hoping to see family but, with infection rates rising again we’re still being very careful. I’ve also just had a card from a friend’s husband to say one of my oldest and dearest friends has Alzheimer’s. We haven’t met for ages because of the pandemic. It’s totally knocked me for six and I feel so sorry for her family.

I’ve done a few lateral flow tests this week because infection is so high in Lambeth and should be joining my daughter, granddaughter and twin great grandsons (nearly three years) for the day today.
Instead LF test positive yesterday afternoon, walked 3/4 mile each way at 5.30 pm for PCR test so it’s FaceTime all the way for me this year

You are not alone in this. I am counting my many blessings and will have a very comfortable Christmas, but there are many who won't . Amongst the merriment I feel a sadness somehow, not sure why.
I'm sending good wishes to all of you, especially those alone at Christmas.

I'm another that has a downer on Christmas . It's just the two of us , and dh is not one for parties , fun , or lots of people. We used to go away for Christmas but don't do that now. I have a grown daughter and gc but due to covid haven't been able to visit for past two years as they are too far away and dh is classed as cev , so we are extra cautious due to covid.

That’s me too Yammy. Son and daughter in law are with her family (I’m tempted to say ‘again’ but that would be nasty) so just the two of us. Have postponed next week’s get together as one of dil’s family now has covid. Hey ho. Just about to put the washing machine on (the need for clean clothes is no respecter of Christmas) and we will tuck into scrambled eggs and smoked salmon for lunch then this evening the Christmas dinner is beef this year at husband’s request. Looking forward to getting my nose into a book too!

No, you are not alone feeling as you do. I do have my lovely DH, but the rest of the family are scattered. No little feet this morning.
It has made me reflect as I usually do at New Year a sad time for me and somehow we are all wishing for a better healthier world a week too early. We should be stuffing birds and steaming puddings with someone tugging at our skirts to come and play.
When the fires on I'm finding a good book and hoping for better days and a glass of something nice.

Morning all. I'm on my own today as my son's car is still in the garage, and he had to borrow his girlfriend's yesterday and came last night. She works in a home and is on duty today.

It's sunny outside and I'll be taking my dog for a walk in a minute.

I do miss the Christmas's of my children's childhood. I was pleased to see my neighbour scattering 'reindeer' food on his front lawn yesterday

No offence taken 3nanna6
I cant help thinking of all the displaced people the homeless the refugees, people battling mental health, all the suicides there are at christmas through loneliness and circumstances

You are right all we can do is be thankful for all we do have and take each day as it comes
I just wanted others who felt a bit down to know we are all here and it’s not just them because you always feel it’s just you and somehow knowing others are in the same boat dilutes the feelings
Thanks for all the input
And have a peaceful day

Calpurnia

my husband went out on his bike one fine day and a policeman came to my door, he took me to the hospital with blue lights but I was too late to say goodbye. That very same year I lost two more people dear to me, including a much loved sister at this time of year

I am glad that kim19 is very happy but maybe it would have been better to post about her happiness on another thread. Most on here, are just about coping and trying to make the best of it in our own ways

BlueBelle your post of 19.29 and I totally see where you are coming from and meant no offence to you. I have just battled
over 16 days of Covid and by no means am I saying how wonderful it is to play happy families and everything is great because it is Christmas.
One thing I know is that I am glad to be alive and blessed I am still here to see the Christmas coming in I have told family I will have a quiet Christmas Day and even though they are upset they understand and I will see them on Boxing Day.
Coming out the other side of that Covid has opened my eyes and life is very precious.
Christmas Blessings to all.

kathsue

Great idea growstuff Katmandu here I come

Katmadu just came into my head, but maybe people should save up for something special, which doesn't place family pressures in their fanilies and them. I don't think many people actually spend the idyllic family Christmas. I suspect it's a manufactured dream for many.

Great idea growstuff Katmandu here I come

I honestly feel that Christmas Day is just one day. Family and friend relationships are precious, but shouldn't be reserved for one day.

Grannybags

Apart from when my children were small I've never really enjoyed Christmas as an adult. I don't really know why but the 'black dog' starts nipping round my heels in November and I'm just glad when it's all over

January 1st is one of my favourite days of the year!

Me too. I enjoy the 22 December because that's when days start getting longer.

kathsue

Thank you growstuff. You're right people don't think. Even my sister said I should "make more effort" to decorate the house for Xmas. That is one time I wish I'd said something but then I'm too nice and didn't want to make a fuss.

Don't ever feel you're "too nice". You are a person too and have a right to do what you want. Maybe next year, when travel restrictions allow, you should book a solo trip to Katmandu (or whatever you fancy).

There is absolutely no reason why you should be pressurised into decorating your house.

Apart from when my children were small I've never really enjoyed Christmas as an adult. I don't really know why but the 'black dog' starts nipping round my heels in November and I'm just glad when it's all over

January 1st is one of my favourite days of the year!

Sorry put the wrong name should be Allsorts

Cal-Urania yes you did read it right and I can’t go over while the children are all in the house. I am CEV, I am having the 4 vaccination because I am immune suppressed but yesterday I had my booster so I am better protected now. I am not willing to put myself at risk by mixing with people or family who are not vaccinated. I have met my son outside a few times and he. Is ok with it and understands

It is such a difficult time for so many people. The happiest Christmas memories I have are of when I was a child and my parents made it a very special family time. Uncles calling in for a festive drink and gave ‘a few bob’ to me and my sisters. There would be roast chicken and all the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding and mince pies with custard. Afterwards, we would ‘withdraw’ to the front room, when my Dad would play the piano and we would accompany him with popular songs. Our needs were modest. Money was sparse. As we get older things inevitably change and Christmas has now become so commercialised. I have struggled in the past during a difficult marriage. However, I am very fortunate in having my children and grandchildren living nearby and will be with them on Christmas Day. I have friends who have been bereaved or are suffering psychologically and choose to be alone at this time. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, best wishes for Christmas and 2022.

Obviously people can feel however they feel, but I for one don't see Christmas as only for large families. My DH has a large family and to be perfectly honest I'd much rather be at home just the two of us. We will go over in the afternoon but it will be loud and for all the 'noise' there won't be much real conversation. I hope you manage to find joy in the Christmas you have, but definitely don't write it off as only being for large families or those with grandchildren close!

Thank you growstuff. You're right people don't think. Even my sister said I should "make more effort" to decorate the house for Xmas. That is one time I wish I'd said something but then I'm too nice and didn't want to make a fuss.