The bah humbug thread...

Certainly couldn’t get into the mood last Christmas ….everything about preparing ……cooking ……shopping….decorating the house seemed too much of an effort. But this year it’s all different ……I’ve chosen to become more regimented in my head and set myself ‘simple’ tasks each day that I can accomplish because there aren’t too many of them. I’m sleeping better too because I’m not getting anxious about time running out and what has to be done! So, at 80 years of age I’ve learned a valuable lesson…..don’t leave everything to the last minute in the hope you’ll get it done ….. take back control ……make a simple plan and stick to it! You’ll sleep better if you do !

gymstagran I am so very sorry.

It’s never been my favourite time of year, but this year has been the bloodiest of awful years so my instinct is to pull up the drawbridge and ignore it. However, DH was Mr Christmas personified and loved the whole bag of mashings writ large, so I will do it for him, lest he come back to haunt me. I’ll know it’s him because he will be scattering glitter as he goes. He knew how much I hated glitter!!

Re 'being a hugger' I am a fully qualified, degree standard hugger but - no one left to hug!! My small family consists if a daughter and grown up GD, neither of them are huggers - even as a toddler my daughter would fight off hugs! Now, at nearly 88 years, so many family and friends have gone before me. 23 years since my OH died and now a great friend to both of us has just died. Sadly I don't celebrate Christmas any more except go to Midnight Mass - if the weather is not too bad.
Seasons Greetings to all GNs.

Despite a fairly grim childhood - I really loved Christmas. I noticed how much sheer hard work went into it, with fathers working any extra days and hours to fund it, mothers/grans making mince pies, puddings and cakes, all the extra cleaning, polishing and decorating - and the kids making endless paper chains. It was a very big deal, at home and at school.

I'd make the door wreath, with a thin wire coat hanger, holly and ivy from the woods, some glass baubles and ribbons. My sister did the table decoration, similar, on a tray with candles in the middle.

As a young adult and mum I loved it too - but toned down, no cooking marathons, no lavish expense. There was the worry of how to afford it all.

Later, with dear people 'missing', my husband, parents, aunts and uncles all gone, we toned it down even more. Yes, we still have the big meal and gathering (but not on Christmas Day, as the family is too large) we do the tree and presents for the kids, send a few cards etc. All the shopping's done online.

It's a sad and tearful time for me, a huge effort - with a smile plastered on my face - some happy moments with the family all together - but that genuine joy and anticipation evaporated decades ago. I'm an actor, playing a role. Oh, the relief when it's over and the normal days return!

There are so many comments and feelings hitting home on this thread.
Seasons Greetings, Blessings and Best Wishes to all Gransnetters. Whether you are happy, sad, or just indifferent. I hope you all have a peaceful,restful Christmas and hopefully a better New Year for you all. x

I absolutely detest the way Christmas has become so commercialized. It used to be do simple. It lasted a few days. No over indulging.

I was reading of complaints about the commercialisation of Christmas, in a Good Housekeeping magazine. Dated 1955. Some things never change!

My first Christmas alone without husband and son in laws without my daughter but we're going all out to make sure the grandchildren enjoy Christmas it will be hard but no bah humbug from our family🎅☃️

BlueBelle

I like the cat version Maw “Put the venison casserole in the boot of the cat” that tickled me

Puss in boots comes to mind.

Janburry

My first Christmas alone without husband and son in laws without my daughter but we're going all out to make sure the grandchildren enjoy Christmas it will be hard but no bah humbug from our family🎅☃️

Well done you.🎅

I would join you. This year now without DH and another without DD the loss seems very heavy. Usually, in recent years Christmas was spent with one of the 3 children (now only 2). This year I am not being allowed to be on my own so I am flying to be with son, DIL and 12 year old GS. I know I am dragging my feet, every decision on Christmas eg clothes,presents is so half hearted. I just hope I do not present an air of gloom over the holiday. I never have been an advocate for all the merriment expected at Christmas but this year, well, quicker it passes the better.

So sorry to hear of those who have illness or bereavement to cope with especially at this time of year.

Since I have no living relatives and since my remaining friends all go to THEIR families, I'm definitely in the bah humbug category. I won't be cooking a special dinner, nor will any decorations be put up. At least my Christmasses don't cost me anything! I'm not lonely, before anyone asks, just bored with the whole tawdry nonsense of it all.

It is just like another Sunday for me and I hate Sundays. Years and years ago make at least a dozen Christmas cakes and pudding for all the family have open house for all the neighbours for Christmas Eve. Husband was no help just complained that the golf course closed on the day. Why is all the work up to the wife?
Now on my own with the telly and there is all sentimental rubbish on and wondering if it is my last Christmas.

I'm surprised there are so many humbuggers.

The world does seem to assume that we all must have someone, I mean surely...?

If you don't fit into that mold (mould??) then it's tough.

In my opinion you have the Christmas you want to have if it is possible. Things change when you lose loved ones and the first one without them is always difficult. I remember celebrating with at least a dozen round the table. Now it is just 3 of us as the sons of my partner never spend Christmas with us. Their choice! My daughter always wants to be with us and she is hosting this year. Ideally we would rent a cottage in Northumberland but it is too pricey this year so we shall descend on her bearing food, drink, games and , hopefully, a positive attitude. My sincere sympathies are sent to those of you who are struggling. It is not a good time for everybody, tryst me I know !

I'm exact opposite. I love Christmas. I especially love the smiles on most people's faces at Christmas. Obviously not the bah humbugs. 😁But also love the decorations in shops and restaurants. And some extra nice edible treats. And meeting friends for lunch. Etc etc

A very bad time for those who are struggling I had a child n intensive care at Christmas,my FILdied two weeks after our second DD was born at Christmas. Both my parents' birthdays were a few weeks before Christmas.
I am a firm believer in you doing what you want, whether it be traditional food, booze, or family traditions. I have had tonlies [Two only] when DDs were abroad.
please yourself and if you are missing someone do something to keep yourself as cheerful as possible but don't feel you have to join in.

As addition to my previous post, I do appreciate that Christmas can be a painful and difficult time for bereaved folk and those who are alone. xx

My ex-husband told me there was someone else on Christmas Day and left for good on New Year's Eve. It was such a shock I was like a zombie for weeks. Consequence is that as soon as the Christmas songs, trees and decorations go up my brain goes in to zombie mode again. However much I talk to myself to snap out of it, I can't avoid the triggers. So I am not Bah Humbug, just inconsolably sad.

i did not like christmas as a child as i was the eldest i stayed up and helped wrap the presents for the younger children, while the drunk dad/stepdad lay in the corner, i made a big effort when my son was young but by the age of ten he came to me and said...can i just stay in bed till i wake up....do i need to get up early to open presents. he has a family of his own and makes a big deal for the 4 year old, they have invited me over for a relaxing day and a takeaway, but i am happy to stay on my own in my pjs and eat what i like. everyone should have the christmas they want and if that means running up the credit cards then that is up to them. whatever you are doing this christmas i hope you have a great time.

No bah humbug here.
We are lucky to have a family that are close in feeling and distance.
We love getting together and gifts are bought for all, young and old including a few very dear friends.

Good food and social media and phones banned for a day or two. Christmas TV and family games are enjoyed and several family traditions upheld.
Everyone mucks so no one has all the work.
Credit cards are or overused.
Not smug but very , very grateful.

* Not. overused.

Absolutely not! Just go with the flow and enjoy. Life is to short. X

My daughter's certainly was.