I must admit when this post was first shown I read it with a sense of relief ,I feel exactly the same. Ironically I couldn't even find the motivation to reply!
On that day my daughter had insisted on getting the tree in and partly decorated but that was as far as it went. ! For about four days I was surrounded by decorations and a lounge that was half autumn decor surrounded by Christmas stuff. I don't go OTT but like to make things cosy and each year have items with happy memories that it's a pleasure to put out. This year I just really didn't have the motivation.
There is so much truth in other posts,I think it's a combination of so many things,and of course depends on individual circumstances.
It just doesn't feel like Christmas.
I think there ismuch to be said for the impact of a pandemic. It does seem strange that after covid restrictions there are many who don't relish the thought of large gatherings,or even any gatherings at all! For a couple of decades pre covid I always had a Xmas get together with friends to exchange presents. I have intended to do it but haven't. In fact we do occasionally meet up in small groups and are next Saturday but the larger parties,not happened.
For several years I have enjoyed making the majority of my gifts. Some times it's harder work than just buying a gift set but I enjoy it. I have made some this year but not to extent intended.
I must admitvi often look back to when my parents were alive and Christmas was a massive undertaking,but done with love. I also had young childeren and was a single parent. Over recent years I've scratched my head and wondered how I had the energy to do it all. I must admit I put it down to hitting 60 last year.
Then rather slowly the answer dawned on me. Since January 2021 I have gone from working 2.5 days a week to 5. This should be blindingly obvious but it took a while to grapple with. Yes,I may be doing less in terms of organising Christmas for parents etc etc but I'm still giving myself goals of home made gifts and festive foods to make but only have 2 days to do this in rather than previous 4.5! I'm fortunate in that 4/ 5 days WFH now so less commute etc but it's taken until this week to realise that it's not just being older I physically have less time,silly I know.
So,I have lowered my expectations of myself. The world won't end if I don't make my own sausage rolls! ( even though they are nicer).
Of course there are other influences. The world we are living is at best an uncertain place,war,strikes,inflation,interest rates,fuel,potential power cuts, the genuinely concerning crisis of NHS and social care.All of us have different circumstances but few of us can be totally unaffected by some element of this. I genuinely count my blessings. I own my own home outright. I may feel tired working FT but I can financially afford food,presents and to heat my house. Yes,I'm cutting back where can and only put heating on when necessary. The recent cold snap has genuinely bought home how horrendous it would be if I couldn't heat my home.
There is so much worry and concern at the moment. With major issues such as power cuts and now the emergence of strep infections in childeren and questions about the availability of antibiotics I must admit that post covid I have little faith in the government to be either efficient or honest in a crisis!
I think all of these elements contribute to a low mood,all around is gloom and relentless bad news. However positive and grateful we may try to be is it any wonder that the idea of Christmas is a bit "meh"?
I think the past few years have made many people reevaluate the season,what they do and why. I have certainly come to realise that Christmas spirit is elusive. It is a sensory feast of smells,sounds,memories and tastes that evoke past times. I think at the brightest of times we are trying to recapture a time of innocence and magic. All I can wish for those who read this is be kind to yourself and have a peaceful time however to spend the season.