Christmas

Me.

I've 'made' Christmas for the family for 60+ years and I'm heartily sick of it. I'll be 85 this Christmas, and although the family promise to take over and 'do it all', they never actually do.

There are so many reasons people do not look forward to Christmas, aren’t there?
Bereavement, loneliness, poverty, no friends or shyness, ill health, poignant memories……I could go on.
For me Christmas was always about “doing things” for the family - no I’m not a martyr, but making Christmas special for the children , then welcoming them home when they had gone out into the world, doing the hosting etc for grandparents and rellies. Even the queues at Sainsburys and the sheer hard slog gave me huge satisfaction.
Now it will all be done for me and I feel a bit of a spare part, but I will enjoy the excitement of the little ones and being together with the extended family which Paw would have loved.
But looking forward to things in life so often ends in a let-down doesn’t it?
Perhaps the answer is to play it down, even ignore it or plan an alternative which brings you joy.
And @ ExDancer time to put your foot firmly down!

ExDancer, it's a bit late but book yourself on a cruise and let the reat get on with it :-)

Me too, I've always loved Christmas but I've got 3 x 30th's and a 40th next year so I've told everyone Christmas will be token presents only, I just can't get in the mood.

Christmas holds nothing for me anymore and I usually work in my care home on Christmas day…

ExDancer, I agree with RosiesMaw, time to say enough is enough, it’s someone else’s turn to take the baton.

I still enjoy Christmas, but can appreciate that for some, it’s a difficult time for many different reasons. The suggestion to try to plan something different and just for you, is a good idea if at all possible 💐.

Me.

I’ve actually no idea why. I’ve never been keen, but I’ll go through the motions. I buy gifts and exchange them with whoever. I put decorations up at the last minute, take them down the day after Boxing Day, then I can look forward to the turn of the year.

Another here who hasn't been keen on Christmas since adulthood. The black dog starts snapping at my heels at this time of year.

Love the day after Boxing Day when I take down the tree etc and know there's a whole year till I have to do it again!

I love Christmas, always have and always will.
But this year I'm really struggling. As I mentioned on another thread, one of my daughters has recently had a cancer diagnosis and on the 25th she will have just had her second cycle of pretty aggressive chemo. I'm finding it so difficult to find the magic. Perhaps nearer the time I'll be able to achieve, a balance but right now its a tough call.

Another here who (like most mums) hosted Christmas at our house for 30+ years. I worked full time and often found it stressful with extended family and 2 dogs. My lovely mum always used to ring me on Boxing Day morning and say “well, it’s as far away now as it’s ever going to be!”. Always cheered me.
😁

I find Christmas difficult too. All sorts of bad memories are stirred up and I am so thankful when we get back to normal again.
As Grannybags said, that old black dog starts sniffing around in the run up to Christmas.

I hosted Christmas for family for many years. It was hard work but I enjoyed it. Then my elder son took over and for the last 20 years he has hosted. It was always lovely but I missed being the one to provide the dinner. And this year I am cooking it. I am quite excited about it. I hope I can remember how!

I know that many people don't look forward to or enjoy Christmas but for me it is always a special time of year. I love seeing all the decorations and lights, the joy on Children's faces, wrapping up warm for a brisk walk. Yes it can be hard work entertaining but lovely when help is offered or even better when someone else hosts.

I look forward to it every year. The festivity isn't particularly important but any opportunity to see my children and grandchildren is an absolute bonus for me/

I’m lukewarm about doing the full Monty for Xmas now I’m widowed and DC away. However I do love seeing all the Christmas decorations etc and have an annual trip to London to see the lights and the beautiful Xmas windows like Fortnum and Masons.
My DC cook the meal, I buy the food and we all pull together on Xmas day here. I just keep it simple. So simple, last year I left the decs on my table top sized fake tree and slid it into a bin liner. This year, I will slide it out, ruffle it and Bobs your Uncle 😁🎄

I hate it it brings back too many memories .

Usually I’m and excited as a child at Christmas. This year? No enthusiasm at all. I sort of wish it was over and am sad about that.

I love Christmas, i always have and always will do, but some Christmases more than others.

Last year I had a severe bacterial infection (doctor's description) which landed me in hospital in the summer and then I got COVID in the Autumn, and it left me very drained and I found Christmas a real effort, but this year, I am back on good form and really looking forward to this year. Especially as it may be the last one in our current home as we are considering down-sizing.

I look forward to the food, and if I cook it myself it never let's me down.

Like Grannybags the black dog snaps at my heels - it is the thief of joy. I go through the motions, carefully select and wrap gifts, send cards, put the decorations up, cook the dinner, smile and am glad when it’s all over.

Christmas has been easy for me for many years now. One of my sons (the one without children) does the work. I used to go to him, but now he comes to me and makes the meal etc. We get in touch with the rest of the family, relax and have a pleasant, peaceful day.

Germanshepherdsmum

Like Grannybags the black dog snaps at my heels - it is the thief of joy. I go through the motions, carefully select and wrap gifts, send cards, put the decorations up, cook the dinner, smile and am glad when it’s all over.

It's like reading my own thought GMS. I hate the occasion if I admit it either at home or at a DD's house. Even as a child, I don't think I got the thrill that others did.
So many crises seem to be linked to Christmas time all through my life.
I was an Infant's teacher and did all the things that were expected but hated the Nativity Play.

Christmas can be difficult for widows. When my DH died I used to fret about Christmas. I had always hosted everybody for Christmas but was relieved when my ACs took over the entertaining. I still don't feel quite the same about Christmas as I did when he was still here.

ExDancer

Me.

I've 'made' Christmas for the family for 60+ years and I'm heartily sick of it. I'll be 85 this Christmas, and although the family promise to take over and 'do it all', they never actually do.

What yydrasil says!
ExDancer, it's a bit late but book yourself on a cruise and let the rest get on with it
👍

Alternatively, just cook enough for yourself - all the things you love best.
There may be a thread on here on Christmas Day so those who are alone can be with others.

Honestly - if they won't give you a break and shop, prepare, cook, clear up, let them go without. 🤬