"Christmas is just for the kids really"

Anniebach I am sorry but there is no way to ask that kindly.

I lost the Christmas spirit when the kids grew up, got it back when the grandkids came along, then lost it again as they scattered around the country

SillyNanny321 would you join in a community Christmas lunch if one was held in your area?

Not everyone who lives alone is lonely, but for those who are there may be opportunities to meet up with others and share the occasion together.

Being a granddad rather than a gran I don't post very much on here but I really wanted to join in this thread.
Christmas is a wonderful time for all. When you're a child it has a magical atmosphere and excitement and as you grow older that magic is passed through the children to the adults. The wonder in the eyes of children, their laughter and yes, sometimes their tears all add to a magic compounded by the smells of cooking and even the smell of a real Christmas tree.
Then there's the coming together of families - sometimes from long distances. Oh, the joy that this can bring!
Finally, the reflection on how it all started. I wouldn't want to preach but if it wasn't for the birth of Jesus, a magical, or rather miraculous event in itself, the whole thing would never have happened.

I love spontaneously buying presents for people, and do often during the year, but I hate buying Christmas presents. I feel it's 'enforced' giving and rather resent it.
This year I have been told I must buy a present for someone I haven't even met - a godson's partner's cousin - as she will be a guest at the meal.
I had this news just after I had decided to empty out my box of little presents kept as 'extras' in case of need and I had taken them to the charity shop in case someone else needed something similar. All new and in their wrappings.
They were too nice to have lingered on the shelf so I can't buy one back and will have to buy something else. Pfff!

It’s for the children in my book and always has been. My mother always expected to be the centre of attention and once she had opened her half dozen presents would sit and frown as my children opened a small mountain of presents. At the time I wondered if I would get to be like that but I am happy to report that we have agreed grandchildren only this year and extra cheques to charity. My greatest Christmas pleasure will be in seeing the children's excitement. I have bought little presents for the children to give their parents and will be very content if all I get is hugs and kisses.

I will probably sit with my cats over another period of enforced idleness. No transport so cannot go out. Dodgy back & legs so only a quick walk unless it snows. Do not force myself on anyone else as this is time for young families not old grouchies! Christmas has lost its point now along with all the Bank Holidays where buses dont run & there is nowhere to go even if they did. Not usually so fed up & miserable but it is what living alone does to you at this time of year! Rollon Spring!

We were brought up with Christmas is for the children and New Year is for the Grown UPs. A child centred Christmas with games and toys, little or no alcohol and a light dinner was followed a week later by a full on steak pie feed, loads of drink and First Footing, dancing and singing from midnight till dawn, small children safely sound asleep at Granny's.

Jaycee, do you sit alone on Christmas morning opening gifts? I don 't ask unkindly ?

I agree. It is not just for kids and it is not just for people with families. It should be for everyone who wants to enjoy it.

My happiest xmas's were those when the house was filled with the excitement of my children opening their presents on xmas morning. So for me xmas is for children.

I live alone, never had children, no family in this country so I will spend Christmas alone, BUT, that doesn't mean I can't enjoy myself in my own way.

I was shopping yesterday and loved seeing the small children looking so excited and happy but I don't think I need children around to enjoy Christmas. So, no Christmas isn't just for kids (unless you include the grown up ones

It's hard to be enthusiastic about Christmas when you have no family to share it with. Whether that's due to distance or what ever reason.
We've been invited to stay with friends this year which is lovely but I have zero Christmas spirit as this is the first year without being able to buy for the GC.

For me, its about the children. I really am anti Christmas, really.

Well I'll do the "Oh yes it is, then!" (replying to the last sentence of the OP, not the title - I love Christmas!).

I think Christmas helps us find the inner child in ourselves (sorry if that sounds like pyschobabble). I believe it is important for our mental well being to be able to enjoy and take pleasure. Giving and receiving is also part of that and that doesn't have to mean gifts - it can just be spending time with someone and giving them comfort and friendship.
On another thread I posted about my brother who is only 70 saying 'he couldn't be bothered' with Christmas- he says this every year and we barely get the smallest card from him. I told him if he says 'couldn't be bothered' about almost everything and that puts him in God's Waiting Room.
Christmas can take many forms in many households so you pick and choose the way you like to do it best. I love it all except the inevitable weight gain.
Rejoice you Merry Gentlefolk!!!

I would do the old panto 'ohhh, yes t is!' reply BBbevan, but I agree with you

Oh no it isn't. !!!!!