Its Over Thank God - Who else feels like this

Its over thank God- Who else feels the same
I was counting down the night sleeps ( like a child) about a week before.
On Xmas eve we had a party. I went to bed with a sigh of relief, one more sleep and we’re nearly there.
I feel I’m bombarded with it.
Some years ago we went to Egypt to ( hopefully) get away from it. The resort thought they would surprise us all with a Xmas dinner with the bells and whistles ahhhhh 😩

We are of course all different. Some of us are having especially difficult times. This is my third Christmas without my husband, he died in October 2022 so close to Christmas. It’s not as raw, but I still miss him with every atom. Hosting this year was a big thing for me. I’m sitting with my dogs, fire lit, lights on my real tree and dotted around the house to bring Cher. I’ve walked those dogs and cleared up. Cooked my meal from left overs, and looking forward to using the ends of the turkey in either a flan or more likely pasta tomorrow when one daughter and her children come
I recognise this season can be really tough. I’m not immune to feeling the negatives,
I’m curious about thanking God it’s over when I reflect on why Christians celebratev

It’s so interesting to read about all the different Christmases. My thoughts go out to all those who are without a loved one - sadly too many to mention. It’s also heart warming to hear all about the kind and supportive families, especially Penny4them. They sound lovely.
I am on my second marriage and have a blended family of all shapes, sizes, and personalities! We rub together ok and have chaotic but fun get togethers.
It’s not easy, and it’s pretty exhausting, but we get by and we’re all there for each other when needed. It has taught me that family is not just about blood.
But in answer to the OP’s question …… yes, I bloody well will be glad when it’s all over 🤣

We have had a very busy Christmas where we have entertained family for three full days so far. We are busy with much the same until Sunday night then early Monday morning we go on holiday when my brain can get a rest and wow does it need it.
I am sending everyone my best wishes and feel sad for those of you who have had a difficult time. Kind thoughts to you all.

Don’t count me in that number mae13 no regrets, just a happy, grateful heart.
Son, daughter, fiancée, grandchildren and step grandchild, we’ve seen them all and what a pleasure. Presents gratefully received and given, preparation and food shared, laughs, hugs and memories made.
Never far away is how it could be; what if..
We count our blessings.

For the first time in my life I wasn't looking forward to Christmas
Kept DH happy by visiting MIL on Christmas morning (first time since March), SIL arrived while we were there, I smiled politely and wished them a merry Christmas.
Turkey was delicious but most of the dinner ended up in the bin, I just wasn't hungry.
Really enjoying watching Gavin and Stacey
My DGD made video call which made my day, DD sent lots of messages, spoke to my auntie on the phone and my brother called from Spain today. It's not easy having my family all living so far away
Took dog for walk on the beach today, was very mild day and was nice to get out.

Our families never consider it to be "just one day".

Starts with Advent.
Ends 5 Jan[shush but I have been known to keep the decs up longer if I cant be bothered/want them up for longer.

So Christmas is about 5 or 6 weeks. Lovely.

And makes the Winter go faster as well.
Lots of wins.

Add to that, myself and a relative then take Jan easier. If we can.
We know how to do "Christmas"!

Much relieved it’s all over ! I am staying with my DD SiL and 2 grandchildren, leaving for home tomorrow and will be very pleased to be back home . SiL developed full blown flu on Christmas Eve , my DD was furious with him poor chap! He’s never ill and really is very unwell. The children have spent so much time on their screens, I think they should have been confiscated but obviously didn’t get involved. So DD and I had Christmas dinner with the two GC who finished in 10 minutes. All very tense here. Now DD thinks she maybe getting it🤞my flu shot will protect me .

It’s a bit sad that so many want their Christmas festivities to just be over as quick as possible.

Yesterday was mostly lovely, we saw most of the GCs and some of the ACs. Had a lovely lunch with DD, her DH and our GCs along with her MIL, SisIL and her DP which was very relaxed and a lot of fun with GCs playing with new toys.
Later we were having a nice chilled evening at home when DHs son came home (he's here to see his DCs having emigrated two years ago) - he threw a complete tantrum over an innocent comment and stormed off saying he was an adult to which we both responded - act like one then!!
He went out this morning to the shop and thankfully stayed out for 8 hours (not long enough as far as we were concerned) and after ordering himself a takeaway this evening has been in his room ever since. He is here until NYE unless I decide enough is enough and send him to sleep on the floor at his DMs for the rest of his stay.
Other than that, DSD, her DH and DGD called in today which was lovely and a bit less frantic than yesterday with all the present opening and quick drinks everywhere and excited GCs. My SonIL also dropped in with our borrowed chairs and then took off for his usual Boxing Day meal out with his side of the family.
We had a lovely afternoon catching up on their family news and met DGDs new BF as well as having some much needed giggles.
This evening is chilled with DH and I both diving into the kitchen at odd times for leftover nibbles - cold ham anyone?? plus a Beechams Hot Lemon - muggins here has picked up a cold for Christmas!!
I feel for those whose Christmas is never quite what they want or expect. My lovely neighbour lost her husband 3/4 years ago and despite invites from friends did her usual thing of staying home and doing Christmas her way with her two dogs. When I called in to see her yesterday she was getting everything ready to cook for a full Christmas dinner!! Amazing lady!!

Iam64

We are of course all different. Some of us are having especially difficult times. This is my third Christmas without my husband, he died in October 2022 so close to Christmas. It’s not as raw, but I still miss him with every atom. Hosting this year was a big thing for me. I’m sitting with my dogs, fire lit, lights on my real tree and dotted around the house to bring Cher. I’ve walked those dogs and cleared up. Cooked my meal from left overs, and looking forward to using the ends of the turkey in either a flan or more likely pasta tomorrow when one daughter and her children come
I recognise this season can be really tough. I’m not immune to feeling the negatives,
I’m curious about thanking God it’s over when I reflect on why Christians celebratev

Just what I was thinking, tho where Cher comes into it is a mystery😁
Always nice to have a few lights and candles isn’t it to brighten up the dark evenings.

Cheer

Nanato3

I'm glad it's over too. After all the stress of choosing and buying presents for my family I never received one gift back !! Feel so hurt . I've suffered with very poor health for the last 3 years , spend a lot of time in bed .
I won't be bothering next year if I'm still here !

Communication is the key. Have a talk with the family in January. " What are we doing about gifts next Christmas?" Either you all give and receive, or you have a Secret Santa, or just give to the kids. Make sure everyone understands. Then on the day, you will not be disappointed.

Oreo

It’s a bit sad that so many want their Christmas festivities to just be over as quick as possible.

I agree. Why wish your life away?

The rich eating part of it has finally defeated me, though I've still got room for a bit more drinking to see in the new year.
The family part went without a hitch, a new little arrival, adding a different happy dimension.
The dogs didn't steal anything this year. We usually lose a few chipoltas or roast potatoes, but this year we rigged up a barricade to keep them in one area while the food was out.
The presents and cards were all very thoughtful, and will be treasured for the next year or longer.
TV not bad at all.
The only poor show was Plymouth Argyle losing 4 - 0 to Coventry on Boxing Day, but life will go on - unless you're Mr. W. Rooney.

Always look on the bright side.
I'd be happy for the Christmas feel to last forever, but then of course it wouldn't be so special!

What a depressing thread- mitigated only by those who, like me are perfectly happy with how things have gone/are going, loved seeing their family, ate and drank with pleasure (nobody forces anybody to overindulge!) and have long since grown out of expecting piles of presents!
I refuse to be brought down by those who may well have been prepping since Nov 1 ( no wonder they have had enough)
To every thing there is a season we should enjoy what we can when we can.
8 years ago I desperately wanted to have D2 , SIL and their new baby over Christmas but as her MIL had already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s I could see they would want to make memories too. So the obvious answer was to have them to us too-so both sets of grandparents could enjoy the wee man.
What I didn’t know then was that that was to be DH’s last Christmas, he died 11 months later so I am the one with the happy memories!
I know some people may well have found it hard to maintaina smile, for whatever reason and will be glad to be back to “normal”, but carpe diem and all that- I am reminded we never know when it may be our last!

PS Easter eggs will no doubt be in the shops any day now!

Don't know about actual Easter eggs, but the little creme eggs and mini eggs have already appeared! Saw them before xmas.

I too am another, who loves Christmas. My childhood Christmases were miserable, my mother hated it. I agree about wondering. why anyone would want to start a depressing thread.

Determined that my children would have happy memories of this time, I have always made an effort to ensure this.
I have had a lovely time with my family, which will continue tomorrow.

I understand why for some it is a very difficult time. My SIL's mother and sister both died at Christmas and his friend died a week ago.

Maw apparently Cadbury’s bags of mini eggs were in Home Bargains down in the square below us on Christmas Eve! Unbelievable. I had to laugh when Himself got back up and told me!

I’ve enjoyed CD. I love the fact that I’ve passed the dinner baton on to Teacher Mummy. No regrets from me! They have a huge family room which accommodated a dozen of us quite easily plus a quiet snug room off the hall for anyone wishing to escape for quiet moments. Perfect.

Plus for the first time I’m experiencing joy in embracing of the seasons. I used to always wish for light and sunshine but strangely I find I’m appreciative of the misty dark afternoons this year. I wonder if it’s that I’m more aware and very grateful to have Himself seemingly doing well these days which puts everything else into perspective?

I agree about wondering. why anyone would want to start a depressing thread

Because in this day and age where many people are lonely and isolated they are looking for connection and validation perhaps?

These days can be so tough for some. I like routine, structure, a sense of purpose. I enjoy my regular classes and activities. I struggle with the dark days and memories from the past.

Aldom

Cheer

Thanks Aldom and Oreo for noticing my iPad predictive text gremlins continue to work over the festive season. Cheer or course was what was meant.
However, Cher can be a real boost as well. The sight of her walking down the steps of the helicopter that flew her into her granddaughter’s wedding on a small Greek island in MamaMia (2,3??) Was a high spot in a ditzy bit on nonsense. She looked spectacular

We've had the depressing thread thanks. Something about getting lynched, wasn't it?
I did notice that those who enjoy Christmas respectfully kept away on that one to let the wallowers wallow. And I do understand about sadness too.
So now, on this one, I'm glad to see the happy revellers posting.

I wonder if it’s that I’m more aware and very grateful to have himself seemingly doing well these days which puts everything else into perspective

I expect this is true for many of us FGT. I’m so pleased for you, himself and your family that you enjoyed another Christmas together. Great that the baton has been picked up by one of the younger generation. I’m told next year I simply have to arrive at daughter 1’s home and relax as her husband and my other son in law cook (aided by red wine I expect). They cooked last year - they need their own tv programme !

Oh well said escaped.

Thank you Iam. And that sounds wonderful for next year - fun too!

I was recovering fromCovid so even though I went to the family Christmas dinner I sat outside in the garden ( it was a beautiful warm day here) with those of the family who had also had it recently. Not quite the normal Christmas Day for us but I did enjoy it, albeit without hugs and kisses.