Its Over Thank God - Who else feels like this

'their older grandson' should read 'their older son'.

I'm quite glad it's over, last guests leaving this morning. Then we are going off to a fairly nearby Spa Hotel for a night of indulging ourselves since being on catering and clearing up duty which started Christmas Eve, although not so much with washing up pans and loading dishwasher our guests did their bit on that score. Nevertheless, the preparation of the house, buying presents, food and cooking it, well it just goes on too damn long, but I suppose Christmas is what we all make it. Personally I'd scale it down a 100% and trade what we have in Britain for a toned down experience more akin to what Christmas means in Europe. The consummerism around the British Christmas is so over the top. I feel nothing but sympathy for those coping with illness and bereavement this time of year must be hellish.

Christmas just didn’t happen for me. Didn’t see a soul. Son in Switzerland came over end of November to exchange gifts, son in London came on the 21st December to do the same. Had phone calls but it’s not the same. Couldn’t be bothered to cook so had corned beef and beetroot salad. Christmas is a very sad and lonely time when you’re on your own. Took decorations down Boxing Day, saw no point in keeping them up. I’m glad it’s done and finished with.

Yes, it's over and I'm happy to be able to remember this Christmas when I was with the people I love and who love me. DS2 and myDiL hosted because they have plenty of space in their house. As the family 'matriarch', I was totally spoiled and never had to lift a finger. My brilliant DiL shouldered most of the responsibility and I hope she is putting her weary feet up today. Their older grandson, who is turning out to be a good cook, also made his mark in the kitchen. and DS2 played Scrabble with me. I managed to get some photos of myself with all my 'descendants' because who knows when I will see them under the same roof at the same time again, given their propensity to disappear to different points of the compass.
Nowadays, it's easier to look back rather than forward and as the rear view is rosy, there's no point in speculating what next Christmas will be like.

I had a great sense of relief that our family did all get together on Christmas Eve and they all seemed to enjoy it.
So I am glad that's over and people will have some happy memories.
Mind you our singing might be better forgotten....

It's OK, you're not miserable
Your feelings are just as valid as anyone else's.

Couldn't agree more!

Didn't mean to be miserable, I want everyone to have had a good Christmas, just saying how I feel about it. As I said we are all different. I must admit even I am surprised at how many people agreed with me though. On a more positive note, I wish a very Happy and peaceful New Year to all of you.

Doodledog

Oh, I didn't see this as a thread about being miserable - more about recognition of the fact that the picturebook/TV representations of Christmas aren't always accurate, and that however much we enjoy it, Christmas can be hard work.

Maybe those who are seeing it as a miserable thread are showing their own miserable outlook?

Yes, that's exactly how I saw it too! You can be grateful for the time spent with family and friends and for any gifts received, while at the same time being relieved that the hard work may be over. I didn't take it as being miserable at all.

FGT Iam64 the baton was grabbed by my daughter last year, I was unnerved, but it was fine.A day later she rang and asked if it could be returned. So this year, back to normal, everyone helped and it was wonderful, comforting rituals and memories.

I had my second mastectomy 23rd Dec in 2022 my daughter had covi D my son and family came day after Christmas day,different Christmas that year .Hope you are feeling both mentally and bodily.

I had a lovely Xmas Day with family. Then last night on the sofa with my book, a glass of wine and cheese and biscuits I had a moment of pure bliss😺

I guess I like the contrast.

It's a realistic thread.
Nothing wrong with that.

Oh, I didn't see this as a thread about being miserable - more about recognition of the fact that the picturebook/TV representations of Christmas aren't always accurate, and that however much we enjoy it, Christmas can be hard work.

Maybe those who are seeing it as a miserable thread are showing their own miserable outlook?

Despite my moaning, we had a lovely night with our family last night. A much needed laugh.

Who says it over? Tomorrow my grandaughter is visiting, Sunday I'm off to the panto and then away to my daughter's for New Year.

We keep the trimmings and tree up until Twelfth Night on the 6th January when we have Australian family visiting.

So for us, in our family in this little corner of the world, Christmas has only just begun and I prefer it that way.

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.

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

Oh well said escaped.

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 !

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.

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

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.

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 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.