Somebody asked me today if I was all ready for Christmas?

I love Christmas as all my family do.I just don't enjoy the shopping with all the crowds, so I shop online, I have all my presents bought and wrapped, I buy food in from start of november . ordered my turkey 2 weeks ago. This Christmas day, OH and I will sit back while the family dish up the food
( and the drink )

It’s ridiculous and like the budget, it’ll be over before it’s begun! Christmas, realistically, is just a day for most people and then they forget about it. Why so much planning?! It reflects the ludicrous society we have created and sends me spiralling into depression. When will we be able to appreciate the moment instead of always looking forward (and trying to control it?!) . TBH if it wasn’t for my young grandchildren, I’d give it all a miss…and I don’t mind if anyone accuses me of being miserable!

Booja booja? the most delectable chocolates in lovely boxes, also suitable for vegans.

I have bought a small box of 8 for myself, only one a day

Some people do baking in advance. Christmas cake, pudding, mince pies etc. I love the idea of it. But I was never a good baker and can't do any cooking now. I can't have dried fruit or chocolate. So can't even eat most Christmas treats. Boo!
I am keen to simplify down a little each year. But I like the lights etc. they are lovely at the darkest time of the year in the north, in Scotland, where I am. In little can be more, I think. We can take what we each want from Christmas and enjoy it

Sometimes I find the Christmas music a bit of a trigger, depending on my mood.It can make me feel so sad and miss times past and loved ones .Other times I can sing along !

It makes me a little bit sad when I hear how many people say "it's just a day". The Christmas season lasts at least 12 days and for some more than that. Over that time we have visits from family that have to be planned. Baking and other cooking to be done. Presents must be considered, bought and wrapped in time for posting to distant children and grandchildren. A Christmas tree bought, brought in and decorated. Carol service and sometimes children's nativity plays to attend..... the list is almost endless.

Nowadays I'm surprised people assume that everyone celebrates Christmas. With the worry of offending someone and being "politically correct" it's better not to mention the holidays to strangers.

I think I could raise some enthusiasm for Christmas if it was say, once every four years , a bit like the Olympics. It comes around far too quickly, and IMO starts far far too early. However I’m well aware that some people love it, as does a very close friend who also has a birthday on the 13th. Still, it’s the shortest day before too long and it will soon be January.

Some people enjoy looking forward to things. Anticipation can be joyous in itself.

My answer to this question is , and always has been, "No, I refuse to think about Christmas until AFTER my birthday." (today).

The time from the 27th November to the 24th December is ample for my Christmas preparations and always has been, both for me and for my mother, when I was a child.

My tree is up...

in the loft for at least another fortnight!

Happy birthday auntirE

Stillness

It’s ridiculous and like the budget, it’ll be over before it’s begun! Christmas, realistically, is just a day for most people and then they forget about it. Why so much planning?! It reflects the ludicrous society we have created and sends me spiralling into depression. When will we be able to appreciate the moment instead of always looking forward (and trying to control it?!) . TBH if it wasn’t for my young grandchildren, I’d give it all a miss…and I don’t mind if anyone accuses me of being miserable!

Totally agree with you.

Reply to a stitch in time
Why not ask relatives to bring starter or pudding unless they wish to volunteer to do the full Xmas dinner at theirs as it's starting to get too onerous. They could take the hint.

I love Christmas but not the shops selling stuff in October and decorations going up in early November. My tree will go up on about the 15th December along with door wreath etc. My family are all couple of hundred miles away and have their own families and grand kids so presents will go via Amazon. My daughter and 27 year old GD Will be staying over from Xmas eve to boxing night. Ill go to midnight mass then we will eat and play games and binge watch tv. The decorations will stay up until Epiphany. When I was a child my parents put up the tree and decorations on xmas eve it was soo exciting the celebrations lasted days with family, friends and neighbours visiting over the 12 days. I really think it intensified the season as it was only 12 days. Oddly the presents were much smaller but they were special I remember huge gatherings at my grandmother's.

Pittcity

My tree is up...

in the loft for at least another fortnight!

🤣🤣

Maremia

Some people enjoy looking forward to things. Anticipation can be joyous in itself.

So true!

My grandma would always quote anticipation is better than realisation

I have a very small family to buy for I start shopping/decorating anything to do with C on the 1st December. My daughter, a Christmas baby put her decorations up 1st November she is potty about Christmas

My daughter's birthday is December 2nd so I don't do much about Christmas till that's over. I've made the cake and bought a few cards, but that's all so far. I've only got a few cards that need posting and just presents for the immediate family.

AuntieE

My answer to this question is , and always has been, "No, I refuse to think about Christmas until AFTER my birthday." (today).

The time from the 27th November to the 24th December is ample for my Christmas preparations and always has been, both for me and for my mother, when I was a child.

Happy birthday Auntie E.

If Gransnet allowed the emoji for hysterical laughter this post would be a row of them.

We’re all different, you do what you want
to do and allow others to do their own thing. Question was a friendly thing some people ask at this time of year. I understand it is a stressful time for some and they need to plan ahead

Well said!

Desdemona

Whaaat?

It's the 24th of November.

Will people start asking in June next year?

Ah, but the retailers are rubbing their hands the earlier it gets!

I can't see Christmas being done away with. It's a positive time of year and something most enjoy and look forward to. At this dark time of year, all the decorations really brighten things up. I know it can be difficult especially for women, so much is expected of us. Having to put up with people you dislike spoils things. In many cases, I think families should split up and just spend the day with those they really like.
I'm on my own now but have just bought a new Christmas tree, to add to the two I already have. Every year I make new decorations. This year I have discovered crystal art and have a Christmas scene ready to display.