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

I adore outside lights and walking or driving past them however. I feel fortunate to be able to please myself!

Fortunately my DS and family go up to Scotland with the other grandparents, I could go (I would if it was popping over locally but its 7 hours in the car) but prefer to wait till after Christmas or my January birthday.

(shudder) I like to prepare bit by bit. And I'll do my best to avoid everything shopping wise near the time, but the couple of days before veg run.

I’m the opposite ViceVersa. I find the preparation period wearing, mainly because I’m a last minute Annie and I’m running about trying to get everything done. Come 3pm on Christmas Eve, I’m a new woman, everything is done and I kick back and enjoy what will be over a week of family time with no agenda to fulfil. I love it.

REKA

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*

That's how I've always felt about xmas. I honestly hate it - even as a child, there always seemed to be this big build-up to what inevitably turned out to be a complete anti-climax. If left to my own devices, I'd happily take myself off somewhere until it's all over, but I always give in to the family's expectations.

Perhaps love the lights.

Saw this earlier 😂

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.

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!

Well said!

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Pittcity

My tree is up...

in the loft for at least another fortnight!

🤣🤣

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.

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.

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.

Happy birthday auntirE

My tree is up...

in the loft for at least another fortnight!

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.

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

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.