To flake out...

[longestlurkerever]

Agh Christmas. It's fun but it's too much! Not just the present-buying and travelling but the social side. You already have work parties and carol concerts and festive gigs, and loads of things on at school/nursery, and then everyone does a mulled wine and mince pie party or says "we must meet up before Christmas, when are you free?", which is lovely but my liver and stamina can't take any more. Last night I was supposed to go from one to another and I just had to send my apologies to the second one as was knackered and worried I would make myself ill. Now I feel bad as I hate flaking and what if everyone did the same? The thing is though, I don't have a hectic social life normally. The rest of the year I spend feeling a bit lonely and would totally love to have some of these invitations to brighten up the weekend. Why does everything have to happen at once? Does anyone else feel the same or am I being a scrooge?

[N0tNowBernard]

Don't worry it's hard to fit it all in when you factor in work, family and friends - plus children's festive bits.

I've had to say to a few people we'll catch up properly in the New Year so you could always say that? It spreads it all out a bit more, plus gives you something to look forward to in depressing January. They can tell you all about how Christmas was then, too.

[longestlurkerever]

Yes I think I'll do that. The response to the text was "You will be missed xx" and I couldn't tell if that meant they were cross. At the very least they sound disappointed. I didn't make an excuse, just told the truth, but it does sound a bit lame. I'll send a follow up this morning to see if they want to make an alternative plan.

[N0tNowBernard]

Also you definitely are not being unreasonable. It can all get a bit much and exhausting.

I'm ashamed to say I was posting a card to a friend (her car was on the drive so likely in) and I just posted and ran! DS was in the car (DS is 3) and I didn't have the time/energy for a half hour chat that ensued. I did want to wish them a merry Christmas though! Just bloody knackered!