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Original poster

I hate christmas

119 replies

In234Out23456 · 06/12/2025 16:50

Things I hate about Christmas …

the routine.
things we have done for the last 30 odd years. Not because any of it is pleasurable but because that’s What We Do. Any suggestion there is a comfortable change is met with absolute horror. Fuckers.

the expectation that we have to see everyone on one day. Most of these people I don’t see from one year to the next. Some of them I don’t even like. Hundreds of them. and they try and hug or kiss ffs. Why? Why would they do that?

In the car, out, sit cramped and loud, exchange presents nobody gives a shite about and are destined for the charity shop. On to the next house and repeat.
this sounds nasty and ungrateful but really, what shit can you buy for a tenner for someone you don’t like much? WHAT’S THE POINT????
Too many people in each house. So many.

Too many presents. I get it. He likes it. He’s passed on this to the DCs and they like it. Everyone is kind and generous but I hate it.
Too. Much.
and then it sits in piles for days and days. And the expectation that I join in and do the same.

ancient in-laws with dementia. Crankier by the year. I do love them but why do they always have to come to us when there are numerous other relatives they could go to. But no, This Is What We Do. Again. And FiL will bang on about the dead dog again (and again and again).

The timings.
because He does the cooking he gets to decide what happens when.

I DO NOT WANT TO EAT A FULL MEAL AT 3 PM.

That is neither lunch nor dinner. I will be hungry at a normal time. That means I either have to stay hungry and drink on an empty stomach, or eat and then I’m not hungry for the feast.

somebody will leave chocolate out and the dog will eat it resulting in yet another vet trip. Again. FiL I’m looking at you.

after a day of merriment He will proceed to drink too much. Mostly in response to having to deal with the ancient relatives. And then he will peacefully go to sleep in a chair while I clear up.

NOBODY LIKES SPROUTS

the last 10 years I have volunteered to work. Which is shitty but an excellent reason to bugger off for a few hours. This year I haven’t got work as an excuse. On the other hand no work means I can drink myself into oblivion but then risk actuallly murdering people.

OP posts:
Glow23 · 08/12/2025 07:48

DuchessofStaffordshire · 06/12/2025 18:22

I do feel for you. We're doing away with tradition this year and heading out for a nice long run and a boot buffet in the car with a few nice nibbles. We'll get home, light the fire, open some bubbly and have a nice relaxing evening with some yummy snacks. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea but it's actually the first Christmas I'm really looking forward to.

We are doing things differently this year too, removing all the things people moan about. We are cooking our christmas meats on the 24th then eating them cold with cheeses,crackers,olives,pickles etc. No cooking, no washing up!

PersephoneParlormaid · 08/12/2025 07:39

After last Xmas I said I wasn’t buying presents for my kids, I was just giving them money. Guess what, I’m tying myself up in knots again trying to find things to buy them!
Im happy to eat everyone’s sprouts, I love them.
And no, it’s not right to eat at 3pm, we’ve always had ours at 5pm. Earlier than normal, but not so late that we’ll be washing up late.

CautiousLurker2 · 08/12/2025 07:37

Just claim you have a tummy bug/migraine and can’t join. You’s hate the oldies to catch it… Let every one else go and while you have a quiet day on the sofa.

HighLadyofTheNightCourt · 08/12/2025 07:31

I absolutely love Christmas and the traditions we have with our friends and family.
But we all love Christmas and love spending time with each other so it doesn’t seem forced or fake.
I honestly think if we deviated from our Christmas routines our kids world revolt 😂

lemonraspberry · 08/12/2025 07:11

Yes - it is so forced and fake. Have to suck it up as 'it's Christmas'. spends days with relatives who barely acknowledge you the rest of the year. I refused it all last year and it was great. Went for lovely walk, met people in the pub, had a Christmas pie and some crumble.

The ' Happy Christmas phone call' from the rest of the family was at 7pm - not Christmas morning, no. That time in the evening when everyone is bored and needs something to do. I ignored it.

Fontet · 08/12/2025 07:03

My hubby and I have a lovely walk down the beach, with a drink of choice of course...🎄🍾 then home to watch tv with the dog. Hubby will then cook our steak and chips etc before we relax for the evening. Absolutely perfect just the two of us and our boy. No expectations, no excessive noise, no having to talk for HOURS to people I just don't like...I could also go on 🤗. Honestly, just say no, make the day yours and enjoy. Life is just way too short. X

BobblyBobbleHat · 08/12/2025 06:29

I mean I love Christmas, apart from the sprouts. Could you just do it his way and your way every other year? How old are your children? I think part of the reason I love it so much is dd's enjoyment of everything.

Userxyd · 08/12/2025 06:14

Could you fake flu and a migraine and just stay at home all day with dim lighting and gentle music? All of that would make me ill anyway so not exactly faking. You have a right to do what you want - your DH might actually like it too. You could start your illness on 23rd and take to your bed for a few hours and just start moping about so it’s not a shock on the day - it’s a bad strain this year with aching bones and headache and shivery/hot etc.

Bluebellsparklypant · 08/12/2025 06:02

Bubble bath and chocolates for everyone’s presents (accept for the dogs) , the old relatives will be dead soon, one more Christmas you’ll be fine. Book your holiday next year and bugger the routine and expectations

EleanorReally · 08/12/2025 06:01

its your christmas too
that is the mantra i tell myself

also agree, 3 pm,
such a rubbish time to eat

EasilyRemedied · 08/12/2025 05:58

BlahBlah2025 · 06/12/2025 18:10

Can’t stand it either.

I don’t know why. It’s the build up and routines and rituals of it all that maybe gets to me.

as you say “It’s What We Do”.

Just makes me sigh. With despair.

I liked it when the kids were little but now it feels like a lot of fuss for nothing, I don’t even like turkey.

this year we are going out. You’ve only got one life OP. Maybe put your foot down. And say no?

Thankfully, ‘what we do’ is NEVER have turkey. No one likes it.

XWKD · 08/12/2025 05:51

Can you make little changes?

Why not have Christmas dinner at a time that suits you? I'd hate to have a full meal in the afternoon.

abbynabby23 · 08/12/2025 04:51

In234Out23456 · 06/12/2025 16:50

Things I hate about Christmas …

the routine.
things we have done for the last 30 odd years. Not because any of it is pleasurable but because that’s What We Do. Any suggestion there is a comfortable change is met with absolute horror. Fuckers.

the expectation that we have to see everyone on one day. Most of these people I don’t see from one year to the next. Some of them I don’t even like. Hundreds of them. and they try and hug or kiss ffs. Why? Why would they do that?

In the car, out, sit cramped and loud, exchange presents nobody gives a shite about and are destined for the charity shop. On to the next house and repeat.
this sounds nasty and ungrateful but really, what shit can you buy for a tenner for someone you don’t like much? WHAT’S THE POINT????
Too many people in each house. So many.

Too many presents. I get it. He likes it. He’s passed on this to the DCs and they like it. Everyone is kind and generous but I hate it.
Too. Much.
and then it sits in piles for days and days. And the expectation that I join in and do the same.

ancient in-laws with dementia. Crankier by the year. I do love them but why do they always have to come to us when there are numerous other relatives they could go to. But no, This Is What We Do. Again. And FiL will bang on about the dead dog again (and again and again).

The timings.
because He does the cooking he gets to decide what happens when.

I DO NOT WANT TO EAT A FULL MEAL AT 3 PM.

That is neither lunch nor dinner. I will be hungry at a normal time. That means I either have to stay hungry and drink on an empty stomach, or eat and then I’m not hungry for the feast.

somebody will leave chocolate out and the dog will eat it resulting in yet another vet trip. Again. FiL I’m looking at you.

after a day of merriment He will proceed to drink too much. Mostly in response to having to deal with the ancient relatives. And then he will peacefully go to sleep in a chair while I clear up.

NOBODY LIKES SPROUTS

the last 10 years I have volunteered to work. Which is shitty but an excellent reason to bugger off for a few hours. This year I haven’t got work as an excuse. On the other hand no work means I can drink myself into oblivion but then risk actuallly murdering people.

I mean you can choose how you want to spent Christmas! If you don’t like when other people invite you, you can host and decide the rules. I don’t have the same experience. Every Christmas I host, we have food that all of us like rather than the traditional, we exchange presents only with the closest people that they buy useful things (for the rest we ask no presents but to contribute with desserts & alcohol), we usually invite for Christmas lunch both family and friends. We also have 3 kids that are still young and make it even more fun.

Errolwasahero · 07/12/2025 22:53

I’m entirely with you op except for the sprouts. You need to roast them, preferably with smoked paprika and garlic. 😍

Sort out what you want and do it next year!

bleakmidwintering · 07/12/2025 22:51

Our Xmas is just the 4 of us. I don’t have elderly relatives on the day and I don’t do visits on the day. Anything like that is done a few days before. You’ve made a rod for your own back.

Branwells77 · 07/12/2025 22:40

OP this sounds horrendous and I honestly couldn’t stand it. I don’t think you actually hate Christmas I think you hate what that represents in your family you need to put a stop to it it’s clearly causing you stress and if I’ve learned anything over the years is stop doing something you don’t like or enjoy to please others because you become resentful I hope things change for you OP so you can enjoy Christmas

Alwaytired44 · 07/12/2025 22:30

Pretend you’re working and going sit somewhere further day enjoying the peace and quiet!

FlyingApple · 07/12/2025 21:17

I used to dislike Christmas until I started spending it with only people that I actually like. That changed everything and now I really enjoy it again.

Joeninety · 07/12/2025 21:16

YorkshireGoldDrinker · 07/12/2025 20:52

"NOBODY LIKES SPROUTS"

Preach!

Yeah I know, lots of people like them, but for me they're fart grenades.

They also make a good prank during Halloween, by the way. Save up some Ferrero Rocher foils and wrap sprouts in them. It's up there with dipping onions in toffee or dipping chocolate and serving them as toffee apples.

Never ever used to, but now love them, possibly even more than the meat !

Doyouthinktheyknow · 07/12/2025 21:06

I’m not a fan either but I don’t do any of the stuff you feel obliged to do so not sure what I hate!

I’m also happiest when I can work and ignore it which I’m doing this year. Boxing Day will be chilling out at home and we will have a Christmas dinner but probably evening time and I’ll be off to the gym in the morning. Basically I try to please myself and let it pass me by. My dc are adults and they seem as nonplussed as me!

silkysoft · 07/12/2025 21:02

Bloody hell OP this sounds like literal torture. I am not surprised you are fed up and hate Christmas.

We have thrown all routine out of the window and our Christmases are glorious now as a result. Sometimes we go away, sometimes we stay home. Last year we ate pizza for Christmas dinner - it was gorgeous. This year H and I are not buying gifts for each other, we are pooling our money instead for a romantic beach holiday later in the year which we will enjoy far more than some bottle of perfume that I am perfectly capable of buying for myself.

Christmas doesn't have to be this shitty yearly tedious routine - liberate yourself and see how much fun Christmas can really be!

BunnyLake · 07/12/2025 20:59

It does sound awful. My Christmases have usually been very straightforward and at home, no visiting anyone on Christmas Day, no going into debt over it, no tat - requested present only. Thankfully we’re not a family who must have traditions set in stone.

ChocolateSqueezyyogurts · 07/12/2025 20:57

I hate it when people say "I have to do this" or "I really dont know what to buy for xxxxx" if you dong want to do something Just don't do it, if its that much of a struggle finding a gift for someone don't buy them anything! I hate buying tat for buying sake. I buy for my kids and DP and that's it. If I see something nice that my parents might like I'll buy it for them but we dont really exchange gifts so it's not expected.

Lovesacake · 07/12/2025 20:57

You’re doing Christmas all wrong! You’re supposed to plan a day full of things/people you love….yours sounds the exact opposite of that

fruitfly3 · 07/12/2025 20:54

I don’t like it either. The buying, the excess, the decorating, the elf - all the parties and expectation of #makingmemories. My DH being indignant because I refuse to make a Xmas lunch and don’t want to cook at all on that day. We have a small and dysfunctional family and it’s just a sad time of year for me amidst the cost images of families having a laugh and playing games together.