One thing you’ve done well this Christmas

[Thisisit777]

Let’s bolster ourselves up

For me, I’ve managed to be less stressy than I normally would.

ThAt said, we haven’t tried to build the Christmas BIG things yet 😁

You guys?

I managed to tidy the house before my parents arrived for their stay - including some longstanding piles of crap that had wanted sorting out for ages.

That is good! I have piles of crap too

I would say enjoying the run up and seeing that as ‘Christmas’ rather than pinning all expectations on one day. Made a point of meeting up with people, enjoying cosy evenings etc

Lie on the sofa watching TV. I've done a beautiful job of that!

Spent way less on presents & nothing in credit cards.

Wrapped all presents last week, so no stress tonight.

Make awesome profiteroles that look just like the picture !

Last Christmas I bought nice stuff in thinking it would’ve been easier but it took all the joy out of it.
Also I feel calmer less stressy happy that we will have a fab day whaterever life throws at us ,we have a dairy farm so businesses usu for part of the day but this year feel better about it rather than resentment x

Partied. Four things on consecutive nights 😀

Most unlike me.

I've finally stopped getting annoyed about hearing Christmas songs- Slade, Wham and so on. I haven't heard A Spaceman Came Travelling for at least two years. I guess this is because I have finally realised after over twenty years, that I don't actually dislike Christmas (I opted out years ago), but rather I don't like what Christmas does to some people. IYSWIM.
That's got to be an improvement since 1994 !

You guys are nailing this 😁

Celebrating it for the sake of my girls and painting on a smile.

Didn’t go overboard on buying food like there was going to be a shortage!

Gone to all the family things and been easy going about it. Yes, it’s a bit of a chore, so what?

All presents wrapped, all cards sent, house (and table) decorated, all food bought and although it's all pretty random, there are starters,main and pudding. What makes this an achievement is that all three of us have the cold virus from hell for over a week. It's been a real team effort. I'm very proud of us. It has been over a week of family meeting. Today it was, ok, I think I can iron the table cloth, DD saying she thought she could put the Xmas lights up, DDs partner saying she could definitely wrap the rest of the presents.

And I don't think anyone of us feels put upon. We are hoping for a quite and stress free Xmas day. Most of the food just needs bunging in the oven/hob, so, fingers crossed

Got everything ready yesterday so I have had a lovely peaceful day today 😁

I've managed to drink alot of wine. 💪

I locked myself in the kitchen this morning and made perfect sausage rolls and cheese straws whilst listening to Christmassy music. It was lovely and peaceful.

Even better, DH is convinced that I must have been slaving away selflessly and so he is insisting on cooking dinner. I am currently reclining on the sofa with a book and a Bailey's!😁

I bought my ex presents from the kids. He doesn't deserve them.

I have managed to leave all the food to DH. I am 13 days post-op and concentrating on resting up. He’s done a great job.

I have managed to be far more relaxed than usual. Two weeks ago that wasn't looking remotely possible thanks to running a retail business, but I have managed to organise my diary so I've had lots of down time.

Delegate.

Not lose my shit at arriving at my parents to discover there’s no Christmas food. We’re out at family tomorrow but there’s no nice cheese, chocolates, breads, meats, nuts etc.

I asked and asked and asked if I could order food / pay towards etc to be told it was all under control.

I’ve not lost my shit because they’re elderly and would be devestated.

Thank fuck I bought the booze.

I survived MIL's constant criticism and tutting at my clearly appalling parenting without losing my shit and telling the bitch to shut up.

I just have to get through a whole day of of on Boxing Day

This year the cooking has gone well. Good Christmas cake, home made puds, yule log. Turkey is brining, sausage meat stuffing is mixed with fresh herbs, nuts and apricots.

I'm also holding my drink exceedingly well which is unusual.

And we've managed the traditional outings to local lake, gardens & stately home which DC love.

I'm absolutely bloody knackered, so this thread was a lovely reminder of the nice stuff.

@GreenDinosaur you have my respect. I'm rubbish at holding my tongue when people criticise me doing my best. Already had a minor scrap with DFiL and I really like him!