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Original poster

Is anyone else really looking forward to or focusing on Christmas?

106 replies

Pearsapiece · 08/08/2020 07:38

It feels like the only constant at the moment and it's helping me through to think of all the things we will definitely be able to do, no matter what state of lockdown we are in.
We will still be able to snuggle down with Xmas films and eat twigletts. The kids will still have stockings, all be it they may contain a roll of loo roll and some pasta each! We may not be able to see extended family but will have our immediate families and the good old Xmas re runs of the two Ronnies. The Xmas markets are probably a no go but that will save me loads of money in things I don't need and instead can order online for the kids.
I don't know why, but everything between now and then seems like a maybe but Christmas seems like the only thing we will definitely have as something we recognise.
Is anyone else focusing on Xmas? What are you most looking forward to that you know you will be able to do?

OP posts:
SoloMummy · 10/08/2020 18:56

@RoryGilmoresEvilTwin

No. I'm a lp with 1 child. The thought of spending christmas alone is too depressing to contemplate. It would honestly just feel like every other dull day, albeit with slightly better food and ds would have gifts. Christmas alone would be a very sad affair.

If I had a husband/partner i would probably feel differently. I already feel as though we're not a 'proper' family because it's just the two of us.

I so feel the same on this.
GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 10/08/2020 19:28

Santa won’t be affected, his magic will blast any little bastard Covid bugs into outer space.
So no need to worry.

thedaywewillremeber · 10/08/2020 19:36

I love Christmas but I think it will be very different this year. These already Christmas events being cancelled local to me.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Events & celebrations
mmgirish · 10/08/2020 22:29

@GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER

I’ve been knitting Christmassy things since the beginning of lockdown. It did feel strange at that time of year at first, but it was something cheerful to do. Much of it was supposed to be donations for Gdcs’ school Christmas fairs, which probably won’t happen now, but heigh ho, they will keep, or I’ll give them away. Here’s one of my Jolly Snowmen wreaths.
That's so lovely! You are very talented.
Swelteringmeltering · 11/08/2020 07:27

Yes op, go to Xmas boards here they are fantastic!!

I've made Christmas out of very little in tough times. So corona, unless my immediate family come down with it, won't affect our Christmas. We never have turkey anyway! We can eat anything... It's the decorations, the music...

What I will miss however is a tree, a real tree but we could of course buy a fake one.
For us we get enormous pressure from in laws who non of us are fond of, so it actually takes that pressure off us.

Swelteringmeltering · 11/08/2020 07:30

I don't think any lone parent family's would have to spend it alone?
Having said that when I was younger after parents divorce, dm most certainly didn't make it like any other day!
Even when we lost our beautiful house with the real fire... Dm made it special... It's the decorations, lighting... Music... Anticipation!
It can be special even with two! Get a cracking film on, silly games.. Even for teens!

PaddyF0dder · 11/08/2020 07:33

No.

I know my parents likely won’t be able to make it over for xmas. Kind of don’t really see the point of it this year.

Ginfordinner · 11/08/2020 07:35

No. TBH I don't really enjoy Christmas. It is usually a low key non event for the three of us. DD is 20 and has no siblings, we have no family nearby, there won't be any build up to Christmas at work this year as we are all working from home, as there are no new TV programmes being made there won't even be anything to look forward to watching.

Christmas is overrated unless you have children IMO.

SnuggyBuggy · 11/08/2020 07:39

I'm more worried for DH as he grew up with big family Christmases. A few years back I could only get the bank holidays off and refused to travel 200 miles to his family. They couldn't be arsed to come to us despite being retired and it was just the two of us. He put a good face on but absolutely hated it.

MrsH497 · 11/08/2020 07:45

Yes really looking forward to Christmas. We love it anyway but had our first baby 13 weeks ago so this year even more special. Given the end of my pregnancy, birth and now maternity leave has been hugely affected by Covid I really hope Christmas isn't.

RoseMartha · 11/08/2020 08:00

I cant think that far ahead. Possibly because I know I have to move in the next month or so and that is as far as I can manage to think about at the moment .

stayathomer · 11/08/2020 08:03

I'm a bit torn on Christmas, yes, and yes to the 'all you need are goodies and a Christmas movie' but chances are won't see family or if we do that there'll be issues as it might not be safe to have family over and they will come anyway

stayathomer · 11/08/2020 08:06

(And I hate to be thinking anyone shouldn't come)

thecatsthecats · 11/08/2020 08:09

Ooh, I might need to buy that book.

I always hate it when people say 'it's just a day'. Not in my family it wasn't!

Advent calendars from Dec 1st.
Sweets from St Nick on Dec 6th.
My birthday.
Carol singing round local houses with friends.
Christmas Eve with the Christingle Service and Midnight Mass.
Christmas Day.
Boxing Day get together with friends.
NYE party.
NYD walk with local group.
Twelfth Night Party.

And those were just the fixed events! Tis the SEASON.

I'm secretly looking forward to Christmas more, because it's my ILs turn to have us, and I think lockdown restrictions will make it more likely that we won't have to go round to their friends on the day. (which I'm sure is lovely for them, but I think my MIL would happily have us go to see her friends forever rather than acknowledge that my family and our friends exist).

amieejust · 11/08/2020 08:16

Can't really think that far ahead yet but likely to be just another day for DH and me, especially if both still unemployed then and social distancing still in place. Family over 100 miles away, no parties, no meals out...nothing to look forward to really Sad

MaudesMum · 11/08/2020 08:17

Nope.

I've said this before, on another board, but one of the things I do at Christmas is help out at a large community Christmas lunch - for people who are skint or living in hostels or just lonely. Everyone gets a lot out of it, including the many who find and cook the food, who decorate the room, who serve the food and mingle with the guests. I can't see it happening this year, and, whilst I'm sure things will be done to make sure people in need get Christmas meals and gifts, I suspect a lot more people will be sitting at home alone this Christmas, and that really saddens me.

whenwillthemadnessend · 11/08/2020 08:21

Some parts will be lovely. The homely parts. But I'll miss a trip to the theatre or ballet. Going for meals out with various friends. My work do prob won't happen which is a massive event themed with amazing food and entertainment Sad

Rainbowb · 11/08/2020 08:24

No I find Christmas stressful - the huge expense, the same rituals over and over, having to spend lots of time with mil - she invites herself to sleep over at ours, even did it last year when I was very poorly with a fever. I feel I have even less energy for it this year.

Seeleyboo · 11/08/2020 08:25

My son is in the forces and for the first time he will be away for xmas. My other son decided last xmas he would go away this year. So for me to have 3 of my 5 children will make it very different.

Burnthurst187 · 11/08/2020 08:30

Last Christmas was the worst Christmas I've ever had. Nearly all of mine and DP's family caught a 24 hr vomiting bug over the period of five days

MIL and my Father both had it Christmas Day and I had it one or two days before. Christmas Day was cancelled and we had the meal on Boxing Day, it was very subdued and I think a few there were still feeling very delicate. Aunts, brothers and a gran also had it

Hopefully this year things will be better

YellowandGreenToBeSeen · 11/08/2020 08:52

Nope. I’m not a huge fan anyway but I’m single, no kids and live alone. Elderly and highly vulnerable parents live at opposite end of the country so I’ll be alone and so will they.

Once we get past Bonfire Night, I’d like to fast forward to the end of February ta.

Mommabear20 · 11/08/2020 08:57

@miimblemomble

No, because we are in France and all our family are in the UK! We haven’t seen them since February, and are pinning our hopes on being able to visit at Christmas. We have booked very cheap flights, and will be on tenterhooks until December.

I’m hoping for the best, preparing for the worst :-/

I feel for you! My dad lives in France and hasn't been able to come over and meet my DD yet who was born in June :( still no idea when he'll be able to come as he's classed as vulnerable so has to make sure it's truly safe before traveling. Fingers crossed he and your family get over soon!
userxx · 11/08/2020 08:59

Once we get past Bonfire Night, I’d like to fast forward to the end of February ta.

Same.

Ginfordinner · 11/08/2020 09:09

@userxx

Once we get past Bonfire Night, I’d like to fast forward to the end of February ta.

Same.

And here as well
CrimeCantCrackItself · 11/08/2020 09:14

@Rosehassometoes

Will you be selling any wreaths? *@GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER*
This! Do you have any angel or nativity ones?! I love it! You are very talented!
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