Anyone else overjoyed they might be able to escape "Big family Christmas"?

[BlueDream]

I am fist pumping at the thought of a legit excuse to not have a massive extended family knackering Christmas.

Eugh it means MIL will come stay with us (FIL died earlier this year so she defo won’t be alone) and that I can’t see my folks for dinner 😞

No. Seeing as I'm single and DS will be at his dad's this year so I will probably be on my own! Would normally go to my parents in that situation but my grandad is going there this year so if the 2 household rule is still in place I can't.

I love big family Christmases. This year is going to be shit.

After last year's debacle, I vowed never again. It's an ill wind that blows no good, eh! Wahahahahahahah

Yes!
It's been a beautiful barrier to avoid pushy unpleasant people ie in laws.
Yes, I'm doing an un characteristic american style fist pump.. Or pump of something 😂😂 I'm thrilled...

I do however understand, for those with family they adore its a tough time.

Wax on,

Are you working? Can you isolate before Xmas?

This could be the thing that makes me content about lockdown restrictions. Fucking hate Christmas and only make effort for our children, otherwise I wouldn't do a single festive thing. The possibility of not being able to socialise at Christmas time makes me feel happy...because no matter how much you tell people you hate Christmas and only make an effort for and around children they still get offended when you don't participate. This might be the first Christmas in memory when I don't upset someone by turning down an invite!

Splendid I am working up until the 23rd, unfortunately I can't WFH (I'm in manufacturing) so I can't isolate

Every year I get stressed about the thought of it so much that start to look at flights......then I go with the whole family thing and it’s usually ok. This year though......it’s a no brainer! goes off to look at Christmas breaks

I’ll be honest, I was hoping it would be banned outright. It’s a load of shite at the best of times but really really can’t be arsed with it this year.

Yes/ let’s save granny by making her spend her last Christmas when terminally ill home alone

@JustCallMeGriffin

This could be the thing that makes me content about lockdown restrictions. Fucking hate Christmas and only make effort for our children, otherwise I wouldn't do a single festive thing. The possibility of not being able to socialise at Christmas time makes me feel happy...because no matter how much you tell people you hate Christmas and only make an effort for and around children they still get offended when you don't participate. This might be the first Christmas in memory when I don't upset someone by turning down an invite!

Yes yes!

@Chocolatecake12

Every year I get stressed about the thought of it so much that start to look at flights......then I go with the whole family thing and it’s usually ok. This year though......it’s a no brainer! goes off to look at Christmas breaks

We go away every other year. Usually to somewhere that doesn’t do Xmas. Bliss.

Yes!!!!!

Have avoided it for years but this time stepson and his partner might be coming here. I have been dreading the prospect of abusive FIL and sarky judgement-oh, you’re cooking turkey- vegetarian SIL insisting on joining them.

No I'm a single mum and we love going to see all our family at Christmas. It's just going to be another shitty day just the 4 of us. I'm not coping with the loneliness at the moment as you can maybe tell.

Yes and no. Yes so my social anxiety dosn't flare up but no as I'd want to be with my mum.

I'm torn.

On the one hand I'm sad we won't get to see my husband's family at all this year (they live a 9 hour drive from us, and we normally spend the whole festive period with them). His parents are very elderly and quite frail, so it's been tough not getting to visit. We would normally have seen them at least twice already this year, and not going in December will be difficult. However, they're both fretting about us travelling already, so I suspect we'll stay home to stop them worrying.

On the other hand, I'm genuinely anticipating with pleasure a quiet, at home festive period with no draining travel and no strange beds, mad parties and busy schedule, and a lot more resting and relaxing for us.

Most of my rule following friends have said there is no way in hell they'll be sticking to the rules on Xmas Day if they're restrictive. I think there'll be an awful lot of people thinking that way to be honest.

I find it sad that so many of you dislike your families. There are just three of us, and every Christmas is quiet and boring
I have a very unsociable husband so we only have a small group of friends. I have my own friends, but at Christmas and new year they are with their extended families, and every year I get FOMO and feel trapped because we never do anything. I make the best of it of course, but TBH I hate Christmas and new year.

No I love my family, but they do a very big, loud, contrived Xmas and I find it hard work, that’s all.

No. All my Christmas's have been with my mum, dad and siblings (3) and as the years have gone by their other halves and kids. The thought of it being just me and kids (or worse, me, ex and kids) makes me want to cry.

Yes I’ll be thrilled!

The one good thing to come out of all this. Will miss all the pre-Christmas socialising with friends though.

I know what you mean OP. That said, I feel for people who will be alone.

Yes! I am looking forward to it being just the kids and I this year, a roast beef dinner (NO TURKEY!) with whatever desserts they want, the sofa, wine and endless TV. We've had a very very rough year over and above Covid. We would normally spend it with family and be away for a few days. While I normally love this, it is very stressful and involves a lot of shopping, packing and driving. I am really really looking forward to not doing that this year.