Apart from the obvious restrictions, how is your Christmas different this year?

[EternalOptimist7]

I have mixed feelings this year. It’s only ever 5 of us on the big day anyway so that’s ok but the build up is so different. I’m not even having any meals out etc with friends & haven’t looked into any fairs, carol concerts etc. Usually I’m well up for anything festive. There’s still time for me to get more into the spirit! 🎄🎄🎄

Honestly not posting for sympathy, but my 24 year old son died (suddenly and unexpectedly) on Christmas Day last year.
I just hope that this will help to put into perspective some of the sentiments about ‘Christmas not being the same’. Also hope that it might make people think about what is really important, during the festive season.....and beyond.

Christmas Day is as always. The 3 of us.

We aren’t having people beyond my sister and her kids on 27/12. I usually have about 25-30 here.

Nothing at school.

No panto.

No work nights out.

No Christmas shopping in Town/lights/festive market/glass of wine.

@stitchinguru that's incredibly sad. I'm so sorry 😢

It will be smaller as just 5 of us instead of 10-12

I dont have to do anything this year. I'm having surgery in the morning and no lifting etc for 4-6 weeks so I get to drink tea and watch DP do the wrapping, cleaning, cooking etc

@stitchinguru so sorry for your loss. X

@stitchinguru, I'm so sorry, that so sad.

@stitchinguru
Unfortunately I've been to 2 (streamed) funerals of 24 year olds this Summer. The pain is immense. I can't begin to believe how much more so that is when it was on Christmas day. My heart goes out to you

No school concerts, work Xmas party or days out during the holidays.

Christmas Eve to Boxing Day for us will be totally normal for us. We host my parents and sibling and her family.

The real kiss to us is not seeing the rest of the family who get together for Hogmanay.

And the religious members of the family miss out on church.

No panto
No works do 👍
My family and DH's family are ignoring the Xmas restrictions

@stitchinguru I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how you feel.

It's the first year having now lost both my parents. That will be different as will so many other things but we have lots of good memories. I usually love all the social Christmas things but they can wait till it's safer.

DH is working Xmas eve, Xmas day and boxing day nightshift, he will see the kids open their presents when he gets home from his first night on, then off to bed. SIL usually pops over for a while on the day but is going away over the holiday with my other SIL - she was widowed earlier this year so wants to get away altogether and do something different. So it'll just be the kids and I for most of the day until I pop round to my DSis for dinner but I'm looking forward to it being a but lower key this year.

Have just read your post stitching, I'm so sorry for your loss

No different at all.
Just me,my son and his dad coming round.
Quiet and just how we like it.