A cheerful Christmas thread. Anyone excited yet?

[ChristmasStartedAlready]

I hope this isn't insensitive...I am very sorry for those whose plans have changed or are facing Christmas alone.

However I have a whole week off work with DC and despite the shit state of things in the outside world, excitement has kicked in.

We have been debating which tub of chocolates we get this week. Quality Street currently winning.

Anyone else feeling Christmassy?

I'm feeling edgy/Christmassy.
I've already got my mother, so don't have to worry about restrictions with her.
My husband and kids are home and now off for the rest of the season.
I have a few church things to organise- outside Carol sing tonight, walk through Crib event etc.
Some Christmas cooking to do- sweets etc.

So yes, Christmas still happening here in most ways.

No....

And yes it is rather insensitive considering how many people have been plunged into Tier 4!

I was until I found out that I won’t be able to see my family. Thanks OP

Umm, no. I'll be all alone I'm afraid. Will go for a walk, maybe clean the house a bit as have nothing better to do. Might do an assignment for a course I'm doing. Anything to fill the void I suppose.

We have had plans completely change including having accommodation cancelled but now we are having our own I am determined to have festive cheer if it kills me!

So this morning we are off to a Christmas tree farm to pick and chop down a tree as we had been voluntary self isolating to ensure no risk so my toddler hasn't done anything festive.

Oh I'm really sorry. I am just with DC and my plans haven't changed because this is what our Christmas was always going to be.

I'm with you Op - there's enough misery so we need to find the festive fun. We're now not able to see family but my DCs are all school age so they're here with us and we'll have a fun time. Just grateful we're all healthy (& hope to stay that way), so we'll definitely be making the most of things.

@RudolphToldRedNoseNotSymptom sorry you are by yourself. I imagine it's going to be tough for a lot of people this year.

@ChristmasStartedAlready I’m with you. Don’t feel guilty that you will have a nice Christmas. It is of course a shame for others but you only get so many years when your kids are young. Enjoy it and make it special! You are allowed 😂

Always going to have Xmas at home. Really looking forward to it. The children are now both old enough to enjoy it and can't wait for a few days of family, food and gifts.
We'll be doing some baking this week for gifts and for us - cakes, biscuits, fudge.
I understand that lots of people have had to change and cancel plans. But this was always a possibility so shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. We're not seeing extended family at all, and if things had changed here, we'd just have to make the best of it.
I think that's always my mentality though - no use crying over spilt milk. It's happened, you can't change it so have to just get on with it.

@picklemewalnuts that sounds busy!

Yes!! For the first time in 16 years my DH is off!
He runs a hotel so works every single Xmas.
I’m so used to doing all of Xmas with just me and the kids so this year is going to be so weird having two parents to play with them!

And OP you have definitely not been insensitive by asking this question. Those saying otherwise are thinking only of themselves.

I am sad we can't see family, however my children are 6 and 3 and are SO excited, so I am also feeling the excitement!

We are here.
We've been living with extra restrictions that current tier 4 areas didn't have to live with for such a long time, but we were excited to visit family over the 5 day period. Now lots of plans have been cancelled but we can't dwell on that, we have DC to make this magical for. So while things have changed we are definitely making the most of changes, finding the silver linings in a more relaxed festive experience and embracing the change. It's going to be fantastic, warm, cosy, chilled, and magical.

Yes! We always have a quiet Christmas but I love it. It’s so cosy and we just enjoy spending time together. I’m looking forward to turkey and presents and spending some days off with my DH.

I’ve gone MAD for Christmas preparations this year so we’ve really enjoyed advent - loads of craft and church stuff (volunteering for community art projects) and cooking and music!! And we’ve watched a different Christmas film each day. I’m enjoying it! It takes my mind off REALITY, I’m not going to lie..!!!

Thanks for supportive posts.

I am. I'm in the middle of chemo, may not be able to access more treatment slots if the virus is spread more by people mixing. There are loads of people in the same boat, and in even leakier boats.

Cant have vaccine due to treatment. Cant really shield properly as real life has to happen for the rest of the family.

But I'm going to make it as good a Christmas as possible because that's all I can do.

If anything, the Christmas decorations, music, memories, food planning, presents seem even more poignant and meaningful, given these uncertain times. Last year I was more of an anticonsumerist, agnostic cynic.

So thinking of ways to get our household to have fun times to remember, and using technology to have a virtual Christmas with older relatives, friends and extended family.

It's not a competition and I do feel sorry for everyone who is not having the Christmas they hoped for after an epically awful year.

Let's just all try be kind and have understanding for everyone. We all react differently when under pressure.

I was, until yesterday. This morning I have to find a way to explain to my DSs why we can't see Nanny this Christmas. Why should people give you 'supportive' posts if you post at a sensitive time like this?

I've been struggling for things to do today for a bit of excitement and I am fully embracing the choosing of a big box of chocolates, thank you. I also know there is zero chance the DTs will be able to agree so we'll end up with at least two.

I am. It's going to be a very different Christmas this year but I am lucky in that I have my DH and kids around me. I have 2 whole weeks of not working and I'm looking forward to having a quiet and relaxing time. It's nice not to have any obligations and just be able to switch off.
I really feel for those that have had plans ruined though and especially those that are facing Christmas alone.

So upset, my DD was coming & now she is not. She is Christmas to me, I'm so sad.

I was excited until yesterday. Now spirits are a little dampened, although our personal situation isn't really affected, hoping the 'spirit' will return.
Thanks for the positive thread OP. Good idea.
We have a family birthday today so making the most of that.

I was. I'm not now. DH is a MH nurse on nights and was going shopping when he'd finished them. Shops are all shut now and I currently have no present and he'll probably go to buy some chocolates or something but it's not the same. Added bonus he's working all the days over Christmas while I look after our two overexcited then tired and grouchy children on my own now because we can't even go and see my Mum for the day.

I'll pick myself up and I'm sure it'll be fine and we'll have a different but nice time but today I'm wallowing in what I could've had and was so close to.