Feeling anxious about Christmas

[ButILikeGlitter]

I don't know why?

We spend Christmas as a family in our home. It's fairly low key and the Christmas food is often simple to make. I can't pinpoint what is making me feel anxious about it.

I have most gifts ready for our dc and a few left to get for family, nothing major.

Every year as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed the lead up to Christmas and even as an adult felt excited. So why am I suddenly feeling anxious and dread? Im waking up at crazy times and worrying about the fact Christmas is coming ever closer.

Christmas music has started on the radio and I had to turn it off as it almost made me cry. Our dc love to hear the Christmas songs in the car so I will listen for their enjoyment.

Anyone else feeling like this?

I am dreading Christmas. But that’s because my mum died in December last year. Although last Christmas was my first Christmas without her I think I was in shock and it didn’t really register. Just keep bursting into tears, every time I even think about it.

In general, though, I don’t think the news/media etc is helping anything. There’s nothing good to report. Even if you almost have everything ready for Christmas there’s so many problems at the moment any large and expensive event feels like it’s looming rather than something to look forward to.

When I am feeling anxious but can't pinpoint why, I go through all the possible reasons. When I get to the real one it helps me be calmer.

So money, seeing relatives, worry about the 'right' presents, not wanting to cook, tidying, etc.

Or menopause? (but you don't sound old enough).