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Original poster

Does anyone else badly need their Christmas spirit jump-starting? Can we inspire each other?

48 replies

sprigatito · 14/12/2023 19:25

I'm normally a massive Christmas person, by this time in December I'm usually deeply engrossed in baking, sweetmaking, homemade decorations etc. The tree would normally have gone up a week ago. This year I just feel so flat and sad and empty. The tree arrived yesterday and we haven't decorated it yet. The only Christmas baking I've done is the Christmas cake.

There are various things bothering me I suppose... just getting over covid again, ds2 is working on Christmas Eve so our usual traditions won't happen for the first time ever. I had my dad's partner on the phone this morning upset because his Alzheimer's is getting worse really quickly and she's had to break the news to him all over again that his best friend died last year. He's arriving here on the 19th to spend Christmas ( his partner will go and have a break with her daughter and join us on the 28th) and I'm nervous about looking after him and making sure he takes his medication etc. DH is working crazy hours (we both work from home) and is so stressed, his asthma is worse since Covid and I'm worried about him. Both adult dc are here and I just want my mojo back, I want to fill the house with Christmas and make everyone feel better...but I also want to go back to bed and not have to see anyone 😞

Is anyone else struggling this year? Can we have some solidarity and maybe give each other a boost?

OP posts:
Original poster
sprigatito · 14/12/2023 19:27

Here's a picture of my Christmas cake for starters... did it before the "meh" set in.

Does anyone else badly need their Christmas spirit jump-starting? Can we inspire each other?
OP posts:
Wittow · 14/12/2023 19:30

Well you need to give yourself a massive pat on the back for that beautiful cake creation!! Simply lovely!

I am feeling very grinch like so will watch for inspiration... 😒

Piseag123 · 14/12/2023 19:30

@sprigatito your Christmas cake looks delicious 😋 and no you are not alone a few people feel exactly like you do, try not worry though I’m sure your mojo will come back in time for your Christmas celebrations, and I’m sure that you and your family will have an amazing time! I 🎄

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instantick · 14/12/2023 19:31

im usually jingly jangly tinsel tits but were poorly constantly debbie down must be a worldwide thing

instantick · 14/12/2023 19:32

@Wittow ive literally put the grinch on about 40mins ago to feel christmassy

BIWI · 14/12/2023 19:33

What a beautiful cake!

Original poster
sprigatito · 14/12/2023 19:35

I did watch the Outnumbered Christmas specials earlier to try and cheer myself up, but found the kids too obnoxious for my grumpy menopausal sensibilities.

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instantick · 14/12/2023 19:38

not laughing haha! its just depressing atm but im sure by next week well be tittavated n whamming lol

Gnomegarden32 · 14/12/2023 19:39

That cake is amazing. I can’t imagine creating something like that!

Olinguita · 14/12/2023 19:42

That cake is amazing!! You sound like a really caring person who wants to make Christmas special for everyone ❤️ not sure what to suggest as I've been feeling a bit meh too. There's still time though, it's only 14th!

Tonight1 · 14/12/2023 19:43

It's a bit difficult here as well! Elderly relatives and everything else.

Reach out to friends and put on some traditional carols

JaneEyreBedHair · 14/12/2023 19:43

Your cake is really pretty. You should def feel proud of it.

I’m not in the mood this year either. Several family members poorly. I’ve let myself off the have-to-be-happy hook & just chilling where/when I can, enjoying the simple things each day such as watching the robins in the garden, appreciating any lovely Christmas cards I receive etc etc. I’ve accepted this year I just won’t be feeling it & if I do, that’s a bonus!

Tumbleweed101 · 14/12/2023 19:49

My mum died in early Jan, a couple days after New year and the whole family are feeling a bit meh this year. I'm not feeling particularly christmassy but my dad has lost out on three Christmases. 2020 we had covid and had to isolate, 2021 he was in a lot of pain and got a cancer diagnosis shortly after and then last year he was in hospital over Xmas with a chest infection, immediately after he came out mum went into hospital. I feel I should make an effort for him this year. My youngest (14) has decided to spend Xmas at her dad's but the rest of my grown up children will he home Xmas day and go to their dads boxing day. This year has a very different vibe to previous years and I've not.made a huge effort.

Original poster
sprigatito · 14/12/2023 19:52

@JaneEyreBedHair I'm definitely going to make some time tomorrow to sit in my garden and spot robins! I haven't done that yet this winter so it will be a lovely bit of peaceful time. Thank you!

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Original poster
sprigatito · 14/12/2023 19:54

@Tumbleweed101 I feel the same about my dad, we very nearly lost him to cancer a couple of years ago and he now has a heart condition. I adore the dotty old bugger and really want to make Christmas special for him... have less than a week to shake myself out of the doldrums.

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Jackfrostnippingatmynose · 14/12/2023 19:57

Love the cake - it looks fabulous!

I've lost DM and a friend this year and I've been trying to get my christmas mojo into action but it's proving to be a challenge. I know feisty DM would be kicking me up the backside and telling me to stop moping!
I'm carol singing tomorrow night for a charity so hoping that might do the trick. That and a mental deadline of tuesday (eek!) to post a few cards and ensure parcels are ordered and delivered!

Oceancreature · 14/12/2023 20:04

Well done on the cake it looks amazing! I have been watching the My Family Christmas Specials, always make me laugh. Hopefully your mood will lift as your family arrive. Wishing you a lovely time 🎄

JaneEyreBedHair · 14/12/2023 20:05

This thread has got me thinking now … maybe we need to deliberately give ourselves some little treats? Something we know we enjoy? Mine will be going to the new Pret that has opened up in my town, hopefully getting a window seat, having a large oat latte & telling myself I must sit there for at least half an hour just people watching & letting the atmosphere soak in.

MissMoo2222 · 14/12/2023 20:11

I'm also struggling to get in the spirit so DH and I are going to put the kids in the car and go get hot chocolate and gingerbread men and drive round town and see all the decorated houses and businesses whilst listening to xmas songs. I'm not looking forward to it but I know the kids will love it so it might put some festive cheer in me.

DD3 has just asked if we can get in our xmas pjs to do it. I think that's a step too far for me!

MissMoo2222 · 14/12/2023 20:12

Oh and also watching Xmas films and specials like Gavin & Stacey will usually get me a bit more festive. So far I've only managed Home Alone and Die Hard, which IS a xmas film!

NoWeaponsOnTheTable · 14/12/2023 20:13

I've been listening to Classic FM in the car which makes me feel calmer and also a bit more festive.
I love Christmas but I don't feel like we are in it yet. Have done a few crafts with the kids but nowhere near like usual and realised today I haven't posted or written cards to be sent. Have done all the family ones but that's it.

Original poster
sprigatito · 14/12/2023 20:14

JaneEyreBedHair · 14/12/2023 20:05

This thread has got me thinking now … maybe we need to deliberately give ourselves some little treats? Something we know we enjoy? Mine will be going to the new Pret that has opened up in my town, hopefully getting a window seat, having a large oat latte & telling myself I must sit there for at least half an hour just people watching & letting the atmosphere soak in.

I think this is another layer of grump this year in that everything is more expensive, so there hasn't been the usual cheeky gingerbread latte while shopping...it's all just felt stressful. I think consciously building in a few treats for us might help. Will have a think.

OP posts:
Doyouthinktheyknow · 14/12/2023 20:20

Your cake is amazing.

I Have zero Christmas spirit, it’s just not really happening.

I am trying, did feel a smudge of Christmas joy when we randomly had a violin player playing carol’s on our ferry back from IOW today but my 2 nights pre Christmas break is now done and it’s back to work next week and over Christmas.

I am just accepting I don’t love Christmas anymore, I have sort of stopped trying. Everything about it just feels an effort and I have always disliked the forced jollity aspect of it, the pressure to all feel happy and joyous at the same time just isn’t realistic.

dothehokeycokey · 14/12/2023 21:56

In my job I see around 50 people a week in December and so far the majority of them also don't feel Christmassy either op

I have Xmas songs on for a while in my business and it's decorated up inside but I've still not got the outdoor lights or reindeer out and we haven't done any inside the house yet that's meant to be happening Saturday evening.

I'm just not feeling it

I've watched home alone and grinch and elf a couple of times but it's just not doing it for me

I also have a walk in wardrobe rammed with gifts that are all still in the bags and I still haven't set them all out in the bed to see who has what and what's left to get yet and normally that's been done by now.

I feel bad but most people seem the same right now

Hopefully next week will start to feel more festive

Original poster
sprigatito · 14/12/2023 23:07

I wonder what it is this year? We've been decorating the tree this evening and it's been nice to see all the old baubles and things, but I'm not excited as I usually am. We're all just knackered and glum.

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