How can I start to actually enjoy Christmas?

[MyLadyTheKingsMother]

Every year just feels flat. I try my hardest for my children but I have a husband who only goes along with it begrudgingly, I don't see my mum or brother anymore.

It all just feels like such a fucking faff. I'm so glad my eldest has worked out the santa thing and am looking forward to youngest doing the same so we can dispense with all the nonsense that I wish i'd never bothered starting.

I'd love it to just be a normal day.

I know, I'm clearly scrooge. I don't even go overboard rally just a regular basic Christmas.

I agree. If we put too much pressure on ourselves, you'll never enjoy it. So far it's been nice today. Just waiting for MIL to arrive. We've had our Christmas (Sunday) dinner lol Now waiting to spend time with MIL, who I actually get along with lol I've got a cup of coffee - for now and Fresh Prince of Bel Air on 😆 Boys are upstairs enjoying their gifts and OH is chilling too. No pressure, no expectations! 👍

I hate it too.od not give a shit of i had toast fir dinner u just wanna go to bed watch TV and have a bottle of wine and hopefully wake up when its all over.

I always make the effort for the kids but they are older now so whats the point.

I'm single so no one to do anything for or with. I'm only get Xmas day off befire I'm.back to work ajd i have to spend it cooking so what's the point

I can't wait for it all to be over too. I am trying to make the most of it for the dc (only one now who believes in Father Christmas). I have some ongoing relationship issues plus the peri-menopause in full swing (having treatment but not particularly effective). I can't be bothered. I'm okay in myself in general but I feel like I'm playing a role, trying to jolly along when I only wish this could all be over. I've done all the pressie buying etc. and felt huge stress in the run up to it. I've eaten way too many chocolates today (already) and the alcohol I usually enjoy is giving me hot flushes.

No advice, sorry op but you are not alone.

Today feels like such a anti climax…

All the hype and excitement has completely passed me by this year! I did literally nothing in the weeks leading up to it all.

kids are relatively happy with their hauls and upstairs doing what they want to do, dh enjoyed the roast dinner and we are having a snacking dinner later on…if we are feeling up to it.

we are now snuggled up on the sofa with a fire and watching a film with a glass of wine it doesn’t feel any different to any other day really.

Sorry Op no real advice but I feel the same

Not been too bad a day overall. Dinner was a ballache, kids got up at 6.

DH got me nice gifts.

Anyone else tried burts bees cleansing cream? It was like washing my face with crushed up lemon and honey halls sweets. In a nice way. Weird, but nice.

Kids have been relatively good and both my grandads came, which was nice because they make conversation with each other instead of having to force it out of them when they come one at a time.

I think realistically I'm going to need to stick this out until my grandads are gone. I can't bring myself to leave them on their own at Christmas.

Maybe I need a plan to make it easier next year.

I'm at home watching Doctors contemplating getting some cheese and crackers. Thinking about giving up coca cola in January,I don't drink much alcohol so thought I'd do Coke free January instead.

I had to resist the urge to take the tree down when I got back from my parents earlier but it hasn't been too bad to be fair.

Feeling so flat about it all too. It's been the same old shit as any other day over here. Kids still argue and don't listen and don't eat the food I cook. DH gets in a strop about the mess from all the present unwrapping. Nowhere is bloody open for us to escape to, and none of my family have answered my texts. Can't wait for January!

Often took the kids skiing over Christmas week at that age, we loved it.
Secondary benefit was not having to attend the wider family event invites with people I'd not had any contact with the other 364 days of the year!

You can create your own traditions, no need to be a slave to conventional thinking.

It's one day and you can make it suit you. We've never done any of the hyped up nonsense. We have a lovely lunch, spend a long time chatting round the table, couple of extra special desserts then watch a film together / go for a walk/ doze.