No interest in Christmas/ New Year

[fedup33]

I try, I really do. But I cant stand this time of year. So isolating.

I understand @NearlyNewHip , I hope it passes peacefully for you.

@NearlyNewHip "Sad to admit but I feel so lonely and a bit crap over Christmas that doing things on my own makes me feel worse"

same.

I've found my people. I do try and enjoy this month for my kids, but really struggle. Sorry to hear about others being very lonely/alone. I feel this despite being married with kids.

Like others, my MH dips, I am ill a lot with coughs and colds, energy and patience is low. Hate the fake Disney-ness of it all. And the gluttony and guilt around not people-pleasing. The awkward family dynamics and getting in touch with some of them who you've had zero contact with all year, all because "it's Christmas".

Boxing Day is my favourite day of this season...as we will be the furthest point away from this whole sorry saga coming around again...

I’m not a grinch and I have enjoyed Christmas over the years, but I really can’t be arsed with it this year. I’m just not prepared to do any of the things I usually do - shopping, spending, wrapping, decorating, cooking, hosting, trying to make it ‘magical’ for other people. Nah. I’m just not doing any of it this year. I want a rest and some quiet time.

We have officially cancelled it. The tree was donated to charity, no Xmas songs, no nothing.

It is blissful!

It was too triggering, too much pressure, too much fakery, too much indulgence, too much money spent.

You're not alone in the struggle at all. I am trying to keep going and paper over the cracks of some wobbly mental health issues, trying to appear like I'm fine.

I wish I had some advice to give. I find for me the only thing that helps is getting involved in my hobbies, painting and crafting. I need a distraction from the fears and the thoughts.

I don't wish to be miserable, really I don't. I would like to just " be" I like my activities and some element of routine. I don't want to feel out of step because I'm not whipped up into a frenzy.

Detest the " Did you have a good Christmas?"

@IAmGoldenGuineaReturnedToMN , I reckon this is a good route. To do things, to be engrossed in something.

Wow an impressive result. I'm getting rid of the tree. I will have a few lights about the place.

I'm actually envious of those without children. I don't have the option of not celebrating (but sure I will when they're older and moved out). It's hard to pretend you're fine when you're not.

I agree that sometimes doing things on your own (especially at this time of year) just makes you feel a whole lot worse

Another Christmas avoider here. I go away now for three weeks but in the past that was out of the question financially or time wise.

No kids/partner back then and parents had died within 2 years of each other. Family very welcoming but I hated the faux jollity and far too many babies, bottles, buggies, bags, toys and a massive headache!

So one year I said no thanks. Well I could not believe the pressure I was put under to join in and not be on my own, which was all I bloody wanted! I gave in, regretted it again, and the next year just visited everyone second week Dec and hibernated from the day I finished work up to Boxing Day. It was fabulous!

The trick is I think to remove every vestige of Christmas from your house, TV, radio, avoid shops, no Christmas songs and so on. Ordinary but very nice food not Christmas fare. I don't drink but I suppose a bottle of fizz would be good too.

Then I watched YouTube on the TV + older series on Netflix that were NOT Christmas related.

I can tell you folks, that normal service resumed and no one cared what I had done really!

It's entirely reasonable on 2nd December that you don't feel Christmassy!

I understand why retail starts as early as they can, but its not necessary for the rest of us (unless we want to) and schools should just be on their final week. It's getting crazily earlier and people were putting decorations up this year in mid November!

Who does that? I never talk about what my DH got me. Some people are so insensitive.

One year, because I'd been ill in November, we went away for Christmas. It wasn't cheap as the hotel had inclusive gala meals but it was a lovely break. I even went sea swimming on Christmas Day!

With schools, we have to start practising to be ready for the last week- carols have to be learnt and nativity plays rehearsed.

But I still don’t feel Christmassy yet op. I enjoy the simple things at Christmas but think it all starts too early. I have been switching off the radio due to the Christmas songs starting. I will enjoy them nearer the time. Will put decs up on 14/12.

The thing with Christmas is you can celebrate (or not) however you like. You don't have to do it the expected way if you don't want to. I appreciate that's probably harder with kids/certain family.

But just know you do have a choice to some degree.

I used to love Xmas and all the lights and family stuff and traditions. Then I lost my dad on the 12th in 2018 and then my sister on the 27th last year and to be honest I’m not feeling it. Kids are all older so some of the magic has gone anyway and I just feel meh and flat. So you’re definitely not the only one. My plan is fairy lights, high doses of vit d and spending a lot of time on the sofa!

@UmbrellaEllaEllaElla But Xmas is not just one day. Lots of people with families are busy over the festive period. there are people on here every year saying they will speak to no one between Christmas Eve and the beginning of January.

I have never in my life " felt Christmassy"

My life imploded at Christmas a few years ago. It was easily one of the worst times in my life. I got through it but it really took the shine off things and I really am not bothered about Christmas now. When all the sparkly lights appear again it reminds me of that awful time and can actually make me feel quite anxious. It's a horrible cold, damp, dark time of year and I just go through the motions for my children who will be excited. I like some aspects a bit and actually prefer advent itself as a time of quiet and contemplation but I will be glad when it's all over for another year now.

Same here. 💐

@5128gap

I've not met a "sorrow twin" before. It's shit, isn't it!

I hate it too, am single, no kids, parents have passed away, it just makes me feel so alone. I always feel ashamed and embarrassed when pp say, oh what are you doing for Xmas? My birthday is a few days after, so it's even worse! I'm planning a sunny holiday for later in the year so I've got something nice to look forward to. It sucks OP. Hugs to everyone who struggles with this time of year.