How do I avoid christmas?

[DrDisrespect]

Didn't know whether to post this in the Christmas forum or not, but hear goes..

Background – for the past 12 years or so I’ve had friends over for Christmas day. Big meal, presents, drinks, crap TV. Friends chip in with money/food but i always host.

Family Christmas is usually done a few days later (depending on who’s working and when, who are at the in laws etc).

This year, I simply can’t be bothered with any of it.

I finish work on the 24th and don’t go back until Monday 5th. And I want to spend all that time doing sweet FA. Ive had a crap year and I want to be selfish.

How do i broach this with my friends and family?

Ive looked at going away, but i cant afford it (cant really fake a trip as people would ask what im doing/where im going and expect to see pics on the WhatsApp group chat/insta).

Cant invent a fake boyfriend (ive been kind of private about my relationships for the last few years so cant suddenly be spending time with them with no mention of them before... plus it would mean waaay too many questions).

Dont want to be 'unwell' last minute.

I know its very bah humbug. But please help?

Except that 🎄meals out are always ££££ and not as nice so you can make at home.

The only person that you're letting down is yourself, OP. It sounds like you've given into the pressure to be and do everybody else's version of 'normal' for so long that you are struggling to see a way out of it.

If you're brave enough, tell the truth, but turn off and unplug phones, mute social media, disable the doorbell, lock all doors (I come from a family where they would come and check on me, and where everyone just wandered into each other's houses) and have a lovely day of peace and quiet!

If not, I'd have something terribly infectious to deter visitors. Flu works well, and you get a week or two off from the world as a bonus!

Well done for realizing you don't have to be brainwashed and go through this charade anymore.
Just tell them. Hopefully they will see sense themselves and follow you.
If not, its not your problem.