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Anyone else taking Christmas ‘off’ this year?

9 replies

DelinquentSnails · 19/12/2025 12:04

I’d had enough of the cost, the time, the planning and the stress. It used to be simple and magical but it felt exhausting last year, just too much. This year, I’m taking DH and four teens (!) to Australia to see my cousins instead (with an inheritance from my lovely godmother, who loved travel.)

No cards sent, one small gift each, not even a packet of Christmas pudding flavoured white Stilton, no decorations. Everyone seems perfectly happy about it.

We can’t go to overseas every year but I am a convert to pared down Christmases.

I know some people choosing a different Christmas because of grief, illness or just because they are tired of it all. Anyone here?

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TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 19/12/2025 12:11

Yup.

I’ve only bought presents for DS(22) who’s spending Christmas with his dad and grandparents.

I’ve sent one card.

No tree, no kerfuffle, no drama. Although I have watched The Muppet Christmas Carol about six times in the last two weeks.

DelinquentSnails · 19/12/2025 12:28

A Muppet Christmas Carol is a perfect activity for a pared down Christmas 🙂

My mum has just rung with a sort of on the ground exposee of the deli aisle in Tesco. Including the line, ‘honestly, I should have put your father in a flak jacket’

Why they are in Tesco, Lord only knows as they are being waited on in a country house hotel at Christmas, with my sister’s family. Old habits die hard!

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Zebracat · 19/12/2025 12:38

This year is filled with on with a house full of of people and 2 separate Christmas days. Next year will be different

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EveryKneeShallBow · 19/12/2025 12:50

Yep. Resting up after surgery. Grandchildren sorted. everything, and I mean everything, else can go fly a kite.

DelinquentSnails · 19/12/2025 12:54

EveryKneeShallBow · 19/12/2025 12:50

Yep. Resting up after surgery. Grandchildren sorted. everything, and I mean everything, else can go fly a kite.

Edited

Good for you!

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SmiggleAversion · 19/12/2025 12:59

Yep, kids are going to their dad's this year on Christmas Eve, so I'm taking this year off - I've had several people kindly invite me to theirs for Christmas day as I'll be on my own but I've decided I'd rather not. I've done all the fun bit with the build up with decorating, gifts for kids etc but opted out of the actual day. I'm going to go out hiking instead and then watch TV and eat leftovers - can't wait!!

Andthatrightsoon · 19/12/2025 13:03

Ah, selfishness - the spirit of the season.

TallShip · 19/12/2025 13:17

My DB is going out with his mate, this year. His DD died and he can’t face doing the things he did with her. He hopes, next year, he’ll feel differently.

DelinquentSnails · 19/12/2025 13:18

Zebracat · 19/12/2025 12:38

This year is filled with on with a house full of of people and 2 separate Christmas days. Next year will be different

That sounds very like my Christmas last year. Good luck!

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