to be jealous of people with massive family christmases

[FloozeyLoozey]

With two parent families, siblings and big extended families? Just myself and ds this year. Will probably see my dad and brother at some point but that's it. Seems very small and low key.

Walter No, not Ireland. Orbiting the 7th circle of hell instead

Nothing wrong with small and low key. Just make sure it is a day that you both enjoy. There can be a lot of hype which can make it feel lonely to some people. Some of the massive family Christmas gatherings you hear about probably include many instances of gritted teeth .

I think happy families are what its about.

Me and two teen dc's here on our own. Its lonely.

For years we've had huge family Christmases filled with some laughter, wine and food and insane amounts of gifts and one man upmanship while we all smile sweetly.

Last year I said fuck it and DH, DD(2) and I stayed home and cooked our own family breakfast, our own PJ morning, a fab lunch and a lazy afternoon where all three of us took a nap together. It was awesome.

This year we were expected to be going to another big family do, but it seems our invitation has been lost, we are quite happy it's just us, and we intend to be even lazier than last year!

YANBU. I spend every day and every night with DS, most of it just the two of us. And, much as I love being with him, and will enjoy seeing his face when he sees his presents, I would like to share that. I won't be able to say to anyone "remember how excited he was at Xmas" or "didn't he look adorable in his Xmas jumper?" because no-one else will share those memories. And he'll forget, because he's 3! The best I can hope for is a few 'likes' if I post a picture of him to FB!
Oh, and as for dinner, he won't care whether I produce a big, fancy 3 course meal, or open a tin of soup.
Having said all that, we'll put up an amazing tree, get in to new PJ's and watch Xmas films, then get up early and watch him unwrap the stuff I wrapped for him, then play all day, have the big dinner and all the rest, because he's wonderful and he deserves a wonderful Xmas.
It's not that I/the OP don't appreciate what we have, it's just that (for me, anyway) it's even lonelier than usual, because friends and colleagues will be with their families - weekends are similarly quiet.

YANBU. Last Christmas my mother was working and although I saw my boyfriend in the morning, I was on my own until my mother came home.

This year, as boyfriend is now DH I have asked him to consider spending Christmas with me and my mother as she is widowed and I don't want her to be on her own.

I feel very lonely sometimes.