to dread Christmas and wish it Wasn't on it's way

[baaahhumbug]

The expense.
The forced 3 day lock-down
Enforced jollity
Crowds everywhere
The huge Expense
Being ripped off.
Family fall outs.
Hideous Xmas music blaring out in all the shops.
All the tat that is bought.

I know I should like it but I don't.
Any other Bahhumbugs out there?

LoveBeing you havent failed your kids. You are being a wonderful mother to them by keeping them safe and building a new life for you and them

Enjora i completely agree. I grew up in the 70s and 80s and from what i remember Christmas is a lot more consumerist now. Its changed. Its so different. I still have my main Christmas present from 1983. its a Sindy horse and cart and its still in its box. It never got taken out and played with. Back then something like that was a HUGE present. Now its x boxes and stuff like that. Im not a parent but i can see that parents are under a lot more pressure these days and not just parents but wider family. Much more seems to be expected.

Thank you

I don't regret it and can't wait for the future 2015 is going to be the first of many excellent years.

Its true DarkestEyes, a Sindy doll or similar was a very big deal when we were kids. Changed times!

You definitely aren't wrong to dread Christmas. This year has been hell and I'm feeling too fragile to even think about the ghastly onslaught of hideous commercialism. I really honestly want to curl up under my duvet now and sleep until it is all over. Both of my siblings have split from their partners in the last couple of months and I can't bear any more arguing within the family. I think I'm depressed but honestly can't find the energy to speak to my doctor about it.

Jb i completely empathise. Channel 4 had a programme on tonight Libertys of London. Cant remember who their sponsors were but it went .....so and so...........sponsors of festive entertainment FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT? its the 12th November

Shockers

Just the usual happened. Children grew up, married, had children and moved away (one emigrated). Husband died so I am alone. I do go to their houses for Christmases but it's not the same as doing it all yourself. That's why I miss it. I might peel potatoes or wash up but that's not the same.

Although I had larger presents, maybe a pram, or a bike, the present I remember most from my childhood was a pen that could write in 12 colours. It was very chunky, and there was a slider button to push each refil towards the pen nib. You could probably get them in a pound shop nowadays. Another that sticks in my mind is a rear view mirror to clip on my bike handle bars.

If anyone is worried at not having the money lavish kids with x boxes, trainers and iPads - they are not necessarily the things that kids will remember...

HappyAgain, I get that. I used to do Christmas for my parents, brothers and my sister and her family. Also my Grandmother when she was still alive. I loved making dinner for everyone.
Then one year my mum drank too much and swore at everyone during dinner. She now stays at home with dad.
My brothers are both married and go to their wives' families (don't blame them after the last time either...) and my sister has embroiled herself in such a complicated new relationship that she chooses to work rather than face having to choose who to spend the day with...
That's why my little family now spend our day with good friends rather than trying to flog the dead horse that was once my happy extended family .