to ask for sample answers to the question "Are you all sorted for Christmas"

[eyelevelgrill]

I'm struggling with the horrible question.

So far I've only managed half-hearted jokes like "I'm campaigning to ban that question"

"Oh Fuck Off" seems a bit extreme.

I could go passive-aggressive: "Oh I always just relax and enjoy the lead-up to Christmas"

Perhaps not: "Have you lost your weight?" - that might be a mistake.

I'm thinking of a wry "well my bank balance has gone down so I must be doing something"

other answers please. And by the way I was first asked this question this year in mid-November by a hairdresser when attempting to relax at the salon.

My response is
No

I was taught to be truthful
And it tends to stop the conversation dead.

What's wrong with "yes thanks"?

I would just accept that they are trying to make small talk and say "yes" or "just about!"

Why is it a horrible question? Unless you don't celebrate Christmas and the person knows that?

'Ah as much as you can be, I'm not worried'.

Fin.

It's just small talk. Just say 'yes' and move on

It's just small talk. Just say 'yes' and move on

^This

"The rabbi finally approved our application to convert. Happy Hanukkah!"

I just say 'pretty much'.

It's true, and people generally are not terribly interested.

It's like knowing you should reply 'fine' when asked how you are, even if some vital body part is dropping off.

'Yes'.

I don't see the problem?

Thanks Seeline.

Interesting that "no" works. I was assuming it would lead to more questions.

Thing is, I don't think I'm not sorted. I celebrate my son's birthday in early December, then conduct an orchestra in various concerts, then once that's done get tree and decorate, order turkey, then consider presents, then buy them. So far as I'm aware, the shops remain open all the way to Christmas Eve.

So maybe I should just say "yes, all planned".

Oh getting there! How about you?

That works fairly well.

My response is that as far as I am concerned Christmas does not exist this year. It is cancelled.

I was just asked this at the hairdressers, I told the truth "for my youngest 2, yes but nothing in for my teenager"

I don't see why the question would annoy anyone.

Why is it a horrible question? Can someone please explain this to me as I feel I'm missing something?

these are good, I appreciate them.

I am very good at saying "fine" when someone asks how I am, even if I am not.

I think I struggle with the Christmas question for two reasons:
firstly, it catches me unawares each year round about mid-November (I mean who buys all their Christmas presents before then and then talks about it?)
secondly, being poorly/grumpy is always something to avoid talking about so it's right to say "fine". Whereas going into town on Christmas Eve to buy presents is not a deviant behavious, it's just a nice thing to do - it's not failing the test of womanhood to get ready for Christmas before Christmas as opposed to during Thanksgiving (US husband here).

'Pretty much, few bits still to get' with rueful smile. Then say 'how about you'

Perhaps best to give resting bitch face then so no one talks to you at all. As for the preparing for Christmas early I do as I have to budget it in to spend over a longer period so it is more affordable.

As PP say its just small talk so don't worry about it too much! What about - "I will be"?

My school must also be ahead too as now being asked if we have wrapped it all.

hi Pick,

ok so

I think the ten days or week before xmas are plenty of time to "get ready".
But a small part of me worries, because I am only human. I get slightly stressed in the run-up to Christmas.

So, imagine if you knew I went to weightwatchers but tried to be relaxed about my weight. If you came up to me and said "did you make your target weight?" and I said "no" you would feel like you'd been a bit mean to raise the subject wouldn't you?

That's how I feel, and whilst I might be the only one on the thread, I'm not the only one in the country, trust me.

"I will be"

thank you!

it's the jolt that gets me. I need to be primed with answers that won't frighten the horses.

"I will be, I'm pretty relaxed about it to be honest."

I might try saying this until I believe it.
Then graduate to something shorter.

thanks all

imagine if you knew I went to weight watchers

But presumably nobody knows you're a stress head in the run up to Christmas? I doubt for a minute anyone's asking thinking it'll make you feel bad.

Crikey talk about paranoid overthinking.

No! Are you ?

Then according to the response either well done or we'd better get on with it then!

Then : Have a good Christmas!

If I were you op I'd say to people who know who conduct that you are busy with concerts and like to shop on Christmas eve. It sounds a lot more interesting than my plan this week of writing cards,dithering over gifts and ordering a turkey. You're proper seasonal you are!

you asked, I told you how I felt, Merry Christmas to you.