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.

It's just small talk. Christmas is one of the few things were lots of people are doing similar things at similar time and it seems like pleasant chit-chat to pass the time.

I use to do everything at the last minute and I would enjoy putting it all together quickly but, since my kids started school the dreaded words "out-of-stock" fill me dread I've started to prepare earlier.

And, whether someone has asked on an early bird year or a last minute spree, I've never felt judged because most people really don't particularly care how you are doing it they are just being sociable.

aw, thanks frostyxx

"proper seasonal" :)

It's small talk. Makes a change from talking about the weather.

Why not just say, we have a busy run up to Christmas with birthdays in December, and I quite like shopping just before Christmas, so I haven't finished /started yet (as appropriate).

If you've really taken offense at the question you could comment on the great discounts there are nearer to Xmas, but it's just a question.

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

Why don't you say this? They're only making small talk, this will give them opportunity to move the conversation on - like asking you about your orchestras or how your son's birthday was.

thanks Kondos,

I do get judged for things like being untidy (friends come up and adjust my clothing without being asked...). So maybe it's a bit triggering for me?

Ironic as Christmas is one thing I've never double-booked or overlooked!

I did once go to Tescos on Christmas Eve and say "one turkey please". They got very very snotty (this was years ago) and tried to make me feel it was a stupid thing to ask for. The story ended well because I bought a frozen one then immediately gave it away on Freecycle after finding plenty of fresh ones in the next shop. Now, I'm pleased to say, Tescos have lots of turkeys on Xmas Eve.

this is really good practical advice with the suggestions. I genuinely appreciate them.

Sometimes I find a "script" really helps me get out of what feels like a tight place.

Everyone's got something though, OP.

I keep getting asked am I looking forward to Christmas? Actually, not remotely, I just lost a parent, but they don't know that, and even if they do, they aren't trying to upset me.

I just say something like The children are excited, then flick the question back to them. Or if it's a friend, no, actually, I'm really not bothered about it this year.

I'm sorry for your loss Rubik xx

You're so right: everybody's got something.

I think you're being paranoid and totally overthinking this. I had finished my shopping and had everything wrapped by mid-November, barring a couple of bits I picked up in the Black Friday sales.

I certainly don't judge anyone who hasn't started shopping, and I wouldn't ask to make them feel bad!

How about 'I was sooooo organised that we celebrated Christmas last week. We're ready for Easter now'...

"Yes thanks, I put the sprouts on this morning."

If you find it very stressful, maybe next year start earlier? I don't mean to sound snippy there, I genuinely mean it. I started buying presents in September, and now I've bought everyone's gifts and got most of it wrapped - so Christmas is something I'm genuinely excited about rather than a stressful list of tasks to do in the next ten days.

'Pansy'.... naughty naughty... you are using my mother in laws trick

I'm now toying between a few.
We're ready for Easter here
We put the sprouts on last week
And I quite like the idea of WTF! Why did no one tell me it was Christmas soon?

"And I quite like the idea of WTF! Why did no one tell me it was Christmas soon?"

I have an anxiety disorder and the idea of shopping for presents on Xmas eve genuinely makes me feel sick with stress - so I spread it out and get as much as possible done early, and then I feel chilled and can cope.

It's good that you told me you weren't being snippy or I would have thought you were!!!

I suppose for me, personally, I believe that being more seasonal is nicer, that xmas presents are for Christmas, etc,etc.

I honestly find the question more stressful than the actual shopping. There's something in the question that assumes it is correct/right to do everything very early whereas I think there are pros and cons and different ways to do things. I think it's a loaded question, not a neutral question (but I appreciate that most people asking it don't realise that).

It's a bit like "what's your beauty regime"?

"If you find it very stressful, maybe next year start earlier? I don't mean to sound snippy there, I genuinely mean it. I started buying presents in September, and now I've bought everyone's gifts and got most of it wrapped - so Christmas is something I'm genuinely excited about rather than a stressful list of tasks to do in the next ten days."

Just say "getting there" and change the subject.

cross-post starling.

good for you for managing your anxiety disorder xx. I've got the sort of mirror image in that I thrive under pressure

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

I think it's only 'horrible' for people like me for whom the run up to Christmas feels like an out of control steamroller! I do enjoy the actual day etc, but the preparations are always nightmarish. I procrastinate, leave things too late, get panicky about the amount of time left (not much!), and generally get v stressed. If people ask me if I'm sorted for Christmas, it just highlights the fact that I am so not, and that the questioners invariably are.

(People who are not sorted for Christmas are trying to keep a lid on it, and are unlikely to raise the subject!)

Weirdly I thrive under pressure at work and love to work to a deadline, but not for things like shopping! Maybe it's because I get anxious about shopping at the best of times - nearly all my presents were bought online!

Jesus, talk about overthinking it!

Correct answer if you are sorted: "Yes, pretty much."

Correct answer if you are not sorted: "No, not yet."

I think you're being paranoid and totally overthinking this.

I agree.

Just say, as pp have said, 'getting there' or the like.

No need to be rude about it, it's a reasonable question.

Christmas?

What Christmas?

Why did no one tell me it was nearly Christmas?

I think the ten days or week before xmas are plenty of time to "get ready".

It probably depends on your individual circumstances. We don't live particularly near family so we always have a family get together with my side the weekend before Christmas. That means I have to have bought and wrapped most of the presents before then so I couldn't possible leave it until a week or ten days before.

I also play in a couple of bands so there are concerts and things leading up to Christmas but that tends to make me want to get things done even earlier.

TBH I am one of those people who only feel comfortable if I have a list and can tick things off as they get done so I probably am prepared but that is just what works for me.

I don't see it as an awful question though. It is just small talk like, where are you going on holiday this year?, nice weather we're having etc.