To really not want to do Christmas, at all?

[willowriverwander]

I know I sound like Scrooge here, but hear me out.

I just don't like it. I am vegetarian and I feel a bit ill at the thought of the turkeys being killed. I hate the "stuff your face" sort of mentality that's seen as acceptable. I mean, in Dickensian England, fair enough. People had nothing for the other 364 days. But today we are so greedy anyway. I actually find the food thing really stressful.

I like buying things for my children but again, I am so uncomfortable with this idea of them tearing through hundreds of pounds worth of gifts. I hate the way everywhere is crammed at this time of year.

Tentatively, I'm wondering about just having a tree, and then just a chilled out day with a nice dinner. Maybe one gift each.

We are going skiing in the New Year so that should be nice. I wish it was over Christmas itself!

Or will I be considered shocking by today's standards?

Two degrees for winter IS mild! Honestly, there are places in the world that are genuinely cold and awful in winter. Scotland is not one of them (Scot here).

Frankly, having a tree and nice meal that isn't turkey, and only having minimal presents - that's not really that radical or bah humbuggy. It's a perfectly reasonable Christmas.

Not everyone spends excessively. Not everyone stuffs their face with cheap crappy food for weeks. Lots of people are vegetarians and don't eat turkey. Lots of people don't post show-offy #PerfectFamilyChristmas photos on social media. People just like to pick out the extremes, pretend they think everybody does it that way, and then have a rant or a sadface about it.

Exactly Eolian

Yes, what Eolian said. All this talk about gluttony and abject consumerism is not something I recognise from my Christmas’, or those of the people around me.

Christmas isn't just about one day, well, I don't think it is. It's about the build up, the joy of thinking about other people. How to make them happy with food, love, gifts and kind thoughts.
I have a group of girlfriends, 12 of us, that meet weekly and the difference in our views about Christmas are enormous.....from Scrooge to mega overexcited. The non-Scrooge variety are soooooooo much happier and embrace anything Christmassy.
The simple things matter and will always be remembered. Nothing needs to be excessive.
To me it's all about showing love and care.