To long for January

[Dongdingdong]

I’ve been out seeing friends or going to various Christmas parties for the last two weeks and have more of the same up until Christmas Day. I’m feeling tired and groggy already because of all the late nights, eating rich food and drinking more than I should. I can’t get an Ocado order because it’s now booked up until the 27th/28th and I still haven’t finished my Christmas shopping because I haven’t had time. AIBU to be fedup of the Christmas madness and wish it was January already?

YANBU!

You’re allowed to decline invitations!

I feel the same.

Yabu. You don't have to go to everything you are invited to.

I love Christmas. Looking forward to finishing work and having 2 weeks of with my family and spending some actual quality time with family and friends.

I really wish the Christmas humbugs stopped trying to bring Christmas 'enjoyers' down, by constantly moaning about everything about the festive period.

You can make it whatever you want.

Just hibernate for December fgs.

I really wish the Christmas humbugs stopped trying to bring Christmas 'enjoyers' down, by constantly moaning about everything about the festive period

That’s right, people who are unhappy are posting to bring you down. . What an arrogant point of view.

I'm looking forward to January because DP is a chef working more than usual because of Christmas. The hotel he works at is shut for three weeks in January, so that's our real winter break - bring it on.

Not fed up of Christmas parties and rich food like you though, OP, fed up of hardly any break for either of us.

The thing is, it’s a situation entirely of your own making. You can say no to things. You can drink less. You can eat less! Those things are all in your control. So moaning about how exhausting it all is seems a bit ridiculous.

Just manage your time better. Turn down some invitations, go shopping to buy healthy food so you're eating well at home at least.

So, decline some invitations and slow down. Only do the things you have to do. There are many lonely/ill/unemployed people who would love to have your first world problem.

And do a click and collect shop.

This year I've really scaled down the number of invitations and events.

Each year I had fantasies about curling up on the sofa with the twinkly lights going, a cup of hot chocolate or glass of wine and a good book, maybe with some classical carols playing in the background...

... When in reality most weekends in December would be spent crammed in to someone's house or a bar dressed in an uncomfortable Christmas sweater, making polite conversation with people who I don't see at any other time of the year and eating yet another plate of miscellaneous party food that tastes of cranberries and indigestion.

So now we are only doing the events we actually enjoy and so far it had made for a much more festive time.

I’ve said no to a few things this year and like others I am only doing the things I really want to or am heavily obliged to do.

In terms of the shopping, over the past almost 20 years I’ve had so many dodgy experiences with the Christmas Online Delivery (everything out of stock!) that I no longer bother. That being said, there may still be some click and collect slots available, I got one this late last year when 3 family members who haven’t showed up in 20 years suddenly announced they were spending Christmas with us 🙄.

What I prefer to do now is to pick some things up each week with my shopping (stuffing, mince pies, cake etc have long shelf lives) and then I go to one of the 24 hour supermarkets either very late at night (midnight) or early morning (5am). It’s far less stressful! Doesn’t help this year that the day before Christmas Eve is a Sunday but I’m probably going to do the shop either last thing on Saturday night (11pm) or first thing Christmas Eve.

I spend most of my life having quiet evenings in, so a night out is a novelty for me. I have been to one Christmas do, and that is all I have on my social calendar this Christmas.

1. Email all your friends saying you love them, lets all reconvene in January.

1. Get home early every night, get cozy and comfy and online shop (click and collect) as much as you need.

1. Have you tried Tescos?

1. My family and I struggle at this time of year and January tends to come as a slight relief, although we focus on making Christmas magical for the kids. Different scenario entirely, but you are not alone

Thanks everyone. I do love Christmas really, and seeing everybody and catching up. But it’s been such a long year - I think I’m just tired and grumpy!