AIBU that wrt to Xmas many are pretending the "Emperor has clothes".

[Boswellox]

Just that, really.

Funny.

In my friendship group and family we spend very little, mostly everyone gives homemade food items to the grown ups, and useful, wanted items to the kids.

DM alone goes berserk and overspends on plastic tat and tinsel and runs up vast amounts she can't afford on store cards and credit cards. In her case it does seem to be a desperate attempt to make up for not giving a shit about us the rest of the year

Every year I hope she will just come to visit with a bottle of wine and some chocs instead.

For those who spend money on presents (tat or otherwise) for people they don't like, spend time with people they hate etc, JUST STOP IT!!!!

Nobody is making you do these things, you need better boundaries.

It's time off work for most of us (Huge thanks to NHS and emergency workers) and time to spend eating treats and chilling at home with people whose company you cherish.

If that isn't your Christmas you are doing it wrong. Change it. [santa]

OP, if you hate your Christmas so much, there are many ways to change it. Spend Christmas helping people who have little or nothing, buy presents for people who have one, pay attention to the street people you rush past and buy them a hot drink, the possibilities are endless. Perhaps in this way you can learn what Christmas is really about.

*none