Things you don't like about Christmas

[lorettalemon]

I know lots of other people must find it a stressful time - family dramas, having to see in-laws if you don't like them, getting food in, feeling obliged to go to things, the extra expense. If you don't like Christmas what are the things that bother you/you dread?

I’ve realised that I really don’t enjoy Christmas. I really try and go to great effort and I know the kids appreciate it. I think I’m constantly chasing a dream that’s just not realistic and it makes me feel I’m never quite good enough. Putting decorations up makes me see my house in a new, critical way, wishing things were picture perfect even though it’s perfectly fine as it is. I get very stressed with clutter and things out of place and I think that massively contributes. Also the huge pressure of having to buy and wrap presents that people will like. It’s worse this year for some reason, it’s our first Christmas in a new house and I thought it would be lovely, but I’m just stressing trying to squeeze everything in

It's too hot.

People have the heating too high. Combine that with the body heat from extra guests and a mahoosive dinner cooking and it all gets too much.

And my parents have now reached the age where a window left ajar means DEATH. So no fresh air for anyone.

Personally I think it’s a load of overhyped shite.

Constant shopping

I dont like all the waste that the present thing generates, really irritates me. And the pressure of gifts. Its become unpleasant. I think it should bemore about food and hosting, ditch presents. Focus on birthday for presents.

Since I've stopped trying to make everything perfect and just gone with the flow I've been much happier. The only thing I find slightly tricky is ils trying to comendeer every waking moment. However, I've got much better at accepting the invitation is just an invitation and saying no. Rather than getting irritated that we had said 'no thank you' three times already, I just say 'not for us, I already told you' and ignore any attempts at emotional blackmail. Also, I've accepted my parents are not showy people. They enjoy themselves, but they are quite mooted in their response. Previously, this would fill me with anxiety that they were unhappy. However, I've decided that if they don't like something then that is their issue. Not giving too much of a fuck has improved my Christmases dramatically.

Too much temptation to over-eat and over-drink. Every year I promise I’ll be sensible and every year I over-endulge and end up feeling crap.

The extra clutter it brings. I try to relax and not care but it makes me anxious.

The stress of affording it all.

I love everything else though!

The pressure people put themselves under for things to be perfect, which then stops them enjoying themselves.

We ditched the traditional Christmas dinner years ago and not looked back. Better things to do on Christmas day then spend it in the kitchen. We've been out for a curry, had Turkey dinosaurs with potato smiles... But our favourite is the BBQ.

Also trying to find a place for the mountain of presents grandparents buy... When the kids would be just as happy with half the amount.

This sounds so daft. I'm emetiphobic and I panic every year we will get norovirus and ruin it. My anxiety has been jn overdrive since November. Will be fine by Boxing Day

There is nowhere to put anything in our tiny house and I could scream. It is ONE day and the hysteria about it pisses me right off too.

One of the big things for me is the expense. Even by being resourceful and frugal in buying gifts you still end up spending more. I ended up having to take a taxi to get home from a Christmas celebration at the weekend and I really hadn't wanted to have to take one because of the cost. It's generally things it's hard to say no to without potentially not getting invited again. Buying the foods and drinks for if people come round is also an extra expense

I spend the whole period feeling lonely, underwhelmed and disappointed. And as someone who used to totally love Christmas, it makes me feel even worse.

My dad once told me a story about a tramp who got himself locked in a supermarket over Christmas and spent it drinking whisky and eating smarties. I felt very jealous. I spend most of it feeling anxious.

I get cabin fever on Xmas day despite going for a run and walking over to my parents. I need to get out after a while!

The things I used to like - the religious carols, the midnight mass, we don't do anymore as we aren't religious. I suppose we could still do the carols....

I don't feel at all festive as I'm not 'sorted' yet.

The shopping, the stress, the crowds, the waste, the expense.

I love the lights, the food and drink, xmas telly, not working (2 weeks off yey!) being with my kids and seeing them excited. I hate that it all ends and January makes me feel depressed. I'll be dry January and training for a half marathon.

I do love Christmas as I am fortunate to get on with all family on both sides and I have time off to enjoy it.

I must say though, I do find visiting/hosting many people a bit overwhelming sometimes. They are all lovely people but it's the endless noise, mess, organising good and drinks etc.

This year, we are at SILs for Christmas dinner and I am looking forward to it just being me, DH and DS in the morning and not having to do all the prep, hosting and clearing up. I'm actually looking forward to going out and coming back to a clean and tidy kitchen

I don't like the over commercialisation of it: I can't bear the xmas eve boxes, the elf on the shelf, all the stuff that is additional. I hate that it's just become a huge money spending event instead of a nice winter time festival where we can eat a good dinner and exchange some gifts.

I am also old.

For me, it’s the lack of meaning of it all. I find it over-commercialized, I’m not religious, and my family situation is not easy.

I don’t like the fact that my Christmases aren’t anything like the ones on TV/FB/Instagram with big family gatherings.

I wish it felt magical but it doesn’t. It’s a hassle. I don’t like encouraging a “I want” mentality just because it’s December. I want the DC to grow up feeling like It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year but as I don’t really get the whole thing myself, I’m not sure how convincing I am.

My Spanish catholic friend is so excited to celebrate things from a spiritual point of view, and I think it must be lovely to feel like this about it, despite having no inclination to find religion myself.

Small house - too many people and too much stuff.

I am always ill with a cold or flu and end up feeling low, combined with insane cabin fever because I haven't had the energy to go out.

I find i get anxious about the sheer number of presents that my children get - i know this is a totally first world problem but my dh always buys more for them than i think they need and by the time my parents, sisters, sister in laws and their grown up cousins have finished it is totally excessive. It makes me feel a bit sick and i worry that they will be totally spoilt.

All of it. I'd be happy never to have to bother again.

Oh yes, the waste (stuff, plastic, food, money).

I also find it lonely too (despite lovely DH and DC).

The stress, always the stress..
Its my DS1s birthday on Christmas Eve too, and as a lone parent it's always been up to me to be clever financially, pull metaphorical rabbits out of hats and make sure my DC have a lovely time.
So tiring..

It brings up my grief for my mum.
I become obsessed with cleaning and de-cluttering which means DH and I fall out.
I don’t really know what to do on Xmas day.
I feel listless and demotivated.

I love the chocolate and Baileys though!!