I hate Xmas. I really do. I always have. I don’t have a single happy Xmas memory from childhood and a lot of unhappy things have happened at that time of year for me. I’d rather opt out of the entire thing, such is the dislike. I’m atheist, so don’t do any of the religious stuff. I quite like celebrating the winter solstice (an actual thing) and tend to follow the pagan celebrations with a tree and nice food. Don’t go overboard with presents or anything else. I’m more than happy for other people to love Xmas. I revel in the joy they have for it. I just don’t want to do it myself. A bit like running or eating kale.
The same doesn’t work in reverse though. Every year I’m made to feel like a pariah for not wanting to talk about Xmas from September, arrange various secret Santas in October, not wearing a Xmas jumper every Friday from August, not having Xmas bedding or tea towels or a 47 course Xmas dinner menu planned in February.
Were I jewish or Jehovah’s Witness it wouldn’t happen. There would be a religious/cultural understanding.
Why is it not just okay to not get involved? Why don’t they just leave me alone? I’ve asked enough bloody time. Xmas isn’t happy for everyone, just as not everyone likes sprouts. 🤷🏻♀️
(This is mainly colleagues and friends but also some family.)