To ask if anyone…

[WinterSparkles]

Is in the position where they have no family issues and are happily wanting to spend Christmas all together?
I can’t help but feel hugely depressed at the state of my family. There is conflict between my father and brother, between my sister and grandmother and between myself and my mother. I am dreading the enforced time together.

Why are you doing it if it’s going to be so dreadful?

As above. If it isn't enjoyable, then why do it ?

Can't vote as unclear what your AIBU is

Oh, and yes, we've never had any of that drama in our family, from either side.

My parents and I disagree wildly about politics and would fight if we brought it up so I have a “smile and hmm” policy on all political matters 🤣. Other than that we generally get on fine.

Because I would be alone at Christmas being a single and childless woman.
It would also be horrible for my lovely grandfather who is in his final years not to have me there (He is one of my few favourites in the family )

We're very very lucky to have no issues like that at all.

Me, DH and 3 adult DC, are all excited to spend Christmas together as always.

I suspect most of us would rather be home alone Christmas Day than spending it with warring argumentative people, but if it’s what you prefer, you crack on OP, but it’s a choice.

We don't have issues in our family but some years we tend to do our own thing on Xmas day itself and that works fine for us.

Well @WinterSparkles you say you are dreading spending Christmas with your family members and you feel “hugely depressed” about it.

Do you not enjoy your own company even a tiny bit? Why would being on your own not be preferable?

It doesn’t make sense.

So why not just invite your Grandparents.
A different year, go to your brother's or your sister's.

It doesn't have to be an either / or choice of 'everyone' or 'alone'

I love spending Christmas with my close family - father, children, son in law and daughter in law and grandchildren. If my brothers were able to come, there would be some topics of conversation which we'd agree not to discuss, but we love each other, so wouldn't want to cause any upset. (And their wives are lovely). Our Christmases are great - but we realise that we are incredibly blessed.

My family is hugely dysfunctional. Abusive, rowing parents, siblings who were played off against each other as kids. For last 10 years since being single I have spent xmas alone with my dog. For most of those years I could have gone somewhere if I wanted ie there was an invitation. I chose not to.
I just treat it like another day. Quite easy to ignore if you have no kids or partner (I'm divorced).
Take dog for walk, get something good on the box, have some good food, browse the John Lewis sale online. Time for bed.
I'm a huge introvert with trust issues (due to childhood) so honestly xmas day with 'family' is hugely stressful, fake and anger inducing.

Just say no. I do feel sad about it but there you go.
I always remind myself I could go help at a charity or something on xmas day if I really wanted company.

P.S. I did buy my dog a christmas stocking the first year and fill it with dog toys/treats but then gave it to him about 2 weeks before xmas so even that didn't work. Obviously the dog has no idea what day it is which makes it easier to get through.

I am very lucky as me and DH get on well with my family and spend every Christmas with them.

My 2 siblings and their OH's and their 4 grown up children with their respective husbands/wives.

It is not illegal to have Christmas on your own
As far as I am aware, there is no government 'enforced time' at any time of year.
Be a grown up. Visit your grandad after the 25th