To want to skip Christmas

[Scroogemas]

I used to love Christmas as a kid, so I guess I felt like I should always love it. I want to still love it.

Obviously the magic fades into your teens and young adulthood, but I still enjoyed it. Parties, decorations, presents, a chance to socialise and see people, family etc. But the last few years it just seems to get worse and worse.

I only really have my parents. No kids or siblings. I have cousins but they’re not close really. There are two who are local and at one point I did seem to get to see them at Christmas but that’s all stopped again now. I used to spend Xmas day with my ex’s family which I enjoyed, but current DP has estranged family and his son lives miles away, so no one to see on his side either.

The present buying - again I used to enjoy it. I DO enjoy it, IF there’s something to buy. But it gets harder each year to think of something worthwhile to buy for my mum. She doesn’t mind, but I’d like to get her something nice that she’ll use and appreciate, not just junk or smellies that she’s not truly interested in.

Same for DP, there’s not really anything specific he wants, and I am OVERWHELMED with it all. I simply cannot focus or motivate myself to do anything more for Christmas. It feels like the deadline has been and gone now. I used to merrily do my shopping on 23/24 dec but honestly, I just can’t.

I have one smallish thing for DP and another thing that I’ve not even been to pick up. It’s something he wants but after further conversation I think I’ve got the wrong “version” of this thing so I don’t know what to do now.

I just want to skip it all tbh, I’m not feeling festive, I’m not feeling happy, I’d rather not receive anything myself than have to go through what feels like an impossible task of buying presents 🥲

It feels like I’m outside looking in at people enjoying Christmas. I’ve not even been to a party this year either as work events have somewhat dried up these days.

Sorry for the ramble, sometimes it’s nice to write it all down!

I wish I could skip it as well. I enjoyed Christmas when the kids were little but just can't see the point of a group of adults swapping money around.

Everyone in the family wants me to tell them what to get everyone else, and tell them what to get me. The pressure really gets me down and I actually don't need anything.

My adult dd will turn her nose up at what I've got her anyway - she refuses to give any ideas as she "likes surprises" but then I always feel like I haven't done a good enough job. Roll on January.

Everyone in the family wants me to tell them what to get everyone else, and tell them what to get me. The pressure really gets me down and I actually don't need anything

So tell them you don't need anything, won't be giving suggestions or taking lists and everyone will be getting a box of chocolates, with a voucher taped to it for your DC. If anyone asks for suggestions, tell them you don't know.

It's not compulsory and you can't be forced to comply because other people expect you to do their hard work for them.

Skip it, if you want. We do. We've been in a position not to "do Christmas" for a number of years now and it is bliss.

Thanks all. It does make me feel a bit better to hear what others will be doing (or not doing).

I do love the social side of Christmas and part of what’s getting me down is that that’s not happening this year, and seems to dwindle every year. I don’t have a “group” of friends, I have friends dotted about (geographically too) who don’t know each other. They all have their own families and plans so I can’t even see them either.

I was supposed to go and visit a good friend at the start of December, but she cancelled for personal reasons. I tried my best to organise a meal out with a few old high school friends who I keep in touch with but rarely see - but honestly it was futile. I have two friends that are meant to be coming round on Friday, so that’s basically my Christmas! (I appreciate them and am looking forward to seeing them, though one of their husbands knew my DP from years back and they don’t get on so that makes thing a a bit awkward. He won’t be coming with her, but it just lingers a bit!) hopefully it will all go ok though.

I succeeded in picking up a couple of bits last night, and just need perhaps a couple more to go with my friends present. I felt a bit better after that.

Skip it. The small gift is fine.
Eat what you enjoy. Do what you enjoy - regardless of what is expected.
As I get older, I do the parts of Christmas I prefer. I love Church Carol singing. I love walking around the neighbourhood and looking at lights and giving to charity activities.
What ever floats your boat.

growingonmyass "My adult dd will turn her nose up at what I've got her anyway - she refuses to give any ideas as she "likes surprises" but then I always feel like I haven't done a good enough job. Roll on January."

I'd be giving that one vouchers.

I feel exactly as you do OP

Ive decided that next year I’ll go away for Xmas and leave them all to it.
Dd and DS are grown up now. I’m divorced.

Having family round this year but it seems a lot of hassle for just one day and I haven’t put up decorations yet( if at all)

To me it’s about having a relaxing day doing what you enjoy.
A Xmas day reading a book and enjoying my own company sounds like bliss !

She’d be getting nothing from me.

I'm feeling the same. I like giving presents but I want them to be useful. I am looking forward to Christmas, it's the first one without my mam which will be hard, but I'm looking forward to spending time with my friends and family. Right now the getting the right presents just seems like a pain in the arse.