To think Xmas is only great if you have a big, extended family.

[IgnoranceNotOk]

Just that really…
I grew up spending Xmas day and Boxing Day with aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents and even as a young adult we did the same with lots of drinks and silly games.

The last few years my family has been through a lot and the stuff with the extended family doesn’t seem to happen anymore sadly so for the last few years we see my parents a little bit due to mental health in their house, it’s not the big celebration it used to be and we often don’t even know if we can go round there.

I’m finding it really hard as I used to love Xmas and I know I need to count my blessings that I have DH and the kids and can watch them enjoy it but I just feel a bit lonely.

Hopefully it’ll be a healthier, better year for my family and next Xmas will be more together.

There was 14 people in my house for Xmas last year, I have a decent size house but it was just too much.

This year was DH, myself and our 3 tweens/teens and it was lovely. Kids stayed in PJs, we went by our own clock and just chilled.

Previous years, when my sister and nan were alive we would have them plus my mum as well (and occasionally my uncle) and it was fine but hard work keeping everyone fed and entertained.

So for me, whilst I enjoy seeing all my family and enjoyed the Christmases we have had together, I personally have preferred our quiet ones..

We have had a mixture... as a child was just mum, dad and us kids. Then parents split and both had new partners who did it differently. Xmas got bigger and it was ok, but after a few years it all felt a bit "enforced merriment " whilst working like hell to make it so.
Now with everyone passing and I am in the eldest generation (Apart from mil with dementia), we are back to just Dh, me and the kids - and mil for a bit, it is less work, more enjoyment.

There was 14 people in my house for Xmas last year, I have a decent size house but it was just too much.

I’d hate that too. For me, Christmas growing up was just my parents, me and sibling. Then when I got married it wasDH, me, my mum, in-laws and usually my DB when he was single. Then it was DH, me, DB and his partner and child.

I know two people, siblings,who have four children each. So that’s 12 people straight off. Then add the children’s partners, that brings it up to 20. And now grandchildren are appearing. If the children all follow their parents’ example and have large families the numbers involved will be mind boggling.