For finding this period between Christmas and New Year difficult?

[pocketfulofsunshinee]

I don’t know what’s wrong with me but I’m really finding this period between Christmas and New Year hard. I didn’t think I was a creature of routine but maybe I am as I’m really struggling this week. I have two young children and I should be enjoying spending time with them and my husband but I just feel on edge, irritable, and unsure what to do with myself.

Anyone else?

Also not enjoying it. DH has had tonsillitis since Christmas Eve and now I have almost symptomless Covid, but even if that hadn't been the case it's pissed down and blown a gale for a week. We don't really have anywhere for "days out" indoors around here, plus who wants to spend the cash now? We've seen all the family films at the cinema with our annual passes.

We had planned to go stay with family tomorrow to break up 10 days of just me, DH and DS5 in the house but obviously can't now. And the poor kid's off school til the 8th!

My issue with this being "between" is that it's it's not between 2 fun events for me. I don't really like NYE and NYD is just an unnecessary shit bank holiday. Give me one in September or something instead.

If you feel like this, the best thing you can do is get outside for some fresh air. Go for a walk in some woods. Take some of the Xmas leftover treats if you have any! A flask of soup or hot chocolate or whatever.

i am always desperate to get outside this week of the year.

This often can't be the case for parents. Nursery is shut this week and holiday clubs don't usually run. Without childcare no easy way to work the week unless you have family who can help.

We found it helps to have a rough plan of what we want to do during this week. We start talking about it at the start of the month and it gives us something post Christmas to look forward to to help stop the boxing day blues.

This year we requested a marks and spencer's voucher as one of our presents and yesterday went for a slow wander around to buy a bunch of fancy nibbles and snacks + a cheese board. We set up a grazing table this morning and started a Lord of the Rings extended edition marathon. Tomorrow we're doing the Hobbit.

Saturday I have a new craft kit to put together and a new audiobook, while my partner plays the video game I got him for xmas. Sunday I get the PS5 for my new game and he is going to start on his new book.

I am an introvert and this is one of my favourite weeks of the year. I always take it off work and really switch off. When I finished work last week I thought I would have to log on this week but have decided not to, there is nothing that can’t wait until next week

Have been enjoying doing not a lot, I am sleeping the best I have slept for months (and I am not even in my own bed as still at my parents until after new year), went to the gym, been out for some meals to catch up with family and friends in my home town, been to the sales for a look but didn’t buy anything as trying to save next year

I definitely feel relaxed during Twixmas (I only found out that is what this week is called this year!)

I purposely work this period as I just don't enjoy it.

I usually find it worse. Ive quite liked the last couple of days of not having to do anything after a mad and busy term. However, the holidays starting so late and finishing on 8th is not ideal as the kids didn't really get to do any Christmas activities before and now they are all over. You'd think some places would still do them for the money if nothing else. It's too cold, wet and windy to go out out so we're kind of stuck in. Maybe going swimming tomorrow.

Werty, I work in retail. Nearly everyone I work with is a parent, some of their children are really tiny. Most have family in another country. They have childcare or their partner does it.. I do appreciate this would be tougher for single parents but some of these people are.. but then if you took a job in retail you'd have childcare in place anyway (yes I do realise things change, and you'd be stuck if it fell through.. but on the other hand.. shops are open and some of us do have to work this period... customers use them! The parents I work with say they are grateful we are open.. we are paid hourly, not salaried

It's one of my favourite times! All of the prep for Christmas etc over with but pretty decorations still up. No demands on us, no timetables we have to keep to, fridge stuffed with food and snacks that we can eat so barely need to cook. We can just hibernate away from all of the usual rushing about and stresses and demands and clock-watching. Watch films by the fire, build the many lego kits exchanged at Christmas, play board games and rest.

It's one of the only times of year where there is quality time with no interruptions, no phone calls, no expectations, freedom to spend the days as we please without distractions. Hibernation from the dismal winter. I am so enjoying this time with just me and my DCs and am dreading us going back to work/ school.

Massive introvert here! But that's why this time between Christmas and NY is so perfect: you can shut the world out and have peace. It's introvert bliss!

Maybe you are spending it in a way that doesn't suit you? Are you seeing lots of people and organising social events? Once Christmas is done you can stop all of that and have this week of peace, no need to see anybody other than those who live in your house.

I just got home today after spending Christmas with friends.

I didn't get my tree up until late & was busy up to going to friends, so I'm trying to hang onto 'Christmas' & enjoy it at home.

I love being off over Christmas/NY (well, anytime really)

I guess I'm lucky, I just don't get bored.

Yes ! Wish we could go from Christmas Day straight into summer...

January is the absolute pits.

Yes, totally in agreement. Such a tremendous build-up for just 1 day and then......it's akin to falling off a cliff emotionally. I wish I had a fiver for every time I've thought "eh? That's it?"
We are, for the most part, creatures of routine.

I like it. I don't have kids and mainly work from home so in normal life I get quite lonely day to day. It's lovely having DP at home and seeing friends who are off work. I am dreading next week when it will just be me rattling around the house on my own again.

Horrible weather, no nice food in, cupboard and freezer bare. Routine has gone, this is my longest holiday this year, 10 days in total, and I’ve overspent and now worry over that.
Grumpy husband

It's a difficult week. I used to work at a University where the whole place shut down for Christmas until after the new year. I hated the week in between. Now in a different sector and always work the days in between to keep myself occupied.

It'll soon be over and back to normal 💐

I think its OK to observe that parenting small DC when it gets dark at four and it's constantly raining is harder than the Summer Holidays. It obviously doesn't mean people don't cherish and enjoy their children.
Also children (and adults often) thrive on routine.

The week between Christmas and New Year always felt like limbo to me, I think that this year it’s the first time I haven’t felt discombobulated and meh. I don’t know what’s different but it’s really good!

I have become the biggest hermit since Christmas.

I was really socially drained after xmas day. I was back to work on 27th but there has been absolutely nothing to do so spent the whole day watching Netflix.

I have a busy January ahead with work and now I am really hoping it comes in quickly.

I cannot even fathom going for a walk, to the gym, to the shops. Just want to stay in my PJs all day.

I am going to start getting normality back after NYE though, starting with a walk and getting out and about doing things.

I'm introverted & I am loving this twilight zone in between christmas and new year. No routine, no plans and more importantly no socialising 🤣 no pressure to be anywhere.

I am finding the dark evenings a little depressing but i am loving the cold and rainy weather and living in knitwear/pyjamas/chunky socks. Heating blasting.

Summer is when I feel my worse. Pressure to be outside in the sunshine 'doing things' bright blue skies and the dreaded heat waves. But I do enjoy walks later on in the bright evenings when there are less people around x

GGGO: Grumpy Husband should walk a mile in your shoes - that would give him something to be grumpy about. But keep smiling on the outside, even though it's somewhat different on the inside.
Stay optimistic!

I'm normally content with a bit of laziness and a good helping of hot choc driven cold winter walks. However the weather has kept me indoors which makes me miserable!

I think my problem is that in the last five days we’ve spent four of them with/at families’ houses. So I’m just socially exhausted!

You must surely be my long-lost twin!

I'm not surprised you are drained and fed up then! Next year book nothing social in between Christmas and NY and I bet you will enjoy this period hugely.