To not want anymore pre-christmas catch ups?

[SunQueen24]

Just that really, I have an urge to hibernate until spring. I have been on atleast 4 Christmas meets now - evening dinners and everytime would really rather stay home. I do like to be sociable, but this time of year just feels so busy, rushed and pressured. I have young DC and am working, juggling children’s Christmas commitments and shuffling my hours around to make school mince pie sales, two nativities or whatever else.

From 4pm I just want to put on my PJ’s/lounge wear and hunker down. I don’t want to juggle childcare and arrange a sitter and I’m happy with eating with the kids.

I don’t want to sound ungrateful, I’m fortunate to have several friendship groups. I’m just worn out! I’ve had another message today to agree a date before Christmas - bah humbug!

Same

Literally same

Of course not, just decline. I love it and would hate to spend an evening with someone who didn’t want to be there.

It's busy but I love it, especially with kids

I do have a good time when I’m out. It’s just the effort of it all! I wouldn’t regret not going but equally value my friends and don’t want to be a killjoy!

I understand feeling a bit peopled out and needing to say no sometimes.

I love Christmas too. I feel like I have enough capacity for the kids and their stuff, but the meals out and friendship groups is what is tipping me over the edge.

Just explain everything feels really full on at the moment, and you'd really like a relaxing December just chilling at home with the family! I would totally get it if my friend said this if I suggested going for a night out.
You can even (only if you mean it) suggest 'let's plan something fun for January', which is when everyone is usually moaning how down they feel after all the celebrations.

I love having Christmas meets in Jan and Feb, if that works out (ie. Just meeting one person, or if the group is happy with that). Dec is so busy

@evtheria that’s what I’ll do, thank you.

I hear you as the youngsters say. Between catch ups and grandkids pantos and dance shows, nativity shows I'm burnt out. Shows were magical though.

Who is asking for a pre Xmas catch up on the 07th of December?! Talk about leaving it until the last minute. I'd definitely decline.

I have been refusing to do anything midweek. Work is busy before year-end and I'm missing plenty for nativities too. Friday and Saturday people are welcome to come to me and I'll provide dinner. I have a 7mo so can just about get away with it!

You do sound ungrateful though, just say no.

What?

@SunQueen24 interested to know how yoi have cultivated different friendship groups that all wanna spend time with you before Christmas

One group are friends from a hobby that I have done all my life and is very involved have accumulated friends along the way so some very old friendships, one group is people I met at the outset of my career and have maintained a friendship with (I’d say these are some of my closest friends), a group of friends from school who I grew up with and remain close with, current work colleagues and a group from a different hobby taken up in the last three years. The latter two being the least close. But the last one I see the most of - 3x plus a week!

I agree. I would far rather catch up in Jan than Dec.

I know what you mean.

Remember this for next year, and you start the conversation about getting together and arranging it for end November.

Same.

I just CBA with anyone this year 😂. It winds me up that family members that you see rarely throughout the year suddenly decide that they HAVE to see you because it's Christmas. Oh sod off, you've not bothered for about 6 months, why do I have to see you now?

And yes, I know I sound like a mardy cow and you're probably thinking "well, it's no wonder that they haven't bothered for 6 months, you miserable bitch!" But obviously I don't give out this impression. I'm sweetness and light to their faces. I just seethe inwardly.

I just want to be on the sofa watching cheesy movies in my oodie.

@Truetoself the first group has several branches, so I’ve been to two meals now because I fall in them all (different clubs/disciplines but I fall under them all).

YANBU

I’m getting quite a few “ we must meet up before Christmas”.

Sorry, but I’m up to my neck in it with Dc coming home from Uni, working loads over Christmas, going away for 3 days and dealing with elderly relatives. I’ve got a few things booked in, but now I’m saying NO to everything else.

I’m booked out until Jan -sorry!

@BusySittingDown apt username! But exactly! I love my friends dearly. I’m an extrovert introvert I think 🤣 I keep saying ti DH WhatsApp during the day are perfect!

I agree! Everyone wants to catch up before Christmas and it's exhausting, especially coupled with the mental and physical load of preparing to host Christmas, on top of all the usual day to day commitments of work and family.

I was so relieved that today's Christmas socialising was postponed due to the storm.