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!

Just that! I remember pre kids being out nearly every night in the run up to Christmas. I just can’t anymore!!

I really am and I know that. I moan to DH but do also acknowledge there’s worse problems to have. That’s why I feel guilty, my friends are so wonderful and generally aware that I’m the one who struggles the most with childcare and so always accommodating of me.

DH is the opposite of me. He has his work Christmas do and that’s it. He always asks what on earth I have left to talk about 🤣

Totally with you! I’m refusing to put anything else in the diary this December now, especially with the dark short days and lousy weather. Hibernation mode certainly kicks in by 7pm! PJs on!! 😂 Everywhere is so mind bogglingly busy in December too!

@SunQueen24 oh I am a massive introvert. I love being in company but I find as I'm getting older that I'm needing lots more time to recover in between. I'm getting worse as I get older.

I'm on the road to being a very grumpy, old woman. 😂 I feel like I need to nip it in the bud a bit, otherwise I fear that I'll end up being grumpy, old and very lonely because I'll just stop seeing people altogether.

Yes! My brain is full now until the 25th. We've had our work do each, DS's nativity has been and gone and I have been to our annual 2 day conference. I want to spend the rest of the month (when not at work) either watching all the series we have missed this year or getting shit done like wrapping, laundry, clearing out old toys. Not going out on a rainy Wednesday for pizza.

I’m doing brunch with a couple of groups. The only “nights out” are with old school friends and colleagues.

I hate the fact everyone treats Christmas as some sort of deadline - "we must meet before Christmas!" WHY? I'd the world coming to an end on Boxing Day?

I'd much rather do cheat stuff with the family (not to mention all the shopping, cooking) before Christmas then book all the fun meet ups for January, as pp have said that's when all the excitement's over.

I have decided this year to be kind to myself and not to get into mad December rush. There is absolutely no need to see and meet everyone before Christmas. it is much better see people in January and throughout the year without a pressure. I feel like every year Christmas time becomes more and more stressful while all I really need is quiet time with my kids/family. Most people feel exhausted and just forcing themselves to comply to social norms and it’s not that enjoyable anyway. While when everyone is relaxed, conversations flow more naturally and deeply. I start to prioritise quality of interaction over quantity