How do you really feel about Christmas this year?

[TwinkleLights24]

Are you excited? Feeling meh? Dreading it?

As we are only one week away I was wondering how others feel about Christmas this year.

I’m quite sad to say that it doesn’t feel like Christmas to me. I’ve spoken to people in real life and we all seem to be going through the motions, I can’t help but think there’s so many other things going on and Christmas is an inconvenience.
I’m sure Christmas Day will be enjoyable but as I get older I think about those who are lonely or having a difficult time. I read so many stories on MN from others having a tough time, many of us feel lonely or are unwell and yet Christmas is still happening regardless.

There seems to be very little festive atmosphere around this year. Am I alone in thinking this way and you’re super excited?

My baby twin sons died just before last Christmas. One born sleeping and the other in the NICU at 4 days old. This should have been their first Christmas so it's tough but myself and dh survived the year and we are expecting again so I feel my boys with me every day. Wish I could see their little excited faces this Christmas day though 😪

I'm over it. Menopausal, shattered, work full time in a primary school and it's our busiest time of year. By the time the last kid has left on Friday all I want to do is go home and lie on the sofa with a glass of wine. But there's too much still to be done as these days I just do not have the energy on weekday evenings. Not written any cards, done any shopping and hate the modern gift expectations and commercialisms anyway, I wish it became the norm to really scale back gift giving as it isn't what Christmas is all about.

I was watching Kirstie's Home made Christmas Crafts the other day. I was jealous at the thought of having so much free time and energy that you could faff around making home made things and "crafting" for enjoyment.

I have my tree and lights up at home and like them. But to be honest, the thing I am most looking forward to is 2 weeks not having to think about work at all, to get up at whatever time I want according to how badly I sleep, to watch box sets, read, eat nice food and just generally do things at my own pace. Which is something I can do during the Easter school holidays, which is a lot less chore-filled and spendy, usually with better weather so more opportunity to get outside, so therefore I'd choose Easter any day over Christmas.

I am looking forward to it because it is the first one that my toddler will (hopefully) be really excited for so I'm looking forward to seeing her little face light up. We have stripped back as much as we can- going out for Christmas day lunch so not having to cook for example. However despite this I am also burnt out - just seen another thread from someone saying how many plans she has and how she feels like cancelling all. I can relate, am exhausted from a hard year work wise, continual problems with anxiety and stress, dh having a very hard year work wise, and having no family support nearby to help lift our spirits, and constantly being skint due to ridiculous cost of childcare, feel I have been generally run down since October. I have also noticed a lack of festive spirit in others generally. I wonder if the high cost of living is just burdening people a lot this year - these worries can really add up throughout the year and Christmas comes at a time when everyone is usually ill, too. From my pov I am going to try and embrace the little joys of the season. Hot choc, cheesy films, playing with my dd, making our own new small traditions.

It's just another bank-holiday, with another one tact on to it here, in England.

It'll soon be over and life can go on

I used to love Christmas but it’s become a chore sadly as the day is all about keeping MIL happy. She has to come and stay for a few days otherwise she gets grumpy. Suggesting she come Christmas Day and leave Boxing Day is out of the question apparently as she has a 2 hour drive. I’ve been ill and run down for the last few weeks and could really do with not hosting but know she’d lose her nut if we cancelled.

And then I see posts like from @Ella31 and think what a moaning ungrateful cow I sound.

So sorry for your losses. I hope that Christmases of the future bring you joy.

Gosh I am so, so sorry 💐

I haven't done anything for Christmas this year. No decorations, no presents, no plans for Christmas day. I have 5 days off and I am just going to sleep, read and go for walks. I've not had an enjoyable Christmas for three years and this year my partner and I separating so I am not feeling particularly festive and just can't be arsed with forced fun.

I am so so sorry for your loss. It puts it all into perspective. Sending you love.

Safe travels and Merry Christmas

And then I see posts like from and think what a moaning ungrateful cow I sound.

I know, me too.

I take it all back - one day of exhaustion is well worth it and long may it continue 🙏

I'm feeling meh...I love Christmas and want my kids to have a lovely day but my mum died in October unexpectedly and before I had the chance to tell her I'm pregnant again. So it's not so happy for me this year.

Fucking terrified and the thought of next year makes me feel simultaneously like I've been doused in icy cold water and also like vomiting.

I'm great fun at parties too!

I'm feeling quite meh this year. It's been quite a tough year for us. We've had some family conflict, 2 young children, one started school, the other started nursery, a million illnesses, my dads health has declined and I've been feeling quite fed up of my job and irritated by my colleague who's lazy and totally dull to spend time with, I've been feeling quite low for a few weeks now, and I think Christmas has stressed me out.
I'm looking forward to some time off, but equally I'm not looking forward to babysitting for 2.5 weeks when it's such a full on task with a 4 year old and 18 month old.
Anyone else?

Im quite chilled about it. Only slight niggle is the amount of money I have spent. Every year I vow to be restrained but it never happens.

You don't sound ungrateful at all. Life is different for everyone and we all have our moments don't we? Hope you have a lovely Christmas too xxx

I normally love it but it does feel strangely flat this year. I can't quite work out why but the weather seems to have a lot to do with it. The shops seem to have really pared back as well.

My heart goes out to those of you who are grieving or suffering 💐

I’m very excited, I always love the season and I have a toddler this year who’s very into the lights and wreaths and things and a 5 year who’s beside herself about the gifts she’s chosen for other people.

Looking forward to chilling out with hubby, going out to see friends and relatives and having the neighbours over for scrabble. I have a list things to watch all saved in my iplayer favourites and have two weeks off. Bliss.

Sooooooo excited!

I spend two out of three Christmases alone. This is the Christmas with my family.

Oh and this year I can afford nice wine and food so it's going to be yummy 😋

Aww thank you 🥰 Last Christmas wasn't a whole lot of laughs. Didn't have a single hair on my head and couldn't go out without a mask but feeling 10 x better now 💪

Excited for my children who love Christmas, and also a bit weird and sad as its the first one without my dad

@Goldenboysmum I'm so so sorry for your loss.

We're going away so I'm excited about that

Along with giving gifts to the kids/doing fun stuff with the kids