To already be overwhelmed by Xmas

PersephoneParlormaid · 30/11/2025 08:11

Just say no! Cut back on what you agree to doing, to keep yourself sane.

Sartre · 30/11/2025 08:12

Always love the season tbh. I try not to overindulge until Christmas Eve, then have a 3 day blow out usually. We have packed weekends with planned events until Christmas Eve now but really excited!

Tomrrowandtomorrowandtommorrow · 30/11/2025 08:15

I do nothing, see no one and love it!

Tryingatleast · 30/11/2025 08:17

I’m the opposite to the opening poster, I say just jump right in, try and enjoy!

Fupoffyagrasshole · 30/11/2025 08:18

I’m on a bit of a health / fitness journey at the moment and I’ve lost a lot of weight- so I’m really trying to not have a “fuck it, it’s Christmas” attitude this year!

it’s hard - but why’s been helping us just sticking to eating my own food where possible pre event and not really eating out at things I go to - example we have work drinks next.week and there will be food served too (nibbles /canapés,pizzas etc) but il be taking my dinner into work that day an eating it before i go out and just sticking to having a few drinks.

im getting much better at being in control of evenings and stuff now, give myself a drink max and try stick to it and very careful about how much i eat or if I eat at all at it.

DappledThings · 30/11/2025 08:19

What kind of gathering? I don't know anyone who has any Christmas meals other than actually at Christmas or a work one. I have two work ones but not till the 11th and 16th.

Is this family doing multiple Christmas meals?

Original poster

snappyandsnippy · 30/11/2025 08:29

DappledThings · 30/11/2025 08:19

What kind of gathering? I don't know anyone who has any Christmas meals other than actually at Christmas or a work one. I have two work ones but not till the 11th and 16th.

Is this family doing multiple Christmas meals?

Xmas lunch with a friend group and all our DC.
Nine families in all, so was fun, but also a bit chaotic!

I am probably just being a bit Grinchy because I am perimenopausal and find all the noise and chaos a lot to cope with. Then I feel guilty that I am not “enjoying every moment of this special time.”

OP posts:

DappledThings · 30/11/2025 08:31

snappyandsnippy · 30/11/2025 08:29

Xmas lunch with a friend group and all our DC.
Nine families in all, so was fun, but also a bit chaotic!

I am probably just being a bit Grinchy because I am perimenopausal and find all the noise and chaos a lot to cope with. Then I feel guilty that I am not “enjoying every moment of this special time.”

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Nah, I'd be apprehensive about the rest of the season if I had something like that going on more than once. Quite happy not to know anyone who organises big things like that!

Original poster

snappyandsnippy · 30/11/2025 08:32

Fupoffyagrasshole · 30/11/2025 08:18

I’m on a bit of a health / fitness journey at the moment and I’ve lost a lot of weight- so I’m really trying to not have a “fuck it, it’s Christmas” attitude this year!

it’s hard - but why’s been helping us just sticking to eating my own food where possible pre event and not really eating out at things I go to - example we have work drinks next.week and there will be food served too (nibbles /canapés,pizzas etc) but il be taking my dinner into work that day an eating it before i go out and just sticking to having a few drinks.

im getting much better at being in control of evenings and stuff now, give myself a drink max and try stick to it and very careful about how much i eat or if I eat at all at it.

Good on you for finding a way to navigate all this!

i am also not wanting to have a blowout. I hate feeling uncomfortably full, but put a bowl of chips in front of me, and I have not self control!!!!

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Talkingtomyhouseplants · 30/11/2025 08:35

We’re a bit overwhelmed too OP and we don’t even have that much on

a Christmas event in town on Wednesday with the ILs and back to ours for fish and chips
Dinner with a friend Friday night
a Christmas quiz next Tuesday
DH’s work Christmas dinner
My work Christmas lunch
Pantomime and Lunch with my DB and his DD
Festive afternoon tea with my school friends and their new babies

And my local friends want to arrange a friendmas somewhere in there as well! It’s a lot of forced merriment at a time when I have very few resources with the cold and dark nights making me feel miserable. I also like to try and exercise at least 3 times a week

Lookingforthejoy · 30/11/2025 08:38

We’ve had to cut back this year for DD1 mental health.

I have tried to follow the TOM(M) organised Christmas method this year again and haven’t done everything but managed a lot. It’s basically where you start getting organised for Christmas in September and do one or two things a week eg buy advent calender, decide on Christmas plans, make a present idea list, and then you’re all done by the start of December when life starts getting extra busy. I have never done all of the things but it makes a big difference.

Original poster

snappyandsnippy · 30/11/2025 08:40

Talkingtomyhouseplants · 30/11/2025 08:35

We’re a bit overwhelmed too OP and we don’t even have that much on

a Christmas event in town on Wednesday with the ILs and back to ours for fish and chips
Dinner with a friend Friday night
a Christmas quiz next Tuesday
DH’s work Christmas dinner
My work Christmas lunch
Pantomime and Lunch with my DB and his DD
Festive afternoon tea with my school friends and their new babies

And my local friends want to arrange a friendmas somewhere in there as well! It’s a lot of forced merriment at a time when I have very few resources with the cold and dark nights making me feel miserable. I also like to try and exercise at least 3 times a week

The calendar quickly fills up, doesn’t it!!

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Whoevenarethey · 30/11/2025 08:43

Perhaps this is where I should feel grateful not to be very sociable and have no events planned!
Apart from one child's school play, we have no social events planned (no work Xmas do has been mentioned yet so maybe it's not happening this year).
I guess maybe see it as being grateful to having so many people that want to spend time with you. Or prioritise the important stuff - if you don't want to go to everything then say no. If I had a lot of friends wanting to do stuff with children I would suggest doing things in January so events were spread out.

Talkingtomyhouseplants · 30/11/2025 08:47

snappyandsnippy · 30/11/2025 08:40

The calendar quickly fills up, doesn’t it!!

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Oh and I forgot I’m going to see the bloody nutcracker with my mum! Agreed to in a moment of weakness (she’s been having a tough time and my dad is busy)

Original poster

snappyandsnippy · 30/11/2025 08:49

Whoevenarethey · 30/11/2025 08:43

Perhaps this is where I should feel grateful not to be very sociable and have no events planned!
Apart from one child's school play, we have no social events planned (no work Xmas do has been mentioned yet so maybe it's not happening this year).
I guess maybe see it as being grateful to having so many people that want to spend time with you. Or prioritise the important stuff - if you don't want to go to everything then say no. If I had a lot of friends wanting to do stuff with children I would suggest doing things in January so events were spread out.

Yes, I do know I am very lucky to have good friends. It has taken me longer than most to get established in a friend group with other families, and I am very grateful for them. I need to remind myself of this!

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Howtogetthrough · 30/11/2025 09:03

I don't do anything for Christmas, apart from prepare for my son staying over the holiday season, but I find this time of year really stressful.

All the hype, the busy shops, the perpetual pressure to be buying, and the expectation that everyone should be doing something, makes me so stressed. I try to ignore Christmas as much as possible but the stress still gnaws away inside me.

I can't wait for January and some normality.

Ponoka7 · 30/11/2025 09:46

I think feeling grateful for people to spend time with is the way to go. My circle is miniscule now and the lively pubs we used to go to, are nomore. I'm also having health issues, or I'd be booking Christmas market trips. This year is feeling a bit flat.

bridgetreilly · 30/11/2025 09:55

Put as much as possible after Christmas, e.g, pantomime, seeing friends, visiting family.

Caroparo52 · 30/11/2025 10:00

I have about 12 xmas Do s in December. Can't wait.
from sports club nite out bowling to a little tea and cake with volunteering group, seeing a posh Xmas tree decorations and singing Christmas carols. Makes it a special time of year. Can't wait

HansHolbein · 30/11/2025 10:01

I usually start all my Christmas planning in October, this avoids the overwhelm.

Original poster

snappyandsnippy · 30/11/2025 10:22

HansHolbein · 30/11/2025 10:01

I usually start all my Christmas planning in October, this avoids the overwhelm.

I’m actually good with the planning too. It’s the enacting of plans I have a problem with, lol

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Ifailed · 30/11/2025 10:26

I have one 'event' between now and 2026, a funeral. That's enough excitement for me.

Hmm1234 · 30/11/2025 17:56

snappyandsnippy · 30/11/2025 08:10

Went to the first of our Xmas gatherings yesterday and left feeling overstimulated and overstuffed with food!

Have tried to pare back the Xmas madness, but the calendar always seems to be bursting regardless.

Help!! What is everyone doing to stay sane in the next few weeks? Or AIBU to expect to stay sane in December?? 🤣

I think most of us are, then somehow end up doing the same the following year! Love/ hate relationship with the Xmas season

Facecream24 · 30/11/2025 17:59

@snappyandsnippy me and my family never get invited to anything so we don’t have this issue. It’s a problem I’d like to have. You can say no if you don’t want to do it.

pinkypoo8 · 30/11/2025 18:35

Now you're blaming perimenopause God what is it with you People.. it's embarrassing