I hate christmas

[In234Out23456]

Things I hate about Christmas …

the routine.
things we have done for the last 30 odd years. Not because any of it is pleasurable but because that’s What We Do. Any suggestion there is a comfortable change is met with absolute horror. Fuckers.

the expectation that we have to see everyone on one day. Most of these people I don’t see from one year to the next. Some of them I don’t even like. Hundreds of them. and they try and hug or kiss ffs. Why? Why would they do that?

In the car, out, sit cramped and loud, exchange presents nobody gives a shite about and are destined for the charity shop. On to the next house and repeat.
this sounds nasty and ungrateful but really, what shit can you buy for a tenner for someone you don’t like much? WHAT’S THE POINT????
Too many people in each house. So many.

Too many presents. I get it. He likes it. He’s passed on this to the DCs and they like it. Everyone is kind and generous but I hate it.
Too. Much.
and then it sits in piles for days and days. And the expectation that I join in and do the same.

ancient in-laws with dementia. Crankier by the year. I do love them but why do they always have to come to us when there are numerous other relatives they could go to. But no, This Is What We Do. Again. And FiL will bang on about the dead dog again (and again and again).

The timings.
because He does the cooking he gets to decide what happens when.

I DO NOT WANT TO EAT A FULL MEAL AT 3 PM.

That is neither lunch nor dinner. I will be hungry at a normal time. That means I either have to stay hungry and drink on an empty stomach, or eat and then I’m not hungry for the feast.

somebody will leave chocolate out and the dog will eat it resulting in yet another vet trip. Again. FiL I’m looking at you.

after a day of merriment He will proceed to drink too much. Mostly in response to having to deal with the ancient relatives. And then he will peacefully go to sleep in a chair while I clear up.

NOBODY LIKES SPROUTS

the last 10 years I have volunteered to work. Which is shitty but an excellent reason to bugger off for a few hours. This year I haven’t got work as an excuse. On the other hand no work means I can drink myself into oblivion but then risk actuallly murdering people.

Never ever used to, but now love them, possibly even more than the meat !

I used to dislike Christmas until I started spending it with only people that I actually like. That changed everything and now I really enjoy it again.

Pretend you’re working and going sit somewhere further day enjoying the peace and quiet!

OP this sounds horrendous and I honestly couldn’t stand it. I don’t think you actually hate Christmas I think you hate what that represents in your family you need to put a stop to it it’s clearly causing you stress and if I’ve learned anything over the years is stop doing something you don’t like or enjoy to please others because you become resentful I hope things change for you OP so you can enjoy Christmas

Our Xmas is just the 4 of us. I don’t have elderly relatives on the day and I don’t do visits on the day. Anything like that is done a few days before. You’ve made a rod for your own back.

I’m entirely with you op except for the sprouts. You need to roast them, preferably with smoked paprika and garlic. 😍

Sort out what you want and do it next year!

I mean you can choose how you want to spent Christmas! If you don’t like when other people invite you, you can host and decide the rules. I don’t have the same experience. Every Christmas I host, we have food that all of us like rather than the traditional, we exchange presents only with the closest people that they buy useful things (for the rest we ask no presents but to contribute with desserts & alcohol), we usually invite for Christmas lunch both family and friends. We also have 3 kids that are still young and make it even more fun.

Can you make little changes?

Why not have Christmas dinner at a time that suits you? I'd hate to have a full meal in the afternoon.

Thankfully, ‘what we do’ is NEVER have turkey. No one likes it.

its your christmas too
that is the mantra i tell myself

also agree, 3 pm,
such a rubbish time to eat

Bubble bath and chocolates for everyone’s presents (accept for the dogs) , the old relatives will be dead soon, one more Christmas you’ll be fine. Book your holiday next year and bugger the routine and expectations

Could you fake flu and a migraine and just stay at home all day with dim lighting and gentle music? All of that would make me ill anyway so not exactly faking. You have a right to do what you want - your DH might actually like it too. You could start your illness on 23rd and take to your bed for a few hours and just start moping about so it’s not a shock on the day - it’s a bad strain this year with aching bones and headache and shivery/hot etc.

I mean I love Christmas, apart from the sprouts. Could you just do it his way and your way every other year? How old are your children? I think part of the reason I love it so much is dd's enjoyment of everything.

My hubby and I have a lovely walk down the beach, with a drink of choice of course...🎄🍾 then home to watch tv with the dog. Hubby will then cook our steak and chips etc before we relax for the evening. Absolutely perfect just the two of us and our boy. No expectations, no excessive noise, no having to talk for HOURS to people I just don't like...I could also go on 🤗. Honestly, just say no, make the day yours and enjoy. Life is just way too short. X

Yes - it is so forced and fake. Have to suck it up as 'it's Christmas'. spends days with relatives who barely acknowledge you the rest of the year. I refused it all last year and it was great. Went for lovely walk, met people in the pub, had a Christmas pie and some crumble.

The ' Happy Christmas phone call' from the rest of the family was at 7pm - not Christmas morning, no. That time in the evening when everyone is bored and needs something to do. I ignored it.

I absolutely love Christmas and the traditions we have with our friends and family.
But we all love Christmas and love spending time with each other so it doesn’t seem forced or fake.
I honestly think if we deviated from our Christmas routines our kids world revolt 😂

Just claim you have a tummy bug/migraine and can’t join. You’s hate the oldies to catch it… Let every one else go and while you have a quiet day on the sofa.

After last Xmas I said I wasn’t buying presents for my kids, I was just giving them money. Guess what, I’m tying myself up in knots again trying to find things to buy them!
Im happy to eat everyone’s sprouts, I love them.
And no, it’s not right to eat at 3pm, we’ve always had ours at 5pm. Earlier than normal, but not so late that we’ll be washing up late.

We are doing things differently this year too, removing all the things people moan about. We are cooking our christmas meats on the 24th then eating them cold with cheeses,crackers,olives,pickles etc. No cooking, no washing up!

Its not one day though is it, it starts creeping into shops and our TV screens in October. The sheer amount of waste, be it food or landfill destined presents, the stress, the expanse, the twee John Lewis esque expectations, the complete departure from any semblance of what Christmas is about. Baah humbug.

You know you can just stop doing christmas. Especially visiting people....I never do.
Just tell everyone you're not exhanging presents next year, it's too expensive.
Go on holiday! I did this once too and it was brilliant.

Leave the sprouts out of it!

YANBU! ❤️
I think the solution to this is to (eventually) live alone.
Yes, it's fucking misery, when you put it like this, and there's nothing wrong with that.
Interesting fact - most realistic people in life "ought to" be severely depressed, according to scientists. I saw this shit in most situations, where my "father" with severe PTSD from his army service and childhood (not known at that time) yelled that he hates Christmas.
Glad it's just me and my husband, who really wants only a peaceful life.
Overrated, isn't it? 😁

I’ve no immediate family left and so have opted out of Christmas the last two years and it’s great. No shopping, no cooking, no stress.

Put your foot down.

"Sorry all, this is the first Xmas day I am not working in 10 years, I want to spend time with husband+/- kids"