To be switched off to Christmas this year?

[TheBeaTgoeson1]

If anybody else just switched off to Christmas this year?

It’s almost like it’s all happening around me, but I literally don’t care at all, I have no feeling of magic, or any desire to get particularly involved.

I’m enjoying wintering and the dark nights, and cozy evenings in.

I have a fabulous trip to take away with my family unit over the Christmas period, but I have absolutely zero interest in anything Christmassy.

There aren’t any kids in the equation, And I’m really looking forward to the two weeks off. But I just have zero interest in Christmas at all this year.

Does anyone else feel the same way? I can’t quite understand where it’s come from!

I often go in waves op and having all of this rain doesn't help at all.
I'm sure you will feel more xmassy at some point

I’m usually feeling a bit festive by now but I’m all out of sorts this year. I saw a rat in the kitchen last week, and even though pest control have put a crapton of poison down I can’t go in the kitchen until I know the little fucker is actually dead.
The issue is taking up so much head space I can’t even bring myself to put up decorations.
Christmas technically doesn’t start until 25th and runs to the 6th of Jan, hopefully my head will be back in the game by that point (and my kitchen will be clear of critters so I can scrub it then use it again).
For me, the Christmassy feeling starts with baking mince pies or gingerbread, I can’t do that yet so I’m sticking with feeling autumnal for a bit longer. Winter is long enough without invoking it early.

Goodness @SillyCecilia !! Who will be coming over to yours on Christmas Day?!

@Woodlandthemes67 just reading through these comments, I just wanted to say I think you have hit the nail on the head there so well, that when life is so busy, the Christmas break if you don’t make it really wild and busy, it’s actually a fantastic time to switch off. I think you’ve really hit the nail on the head completely, and I think that’s how I would describe it going forward, it’s not that I don’t want to have the time period, I’m just going to change the way I enjoy it. Thank you!

Why can't you opt out? Too late to this year, perhaps, but you shouldn't let people pressure you into hosting when you don't want to.

I used to love Christmas so much when the kids were younger, now they're older teens I just can't find my enthusiasm.

I'm generally not a fan of December, it's cold and dark and drags on for too long.

I quite enjoy choosing gifts for people, but fortunately only need to buy for 5 people. I would feel totally overwhelmed having to buy gifts for load of people and having to host a dozen people for Christmas dinner etc. Not to mention works parties etc, and all the 'extra' stuff some parents seem to do (elf, Christmas Eve boxes etc).

I lean into the bits I don't mind, fairy lights, tinsel, nice food and wine and keep things low key. I think once you stop being a young child Christmas becomes just another day and quite samey.

You're definitely not alone. I'd been feeling the same for a few months, thinking I just dont want to do it anymore. But, I gave my self a talking to, thinking of the many people who'd love to have a good Christmas but are unable to and that seems to have worked for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not full of Christmas joy, just less indifferent

I’m moving mid-January out of the house I’ve lived in for 20+ years so my house is in chaos! The Christmas tree and decs are still boxed and taped up after last year and I cannot see the point (or have the energy!) to get them all out when I’m having to pack everything else up. I am steadfastly ignoring Christmas this year!

Normally love the build up to Xmas. The actual week is a bit meh but I love the anticipation. The naff films, eating the chocolates and drinking the Baileys before December even starts but this year I just can’t get onboard with it. Trying not to eat shit and don’t drink much these days and am just too exhausted each evening to bother with a film. I feel so boring but I just want two weeks off with no pressure. (Sadly am working so that isn’t gunna happen :-(

Sounds heaven to me! 💐

I'm normally Mrs Christmas. Love it. Love buying gifts, planning, organising, decorating...the lot. This year nothing. I have lost my mojo and no idea why!

Well and truly over it, a poster upthread nailed it for me about buying stuff we don’t really need

I made the decision last Christmas not to celebrate it. Still have youngest adult child living at home who couldn't care less about Christmas now he's an adult (21). Did feel a bit weird at first having no tree or decorations up and not going gift shopping for any of my adult children and extended family. This year its felt much more normal to just ignore anything Christmasy.
Only thing I am looking forward to is Call the Midwife 😄😄

I usually love Christmas, listen to Christmas music from November, love buying presents and planning it all……

This year, nothing! I just can’t get into it, I put the decorations up thinking that would help but no. I’ve done most of the shopping but can’t find any enthusiasm for some reason

I remember your heartbreaking story. Thinking of you this Christmas xx

My dad is currently end of life in the hospital and we have been told he won't make Christmas so I'm there daily as well as working, looking after my son ( it's only me and him ) keeping on top of the house etc I am literally at the end of my rope with it all. I've put the tree up and all the presents are wrapped but that's only because I know what's coming so wanted it all done and out of the way

Christmas seems to have begun in late November and since then the pressure has been on. I think that's responsible for how a lot of us are feeling. Money is tight yet we're constantly being told to spend, online, on TV and in the newspapers. What I'd love for Christmas is time with my family and most of them won't be here.
I think the 'magic' of Christmas is a myth intended to lure us into trying to achieve the unattainable.

We dont bother much any year...i get gifts for only 2 friends and they come over in afternoon for dinner.....thats it....i do like the lights and whole house has lights all over and they are up all year and i enjoy putting a little village thing on the table with little light up houses...usually stays on table for months....doesnt seem to be the usual frenzy this year....i will go waitrose soon and get some nice chicken and bits and put in freezer.....easy....

The build up has been going on forever this year ….. or is it me ???

I was like this last year, crikey it was depressing. This year I’ve put more effort into the bits I enjoy and it’s a bit better. It can feel so hollow when there’s no sense of joy.

Totally with you all. This post has made me very happy, I'm not alone in my feelings for the Christmas season. I'm not just stupidly going along with it... Out for a curry on Christmas day. I just call it the holidays now and only buy gifts for people who I want to thank. Bliss

I do say a little prayer on Christmas Day for all those who have now gone and left an empty chair at the table. That's about the height of it for me now. No kids and hosted every Christmas since mum got ill - gladly and with great memories and the embarrassing videos to prove that I definitely cannot sing for buttons 😊

Since my mum and dad died a few years ago, Christmas just lost its gloss for me, they were the most funny, chaotic and kind Christmas hosts ever! Not much left for me now they are gone TBH, they were the glue that held us together really. I'm very close to siblings, niblings and in laws, but they all do their own thing now with their children and grandchildren. We are always invited but I can't do the noise, crying babies, bottles, bags, toys anymore. Let them all at it their own way!

So we head off abroad until mid January. Quiet and peaceful, plenty of books, walks, food handed to me by a cute waiter, and no Christmas trappings. It is great. We are lucky we can do it, and I don't take it for granted.

Yup, I also agree with you OP.

When my daughter was living at home it was a lovely time. We did the whole thing, presents, turkey, family, etc.

But nowadays I can't be doing with it. DP and I go on holiday somewhere warm every year.

It is most unfortunate that I willingly volunteer to work Christmas every year, really, isn't it? I spend Christmas Day doing the same as almost every other day, i.e. milking cows on my own! It's much more peaceful than the pressure of enforced socialisation, pretending to look joyful all day, and being grateful for presents that will inevitably be off to a charity shop. (I find being in company a lot very overwhelming). Also, it means that I get to spend Christmas at home, which I only did for the first time aged 27, and with norovirus. Despite being ill, it was my most relaxed Christmas! I intend to spend any time on Christmas Day reading and relaxing, eating everything but sprouts, which I still haven't grown up enough to like.

This year, I've bought and ordered three Christmas presents so far. I might leave it at that, because... well, Christmas is incredibly expensive when you're expected to buy for everyone in the family. Also, I cannot face so much as a supermarket around Christmastime, let alone the Trafford Centre or anywhere like that!