Christmas has lots its sparkle, just seem to be buying shit all the time

[Willitgetanybetter]

All I feel is stressed, with a list that’s gradually getting ticked off, just spending a load of money, trying desperately to cut back. Used to love it all but it’s fading a bit. Dd is 7 now and it feels like the magic is leaving a little, she’s acting spoilt and moany and finds so many traditions I did with her babyish

Does anyone else have this? I’ve loved Christmas in years gone by

It doesn’t have to be a pile of presents, but if the mum can afford it there’s nothing inherently bad in buying gifts for your children. The assumption that the child is ungrateful or spoiled is exactly that. And I don’t know any kids who would be thrilled to hear that they weren’t receiving any gifts because the money had been donated to charity.

I find it calmer and more enjoyable to largely ignore the whole thing.

Like a PP said earlier, my business goes quiet for a couple of weeks so it is time to catch up with friends in a low key way, do some knitting and crotchet, read a few books and have long walks.

Minimal presents, decades old decorations and a nice lunch with family. The religious part is irrelevant to me, the Solstice is far more meaningful and my focus is on that.

We as a family ,have had quite a year and I am so greatful we are a still standing,just!! Christmas will come and go in my opinion it is one day to enjoy or endure. I find the main thing is just all of us being together to enjoy a lovely lunch and to just be.There will be gifts but they are not the main driver. We enjoy being together with no expectations. I won't be sorry to say goodbye to this year but I will look forward to a new year new start and we will do this together too fingers crossed! Its not even the money or the traditions I simply have no inclination to go and buy into the christmas crazy.

I used to love Christmas but it’s become a forced obligation which you can’t always step away from.

It’s all got ridiculous imo and about 7 years ago I decided to cut right back on the shopping part and focus on things I actually enjoy about Xmas, mine are

See a brass band playing Xmas carols. (lots of local pubs have sessions)
Go to a Christmimgle service. (I’m not religious but love seeing the excited dc and singing some carols)
Buy fewer “treat things to eat” just buy a few fav things
Xmas day should be about the food and company NOT about presents. So frame the tin up to that and ignore the present bit.

Well said.
Early Christians tagged on to Winter celebrations already happening.
The man called Jesus was probably born in Autumn.
So we can celebrate this period without thinking about religion.
I like the lights to get us through these darkest Winter days and some decs some get togethers and giving presents
I used to hate all the tat so I just avoid it. I enjoy all these new Xmas days out and start planning in July!

Bigger tins of Quality Street and Roses!

Only if you let it. My Christmas is absolutely nothing like that.

We take the dog out on lots of walks, go to cafes for coffee and cake, meet up with friends for brunch, have days on the sofa watching boxsets and eating Quality Street, and generally do very little for two weeks.

Nobody can force you to do anything for Christmas if you don't want to.

🥱

That's not very polite and Christian of you now, is it?

You can
You make your own rules and decisions. New traditions.

It's clichéd to be cynical at Christmas, as someone once sang.

Christmas doesn't buy stuff, people do

I’m just picking out the few things that I still enjoy… doesn’t leave much. Where I live the contrast between conspicuous consumption and real poverty are stark.
Big, flashy outside decs up the hill and window stickers on dirty windows down the way… I see people buying Chinese crap they can’t afford, to give to people they don’t like and in return receive the same back…. bloody stupid.
Go out and buy yourself something that will enhance your life/ the life of others , something that is local, quality and lasting if possible, cut all the other crap.
Looking forward to to 2nd January, peace, no shopping, no forced jollies..I feel like I’ve seen into the wings of the theatre and there is no magic…

Had some shockers with the in-laws and now DC dread the day itself when we have to visit the in-laws (I would ideally divorce but cannot risk shared custody. In law situation is complex with an SIL with MH issues who lives at home). I also dread it and feel like they stole the Christmas magic.

What I do is spread out the celebration over the four advents and try to make our own traditions that are not just on the big day. Also borrow anything appealing from Christmas celebrations in other countries.

I used to love Christmas time but this year it seemed to start in October, which was too early, but now it’s actually Christmas time I’m not bothered anymore. All the fairs and the Santa buses were in November around here

I really don't understand people moaning about Christmas. It is literally just a few days of the year, set aside to focus on spending time in a pleasant way.

No one forces anyone to drink hot chocolate, or to buy shite. If you hate turkey, have whatever you like. If you hate people, sit down with a nice book. If you hate the though of other people having fun in a way you disapprove of, then you are out of luck, to be fair.

OP, you should step back, and think about what you and your family really enjoy, and do that - and nothing else.

'I really don't understand people moaning about Christmas. It is literally just a few days of the year, set aside to focus on spending time in a pleasant way'

Its just a few days and yet the hype starts in October, and is relentless by mid November. If you didn't have to hear about it until 1 December, I wouldn't mind so much!

Totally agree with you.