I don't feel like I'm getting anywhere.

[WetNovemberDay]

I just feel sick at the thought of Xmas.
3 teens to buy for. My parents. 4 cousins. 1 brother and Sil. 3 nieces. 1 aunt and uncle.

It's not ideas really it's the buying it. It's not the money - although don't get me wrong I'm not loaded but have enough if I'm sensible.

I just feel over whelmed.

Dh is abroad until Xmas eve. I've got the food to buy and basically just do Xmas. It's down to me to make it all happen. If I don't do it - there won't be a Christmas here.

Yet Im struggling. I'm shopping online where I can but don't feel like I'm progressing.
I've had a shit year and could frankly dissappear. Everyone might notice my absence if I fuck off and Xmas just does not happen by magic.
The thought if going into a big city shopping is just too much. Everyone is so rude and pushy. I'm not doing anything Christmassey, no dos or getting together with anyone to help jolly me along. I'm sat in bed still stressing but unable to make progress it all just seems a huge upheaval.
Anyone else feeling like this? How do you get your arse in gear?

Amazon has been my friend this past 4 weeks!
And asda online shop!

There's still plenty of time! You don't have to get it all done at once.

If you've been really down for a while, might it be worth talking to a GP about whether you're a bit depressed after such a difficult year?

Meanwhile, you could make a to do list and reward yourself as you click along and do some online shopping. Small step at a time. (And one swig for every gift etc?)

What are you looking for? I'm sure everyone here can help suggest things too!

I think break down the stuff you need to do into smaller parts. So just focus on the children you need to buy for and get them sorted. Do as much as possible online over this week.

Could you do a no presents agreements, or just simple stuff for the adults in your extended family? I don't buy for cousins or aunts and uncles and only get books for my parents, tin of biscuits or beer for my brothers. If not, leave these until after you've sorted the kids and the food.

Can you then book an online food order slot, put any old stuff through to secure it and then think about it next week. Put some music on, have a nice drink and get it done.

Are you having people over? Can they bring food/drink with them? If you've got teens can you get them to help you? Share the responsibility a bit. Your family love you and wouldn't want you to be feeling like this I'm sure.

Plan something nice and Christmassy to do with your kids that doesn't involve buying anything.

My mum got a bit overwhelmed the other day just looking at her Christmas card list. I think all the hype and advertising can get to you without you realising, but it is as high pressured as you make it. Just focus on the things that mean the most to you

Make a list.Get in a bottle of bubbly, some lovely nibbles to enjoy whilst you order it all online. Don't forget to order yourself a treat for yourself too

Thank you so much. You all sound much calmer than me.

Im taking a deep breath and starting with a list and finalising gift ideas.
I did stop off in Lidl today and bought a few bits for the Christmas larder.

I am sorry you feel overwhelmed. I have done quite a lot of prep but nowhere near what I hoped and I am feeling a bit bogged down too!

I'd suggest writing a list of all the people you have to buy for and filling in next to their names what you plan to get, if you have an idea. Order as many of them as possible online (amazon / department stores of wherever) in one big internet binge. Supported by chocolate /wine/gin, whatever your poison, and done good telly if music in the background. Once you have done those you'll feel a lot better. You'll then be left with the difficult-to-buy-for people. You can't sweat over that too much, it will drive you mad! Unless inspiration strikes go down the voucher /luxury food and drink / book route.

As for Christmas food, write a big list starting with the Christmas meal and then filling in the gaps for the couple of days either side. If you can get a delivery slot with the supermarket then go for it. If not, get a slot for the week before and order everything that will keep. That just leaves you to do the fresh stuff in person nearer the day. Probably worth ordering a bird or other joint from M&S or butchers,save the stress of finding you can't get what you want.

Make sure the non-perishables shop has booze and good edibles and people will have a good time. It doesn't have to be perfect, it will just be good to have your DH home and for it to feel more special than a normal Sunday.

You have teens - can they help at all? Can you instruct them to decorate the house?

Hope you feel better about it soon. Just blitz what you can easily do and you will feel lots better I reckon.

If you can't get a delivery shop for the groceries, I'd do a click and collect, that way you're still saving on having to actually set foot in the shop, and can order it all sat in front of the telly with a cup of tea.

We stay at home Christmas Day, and I really can't be arsed with lots of faffing about cooking - it's my Christmas Day too! So my present to myself is to order the Christmas dinner from M&S. it comes all prepared to just shove in the oven. The kids wouldn't notice or care that it's not all homemade and hand carved turkeys, and even if anyone did comment they'd be getting directed to the kitchen to do it themselves next time!

Lists are your friend!
I feel overwhelmed too with the thought of what still needs doing on top of all the usual every day stuff but I manage by writing lists and lists and lists!!
Break them down so do one for food, one for presents, one for chores etc. And tick things off as you go makes you see what progress you're making.

With collecting food from m&'s, is it a free for all mad push and shove event?I'm so short I may as well be invisible in crowds!

Also if I preorder some M&S food to collect will it have good dates on or does all need eating by boxing day? It's just there is a slim chance dh may not get hone until boxing day. If that happens our Xmas day will be 27th.

I also need to search a few places I've put random sticing fillers the past few weeks and dig them out and make a list of what is still needed.

I'm normally so organised but I'm just so tired at the moment I can't think straight or make decisions easily.

I do think lists will help and thank the Lord for Internet shopping.