Not sleeping. Is there any chance I'm stressed about Christmas?

[Rainatnight]

I normally LOVE Christmas. BIG Christmas fan. But this year, I have occasionally felt a bit overwhelmed with various things I have to do, and now this week I find myself not sleeping well at all. Could Christmas be keeping me awake?!?!

We're going away for Christmas on Thursday which has meant lots of stuff needed to be done early.

And my dad died in September, so there's that.

Anyone else a bit stressed? Or is it just me?

I'm really sorry to hear about your dad OP.

It's not just you. The scale of Christmas just seems to get bigger every year for us with longer lists and more to do it kind of sucks the enjoyment out of it a bit.

Disturbed sleep is tough and being tired just makes it harder to get organized.
Do you think you’ve taken on too much? When you love Christmas it’s easy to over extend yourself. It’s ok to drop a few things and have a simpler Christmas.
Have you anyone to talk to about your dad? Or even a chance to sit and think about him. I’m sure this season is a little bittersweet this year without him. Sometimes when I push difficult feelings away because I’m busy or scared or overwhelmed, they come back in the wee hours. I’ve learned that sitting into a feeling and letting it come is actually ok, and that even the most intensely painful feelings and thoughts only last a short while when I face them instead of pushing them away.
In terms of organizing Christmas, I find lists very helpful. Particularly going back a few dats later and crossing off the stuff I’ve realised I’m not bothering with!
Hope you get some decent sleep soon!

Sorry about your dad. I have to guess that it is overwhelming doing all this Christmas 'stuff' and him being missing this year is always at the back of your mind. I hope you find a way to make some time for you to just sit, think of him, and perhaps - I hope - recall happy times with him.

Don't let this loss reduce your love of Christmas. It is different this year, but I bet he knew how you felt about the season and would not want you to feel differently.

Sorry about the loss of your dad

I don’t sleep well this time of year but it’s mainly excitement and me worrying that I have forgotten something or not bought enough for the dd’s, it’s a very stressful time of year and although I love the excitement I am always pleased when it’s over.

about your Dad

How old are you???

It is likely to be anxiety about it all I suspect.