Anyone else looking forward to Christmas even more than usual this year?

[PennyDreadfuI]

Yesterday I went on my first 'proper' day out for about six months to a little market town near me (which I used to visit almost weekly in The Beforetimes). I've been avoiding public transport so even the bus journey was a treat! Anyway loads of the shops had Christmas stuff in and I bought the first mince pies of the year. I'm having one right now with my coffee. Picked up a few gifts, too.

I've also dusted down last year's Christmas notebook and I'm going to make a start on this year's over the weekend.

Today I'm going to binge watch Christmas UK's YouTube channel with all the Christmas ads and tonight I shall have a Bailey's.

DD applied for her usual grotto job yesterday (she's been an elf for a few years now), so that's another festive milestone.

Yes, it's only September and yes, I don't usually start All This until at least late October but oh my GOSH what a shit year it's been, and how ready am I for a little familiarity, comfort and nostalgia. And sparkly stuff.

Christmas will be very different this year - we have a LOT less money, for one thing - but oddly I'm looking forward to it more than I have for years. I thought that I'd have had enough of staying home with the family and eating/drinking too much this year but apparently not!

Anyone else feel the same?

I always look forward to christmas and this year we have so much to be thankful for even in the chaos. Namely, we both have secure jobs and I even bagged a promotion during lockdown. So many people I know havent been anywhere near as lucky

Xmas is always a big deal in this house, even when it's just the 5 of us. We love it, and I cant see us ever not feeling that way.

I love Christmas and have spent every single one with my family (I am mid 60's) - parents, siblings and their partners, nieces and nephews and their partners.

This is 8 different households though and I really doubt that many people will be allowed to get together. Yes we could ignore the rules but one of my siblings and their partner definitely won't plus my parents have not been out of the house since March and may well not go anywhere before then. Dad's health has deteriorated badly.

I think there is every chance it will just be me and DH this year. We get on great but Christmas just won't be the same without being with my family (he agrees)

I am so looking forward to Christmas this year. I'm the same every year, DCs think I've lost the plot when I beg them to let me play just one Christmas song once September comes .

DH was made redundant in March as a result of lockdown and I'm a SAHP so we've had a really stressful year. DCs have been amazing and my fabulously smart DH has managed to get another job which he started this week.

We usually love being busy, going away for Christmas weekends, markets, shows, ballets,NT light shows etc which will all be off this year. However, we also love just being together, doing fun simple winter things. Every year I make a winter /Christmas bucket list filled with things to do to make memories. DD a teen now but still loves nothing more than ticking things off the bucket list.

We've had such a rubbish year but now have so much to be grateful for. Hugs to everyone who is stuck in rubbish times, truly hope things are on the up for you all by Christmas xx

Sorted out cosy socks for indoors Christmas pjs.

Yes I'm really looking forward to it!
I've struck on a really exciting gift for dh. I'm sure I could find more exciting however with more ££ but I think he's going to love it!!

It's nothing like anything else I have brought, however it's also an investment. I think it will increase in value.

I'm hoping Xmas is a real covid turning point and that it will mark the start of a new exiting year.

@BlowingmyJets oh go on, you have to tell us now!

I love Christmas but usually start thinking about it in October. I like to have all my present shopping done by the end of November so that I can just enjoy the festivities in December. This year though I started thinking about it in August.... early even for me. I agree with a PP, after an awful year there is comfort in the continuity.

My only worry is that my DB is due to get married on the 29th December and I really worry for them that it will be cancelled. They're planning on going ahead with 30 people but it's impossible to tell whether they'll be able to.

ME! I moved into my lovely adorable cosy little beamed cottage in January, and all my children keep saying how perfect this house will be for Christmas (log burner and everything!).

So I am desperately looking forward to Christmas and hoping against hope that we won't be slammed into another lockdown. I don't think I can cope with Christmas Day alone, although I do have the reassurance that all my (adult) children are in relationships and would be able to spend the day with their SOs (normally everyone goes home to their respective families).

I honesty can’t wait.
Hoping for a more relaxed and family focused Christmas this year. X