Where is the magic of Christmas

[TiReDmUmone]

I don't know what's wrong with me this year I normally love Christmas however I just feel flat.
It all seems so consumed by spending rather than the true meaning its quite sad

I feel the same this year, probably because I can’t just enjoy visiting different places. You need to book, wear mask, sanitize and the subtle advice is to limit your social interactions. I just can’t go out and enjoy life as I did preCovid. I’m worried about panto visit, reluctant to go out for coffee or to the Christmas market. And there are long waiting lists at the hospital for DD’s referrals. All these things are constantly on my mind so there is no basically space for magic to go in.

DD and DH just had their boosters and we finally put Christmas tree up so I hope the magic of Christmas will find its way to me but it’s a bit difficult.

I am the same. No Xmas decorations up yet. Just cannot get motivated.

I'm the opposite,I got seriously festive in September. So far I've already been to see my son and family and had one Christmas dinner. This weekend I'm seeing my dad and sister before Wales kicks down again and probably another Christmas dinner. Then we have my DD and her family for actual Christmas,last year she was working and couldn't come.

There is no one true meaning of Christmas.

I just enjoy the lights really. The true meaning of the pagan roots of Christmas :) oh and I like the singing. I could take or leave the rest.

Am childless and find the whole Christmas season the hardest time of the year.

Normally at least a few parties can be enjoyed but not for the last 2 years so it does feel exceptionally tough seeing the constant elf on the bloody shelf and ‘family fun’ posts etc

@greenlynx that sounds like you have alot going on its no wonder you feel that way

@Youngatheart00 it most be difficult at this time of year as you say social media isn't always helpful
@EllieSattler I'm going to a church Carol service on Sunday evening in the church yard i thought would be nice and festive with hot chocolate

@Youngatheart00

Am childless and find the whole Christmas season the hardest time of the year.

Normally at least a few parties can be enjoyed but not for the last 2 years so it does feel exceptionally tough seeing the constant elf on the bloody shelf and ‘family fun’ posts etc

I feel the same - childless here too - even petless at present. I don't think people realise how empty one can feel at Christmas when we are bombarded with 'special family moments'. I try not to scroll through FB at this time of year because I'm sick of the 'Look at our perfect Christmas tree in our perfect house with our perfect family'. Bitter, no.. envious, a little, sad.. yes

There’s no right way to do Christmas. If you want all the lights and festive trappings that’s great. But If all you fancy doing is relaxing in front of the tv for a couple of days, just go for it!

I think trying to force it can make you feel a bit eurgh .

It's so hard this year, because last year we all thought that Christmas 2020 was going to be a bit shite but sucked it up, and now it looks like we'll have to do that again. There's a party this weekend that's always held in the village by the vicar (she's a very cool vicar! it's not a 'more tea, Vicar?' type of party, more a lock-in) but I'm just waiting to hear it's being cancelled. Everything else is. And I absolutely get that, we don't know enough about this new variant yet. But...

We're not seeing my parents for the third Christmas running and I'm wondering if we ever will again (late 70's). It doesn't seem really festive with just the four of us round the table, just feels like any other weekend. Haven't got our decorations up yet though at least the tree is sitting in a bucket of water outside. I feel less prepared and less festive than I ever have, but I agree that trying to force it never works. I'll try to appreciate the good things and try and see - safely - as many friends as possible over the break.

Also really struggling to feel festive this year. We only just put the decs up and that felt like a bit of a pancake affair even though I tried to go through the usual motions of mince pies, mulled wine and Christmas music playing while we put the tree up. Something was missing and I don't know what or how to get it back or if that's even possible