Anyone else trying but not feeling it this year?

[MsMiaWallace]

I'm really trying but so far not feeling it.
Had loads of crap luck this month & feel down.

Not yet here either. Nothing is wrong, just busy, tired, cold and hit with seasonal sniffles.

Same.

I’m lying in bed with tears rolling down my face. I feel really un-festive.

Yeah not really feeling it. Assembled the Christmas tree 3 days ago but still haven’t actually decorated it. May actually be one of the most depressing sights ever sat in the corner of the lounge!

i will make an effort today though if only for the teens

Me neither. Solidarity to everyone feeling sad and putting a brave face on for others.

I'm normally the sort of person who keeps spreadsheets, hunt for presents all year round, dying to get the place decorated by Nov 1st.. you get the picture. Well, this year I have ZERO motivation or interest. I feel bad as I have DC so will try and do something Christmassy this weekend but honestly, I have never felt this unbothered before.
I did have a rough year that took the wind out of my sail, though so it could be that. I suspect I'm depressed again as feeling numb and indifferent about things that used to matter and bring me joy are now.. nothing.
I don't think we're alone in this. It's been an odd year politically and socially for the UK. Not many happy news around.

Same here.

I agree with @Mercurian It's been a odd year politically & socially. Many are worried about money, the war, politics etc. Its hard to feel settled & secure.

Personally I am struggling as my last parent & my partner died this year.
My best friend also had a brain injury so is 'lost' to me too. It's been awful.

I too have teens (ASD) that I am trying to make it 'Christmassy' for. Ooof.

Best of luck to us all for a peaceful holiday x

I sympathise with everyone for whom Christmas is a difficult time - the recently bereaved, those with an anniversary of a bereavement, those struggling with mental health or financial difficulties, those with toxic family relationships.
It can seem that other people are rubbing your nose in your sadness by flaunting their thoughtless festivity. There are no easy answers, but you are not alone - many are in the same boat.
Maybe try adapting Christmas to whatever you feel you can cope with, rather than having to fake a performance of the full thing. Many churches offer a separate “quiet Christmas” service, that is supportive and prayerful rather than celebratory.
If you can’t face the hassle of turkey and trimmings, just organise a takeaway, or have a simpler meal. Let family and friends know that you are having a quiet retreat this year.
Perhaps think about volunteering to help serve Christmas dinner or tea to homeless people at a charity venue in your area - they will be very grateful and give you a warm glow that will lift your spirits.
Jesus Himself didn’t have much of a Christmas, born in a freezing stable, laid in a manger. But He came in love, and that includes love for all those who are struggling and need His comfort this Christmas.
Let’s pray for everyone on this thread, that they are able to get through the season and even find a little joy in it, however constrained it may be by circumstances.

@54isanopendoor So sorry for your losses 💐

Not really this end either but trying to be enthusiastic for kids. Husband walked out unexpectedly 3 months ago. Someone from work was mean/bullying to me this week, massive repair bill on the car as well as stress of pulling divorce paperwork together

Christmas is beginning to feel like New Year for me now - just let's get it over with. I don't have any young children in the family so part of it is probably that too . I do feel that our wider family has more than enough consumer shit so I have decided to cut back this year on amounts spent. Roll on 2023 and the chance to do some more travelling. Think we might book to go away next Christmas.

I'm not feeling it, but I'm not even trying to feel it. I just want it over.

I’m so overwhelmed this year - I don’t want to moan too much but it’s just been layer upon layer and I’m exhausted and mildly depressed. I’d cut back massively but I don’t have the emotional bandwidth to cope with everyone else’s disappointment so it’s easier to soldier on.

My Dad was diagnosed with cancer in September, having been ill for a few months and I've forgotten what normal life is ... he's in a hospice at the moment for respite, but my sister has been ill so I've been visiting every day as well as in constant contact with medical people/palliative care team/funding ... it's exhausted me beyond belief. And I know I'm lucky because I'm not the one suffering from it, but I honestly could put the duvet over my head and miss this Christmas without guilt.

I've had nothing particularly awful happen to me this year - just the highs, lows, and mundanity of being a human.
I love Christmas, but this year I'm finding myself almost obsessed with looking at our Smart meter monitor, and fretting anxiously about how much our energy is going to cost, even with us being frugal. It's shit, isn't it?
Then I get angry at the world and can feel my mood going into dark places.
I need to try and stop worrying so much - it really does you no good at all........😣

It’s been a tough year and this month in particular has been hard. I’m currently shot down with a kidney infection and the pain relief is making me drowsy so I’ve not been taking it (3 year old DC to take care of!). Bought most presents now. Just need to wrap families and drop them off, I’m really, really tired and fed up. Hoping to make it festive for DC as this is the first year he has some sort of understanding about Christmas.

I usually love Christmas but really struggling this year. It's been a shit year- lost two family members, DD broke her arm on day 1 of our desperately needed holiday, DS got a concussion and also bashed his teeth which turned grey (and then eventually went back) so months spent worrying about that, endless sickness over the whole of winter, DH came close to a breakdown and is still burnt out/struggling to come back from it, and I have broken my foot.
I'm glad I'd done most of the Xmas shopping already but usually I like to wander around for last minute bits and treats and can't even do that!
I'm going through the motions because of dc but it's feeling pretty hollow this year. I'm desperate to get through it and make a fresh start with 2023.

My mum died fairly young. It was sudden and unexpected and it was unfortunately on Christmas Eve. I struggle with mixed feelings around Christmas because of this as I also have lovely, happy memories of Christmas with her and newer happy memories of Christmas with my DCs. I remember going for a walk on Christmas day, the day after she died and we had to cross the street in case someone wished us a happy Christmas, as I truly don't think I could have even smiled at them. We had just found all our presents from my mum wrapped and under the tree for us and even thinking about that now makes me sad.

I had to hold my tongue when a friend cried at me down the phone because she may not get to see her mum one of the Christmases over COVID and I just thought "read the room you absolute fuckwit"! She has a right to be upset but honestly, complain to someone whose mum didn't die on Christmas Eve 🙄

Anyway, I need to avoid certain conversations around Christmas as it makes me not a very nice person as I can snap a bit (internally usually), as you can see^^

Anyway, solidarity and unmumsnetty hugs to everyone struggling this year. Life can be very hard around now.

Me too. Husband is up for disciplinary hearing at work tomorrow so future is uncertain. Kids are older so the magic is gone. I’m the one who does all the present buying etc and just can’t be arsed this year so have done nothing yet, it’s been a really shit year in other ways too.

I can't wait for January 3rd 2023. Just fast forward my life a bit, get it over and done with.

Me too. I'm missing my family, we lost a base when my parents had both passed away so we don't get together at Christmas.

I spend a lot of time with my husband's family, who I really like, but it's been full on this week because of visitors.

DH is really hard to engage with about presents, it stresses him, but I get put out at having to do the shopping for his family. I think I just need to suck it up.

It's also coming up to the anniversary of my DH's son passing away and that is just so hard.

I like to daydream about going away at Christmas, but in reality, I know it's fine, it's just a day - and I'll enjoy it at the end of it.

I've made plans to meet friends, talk to my family on a video call, get out for some walks. So that's the bits I love and I'm focussing on.

Me neither, took the day off sick because I just face everything. Feeling worried about the price of everything and if we can afford extended families presents this year. Everyone’s saving on electricity (as they should) and so no outside Xmas lights like there usually are. Am hoping things improve in a few years

I don't usually feel it but this year is worse. I'm grateful, in a way, because it's given me the push I needed - I've realised it's not actually a legal requirement to celebrate, so I quit. This will be the last time I bother with Christmas, and it's very freeing.

I own 9 tall rolling racks of Christmas decor. The only thing up this year is a ceramic tree in the front window. Not doing another thing.

Instead of that excited feeling, i just feel sad, annoyed and frustrated with everything.

@ReluctantLondoners