Gentle thread for those of us who would just like Xmas over with

[Durango]

It feels like you’re not allowed to say it.

But i don’t feel excited by Xmas, I don’t feel the magic, I don’t feel cosy or sparkly.

I feel like I’d like it to be summer. I’d like the sun to set past 9pm. I want the kids to play out. I want the whole bloody false joviality over and done with.

Anyone else?

@schratching You are so incredibly kind. Sigh. That would be lovely. I think there are so, so many people on this thread who desperately need a cup of tea and a laugh. So many posters talking about mental health, loneliness, lost loved ones, dealing with overwhelming expectations (for too much travel, etc), trauma from the past in the present, and more. We all really need a cup of tea and a laugh.

Yes looking forward to moving on into the New Year and the Spring.

Totally agree hardly do you need a new TV or sofa because it's Christmas.

Lots of people don't have big family celebrations. Even if they do dosent mean they are all happy and won't fall out.

Be thankful for what you have. Some people haven't even got what you have.

@girlfriend44 come on, this is a gentle thread. Let's not have a go at anyone. People can feel sad for all sorts of reasons, that's ok.

I've been in this situation in the past too, it's very hard when Christmas is all about children and they're not with you. Sending hugs.

I can’t stand Christmas. Too much of a grind.

hate it all OP, having to rise to the occasion even if you’re not doing well mentally, have had a punishing year and the effort of enforced enjoyment is a step too far, the mass greed, commercialisation and consumerism, the vast waste overload of packaging and plastic in every Christian country, just so much STUFF when the Earth is already beyond repair just screams senseless gluttony

100%. I get very depressed in winter. I hate the cold and wet weather. I hate the long nights. I hate having to wear layers of clothes. I hate seeing the trees with no leaves and no flowers anywhere. I have horrific memories of Christmas and would rather the whole bloody charade didn't exist.

As a previous poster said, I can not stand the upheaval. I'm comfortable and cozy in my peaceful, quiet home. I'm not a christian, I don't celebrate christmas in any way, it's entirely meaningless to me, but..... I have a long term partner who does recognise it. Not in a big way, but they do exchange gifts, visit their parents for dinner etc. I can't exactly turn around and just refuse point blank to reciprocate, so tomorrow I have to leave my lovely home, travel to another town, spend multiple days and nights in a home I can not relax in, go through the motions with the parents (it's polite of them to invite me and I would feel awful saying no), and somehow pretend to be enjoying all of that when I would far rather just be sat at home and left to my own devices.

It's such a pervasive thing that even those of us for whom it means nothing whatsoever feel obliged to participate, else we be labelled killjoys, weirdos etc. No other holiday or festivity is imposed upon people in this way regardless of whether they consent to it or not, but because of 'tradition' it's practically impossible to opt out of this one. I really, really resent it.

@XDownwiththissortofthingX exactly the pervasiveness that puts me off.

I’ve just left the house wearing running gear, with no plans to actually run because it’s the only way I can get more than 5 seconds to myself. Can’t wait til it’s over.

XDownwiththissortofthingX I am completely with you. It creeps its way into virtually everything.

I've had to switch the radio off this morning. They keep carping on about it. I've put some music on instead.

DS is playing his audiobooks on Alexa. It's nice listening to Harry Potter rather than Mariah bloody Carey for the millionth time!

Definitely not festive here. Still taking the very sick dog every day for his steroid shot and he's still not eating. But they gave him an antiemetic today so maybe that will start him. The Christmas atmosphere has not made its way to the emergency vet hospital, presumably because the only pets people are taking at this time are very unwell. They have a tree up, but its very business as usual, as I guess it will be tomorrow.

I'll be glad when it's over. We have lots of lights in the lounge and it's such a faff turning them all on and then off again at bedtime.
I hate the cold weather and I want warmth and sunshine. But I'm a grumpy grandma.

Yep. Am sat in a hospital waiting room with my mum who got diagnosed with cancer this week. Couldn't feel less Christmassy if l tried

@5YearsLeft I'm so sorry to read what you're going through. Sending many(unmumsnetty) hugs your way x
@girlfriend44 I do understand what you're saying. I have a lot to be grateful for. Can't help wishing things were a little different at Christmas - but as this thread has shown, I know people are going through much worse.
@ItsMeHiImTheProblem thank you x

Yep. Me. Just can't feel it. Too tired.

Yes.

It's just very difficult for me. I would rather ignore it entirely or go abroad, but circumstances don't allow. Wanting to be with DM Christmas Day/Boxing Day basically means dealing with someone who has always treated me with absolute contempt, and I just power through the day

Last year I said no more this year I might have to mean it

@5YearsLeft i truly feel for you, I too would happily make you a cup of tea and offer a listening ear.
🤗

I hate Xmas and can't wait for it to be over. I've no kids and no family left so find it hard. My mum died a few weeks before Xmas a few years ago. My DP has adult children but I always feel like an outsider in family gatherings.

I hate the insane build up which starts in September and the pressure to buy lots of food and drink we don't need (DP looking at you).

I'm spending Xmas day on my own as I've been ill and suffering a bit of health anxiety. Just couldn't face putting on the forced jollity for DP family.

I walked into Boots yesterday and the smell of perfume hit me. I was instantly a teenager again in Debenhams, Xmas shopping with my mum. Bittersweet memories.

What day does everyone take down their trees, decorations etc ?
I have a small house and with the amount of shit my dc will have accumulated from me and family I need the room plus the head space also ! I take mine down Boxing Day or latest 27th!!

I take mine down New Years Day but we only put it up Wednesday evening.

I've had mine up since dec 1st got the kids !