Flat, post-pandemic Christmas

[Hibernatalie]

This Christmas felt a bit flat to me. Nothing we normally do felt as good, the food didn't taste as good... there were some lovely moments but a lot felt a bit disappointing.

I have noticed a lot of people say the same, on SM and IRL - could just be what I'm noticing or could be a real thing this year, which got me thinking if perhaps it is an effect of the pandemic.

I couldn't remember when the restrictions were lifted so had a look at the timeline online, and realised that- although last Christmas was "normal" - it was the first one after a long period of very high impact measures, including effectively cancelling Christmas the year before. And even then, there was still the threat of "Plan B" and the new variant (Omicron or something?) Hanging over us as late as last winter.

So I wonder if this feeling is quite widespread and a knock on effect of what we have all been through very recently. Not sure the point of posting, just wanted to put my thoughts somewhere.

I think the world has changed immeasurably over the last few years. The internet sort of exploded over the pandemic and most of us are bombarded with information nonstop. We are constantly delivered awful news about terrible things happening in the world and also constantly showered with images of ‘perfect’ lifestyles through social media. Our emotions, expectations and desires have been manipulated beyond belief. This kind of has the effect of making everything in real life seem a bit meh.

We’re now so reliant on capitalism and consuming. Don’t get me wrong, I love having nice things, but we are consumed with advertising and expectations of gifts and having things ALL THE TIME. It kind of has the effect of making me feel less grateful or enamoured with having new things.

I have a lovely, privileged life, but I was becoming guilty of feeling a bit underwhelmed these days. I’ve made a really conscious effort to appreciate the little things more and try to live in the moment. DH and I no longer buy one another gifts and we asked all family not to buy for us (we do buy for our nieces and nephews), we agreed that it is so much nicer, just enjoying time together with family and friends without the pressures of consuming all the time.

I think there is too much pressure on everything being perfect and we need to strip life back to simpler pleasures.

Yes I think there is so much in that. If we have matching PJs we will be happy.

Also, for me, trying to chase feelings from previous years and recreate things, when actually things are just different now.

I feel the same. Much of the fun has gone, there's far less spontaneity

I felt flatter this Christmas because I've realised I'm boring. Two years of not doing much and barely interacting face to face has made me quite an introverted dull person.
I did get back out last year nd go to lots of theatre shows, gigs, concerts, a few exhibitions, went on holiday a couple of times, but I feel like every day life has flatlined. It needs to be more engaged with the world. Hard, when you work from home and always have.

Found out early in the year that I’m autistic and this was our first Christmas with this understanding.

Also, my parents are away, my FIL lives thousands of miles away, there was no pressure to do much of anything at all.

We kept our expectations minimal, made the most of our pleasures and focused on what we decided to do, not on feeling shame or inadequacy on what we wouldn’t or couldn’t.

It’s been lovely. More low key than ever before but no less harmonious.

I came on line to see if anybody had tried this hassle free M&S sous vide Turkey (I bought it on sale yesterday and it solved the only twinge of regret that I’d had that we’d ended up with no leftovers) but I feel really bad for all the women I’m seeing on here who gave more of themselves these past few days than they felt able to but felt compelled to anyway.

I’ll log off again soon, just wish I could give all of you who are low at this time a big hug and have you see what I see when I encounter women who take on and deliver the needs and expectations of people they love - you’re amazing!
Look after yourselves, please!

We were fortunate as I gave birth just before covid so have had a rubbish few Christmas looking after a lump who couldn’t properly engage with the festivities. She turned three a few months ago so this has been the first Christmas where she’s talked about Santa non-stop, got excited about the prospect of receiving gifts and engaged in the activities we booked. I had the best Christmas in years.

Also feeling flat and if I'm honest low key stressed and anxious.

Lots has happened over the last couple of years. My job is really stressful at the minute and has been for the last 3 years of I'm honest. No immediate family to help with childcare and the children are needy. I feel suffocated and like I can't breath lately. Like we are all in each other pockets.

Christmas was OK but is always stressful as excited children do not sleep and I need lots of sleep to stay above water.

What I want more than anything is a two week holiday 'off duty' with just my husband and I. But that won't happen for years yet.