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Original poster

Anyone else feeling zero Christmas spirit?

67 replies

Moreboxeslesswrapping · 21/12/2023 05:26

I have to start by saying that I’m long past the excitement of Christmas but this year I feel nothing at all, not especially dreading it or anything but I just can’t be bothered.

Today is my last day at work and I’ve had a few Christmas things which have been fun and then we’re doing stuff as a family tomorrow but I’d be just as happy not doing anything.

DC have just finished school and DD (16) is just lolling around (although she’s had a busy term so I don’t blame her) and DS is ‘relaxing’ which just means sitting on his x box (although he does have plans).

Maybe I just need to accept I don’t get the feelings I used to about Christmas but would be nice to get into it a bit.

anyone else feeling like this and also any Christmas solutions would be great.

Merry Christmas 🌲🎄

OP posts:
EarringsandLipstick · 21/12/2023 05:36

I'm a bit like this too OP.

Compared to most years I'm relatively organised, finishing up work tomorrow & will have a fortnight off.

I'm not anti-Christmas but definitely not feeling any kind of Christmas spirit!

I think over the weekend, with work behind me & the jobs done, I might.

I've had a tough year, finally finished a very difficult divorce. Had to face up to the fact of having very limited support, especially from family who didn't support me in any way. I'm ok actually - it's a bit liberating to realise I need to rely on myself only. But it definitely dampens the anticipation of Christmas!

Like you, I've 3 teen DC; I'm trying to promise I'll be relaxed about them chilling (as I'm not good at that), hopefully in return for some family walks / runs.

Maybe you'll feel a bit more Christmassy over the weekend?

BCBird · 21/12/2023 05:54

Still teaching up to 1.20 on 23nd. No decorations up at home and no Christmas spirit. Live alone do can do as I please. Have declined invitations to relatives. Might go away nxt year

BeggyMitchell · 21/12/2023 05:59

I was already struggling to feel it this year but just got Covid for the 1st time/feeling like poo and now just want it all to be over.

someon · 21/12/2023 06:15

I'm feeling the same I've all the Christmas decorations up am even hosting Christmas dinner for a few relatives this year but for some reason this Christmas is lacking the usual sparkle it has on other years.

OldTinHat · 21/12/2023 06:27

I'm spending Christmas alone again. No point putting up decorations. I've not even bothered putting up cards I've received.

So, no Christmas spirit here. Bah humbug!

EliflurtleAndTheInfiniteMadness · 21/12/2023 06:35

In the middle of divorcing abusive stbxh. DC will be back at my place for Christmas, currently with stbxh. DD and DS2 hate going to his place. I'm disabled, in a lot of pain and completely exhausted. I was really looking forward to our first Christmas without stbx ruining the day, but I don't have anything left and he's still managing to wreck things from a distance. Going through the motions for my primary age DC.

Original poster
Moreboxeslesswrapping · 21/12/2023 07:21

Sorry others are having a miserable time.

It does feel really flat. I'm in bed at the moment just looking at all the piles of things that need to be wrapped and the house is a state.

We have a huge Christmas tree and nobody has even bothered switching on the Christmas lights except once. I'd have liked to go out for lunch this year as only 4 of us but nobody would hear of it. I'm taking the kids ice skating tomorrow and it looks like it's going to rain... grrrreat.

OP posts:
EarringsandLipstick · 21/12/2023 07:50

@Moreboxeslesswrapping

I think the thing might be to set micro-goals for Christmas spirit eg lights on / Christmas movie / hour of cleaning so you feel better.

That's what I'm doing.

I usually get very stressed that everyone is having lovely warm family Christmases. I often feel v lonely as a single parent at Christmas (but felt v lonely in my abusive marriage too) but this year I have actively worked not to feel that way.

For me, making plans helps - so I finish work tomorrow, then have a plan for each day before Christmas, and on Christmas Day have planned a run, time of dinner etc. it stops me spiralling with thoughts!

Walkley18 · 21/12/2023 07:54

I hear you. I used to be Miss Christmas, now it feels flat. Family circumstances have changed so the extrnded family no longer get together on the day and I got so much joy from that. Kids are older and less bothered too. So this year DH and I arranged several drinks and nibbles nights at our house between Christmas and New Year with couples we only know a little, in the hope of getting to know them better, have something to look forward to and make a new tradition. No much effort needed so hopefully will be nice.

Florabella · 21/12/2023 08:00

Absolutely no Christmas spirit here. It's going to be my first ever Christmas on my own as I split from my ex 2 years ago and the kids will be with him. I am dreading it. Have had offers from my lovely friends, but I can't face the thought of spending Christmas Day with other people's kids and not my own. Roll on Boxing Day!!

BlackJumpsuit · 21/12/2023 08:03

What I've found in recent years is that the run up to Christmas is a bit stressful and that leaves no space for the ever diminishing Christmassy feelings.

After Xmas day however, it seems to kick in and I want to watch all the Christmas films and tv, enjoy the decorations etc - luckily I'm not one of those people who takes everything down in Boxing Day 😂

Tittyfilarious81 · 21/12/2023 08:41

I had a thread on here a week ago saying Christmas feels flat and a few posters said it's not Christmas yet , well it's nearly here and .... Still flat . Everything is done and decorations are up but I'm just really not bothered there's no sparkle or excitement and quite a few people I know said the same .

PastTheGin · 21/12/2023 08:52

I have given up on feeling Christmassy. I go through the motions with decorations, but have stopped sending out cards. I am very happy to have dc home from uni and look forward to spoiling them with a few presents, plus we will have an indulgent meal on Christmas Day. I am fine with this, to be honest. Takes a lot of stress and drama out of my life.

shockeditellyou · 21/12/2023 09:21

Checking in. Had a Christmas night out with friends that I was really looking forward to, but it was a bit rubbish - when I got there, half the group were well into doing their own separate gift exchange in addition to the secret Santa, and I got stuck at the end of the table.
Row with DH this morning, kids at holiday club because I'm still working. We don't have much family so we only have a small Christmas, but I'm looking at my sister who still lives where I grew up and all of her Christmas stuff and feeling a bit shit.
Also run ragged trying to sort out nice food and drinks for everyone, which feels a bit pointless.

GuppytheCat · 21/12/2023 12:24

DH and I have lost a parent each in the past few months, and our beloved dog. I have a sibling in hospital. DH is awaiting test results for multiple things. Somehow I need to get my arse in gear for the (young adult) kids though, as they'll be with us and that means a lot.

Peridot1 · 21/12/2023 12:34

I think it generally feels a bit rubbish this year. It seems to on the one hand been a long time coming and in the other it’s hard to believe it’s so close.

DH and I both have that horrible cold that’s going around so aren’t feeling up to much. I was supposed to go shopping today but don’t have the energy.

I’m not posting any cards but need to write some for the village that I can hand deliver. Going to do that this afternoon and maybe some wrapping in front of a Christmas movie with a Baileys and see if that helps!

I wonder if it’s partly the weather. It’s quite warm really. More autumnal than winter.

fedupenough · 21/12/2023 12:38

Minimally. I really wanted this to be a great Christmas as it's the first in our new home but I've come down with covid for the second year in a row 🤦‍♀️

Soccermumamir · 21/12/2023 12:41

I never really get the feeling, so I'm learning to live with it. Some days I feel a bit merrier than other days. I finished work yesterday, OH and ds' finished on Tuesday. I'm just going with flow and gonna enjoy being off work for 2 weeks. Whether that's watching a Xmas film, an action film, watching NBA lol going for walks, reading books and going out for the day. Just enjoy time off to do what you enjoy, not what others expect you to enjoy 🙂

Travelfan2021 · 21/12/2023 12:55

This reply has been withdrawn

Removed at poster's request due to privacy concerns.

transcendingxmas · 21/12/2023 12:56

I think I will be able summon some enthusiasm up from the depths of my soul by Xmas Eve, but I do understand!

It's just me, DH and pets. We have no children from choice.

He is crazy about Xmas. I am okay on the day but hate how early it starts.

I am not depressed or wishing I had a big family Xmas or anything like that. Rather, I have been getting into more spiritual stuff the last 7 years or so and I find I don't feel the need for all the pointless distraction and greed and waste that Christmas can bring. There's no why? to it that I can answer.

I give to charity which helps me feel I am making some kind of contribution to the human race.

So yes, I'll go through the motions, even enjoy bits and pieces, but if DH wanted to curl up with a book and read through Xmas I'd love that too.

I feel content and don't feel the need to enjoy Xmas any more if that makes sense.

MrsAvocet · 21/12/2023 13:03

None here at present.
We are going away on Saturday so I haven't bothered with any decorations at home and I'm now trying to get packed etc and stressing over whether my Tesco order will have everything in it and if there will be a roasting tin big enough for the turkey in the holiday home!
I know I wilk enjoy it when we get there but right now it feels like one of the most stupid ideas I have ever had.* *

SOxon · 21/12/2023 13:09

I think the awful weather is partially to blame, plus Christmas Day being Monday.
When we were all at home, with small children, Christmas was magical. Now I feel
the ‘it’s just one day’ grump. Plus the alcohol I bought at the end of last month and hid? is depleted - how does this happen?
Our decorations are minimal, as is my enthusiasm.

The weather in flat Oxfordshire is gale force wind and wuthering, although mild, 13deg., neighbours have washing billowing on the line, they always get it right.
This is not Christmas weather, give us sharp cold and snow please.

Our local Waitrose was exceptionally busy on Monday. We have a mostly veg delivery Saturday thank goodness. We are off to Oxford tomorrow, feeling both brave and foolish.
Have a lovely Christmas Day everyone, whether alone and self indulgent, or with family and friends, all that lovely cold meat Boxing Day, pickles, port, and sherry trifle for breakfast.
Happy Christmas one and all !

MrsAvocet · 21/12/2023 13:17

You're right about the weather SOxon. There was snow forecast for 24th and 25th where we're staying - up until Tuesday. Now it's saying torrential rain and very windy. Whilst the snow was forecast I was feeling quite excited, envisaging family walks through idyllic scenery in the snow but now I'm thinking we'll be confined to barracks arguing over the tv remote, my boys moaning that there's no games console and and me discovering there's not enough plates in the holiday home! 😂

Nonplusultra · 21/12/2023 13:18

Going through the motions but not really feeling it. I’m looking forward to a break, although that’s a mirage because we have a couple of dinners to host and a mini break booked. Pil’s are insatiable about spending time and there’s always another reason to get together.
Christmas Day as an adult just feels like an unholy day of obligation.

SOxon · 21/12/2023 14:59

MrsAvocet · 21/12/2023 13:17

You're right about the weather SOxon. There was snow forecast for 24th and 25th where we're staying - up until Tuesday. Now it's saying torrential rain and very windy. Whilst the snow was forecast I was feeling quite excited, envisaging family walks through idyllic scenery in the snow but now I'm thinking we'll be confined to barracks arguing over the tv remote, my boys moaning that there's no games console and and me discovering there's not enough plates in the holiday home! 😂

MrsAvocet, my dd and family were travelling from SE London post Christmas Day,
to the Cotswolds with a year old puppy for the same reason, bought boots specially, anticipating snowy landscapes and logburner evenings, now reconsidering, deposit loss against rain soaked clothing, trapped inside watching rain lashing against the panes, when they can stay at home for the same.

However, the wind may change and bring snow yet, Merry Christmas !