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[Christmastreeforever]

There is a gloom about this time of year. I am a mum but my kids are grown up. My husband and I are on different planets. He can't empathise. He does his own thing. I often feel quite alone and powerless and that only I can sort my own problems out. Sorry I don't want to depress anyone. Please feel free to comment and to say how you feel too xx

Hi christmas. I'm similar to you, 1 adult dd who has flown the nest and 1 dh who is going back to his old job in the early hours of Sunday morning working away from home for 4 weeks. I've always loved Christmas and I used to get so down when it was over and I was alone at home. I've found what works for me is taking a week of in early January just for me ( I work over Christmas). I spend a couple of days relaxing and snuggling up at home, burning new wax melts, using the bath bombs and new loungwear I received for christmas but have been saving for this week and I've treat myself to a couple of new books for my kindle. I plan on not leaving the house for a couple of days. After that I may take myself to the pictures on my own (I've never done this before but always wanted to). I'll also get my diary out to make plans for next year, and days out of events I'd like to plan ahead or get ideas for (birthdays, mothers day, Easter etc) and maybe book time of work. I do have friends and family but I'm looking forward to having some me time this week as I do do a lot for other people. Is there anything you would like to do or achieve for the year ahead? Could be visit somewhere near by that you've always wanted to go, or a spa treatment you've wanted to have, or get back in to reading or arrange something with a friend or family member? Dh has always had a job that takes him away from home and small times at home, plenty of friends and a golf hobby but we do try to set a day where we do something together, with each taking a turn to choose what it would be. Ive felt how you are feeling now, you're not alone x

The holiday in Jan is a great idea, we are doing it for the first time this year. Only a UK hotel but cosy with real fires and lots of winter walks.
I'm also planting seeds this weekend and looking forward to spring. There is a snowdrop out in my garden .

I've learnt to enjoy the simpleness of January.

No expectations
No events
Just days.

The warmth of spring won't be long.

Yeah, gonna be a Debbie downer here to. (Specially after reading https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/christmas/4711307-anyone-else-feel-a-little-bit-emotional-when-they-take-the-decorations-down?page=1 )
My mum died in December of last year. 😭 Last year was just shock I think. Don't know how I'm gonna feel/approach Xmas this year.
I'm one of those nuts that involve Christmas all year (Specific Christmas forums, Leon day, Christmas in July, Rudolph day, etc.), it is/was part of my identity. I loved it. I loved buying presents all year round. The person I bought for most was my mum. I loved finding things I thought she would love then let slip what I bought her because I'm terrible at keeping secrets and she would forget by Christmas what I'd got her! 😂(She'd never tell me what she got me though! lol) See, that's the type of thing I'm gonna miss. Sorry, crying now...