is anyone here NOT all that fussed about Christmas? (Asked in very hushed tones)

[TheSweetLittleBunny]

Since DS aged 5 was born we have made an effort and got a tree etc and it's been fun. But I'm not excited about it or anything - neither is DH. But we do make an effort for DS and our pleasure comes from his excitement about it rather than our own. I just find the whole thing so depressing, the commercialisation, the greediness of some people, the competitiveness, all of it, then the cynicism of the stores, who take your money and then before the Christmas dinner is digested, offer the same merchandise at massively reduced prices

I know it's not just me - because I had a similar conversation with someone today - it's just that people don't want to be labelled as "Scrooge" etc for admitting they don't like this season. FWIW I am a kind and loving generous person, who helps people every day - quite un-Scrooge like actually

Have to agree with Puppymonkey. I enjoy Christmas, but only at Christmas.

I think we have all become jaded by the months of commercialised hype and pressure that we have to trudge through to get there.

Christmas Eve/Day and possibly Boxing Day themselves are great opportunities to spend some time together either as a close family or with extended family that you don't otherwise get to see very often (depending which you prefer). But that should be as far as it goes, its just too spread out these days and that's one of the main things that has taken the sparkle off it.

The other thing that's affected how people feel is the commercialisation of presents. I really can't stand the whole Boots 3 for 2, prepackaged, no though required type gifts, same with the BHS 'Christmas Department' etc. Gifts should be thought about in relation to the individual they are being bought for not just grabbed off the nearest shelf because they are packaged up to look nice and are about the right price. I think those sort of gifts have taken a lot of the shine off both giving and receiving at Christmas, after all its hard to be grateful for something you are given when its obvious there was absolutely no thought involved. To a certain extent I really do believe 'its the thought that counts'.

Finally, I think we put too much pressure on ourselves about what we 'should' do at Christmas. There are so many family problems caused by unrealistic or unfair expectations of what people should do. I have come across this big style this year when we announced we would be spending Christmas Day at home with our two boys, but that anyone who wants to visit would be welcome any time. We are doing this for two reasons. 1. We spend so much time every year travelling between parents and in-laws on Christmas Day that the poor kids never get to play with their presents and 2. I will be due to give birth any day and would rather go into labour at home than surrounded by extended family. This has caused absolute ructions in our family and the inlaws response was then to have a tantrum, bung a cheque in our direction and basically say if we can't be bothered then neither can they! (They only live a ten minute drive fgs, it wouldn't exactly kill them to drive over here for a change.)

Sorry, threadkiller.

Don't know why I wrote all that, especially the last bit. Blame my hormones!

moosemama dont be so hard on yourself.

I cant stand it, especially this year when we are struggling to keep ends meet.

to be fair, when i have my family over for christmas i usually ask them to bring something- my sister is bringing a joint of beef this year which i will cook. the main reason for this is because i cant afford the extra expense of feeding a larger than usual number and try to offset the cost a little by asking everyone to contribute something. my nan will be coming on 22nd dec and staying till after new year- her contribution is to buy the stuff and make a large batch of mince pies as i am hopeless with pastry.

moosemama you have summed it up so well. And I think your solution to Christmas is and should be what suits you and your family circumstances. For example my sister just wants everyone to be round hers for selfish reasons I think - otherwise why not make the effort to cook a nice spread for us all. My house is open all the year round for those who want to visit - my sister has not been to mine once this year (she works from home and her DC's are in their teens) - yet she has the audacity to summon us all on Facebook to her house, bring our own food AND a present for her (yes she actually said that)

I have just returned from a Christmas fayre at our school - they used the occasion to get everyone together, have a bit of fun, and raise money for the school. DS loved it and we had a great time. The teachers were all so good natured considering that they have been working all day. It was such a lovely atmosphere - now that's what it should be about.

All I want for Christmas is to see people smile. Everyone is traipsing around the shops looking so goddamn miserable and stressed. They argue with each other over car park space, they cut you up in the road, bump into you in the shop and don't say sorry - because they are so singlemindedly focussed on acqusition - not on giving, and moosemama is right - the shops commercialisation of Christmas just makes it worse - it cheapens the act of giving.

The Fayre was so lovely, the parents looked so proud while their children were singing, we ate home made cakes brought in by parents, and my DS ran around excitedly buying toys from the bric a brac. It was so refreshing compared to what I had experienced in town, just hours earlier.

I like Christmas. I love spending time with my family and it is the one time of the year that all 3 of my daughters will stay in and spend time with us.
Also we have a big family celenbration just after Christmas with My parents ,siblings ,nieces and nephews.

Joe90, I don't get depressed about christmas cards, I just refuse to send any.
I think the reason that I love New Year so much is because I can relax, safe in the knowledge that Christmas is a whole year away...