Don't feel like Christmas

[hosernoser]

Every year (20+ years) it's been me that does the tree/decs/lights/wrapping/cooking/baking/stockings. My dcs are teens now and probably enjoy all that stuff but have no interest in helping with it even if I beg them.

I just don't feel like it this year. I don't have any close family to help out and only acquaintances.

I had cancer treatment earlier this year and I have permanent medicine and blood tests now because they took out something essential. I am not feeling well this weekend because some of my blood levels are out of whack and I don't see the specialist til 2022. I have been debating whether I am supposed to go to the ER or not as I was told I should go if I felt a certain way. I can't face having to go to the ER all the time for this...And it will be me on my own, as always,,,

Really feeling depressed today...I think I might do minimal decs and see if I can order ready made Christmas meals and be done with it!

I’m so sorry Op that sounds really difficult honestly as they are teens now I don’t think you need to go over board I would do what you suggested and just keep it as a quieter one this year

Sending you a hug OP. Yes, I agree - just keep the decorations simple and maybe just a basic tree. You've been through a lot, teenagers can be a bit selfish at times and not the best at empathy. I wouldn't take it personally but if you feel ill you really should get looked at and assessed to stay on top of your health.Can you get one of your teens to go with you to get checked over?

Don't feel guilty OP. Look after yourself, don't worry about the decorations.

I have been cutting back on decs the last few years and throwing some out and selling some. My XH bought a lot of them originally -- he was always buying more than we needed and wasted a lot of money. Of course he doesn't want any of them now.

Maybe another marie condo is needed to feel like there isn't so much stuff to dig through every year....

gonna I just can't face going to the ER again. I've been there a lot this year as GPs weren't face to face. I have a rare condition the hospital doesn't deal with often. I will get stuck there for hours. And then I wonder if I am wrong and something else is causing this and I will look silly.

Big hugs sent to you, you have had a really tough year. Id make a point to sit down with your teens & tell them straight if they want all the decs & the rest, they have to do it!!! It's time for you to prioritise yourself & make it as easy as possible this year, 100% get meals ordered! Yes a clear out would make it easier but if you are not up to it, don't do it. It sounds like you need rest. Christmas is 1 day, there is so much pressure & when it rests squarely on 1 set of shoulders it's a heavy weight. But, they are your shoulders, we don't have conform to the overthe top Xmas expectations. As lone parents we always sacrifice our needs to give our kids as much as we can. I'm learning that this isn't good for us or them.

Yeah this might be the year they see minimum effort from me...