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Christmas: the good, the bad and the ugly and how to survive it

Deleted user
9 months ago

So, for me, there is little good.

Good = buying anything that includes fresh foliage and making table decorations with it (and collecting foliage to add) then the arrival of January.

Bad = expectations, expense, overload of everything..

Ugly = years from childhood of trauma related to this time of year, not just at home with my parents but also the financial and social obligations that were too much for me.

These now cause cyclical depression.

Also, lack of any real meaning as I'm agnostic.

My survival tips after 4+ decades of active involvement:

Cut down as much as you can on present buying without falling out with people - I've managed to now no longer buy for the vast majority of my family and half my friends (half = 1).

I found approaching this with people very anxiety making and I was concerned about conflict but I've been surprised that on the whole, most people are accommodating and some people even seem to be positive about it.

Cut down as much as you can on socialising (as above).

Try to learn to say 'no' if you are anything like me, too obliging for my own good.

This is a just a short synopsis of thoughts that have been racing through my head today.

I'd love to hear anyone's own version of the above.

Parents
  • 9 months ago

    Christmas will be whatever I make it so I'm not getting too stressed over it. I may put decorations up or I may not. I have a grocery delivery booked and will be relieved once that's over and done with. The only person I buy for is my elderly mum and that shopping was done online. I don't have any invitations to say no to.

    Good = buying anything that includes fresh foliage and making table decorations with it (and collecting foliage to add) then the arrival of January.

    I enjoy collecting some fresh holly each year, to make the place look a little festive even if I don't bother with any decorations.

    Cut down as much as you can on present buying without falling out with people - I've managed to now no longer buy for the vast majority of my family and half my friends (half = 1).

    I found approaching this with people very anxiety making and I was concerned about conflict but I've been surprised that on the whole, most people are accommodating and some people even seem to be positive about it.

    I think it is becoming more accepted to cut down on unnecessary tit for tat present exchanges. For the past few years Martin Lewis as been campaigning for this on his TV show:

Reply
  • 9 months ago

    Christmas will be whatever I make it so I'm not getting too stressed over it. I may put decorations up or I may not. I have a grocery delivery booked and will be relieved once that's over and done with. The only person I buy for is my elderly mum and that shopping was done online. I don't have any invitations to say no to.

    Good = buying anything that includes fresh foliage and making table decorations with it (and collecting foliage to add) then the arrival of January.

    I enjoy collecting some fresh holly each year, to make the place look a little festive even if I don't bother with any decorations.

    Cut down as much as you can on present buying without falling out with people - I've managed to now no longer buy for the vast majority of my family and half my friends (half = 1).

    I found approaching this with people very anxiety making and I was concerned about conflict but I've been surprised that on the whole, most people are accommodating and some people even seem to be positive about it.

    I think it is becoming more accepted to cut down on unnecessary tit for tat present exchanges. For the past few years Martin Lewis as been campaigning for this on his TV show:

Children