Published on 12, July, 2020
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.
Thank you everyone for your replies.
It's good to know that others feel similarly.
I remember family get togethers when I was younger at Christmas and I never enjoyed them.
I have felt guilty since because a large percentage of the people present then have now passed away.
However, I can forgive myself now because I know that it was the autism that made it all too much.
I wish you all as good a Christmas as you can have.
If Christmas isn't of relevance to you for cultural, religious, other reasons - I hope you have a good break.
Always forgive yourself. It's not your fault and you shouldn't feel blame or shame for acting the way you do to certain things, like Christmas.
It's normal to feel stressed this time of year when you have ASD. This time of year I am always on edge and anxious.
Have a great Christmas I hope it won't be too bad for you.
Thank you.