What are your plans for Xmas this year?

Having worked in supermarket retailing for 30 years, Christmas is my least favourite time of year from a staff perspective, as it’s way too commercialised - very often, especially in the last 20 years or so, on Christmas Eve, it gets insanely busy generally speaking from 6am, then the crowds gradually die down and it’s practically empty until 3pm, as people realise that the bigger stores close at 5pm, but the amount of people turning up at 4.45pm and expecting to get served is insane, even up until 5.30pm when the store has already closed and we are trying to tidy up behind closed doors - the real meaning of Christmas has been lost in a £1,500 trolley-full of drink and I’ve heard stories about illegal drugs and other illicit “services” being provided at this time of year where lots of money changes hands 

I don't celebrate Christmas due to religious reasons, so as a matter of principle, it would be business as usual. Unfortunately though, I live with a relative who does celebrate Christmas, and they will be having various family round for dinner. As most places are shut on Christmas Day, I expect I'll spend most of it aimlessly wandering around in the freezing cold like I did last year. 

Decided not to do Christmas presents, just giving out handmade cards. Feel sorry for those who are struggling. I donate to the food bank and the community fridge. 

Hey Sk8r Girl

I've kind of been brought up on SJA since I was adopted at 18 months old - my parents have been involved since they were in their teens (it's actually how they met). Most of the time I enjoy it - although so much has changed over the past year that it is started to become a little too stressful for both mine and my parents liking that we are thinking about just sticking with youth, training and duties (although parents are stepping back from that more than I am). 

I can understand about not being able to deal with blood - and I even know a couple of paramedics who are uneasy around blood etc. as well.

I've now done all presents and cards now - and brought the tree down from the loft as well - not decorated it yet - hoping to get that done at some point next week.

Have a lovely Christmas yourself and of course your family as well

Mweekie xx

I hope you all enjoy it. I like to take a walk on Xmas day after the Xmas dinner if I can. Last year my mum got me an umbrella which was useful because it was raining most of the day lol.

I was moderated with this thread and my (hi) thread yesterday. I don't think they appeared until a bit later but according to the community manager it should be ok now.

Have you got any noise cancelling headphones? I own two sets, find them an absolute godsend this time of year. When I'm in the shops I wear my headphones and listen to music or podcasts to help me tune out of the surrounding noises.

I hope you and your family enjoy your Xmas hope its a peaceful one for you all 

My daughter is branch manager of a home care agency. Has worked in the social care field  for over 25 years. Starting off as a carer. She  has interacted with those with dementia, mental illness,physical disability, intellectual disability, and autism.

A Christmas thread, and I found myself on moderation (if this ever happens to you, Sk8r Girl , do not take it personally. The spam filters are like irrational bouncers on a popular nightclub door)

I love Christmas. It also makes me sad. I love all the tinsel and lights and wish that I liked the noise (but don't)

We are spending it with my sister-in-law, our niece and our step dog. I have a room to escape to, when things get too much.

Thank you 

I think for me, it's just become another day on the calendar tbh. It'll probably be better working this year to take my mind off of other negative thoughts that may crop up. My family got me diagnosed fairly early on in my Childhood, and have been mostly supportive with a few slip ups here and there. 

After living abroad for a while, you get slowly used to the massive Culture Shocks that come with living in a completely alien culture to your home. There are probably too many to count here, but fortunately I do get New Year's off instead of xmas while I am here for a 5 day long weekend. 

I'll likely use this Holiday break as a period of reflection and preparation for what comes next.

We will have both children and their respective partners to stay over Christmas, so there will be six people in the house. I only hope that the weather is good, so I can go for long walks. Too many people!

I don't blame you! Shops are crazy this year. Everyone is in a rush and you get so much pushing and shoving, feel like you need a riot shield or something lol.

I hope you and your partner enjoy your Xmas day. I love the quiet ones, they are my faves and the ones I always look forward to. This year shouldn't be too busy for me. X

I’m sorry you spend Xmas alone. I so know what you mean about fares increasing, especially this time of year; it’s crazy! I took the train to do a course for my work earlier this year and the price was unbelievable! It’s made me consider learning to drive as the price is something I can’t really afford much of and the trains are always packed. Strikes don’t help either.
I am grateful for things like Zoom as it makes seeing family at Xmas doable. Every Xmas day I get a video call from my sister and get to see my nieces and nephews which is so lovely x

Happy B Day for this week. Hope you have a nice day

During a mental health ep a few years ago I joined a therapy group which was around Xmas time and we made a wreath. As it happens mine was terrible and fell apart lol but I enjoyed making it all the same.

That's a shame about your community hub. We used to have a community centre here who did Xmas dinners on the day but in the end there wasn't enough funding and it closed down in the end. At one point my older sister volunteered there every year before she moved.

I do most of my Xmas shopping in charity shops because you always find amazing stuff in them and it benefits charity so it's a win win situation.

Aw that sounds like a big change for you but like you said unique and hopefully one that you will come to enjoy. I hope it will be an enjoyable Xmas for you in the end. It sounds like it will be peaceful, which sounds good to me. How you survived Xmas dinner at a table of 15 is incredible! I think it would have destroyed me lol Xmas dinners with the whole of my family was about 7-8 and that was always too much for me.
Xmas dinners can be pretty stressful as there's so much talking and I never know what to say to people.

That’s interesting no day off in Thailand. I’m not sure how I would feel working Xmas day, part of me would probably love it lol but another part wouldn’t like the change. Here at my nursery the kids break up on the 19^th, and then we aren’t back until Jan 6^th 2025, so long time off which will be nice but then I always get intense anxiety on the lead up to returning to work again…

I hope this Xmas will be unique and enjoyable for you. Hopefully you’ll get the video calls. Every year my older sister (now moved out) always video calls us which is nice. X

At least you get great company On Xmas day my little cat always sits with me for like 90% of the day. Do you get your cat any presents? I do, I love giving gifts at Xmas.

Hi Mweekie! Thanks I love Avril Lavigne!

Ooh you have a lot of pets. Your snake sounds cool, I like snakes and have always wanted one but my parents won’t let me,lol.

Your Xmas day sounds like it’s going to be a really lovely time. Nice of you to help out your mum as well, that’s so sweet. I mostly do the Xmas dinner, mum helps too if she’s off work and my little sister will try to help but she’s still too young, I think she just enjoys making a mess lol. Oh you do tree presents in the evening too! Your literally one of a few I know who does this we do as well but have stocking presents in the morning. So much fun I love it.

Well done on getting your cards, I’ve still got to do that myself, hopefully this week. I hurt my hand though and as I’m left handed my mum said she will write them out for me this year so kind of her. That’s so cool your work with SJA! That must be so rewarding as well. Sounds like it will be such a busy time for you this month but lovely at the same time.
Have you always worked with SJA? I wanted to be a paramedic but it turns out I faint if I see blood which ruined my dream career lol
I’ve more less finished my gift buying, just a few more to get with my little sister and mum. Hoping to be done by the 10^th though.

I hope you have a lovely Xmas Mweekie xx

That does sound yummy. My mum is vegetarian but my dad isn't so we normally have two meals, one for my mum and then one for everyone else to eat. Cooking is something I love to do so it makes it a really fun time making so many different things.

I love Xmas markets. We have one here on the 21st, which I might go, but unsure; they are normally really busy but there's always good stuff to look at and possibly buy.

Hopefully she won't be working and you can spend it together. My mum is a nurse and more often than not has to work Xmas day but it's always a nice treat when she gets the day off. 

I'm sorry you're on your own at Xmas, I hope things will change for you by this time next year. And I hope you'll enjoy this year. Send hugs your way.