Have I ever mentioned that I hate Christmas

[sharbear]

Not the birth of Christ. I mean all the other stuff. I just had a fight with my Mom about getting together. I swear she just doesn't listen to what I am saying. And she expects me to do what she wants, not what I want or what is best for my family. I'm supposted to travel half way across the country and spend no time with my kids to make her happy.

I get mad at my family and then say things I shouldn't. I really shouldn't say some things but I get so angry, and I am not a person who gets like this.

The last straw was that I went out Chirstmas shopping (to get some things done) and my DH yells at me for shopping too soon. Tells me I just buy things to buy things just to spend money. He hates to shop and NEVER helps with the shopping but I am suppose to gather info and read Consumer's Reports and shop all over town to buy his parents a DVD player. So that when it's time to buy their present he can swoop down on one store and make his decision. Based on all of the info I have gathered. He did apoligize later but still.

I have always hated Christmas, when I was younger I wanted to marry a Jewish man so I could bypass this holiday.

Do you think it's too late to become a Hindu?

 

[Serena]

I'm sorry, this time of year must be pretty bad for you.

 

[aahmom1]

Start concentrating on Christmas for your kids, it makes it so much more enjoyable to have something to focus on. It sounds like it's not Christmas that you hate but the attitude of others. Tell your DH to do his own research, maybe he'll be less of a pain in the behind if he knows all the trouble you go to.

Tell your Mom what day is good for you and stick with it. Period. Christmas isn't going to disappear, it's up to you to make it a joyful season, nobody is going to do it for you.

As for going out and 'spending money' too early, it's your money too, don't even listen to that stuff, you have ever right to try to make it less stressful for yourself.

 

[Spinning]

DITTO to what aahmom1 said.
We had some similar issues in our house with my DSIL she would never give me an answer what she wanted to do for the holidays. About getting together, time etc...so finally I just started to do my own thing for all of them! Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and it has put the joy back! So I make my plans tell them what "WE" are doing and if they wish to join us great if not...oh well! I think they were shocked the first few years when my brother would call and I told them we had plans to go somewhere else....I now get a response from them!

 

[teh fish]

thats what happens when people lose the true meaning of the holidays. It goes from something sacred and/or reflective into petty arguements and another sale day at the stores.

 

[Blondie]

Originally posted by teh fish
thats what happens when people lose the true meaning of the holidays. It goes from something sacred and/or reflective into petty arguements and another sale day at the stores.

That is true, isn't it?

 

[CrazyBoutDisney]

Blondie spoke the truth, sharbear! Concentrate on the meaning of Christmas and continually remind others of it. sounds like your mom and DH need reminders, for sure! Society and the merchandisers are so into the "make a buck" mentality. Keep your chin up and remember, "JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON"!!!

 

[tc]

Stephen and I used to fight every Christmas. I wanted to spend, spend, spend, and he didn't (our life story ). We finally decided to make birthdays more about the gifts, and Christmas more about family. Our church has a month long event called "A Time to Serve" They list different organizations that need a hand during the holidays (soup kitchens, half way houses, elderly people, etc.) and then let church members sign up and do a community service project. For the last few years, when the girls are home from school, we choose a few and serve. It has changed our outlook on the holidays. Then the gift part has been scaled back, and we focus on the reason we celebrate. As for what we do on Christmas day, we always to go my inlaws, no questions. I am not totally okay with that, I'd like to have it at my house, but it's not worth upsetting anyone. Someday, when MIL is not able to do the big dinners, I can host Christmas dinner. It's not worth the fight. This year we are taking our kids to WDW the first week of January. That's their present, and, they are so excited.

Sharbear, I know your situation is much different than mine, but I thought it might help to see what others do at this time of year to make it a little less commercial and a little more heart felt. Hope it helps.

 

[holycow]

You know what...you are doing what is right! Why wait until the last minute and have to rush around and really be miserable...

You know that you are planning ahead...just don't even let DH know what you are doing...you end up doing it all anyway don't you?...so what difference does it make if he knows or not.

Good luck to you and don't doubt yourself!
You've got the right idea.

Hc

 

[Chattyaholic]

I'm so sorry your holidays are stressful, takes all the joy out of it I'm sure! Ours are completely the opposite, but maybe that's because I come from a very small family, I don't know. My DH's father and step-mother (his mom passed away 2 years ago) host a Christmas dinner a Sunday or two before Christmas, then WE host a dinner on Christmas. I'm an only child so my parents always come, I wouldn't want it any other way. When our son and daughter both got married I told them I knew I had to "share" them during the holidays, but they all seem to prefer coming HOME for Christmas, and they go to their spouse's family celebration at another time, it's always just worked out that way. I would definitely understand if they said they had other plans for Christmas Day, but would hope they could "pop in" at some point either that day or on Christmas Eve. Last year my son decided he wanted to host dinner, but found out it was a lot of work so they gave the honor back to me, LOL!! I don't mind, it's the only holiday meal that I host during the year and gives me a good reason to clean the house!

 

[DocRafiki]

I hear ya! I decided a few years ago that Mardi Gras is officially now my favorite holiday.

I was quite happy spending last Christmas here alone and away from my family. My mom is already asking if I'm going "home" this year. I think I'm going to try to make it home for Mardi Gras each year instead. It should be easier to get off from work during that time, anyway. And no gifts to stress over!