How do people enjoy Christmas?

[wdwfan16]

See my signature. I love the holiday season. I love the decorations, the gatherings with friends and family, the cards, the glow on the face of the little ones and getting the right gift for family and friends.

 

[clutter]

I honestly really love the holidays. Driving home and seeing everyone's houses all decorated just gives me that warm fuzzy feeling. I love exchanging gifts-- and have narrowed it down to ONLY the people that matter. We have a fantastic, busy Christmas Eve bash that is USUALLY fun and drama free. I even love seeing the tree in the city and being in the hustle and bustle of the mall. I guess I try to focus on the positive as much as possible, and try to let go of things that bother me (I.E. why I have cut out buying gifts for certain people).
I understand that it can be a tough, and certainly stressful time of year.

I'm the same way. I just love the holidays. I love christmas songs on the radio and the lights and decorations and even the hustle and bustle (which I control, my shopping is mostly done by Dec 1, after that it's a few trips to stores or malls during the late hours!). I love my Toys4tots trip to ToysRUs and the Salvation Army bell ringers.

I've managed to avoid the 'obligation' part of the holidays. The only nasty one is a work party tomorrow night (I'd rather have a root canal than go to a party, and co-incidentially, I'm having a crown worked on tomorrow beforehand ). But it'll be over, then it'll be me and my dd12 baking during Saturday's snowstorm while listening to christmas music. What's not to love about that?

 

[C.Ann]

That's the best.. Baking cookies - with Christmas music on - while it's snowing..

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

That's the best.. Baking cookies - with Christmas music on - while it's snowing..

I like to grill with christmas music on!

 

[newholidayx2]

I wont be enjoying it this year
Im 1200 miles away from my 17yr son - wont be able to see him for Christmas
And Im working both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so no Christmas for me

 

[golfgal]

How do you enjoy the season, easy, don't stress out about it. It doesn't have to be "perfect". You don't need to shop for 80 people, you don't need to have a Martha Stewart presentation in your home for each gathering. Just keep it simple.

We have 30 coming over tomorrow for DH's family party-we have some last minute cleaning to do but my plans today are to get stuff picked up this morning, run into work, run into work for a couple hours, come home and take a nap. We will probably go to the basketball game tonight even. DH's brother and his family are arriving around 9 am. If we are still cleaning out toilets when he gets her, so what. Half of the people coming are spending the night-cool. I forgot to get pancake mix so I do have to run to the store for that--oh well.

 

[RC Fan]

This year TOTALLY different. VEGAS baby!!! We are all going to Las Vegas for an extra LONG holiday weekend!!! We have shows all booked!!! We are so excited!!!

NICE! I love Vegas! I hope you have a great trip!

 

[Shmily1]

For me, it's vacation, a trip to WDW, and the delight on my children's faces. Yep, I love Christmas!!!

 

[susykt4]

Just when I made up my mind to limit my Christmas obligations, I had kids and was more "required" than before to make an appearance. If it was up to me, Christmas would be spent with only my husband and children, watching the kids open presents and then playing with their new toys all day.

Instead, we must attend a celebration with my mom's extended family, my dad's extended family, my husband's extended family, my parents and siblings, church on Christmas day, our own kids, plus I have a job that requires I work 3-4 hours Christmas Eve and Day.

I have promised my husband we will always attend his family's celebration because that's literally the only time he sees them during the year. My mom pressures me majorly to attend her extended family because it's a huge competition between her and her sisters as to how many of their kids/grandkids will show. My dad's extended family is the one I actually enjoy so we usually attend and my cousins' kids and my kids love to get together. I have to go to the one with my siblings because that's when we exchange gifts for the nieces/nephews and my parents. I've skipped church many times due to having to work, but never hear the end of it.

For me Christmas is a huge amount of stress, very little fun and major disappointment that I don't get to spend more time with just my husband and kids. I "could" skip all the extra celebrations, but then would have to endure endless phone calls and emails telling me what a horrible person I am. Another vote of can't wait for January!

 

[MIGrandma]

I absolutely the Christmas season.

We have a small family and we don't have to worry about getting together with any distant relatives we don't enjoy being around so that helps I know.

And I keep in mind the "Reason for the Season" and that helps keep the stress level down too.

I don't attend any party or function that I don't want to. I simply say "sorry, but we have other plans", even if it means watching a Christmas movie in my pajamas.

I don't stress out over doing a lot of baking and candy making. For one thing, we don't need it , and I stick to just the things we really, really like.

IMHO Christmas can only be stressful if you allow it to be so.

 

[golfgal]

Just when I made up my mind to limit my Christmas obligations, I had kids and was more "required" than before to make an appearance. If it was up to me, Christmas would be spent with only my husband and children, watching the kids open presents and then playing with their new toys all day.

Instead, we must attend a celebration with my mom's extended family, my dad's extended family, my husband's extended family, my parents and siblings, church on Christmas day, our own kids, plus I have a job that requires I work 3-4 hours Christmas Eve and Day.

I have promised my husband we will always attend his family's celebration because that's literally the only time he sees them during the year. My mom pressures me majorly to attend her extended family because it's a huge competition between her and her sisters as to how many of their kids/grandkids will show. My dad's extended family is the one I actually enjoy so we usually attend and my cousins' kids and my kids love to get together. I have to go to the one with my siblings because that's when we exchange gifts for the nieces/nephews and my parents. I've skipped church many times due to having to work, but never hear the end of it.

For me Christmas is a huge amount of stress, very little fun and major disappointment that I don't get to spend more time with just my husband and kids. I "could" skip all the extra celebrations, but then would have to endure endless phone calls and emails telling me what a horrible person I am. Another vote of can't wait for January!

Sometimes you just have to say no. I can understand if it is the only time the family gets together but don't you think everyone else, or most everyone else feels the same? When our kids were little we were driving everywhere to see everyone on Christmas and we finally put our foot down and said no more. We invited anyone that wanted to join us at OUR house for Christmas and stayed home after that. On Dh's side we now do our "Christmas" the Saturday before (tomorrow this year) and no one on my side was willing to adjust so we didn't spend Christmas with them for years.

Now our kids are older and it is a lot easier so we have started going every other year to my Dad's. We are going this year. The opposite years they come here. They will probably be moving back to our area next fall so we won't have to travel as much then.

I would suggest an alternate date for a big family get together-like 4th of July and start your own family traditions at Christmas. You might be surprised at how many people take you up on that.

 

[ilovejack02]

I guess that title makes me sound like a Scrooge right off the bat. I don't mean to sound that way. I just find myself dreading Christmas more and more each year. It's full of obligations, lots of work, having to spend time with people you truthfully don't like. I've tried to do different things each year to help with the stress (charity work, doing shopping/baking early, etc..). There's just no denying that I just grin and bear it and really celebrate come January. Is my experience unusual? Do most people not have a million obligations this time of year? Admittedly there are some aspects that I enjoy, but the majority of the Christmas season is full of obligation. I practice deep breathing exercises on a regular basis just to get through it. How do you all do it??

It is what you make of it. I dont allow anyone to dictate what I do with my time. I dont spend it with anyone that I don't want to.

Next year, practice saying no, its a bit difficult at first, but trust me people get used to it.

 

[ilovejack02]

Just when I made up my mind to limit my Christmas obligations, I had kids and was more "required" than before to make an appearance. If it was up to me, Christmas would be spent with only my husband and children, watching the kids open presents and then playing with their new toys all day.

Instead, we must attend a celebration with my mom's extended family, my dad's extended family, my husband's extended family, my parents and siblings, church on Christmas day, our own kids, plus I have a job that requires I work 3-4 hours Christmas Eve and Day.

I have promised my husband we will always attend his family's celebration because that's literally the only time he sees them during the year. My mom pressures me majorly to attend her extended family because it's a huge competition between her and her sisters as to how many of their kids/grandkids will show. My dad's extended family is the one I actually enjoy so we usually attend and my cousins' kids and my kids love to get together. I have to go to the one with my siblings because that's when we exchange gifts for the nieces/nephews and my parents. I've skipped church many times due to having to work, but never hear the end of it.

For me Christmas is a huge amount of stress, very little fun and major disappointment that I don't get to spend more time with just my husband and kids. I "could" skip all the extra celebrations, but then would have to endure endless phone calls and emails telling me what a horrible person I am. Another vote of can't wait for January!

JUST SAY NO!

When I got married, I let the family know I will not spend the holidays driving all over the place seeing people I dont want to see.

When I had babies, I reminded them of this.
I make an effort during the year to see extended family, but at the holidays that is my time with my guys.

If you want to see us, come on over the door is open.
Dont expect a big meal though lol and we might be in our pajamas.

 

[MiniGirl]

I used to feel like a real Scrooge because I really hated the Christmas season. I hate all the gift buying/giving. All the parties. All the things I HAD to do. Finally, I just sat down and had a heart to heart with my dh. The result is a very simple Christmas. We decided to actually exchange gifts at Thanksgiving and only do 1 gift and a stocking at Christmas. It was important that we kept the focus on the spiritual reason for Christmas and that was just easier to do w/o all the other distractions. Christmas dinner is also very simple. We take our leftover turkey from Thanksgiving and make a very simple turkey gumbo. The gumbo served over rice, a green salad, and an assortment of breads makes for a simple, filling, and delicious meal. We serve birthday cake and ice cream for dessert. Friends and family know they are always welcome to come over and visit with us as we will be home.

I know it isn't a traditional way to celebrate the holidays, but doing it this way has helped me to actually enjoy the holiday season. It has also made it possible for us to volunteer and help even more people, so it really has worked for us.

OP, as long as you allow others to dictate how you spend your holidays, nothing will change. I agree with the PP, practice saying "no" next year and let the chips fall where they may.

 

[Snoopymom]

It's Christmas? Really?

So many other things have been going on in my life since Thanksgiving this year that I feel like I'm watching a Christmas movie in the summer time. I haven't even thought to be bummed (or relieved) just so surreal. Anyone else have this happen to them?

 

[momrek06]

NICE! I love Vegas! I hope you have a great trip!

THANK YOU!!!

My family is all older. No little ones. So, we have all decided to change tradition a bit, and hit VEGAS for some fun!!!

 

[Feralpeg]

THANK YOU!!!

My family is all older. No little ones. So, we have all decided to change tradition a bit, and hit VEGAS for some fun!!!

That sounds great! I took Kendall to her first casino over the summer. We went to the Hard Rock in Tampa. We had a blast playing the slots together. I won $2500 on a slot. I may have to plan a Vegas trip for us after Kendall graduates in May!

Have a wonderful time!

 

[kafitty]

as a child of divorce, i spent my first 20 or so years of life being shuttled from house to house, to see all sorts of family...i think i had to have 4 or 5 Christmases in a day, at one point, and then there's Christmas eve and other parties in January...

yeah. not so fun.

but now that i'm and adult, at least i get to drive and control where/when i'm going. And, err...as more and more of my family pass on, there's less to travel too.

we're having my adult cousin who's SEVERLY autistic come stay with us again this Christmas at one house, so while he's not an "excuse" for me to stick close to home, he's certainly a good reason to.

so i'm less Bah Humbug this year than i have been in the past...but still, i'll be glad when it's all over with.

 

[Mr.MouseFan]

Maybe if you took control of the holiday you would feel better about it..

There's no "law" that says you "have" to go here; go there; buy this; buy that; exchange gifts with everyone and their brother; cook and bake till your arms fall off; put on a big fancy dinner; etc..

Decide what's the most important to you - and your immediate family - and let the chips fall where they may in terms of everyone and everything else.. It's not humanly possible to please "everyone" - nor is there any such thing as the "perfect" Christmas, because your "perfect" and someone elses "perfect" are entirely different..

Only you can change what you find stressful about Christmas.. Listen to your inner voice that's telling you what you really want to do - what's the most important - and then run with it..

Good luck!

Amen! I vote for this..LOL

 

[Deparfea]

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