I need an attitude adjustment

[binny]

I have no Christmas spirit this year.


I am listening to Christmas Music, wrapping Christmas presents and Im just not feeling it.

I am actually dreading it. My MIL is coming and that always causes stress and strain in the household. Her SO is coming though so that should help ease some of the tension.


I dont want Christmas to be about that though. Its about the kids! Its about going to church and having candlelight services and making a great dinner with Birthday Cake for dessert for baby Jesus. That is what has always been Christmas at our house, at least since the kids came along. I want it to be a happy time for the whole family. I just cant seem to muster that yet.

Anyone else having a hard time this year?
Any ideas to get more into the spirit?

 

[Aidensmom]

I have a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit sometimes for a really silly reason - that it is 80 degrees outside. I grew up in the north, and even 25 years later it is hard for me to feel like it is Christmastime without snow.

I am sorry you are feeling stressed out. I think sometimes we think we are supposed to do too much at this time of the year rather than actually just letting ourselved enjoy it. I know it is hard, but try not to worry so much about how it MIGHT be when MIL is there, and just let things happen.

 

[Scutapipig]

Hugs! I understand this completely!

It's been a hard year for us and we're just starting to poke our heads back into reality. The last thing I wanted to do was put up a Christmas tree and/or visit with family and friends.

My children gave me the boost I needed. We borrowed my Mom's little three foot Christmas tree and we planned on putting that in a corner of the living room. At least that was the plan until both of my children said, "That won't work Mom. It's too small." From there, it went to the children at church who wanted to do an outreach project for the season.

So, on Sunday, we spur of the moment stopped at a tree lot and picked out a fresh cut Christmas tree. Watching my kids put it up and get so excited about it started perking me up. Earlier, that day, I spoke with a few of the teachers and they are excited about the Toys for Tots outreach the children are doing at church and so I'm keeping busy organizing that project.

The best moment was when my daughter said to me, "Do you know what I like best about Christmas? I like Jesus' birth, then the Christmas lights, and then the presents." She reaffirmed to me that she understands the beauty and meaning of Christmas.

Watch your children and let them lead you. They will more than likely help to bring that spirit back to you.

P.S. I would love to offer a positive outlook on the MIL situation, but I'm at a loss. You do, however, have my heartfelt sympathy!

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

I don't know how to help you, but I know how you feel. Working as many Christmases in retail as I did has made me a bit bitter and cynical about the true meaning of Christmas. I have tried to get into the whole thing, but I just can't. Maybe bringing out my Santa Claus collection will make me feel better and I'm planning on watching The Polar Express on ABCFAM Fri evening.

TOV

 

[Chicago526]

I can't get into it this year either. I think it's partly because the weather has been so warm here lately. That will go away tomorrow, there's a cold front moving in. Maybe it will help!

 

[apirateslifeforme]

I've had a bad time with Christmas for the past 20 years or so. I just stopped caring. I think it started around the time my mother told me that I was too old to see Santa and get gifts around the tree (I was about 8 or 9) - then we just stopped putting up the tree altogether.

My grandfather died 8 years ago on Christmas Eve. So that put even more of a damper on it. I grew up with my mother and grandparents, and Grandpa was the only "dad" that I ever had.

I'm trying to get it back this year. I've put up a tree and bought candles and have DVDs of all the special stuff I loved when I was a kid, but it just hasn't caught up to me yet. I'm wondering if it will.

 

[ZachnElli]

Oh, come on Binny! You know you need more pads!!!

 

[harleyquinn]

I'm glad I'm not the only one.

We lost my MIL (51) in January this year suddenly. She was the heart of the family and holiday gatherings are not the same without her.

I haven't been able to decorate for any holidays this year and Christmas is the worst because it was her favorite...

So a big for all of us!

 

[binny]

Oh, come on Binny! You know you need more pads!!!

OMGOSH D I had totally forgotten about that!! Leave it to you to remind me!

Where is that head smacking smiley when you need it. How could I have forgotten that? Classic MIL.



apirateslifeforme, I am so sorry. I cant even imagine how much that must have hurt
(((hugs)))

Quinn, Im sorry for your loss. My dad died on New Years Eve almost 14 years ago. I know facing the holidays without someone important is very hard.
(((Hugs)))


I know its tough to get into the spirit sometimes but I want to. I REALLY want to. If not for me then for the sake of my kids. So how do we get out of this funk?

 

[budbeerlady]

I have no Christmas spirit this year.

I am actually dreading it. My MIL is coming and that always causes stress and strain in the household. Her SO is coming though so that should help ease some of the tension.

I Anyone else having a hard time this year?
Any ideas to get more into the spirit?

How do I deal with the family coming over to my house. WINE I sip on a glass while I cook in the kitchen, & I have a glass with dinner.

Everytime I would love to open my mouth and express my opinion on them I just take another sip and smile. I hardly ever drink so 2 glasses is enough for me. Then they all finally leave my house and I might have another glass as I clean up and then relax, feeling happy that they are finally gone and I wont see them untill Mother's Day.

 

[hiwaygal]

Please don't take this post as preachy or judgemental or condescending...I really and truly don't mean it that way.

In the past when I have felt "out of the spirit" (for whatever reason) I found a way to volunteer somehow...maybe it's picking a gift for a name off an "angel" tree, or maybe volunteering to visit at a nursing home, or even bringing cans of food to the local shelter or food bank...

For me, doing something for someone else IS the spirit of Christmas, and nothing makes me feel happier about the holidays than thinking I might have played a part in someone else's joy.

to all of you who are having a hard time...I do hope your holidays turn out very merry and bright!

 

[harleyquinn]

Please don't take this post as preachy or judgemental or condescending...I really and truly don't mean it that way.

In the past when I have felt "out of the spirit" (for whatever reason) I found a way to volunteer somehow...maybe it's picking a gift for a name off an "angel" tree, or maybe volunteering to visit at a nursing home, or even bringing cans of food to the local shelter or food bank...

For me, doing something for someone else IS the spirit of Christmas, and nothing makes me feel happier about the holidays than thinking I might have played a part in someone else's joy.

to all of you who are having a hard time...I do hope your holidays turn out very merry and bright!

I think that is a GREAT suggestion!