I just can't get in the Christmas spirit this year.

[IrishEyes]

I tried watching Christmas films and listening to Christmas songs but nothing is working. I don't even feel like putting up and decorating my fake tree.

[Zoonart]

1. You are not alone...

Just had this very discussion with my best friend this afternoon.

[bluedye33139]

2. No one on my social media did a November of thanks

Every year, my social media is filled with people expressing gratitude. This year, nothing.

[safeinOhio]

3. Looking forward to

New Years Eve.

Best I can do.

[MaryMagdaline]

4. So sorry, IrishEyes

I’ve been that way for several years now. This year I did thanksgiving and my sisters and I watched corny Christmas movies and made ourselves laugh. I got beautiful cards on line and sent them out on Monday. This is the most I’ve done in years.

I would not push it. If you’re not into it, just relax. I do as little or as much as I want. In past several years I’ve ducked my friends, even lying to say I was doing Christmas at someone else’s house and then just stayed home to watch movies and to read books.

Whatever you do or don’t do, I hope you are fine with it. I’d say cheer up but that’s not always what the spirit wants.

You didn’t ask for advice so delete if this is annoying

[polichick]

5. Celebrate the winter solstice instead...

Early Christians horned in on that instead of celebrating Jesus’ bday in the summer, when he was born, so that more people would join in.

[LakeArenal]

6. Make it about your family and friends. O

Cheer up for them.

[LisaM]

7. I'm having trouble, too. It doesn't help that downtown Seattle is so grim.

Even a few years ago, the town came alive at Christmas. Now, with the retail apocalypse, the blocked off sidewalks, the relentless construction, the homeless people, and the empty storefronts, it seems like Pottersville. I've yet to even see a Dicken caroler.

[mopinko]

8. check your post office for letters to santa?

i mean, it's fine if you arent into it. i am sorta relieved not to have little kids anymore. it will take a few more years to shake that off.

but if you want to get in the spirit, most post offices do this. iirc, chicago is putting them online this year.

[virgogal]

9. I never can,this year is no different for me.

[Sherman A1]

10. Right there with ya

4+ decades of working in the Retail Sector, just beat any interest in this or pretty much any holiday right out of me.

Christmas.....it’s just a pain in the backside.

[Siwsan]

11. I stopped celebrating Christmas, years ago. I've gone old school and ring in the Solstice

I actually view it as 'New Year's Eve', since it's the shortest day of the year, and things will just get brighter, earlier. All that requires is some mead and the propensity to break into song and dance.

[Skittles]

12. don't let these fascist assholes affect your sense of wonder

PUT THAT TREE UP NOW!

[bluestarone]

13. AGREE with this!

We purchased our tree today! Will put it up next week. will not let the rethugs ruin our holiday!

[dhol82]

14. Well, I gave away my fake tree and most of the ornaments. However,

I still hang a cascade of bells on my front door and enjoy the spirit of the season.
I might be lucky that the weather has turned cold and I can enjoy cold cheeks and a happy spirit.
I don’t celebrate Christmas but enjoy all the bits and pieces that are included. It’s just fun.
It’s a season of believing in your fellow man and hoping for the best. I know, I know - I think the end of the world is closer.

Sorry you can’t get in the spirit. I just hear all the crappy songs and smell the stupid cut down down pines in the street and just get an extra step in my gait.
Just start walking around and smelling the smells of holiday. That usually gets me started.
Good fortune to you.



Oh, and just think - after the 21st, the days get longer! AWESOME!

[customerserviceguy]

15. No problem

Another Christmas season will come next year, and you might feel in the mood for it by then. My lady got out of the hospital just over a week ago, after being in for eleven days, we're going to defer decorating until next year. No big deal.

[rownesheck]

16. I hate this time of year.

Anxiety level gets cranked to the max. I hate getting gifts and I hate giving gifts. I've tried talking my kids into just celebrating being together sans gifts, but to no avail. My favorite day of the year is Jan 2. That's all I look forward to. Bah mother fucking humbug!!!

[Fla Dem]

17. I think you just reach a point in your life where it's just another holiday.

To me it was a special holiday when my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all got together over the Christmas week and shared food and fun with some gift giving. It was a fun time, a warm time, a family time. Now it's like over in a day or two, and on to the next thing. It's more of a merchandising event than a family time to share love and fun.

As I write this I am preparing for my family to be here over the holidays. From the Sunday before to the Monday after. I am thrilled they'll all be here, a bit stressed, but we'll manage. In general though, I do feel it's all boiled down to merchandising, In my family we've all agreed not to exchange gifts among the adults, only gifts to the kids.

[Marthe48]

18. I haven't felt it yet

I went to a lovely Christmas concert Tuesday. 4 choirs and a string quartet. It was inspiring and uplifting. By the end, I felt utterly relaxed. Not the Christmas spirit, but maybe cleared out some space so if the Christmas spirit visits, there is room for it.
Almost every year, there is a moment when I feel it. It might not last, but even a few minutes makes all of the hustle and bustle worth it.
If you don't feel it, what we think of as the true meaning of Christmas, it's okay to float. So much of the season is trimming, you are the only one who'll know it wasn't the best. And maybe next year will be better.
Best wishes for a happy new year.

[Hotler]

19. It's hard to get in the spirit when..

retailers start throwing it in your face the day after Halloween.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

20. I can't either.

Thinking over this past year and all I want to do is cry. I really don't have much of anything to celebrate.

Facing all this Christmas stuff around town hurts so bad. And hearing Christmas music, it's unbearable. I keep trying to put on a brave face when I got to be around people, but it is becoming harder and harder.

[Major Nikon]

21. Festivus for the restofus