anybody else sick of holidays?

[Kali]

I am just so over this crap. Hate disappointing people, totally regret creating expectations for so long. Can it be somebody else's turn?

[doc03]

1. I can't wait till Jan 2nd. nt

[Kali]

2. right on!

let's celebrate the end of the holidays!

[doc03]

4. They started Chrismas the day after Hollween

bah humbug. They put Christmas music on my favorite station Nov 1.

[niyad]

27. My Dollar Tree already has Valentine stuff. Next week they will probably start getting

in gardening supplies.

[Delmette2.0]

3. I told my kids long ago not to expect a bag deal over Christmas.

Or birthdays. I did promise surprises when i could afford something big that they would really like or need.

This has worked out very well for us.

[Kali]

8. kids got trained pretty eary, since we never had any money

it's the food prep and all the chatter. I am one that has actually enjoyed the deprivations of the pandemic. LOL

[Delmette2.0]

15. Me, too ! nt.

[Kali]

17. between isolating and curbside grocery pick up

life has kind of improved!

[MiHale]

20. Me too..

Pandemic was the best thing for this introvert. Holidays are overrated. Love cooking though!

[Diamond_Dog]

31. I hear you and heartily agree.

It’s always on us women to make Christmas a big deal for everyone. We do the shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning, hosting, baking, card writing, decorating, social scheduling, church stuff, etc. I did that in my younger days, and always felt resentful over it. Now I say no more. I am DONE with dreading the holidays.

[Duncanpup]

49. I understand as a man what you're saying

These last 2 Christmases I’ve enjoyed because it was small no big dinners not a lot of visitors. The girls are grown with their own families you all celebrate with your kids no reason to stretch yourself thin.

[Diamond_Dog]

61. Thank you Duncanpup

I love small and low key holiday’s!

[Duncanpup]

50. Absolutely I've enjoyed these last two Christmases

Unfortunately it was in pandemic yet they are quiet not a lot of traffic and growing up for me was low key Christmas not crying, yet my point is I like these low stress holidays.

I told our grown daughters do it with your families enjoy , tomorrow it’s just my wife the boys three dogs one psycho cat and me

[Diamond_Dog]

62. Absolutely

And I’ll bet your daughters appreciate no pressure to make an appearance.

[highplainsdem]

5. It's just so overdone now, and starting way too early. I used to love Christmas music

when we didn't hear it for what seems like months. Now I can take maybe a few hours of it, total. I gave all the CDs of Christmas music I had to my mom's nursing home.

And usually by Christmas I'm looking forward to spring. I've stopped putting up Christmas decorations, partly because I have light-flooded rooms with vines climbing to the ceiling, and to me that's much cheerier than dark Christmas greenery with gaudy ornaments.

[Kali]

10. I do like the lights, but I haven't put any up in a long time other than the normal ones

always in the yard. I had a knee replacement in November. scheduled then partly to break the holiday cycle for once, but nobody seems to notice that I only ended physical therapy YESTERDAY.

[58Sunliner]

6. I keep my expectations low. Really low. I also avoid family gatherings. I love it.

[Kali]

12. excellent

[Goonch]

7. ;-{)🖖‍

[highplainsdem]

9. LOL!

[Kali]

13. ha!

[jmbar2]

11. I celebrate the end of the Xmas season

The dread starts building up when I first see Christmas stuff in October.

The decorations, early reminders that it's coming. My dread mounts when I hear the first insipid Christmas songs at stores. Then the requests from nonprofits hit my email and mailbox, followed by Christmas sale flyers, and relentless advertising on all media.

All the emphasis on gifts, GIFTS, GIFTS!!! I don't know anyone who gets a new Lexus, or dresses in a flowing gown, wearing the latest perfume. All the gift ideas I see look like stuff that will end up in a landfill.

Finally, on Christmas eve, I make a nice dinner, glass of wine, put on some mellow nonChristmas tunes, and write long emails to old friends. On Christmas day, generally join friends for dinner, and we celebrate the end of it for another year.

Merry End of the Christmas Season to All!

[Kali]

14. I kind of like that x-mas eve thing you have going

[Srkdqltr]

16. Have families coming tomorrow. All vaxed except the 4 year olds.

Not doing sit down dinner. Just eat whenever. After 3pm.
BYOB . I'm 80 this year and I'm really tired of it. Not the people i am happy to see them all just the work is annoying.

[Kali]

25. part of my grumpiness is the weather timing

love rain, need rain. life around here is very dependent on it. however the xmas tradition I kind of worked out a few years ago (so I could get out of a bunch of work, but not all) is for all of us to go out AWAY from the house and cook good steaks. now that I warned everyone it didn't look like the weather was going to be good for this, maybe later in January...rain today, tomorrow evening, Sunday. but "mostly sunny" tomorrow during the day.

am I supposed to believe that?

[Grasswire2]

18. Evangelicals have sorta spoiled the whole idea of Christmas with their hate and cult lunacy.

Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men?

Say what?

Even "non-believers" could respect the message of Christians, previously.

Now, to me, the day means nothing religious and the message of self-characterized Christians in America is something I abhor (because they don't believe or practice the teachings of their Jesus).

[Yonnie3]

19. Not so much

There are few expectations for me or by me and that means I'm not sick of holidays. I'm simply not involved. I've cultivated that for years often working New Year's Eve events rather than celebrating.

COVID makes it easier to be less social as well.

[PXR-5]

21. Ok everyone, from the top,

Rudolph the red nose reindeer, had a very shinny...

Blah blah blah!

So over it all!

[Gidney N Cloyd]

22. +1 I just got together with these same relatives A MONTH AGO and heeeere we go again.

I don't mind Thanksgiving so much but enough is enough. After my mom passes (she's in her 90s) I'm excusing myself from most extended family gatherings.

[BlackSkimmer]

23. How have you disappointed people?

I take holidays as they come.

With my parents gone, Christmas means little to me now.

But I love that there are no people out on the trails where I like to take my dogs walking! I like that traffic is less, I like the quiet.

I decorated my home and yard outside, and it makes me happy people come by to see it. Inside, there’s only a couple wooden Santas on the mantle. I can see my outside lights from inside. I’ve always loved Christmas lights.

Events are what we make of them. Or at least that’s how it is for me.

[Kali]

26. well, I haven't yet

but it may be in process. LOL

what you describe sounds wonderful, and family loves to come out here to the ranch and do those sorts of things. while I prepare food all day.

I used to enjoy it and a few years ago I got "radical" and changed the tradition from a big roast beef dinner cooked by me, to steaks outdoors away from the house cooked by anyone else (though I still have to get everything ready and do sides/desert) it took a load off, but is still some work (and honestly, expense). it is a nice day but I am just tired of it all.

[BlackSkimmer]

51. Oh, I hear you on that.

I fixed Thanksgiving for an old friend and myself, and halfway throughout realized I wasn’t into doing all that work any more. It was a great success, but I won’t do that anymore.

Too tiring. I’d gladly do it if my parents were here, but those days are gone forever. “I should just let’em go, but…” (with apologies to Don Henley)

[multigraincracker]

24. Few relatives and few friends.

Few problems.

[central scrutinizer]

28. Our extended family stopped giving presents years ago

Except hand made things like knitted hats. None of us need more shit. Most of us are atheists so the mythical birth of a sky wizard doesn’t register. I don’t watch television so I don’t see the guilt ads. Meh, humbug.

[Kali]

34. we don't really do gifts either (a little cash)

and no teevee, barely shop anywhere in person so don't see the ads and commercialization that much and I STILL feel the pressure! obviously mostly all self-inflicted.

[niyad]

29. The official Yule season starts with Santa at the end of the Macy's Parade,

and goes through 12th night, Jan. 6. Of course, there isSmhain (Pagan New Year), Thanksgiving, then Yule, then Candlemas, Valentine's Day, Ostara (Easter), May Day, International Women's Day, summer. . And so on.


One can get a bit tired.

[Kali]

33. we have a Russians in the family

so there is Russian Orthodox Xmas too. I'm pushing for putting the steak fry off until then!

[Delmette2.0]

66. Make it potluck.

Have every one let you know what they are bringing.

Dinner rolls can be warmed up

Potatoes can be baked.

Salads keep well

Deserts are always made in advance.

[panader0]

30. Yes. Holiday used to mean holy day.

Now it's just very over commercialized. I go broke every year about this time of year. Land taxes
in November, kids' birthdays, then xmas. Bah humbug.
We're having chili from a winning Terlingua, Texas recipe.
I do personally celebrate the solstice though.
The wind is ripping today here, how about you?

[Kali]

32. yeah, too much wind (adds to the angst) and not enough rain

solstice seems to be when I finally start the xmas cards

[bucolic_frolic]

35. Don't do anything for holidays anymore

zilch. it's just a plot to fleece you.

[Sherman A1]

36. Yes, but 4 + decades in Retail

Will do that to you.

[Kali]

37. ugh

I did a few years of that and waitressed a bit too. people are real assholes.

[Sherman A1]

40. Did restaurant work in high school

And college. I know what you mean.

[ashredux]

38. Get a cold beer...a shot of Tequila...consume and relax....

A Texas Xmas drink…

[Skittles]

39. I am sick of people using them to spread Covid

that's for sure

[mwooldri]

41. A number of reasons why I don't like this time of year.

Grandma being run over by a John Deere on Christmas Eve is part of it. Getting older is probably a big part too. I enjoy the time off work, and aside from my two front teeth all I would want for Christmas is dinner with family.

[Laffy Kat]

42. Right with you.

I finally got around to hanging a wreath two nights ago. That's it, that's all I'm doing. Oldest son is in Keystone skiing with his boyfriend. My youngest son just wants to sleep and do computer stuff. I will enjoy three days off work, though.

[AZLD4Candidate]

43. I'm tired of dirty looks when I get "Merry Christmas" and then saying "I'm Jewish. Thank you but

I don't celebrate." People look at me like I am some sort of freak.

[Kali]

44. in Tucson or in the sticks?

I just say thanks, you too. it doesn't really bother me unless I know it is some winger doing it on purpose.

- athiest who does some other religious traditions for the sake of tradition, but tired of it all at the moment.

[AZLD4Candidate]

47. Tucson (right wing area) when I go there. On the TON Reservation

they know I'm Jewish and don't care.

[Kali]

48. yeah I know they are there in town,

and probably more likely to be dicks too now that I think about it

[AZLD4Candidate]

56. I was wearing my Buffalo Bills shirapi at a Circle K when some covidiot walked around without a mask

I told the workers. He came out screaming at me about his constitutional rights, saw my shirapi and told me to go back to Mexico as he begin to drive away. He yelled back "I'm from New York."

He did his screaming from his beat up. primer colored pickup truck and not to my face because I was about six inches taller than him, outweighed him by at least 100 lbs, and his legs were the size of my arms.

Profiles in courage, right?

[BlackSkimmer]

55. Why not just smile?

I take people wishing good tidings at face value.

I don’t care if they say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or whatever. I smile and say the same back.

It’s not hard.

[mucifer]

64. I do that, too. But I get where AZLD4Candidate is coming from. Sometimes it gets annoying being in

a majority Christian country.

But, people mean well and they don't know we are Jewish.

[BlackSkimmer]

65. Exactly, it wouldn't offend me in the least to be wished a Happy Hanukkah.

I don’t get being offended by good wishes.

[greatauntoftriplets]

45. Well, I'm not in a hospital or nursing home this year.

But my niece who was going to have the dinner came down with COVID (presumably omicron) two days ago so that was cancelled. And my nephew's death was just over two months ago, and we're still trying to cope with that. For me, it's still unreal.

It's the New Year's Eve crap that I dislike.

[Kali]

46. I'm so sorry.

My sister lost her SO in April and this is her first xmas without him. trying to be supportive there too, without bitching too much about wanting to be alone. life can really suck.

it IS good to hear you are out of "facilities"!!!

[greatauntoftriplets]

53. Thanks.

He was just 41, married and a father. A firefighter/paramedic. Fell off a ladder at home and had a massive TBI. We're still reeling.

But it's good to be here vs. those places.

I'm sorry to hear of your sister's SO. It's devastating.

[PJMcK]

52. What a sad thread!

I’m sorry to hear so many negative feelings about this time of year.

It helps to shut out the commercialism that seems to start before Halloween. Our gift giving is always modest and thoughtfully planned. We don’t watch much TV so we avoid the annoying commercials. Our decorations are simple and elegant. We absolutely don’t play any holiday music until after Thanksgiving. We’re not religious so that stuff doesn’t affect us. And New Year’s is always a stay at home evening, sometimes with a select few friends.

It all ends on January 2nd. Every year.

To all DUers up-thread, I wish you happiness in the hew year.

[Kali]

58. yeah, I don't get exposed to much of the commercialism as mentioned in another reply

gifts are minimal any more, no teevee, etc. (in addition just recovering from knee replacement surgery)

I guess I am becoming more hermit-like and don't feel sociable or cheery. Winter isn't my favorite season anyway.

[PJMcK]

59. Knee replacement?!

Me, too! My left knee was done in the beginning of November.

How’s your recovery? Does the PT help?

I’m starting to climb stairs and walk without the cane. My physical therapist said 4-6 more weeks and I should be able to start golfing again.

Good luck with your new knee.

Of course, the cold weather sucks and I agree with you that it’s my least favorite season.

Happy New Year, Kali!


ETA: The pain management has been excellent. It’s helped keep me a motivated patient.

[Kali]

60. the 9th of November

got kicked out of PT yesterday, pretty much had full motion a week ago. yes PT helps! I wouldn't be motivated without those sadists

I skipped the cane phase, too uncoordinated for sticks LOL

still working on stair movements as I don't actually have any to speak of here but I want to be able to go up and down them when I do encounter them.

good luck and keep stretching!

[relayerbob]

54. Nope

You get out of it what you put into it. Direct correlation. Winter solstice festivities have been around for much longer than whatever modern religions want to admit. I celebrate them all. Happy Everything.

[Kali]

57. I don't know

I have enjoyed it in the past and may again, but right now I am feeling that I have put a lot more into these events than I have gotten back...

[relayerbob]

63. Sacrificing oneself at the expense of others isn't what I mean

It's the emotional state of enjoying it. If you are giving too much and not enjoying doing it, then again - you get out of it what you put into it. Back off, don't worry what others think, or do, relax and enjoy. One can only control themselves and their reactions to things, and can't control others' expectations.

[StarryNite]

67. I'm with you.

I love having fun with the holidays. I also find it to be a great distraction from all the crap that's going on.

[relayerbob]

68. Yep. Agreed

Need to step away from the chaos once in awhile

[yellowdogintexas]

69. things are pretty low key around here so no not tired of it at all

no traveling or parties or family dinners.
shopping all done by mail
no rushing around to get things done.

Just a bit of baking

[brooklynite]

70. Having a great time...

Cooking, stuffing stockings, playing Christmas music, visiting family…,

[Akoto]

71. I'm very grateful for this year's holidays.

My father was taken to the emergency room in late summer, and next thing we know, we're told he had stage four cancer. They gave him maybe a year. Major surgery right that night, a lot of his colon gone, medical stuff attached to him. It was looking grim, and it was scary. I'm 36 and live at home due to physical disability, so I've always had him around, the breadwinner and the rock of the family. My mom, of course, was terrified.

Here we are in December and not only is he still here, he went back to work ASAP and is happily out supervising on the golf course 4am to 5pm. His doctor recently reported that everything had shrank and he'd never seen chemo work so well, so quickly.

We thought we might not have him for these occasions this year, but we're glad that we do while we can.

[Kali]

72. that is good perspective

I am truly happy for you. try to enjoy every day, and I will give a shot at following my own advice.

[electric_blue68]

73. Nope.