I need to know....

[Booney]

My friends and family call me a Grinch saying I hate Xmas, I don't hate Xmas, I hate the stress that it causes people to live up to the expectations that society and in many cases people put on themselves and, in many instances, the unnecessary financial strain just to keep up appearances.

The Womans Day Xmas Guide where everything has to be f*cking perfect or it's a disaster has a lot to answer for with that sort of unrealistic expectation people feel.

I do regret not doing more with my kids, they had "normal" Xmas' as kids but as they've grown older they've adopted my view which is a bit of a shame because all going well one day I'll share the magic with grand kids but my kids are like me, the less fuss the better.

Family, food, cold beers. It needs to be no more stressful than that.

[Jim05]

Am I the only one that isn't getting that Christmas feeling one iota?
Is it:

A: Because I'm getting old.
B: Because my kids are older and I have no grandchildren yet.
C: Becasue it's still too early to get that vibe.
D: Becasue I haven't watched Elf this year yet.
E: Because I haven't heard Mariah's song yet.

Was definitely feeling that way a few years back. I was never a big Christmas fan for starters and thankfully our son was over the whole Christmas thing by his 7th birthday but now I’ve got a 3yo granddaughter that absolutely loves the whole thing so found myself having to get back into the spirit of Christmas. My son has split with his partner and they have shared custody of her and the last week or so all she wants is to go to Santa’s Wonderland. The kicker is she only wants Nan and Pop to take her so guess what we’re doing this weekend

[wenchbarwer]

Am I the only one that isn't getting that Christmas feeling one iota?
Is it:

A: Because I'm getting old.
B: Because my kids are older and I have no grandchildren yet.
C: Becasue it's still too early to get that vibe.
D: Becasue I haven't watched Elf this year yet.
E: Because I haven't heard Mariah's song yet.

Was definitely feeling that way a few years back. I was never a big Christmas fan for starters and thankfully our son was over the whole Christmas thing by his 7th birthday but now I’ve got a 3yo granddaughter that absolutely loves the whole thing so found myself having to get back into the spirit of Christmas. My son has split with his partner and they have shared custody of her and the last week or so all she wants is to go to Santa’s Wonderland. The kicker is she only wants Nan and Pop to take her so guess what we’re doing this weekend

You'll love it, ya pea heart!!

[wenchbarwer]

My friends and family call me a Grinch saying I hate Xmas, I don't hate Xmas, I hate the stress that it causes people to live up to the expectations that society and in many cases people put on themselves and, in many instances, the unnecessary financial strain just to keep up appearances.

The Womans Day Xmas Guide where everything has to be f*cking perfect or it's a disaster has a lot to answer for with that sort of unrealistic expectation people feel.

I do regret not doing more with my kids, they had "normal" Xmas' as kids but as they've grown older they've adopted my view which is a bit of a shame because all going well one day I'll share the magic with grand kids but my kids are like me, the less fuss the better.

Family, food, cold beers. It needs to be no more stressful than that.

Summed it up nicely, Boon.

My outlaws tend to add to the stress of having everything perfect, the monster-in-law will even start cleaning up mid meal!

I've been known to be a grump myself, one coffee cup that takes pride of place is the Mr. Grumpy one my daughter got me, but all I really want is a relaxing day with bugger all hassle.

[Booney]

I read my post to a bloke at work, he just told me his Mrs wants him to clean the windows this weekend before everyone comes over Xmas Day.

That's exactly the shit I'm talking about.

[wenchbarwer]

I read my post to a bloke at work, he just told me his Mrs wants him to clean the windows this weekend before everyone comes over Xmas Day.

That's exactly the shit I'm talking about.

Ugh, I can imagine this will be happening at mine, too, we're hosting this year

[Brodlach]

My wife is a manager in retail, flat out until late the 24th, starting early Boxing Day.

She loves Christmas but has come around to my thinking of just relaxing. I am lucky my boys spend time with us a lot, probably too much, so we are happy for them to spend the day with their girlfriends and their family.

[Pseudo]

In recent years I've come to appreciate Xmas Eve more than the day itself. Once everything is ready for the day, house cleaned, fridge stacked, food prepared; just put the feet up and have a couple of quiet ones. The calm before the storm, as it were.