Does anyone here like the holidays?

My children are almost grown and my own extended family has passed away or gone their own ways. My husband's family is very small-a sister and elderly parents. The holidays have turned into a very depressing time for me over the past few years. I am very jealous of all of you who have to juggle family commitments. I miss those days terribly.
Bluemountains

I used to enjoy them when we travelled to relatives' houses to celebrate. Now we do the hosting, and it's nothing but a lot of work. Plus the grandchildren who come over make me miserable. Nothing but noise and chaos. I hate it.

I've always loved the holidays. I still do, even though they're different now because my husband is gone. This year is going to be completely different---my family and I are all going on a Caribbean cruise and then to Disney World. We'll be at Disney on Christmas Day. It ought to be fun!

I used to like the holidays, I got into the whole decorating and cooking thing. Loved making complicated cookies, breads and cakes. Not so much anymore. I've turned into a curmudgeon. I especially hate the whole get together requirements. I go though the motions and smile while doing it but it's such a chore. Just let me hole up in an cabin somewhere far from people and I'd love it. Especially hate the whole commercial start of Christmas before Halloween. The stores the movie channels that play nothing but Christmas movies....ugh. It's too much.

I wish I did but I am always alone so....
On Christmas day, I usually go around town and hand out flowers to strangers, then I come home and hide in bed.
I volunteer as well but neither volunteering nor giving away flowers ease up my emotional pain of being lonely year after year after year after year.

I'm so sorry. No one should have to feel lonely, especially not during the holidays. It's so kind that you give out flowers and volunteer. You are a good person.

Thank you for your kind response. It has lifted up my previously exhausted spirit.
I hope you have a peaceful and a loving holiday season.

That sounds like a great way to spend Christmas. I hope you have a blast!

I like the holidays; even though I'll be spending them on my own like I did two years ago, I'll still like them. It's not even just about connecting with family and friends (although that part is great too). I can't really explain it, I just feel a lot more centered around the holidays.

I’m okay about them now, finally.

My father passed away years ago during the Holiday season , so I hated it for years.

I do think too much stock is put into presents. It’s hard to buy stuff I need for daily living let alone gifts for everyone.

I use to like the holidays. Then it became too stressful. Now I do not buy ANYONE gifts including kids. I do not celebrate Christmas anymore. This year I’m hoping to spend some time baking cookies with my minor daughter.