[katebabe622]

I hate Christmas. My uncle died on Christmas in 2003 and I haven't been happy anywhere near Christmas ever since. I really do want to like Christmas and I want to enjoy it and be with my friends and listen to Christmas songs, but I can't do it.

Has anyone else had an experience like this? What would you recommend I do to make Christmas happier for me so I can actually enjoy it without grieving constantly?

[objtrbit]

Hey there,

I'm sorry for your loss; I have never had a relative die or had a bad christmas, but it sounds like maybe you were never really able to greive for your uncle, and you must miss him a lot. Do you have family members you would be able to support you in talking about how you feel during this time? Maybe even spending the holiday with friends instead of family will help to create fun memories that are seperate from the greif you feel;

I donno, I think it's a good thing to be able to talk about the things you miss about your uncle, you know, the good times, bad times. Christmas comes with a ton of differnt associations, and so understandable music and other triggers will bring that pain up for you.

I wish you the best in regaining the ability to celebrate for yourself and with others, it's gotta be hard going through that every year, and I feel for ya

[susan888]

Yes, my Mom died the day after Christmas 4 years ago (we spent the holiday watching her bleed out)....Her birthday is 12/27.............I can't say that I hate Christmas....but it is an emotional time for me.

[katebabe622]

I'm so sorry Susan. It sounds like you have it worse than me. Thank you for sharing though.

objt - I tell all my friends that I can't celebrate Christmas and I won't be getting them gifts. I don't know if it's because I feel like I can't celebrate when such a familial loss is related to the holiday or because I don't want to celebrate without him. You know what I mean? It's a really emotional topic to speak about with any member of my family, especially my father (his only brother) who's like my best friend.