[Yesterdays]

Don't want to be forced to socialize with family this Christmas. Don't want to go to the Christmas eve party, force a smile and pretend I'm totally okay with it, that there's no where else I'd rather be. I just want to stay home on the computer and pretend like it's any ordinary day.

Part of it's depression, part of it's religion. I was raised Christian, now I'm not. I don't know if I can stand everyone's religious talk when I just want to tell them this isn't me. I don't feel part of my family anymore. Maybe depression is to blame.

I just feel totally withdrawn, like I don't care whatsoever. I'm just not in the mood for it all... I want Christmas to go away.

[Rohag]

Hi, Yesterdays! Your post set me to reminiscing and daydreaming. I've been in "forced fun" situations before, though not recently. I'm imagining myself in your place, or a similar place.

If the gathering is large enough, there's a good chance there will be at least one other person attending who really doesn't want to be there. Personally, I might make a game of finding that person (or persons) and learning why they don't want to be there. Or, I could see myself playing "fly on the wall" and attempting to acquire information that would normally be withheld from me.

Anyway, those are just my daydreams. It can be a pain to be in your position. Depression is alienating enough by itself, add religious disharmony and you've got a real headache.

Best wishes for surviving the next day and a half without a major meltdown.

[olddaddy]

Yea, and people just don't know why we aren't in the Christmas spirit. I am miserable but I have to " perform" for all my children and grandchildren. I would rather just stay home. However, I will take my son to Christmas service and I will smile and be happy around everyone. We can do this.

[Ygrec23]

Sorry to go kind of counter to other posters, but why not just not go? Why torture yourself? Why not stay home with the computer and turn your phone off? Of course, I don't know your family and I don't know if they'll hold it against you forever, but if you really, really don't want to go, what's wrong with not going? There's no reason to be operatic about it. Just call in a pizza or Chinese and have a warm and cozy time by yourself. There will be other Christmases when perhaps you'll feel differently. But why make it a prison sentence where you have to go every year? Good luck! Take care.

[Gus1234U]

aaah, i stopped going out years ago, and it's so peaceful and lovely to be eating what i want, when i want, and chatting if i want, and watching tv if i want, i recommend it HIGHLY~!! best wishes, and a happier new year~! Gus