Does anybody else feel relieved when Christmas is over? For me, it’s a lot of work and expense and I just feel tired and frustrated. Years of family tensions have made the holidays more of a job than anything. It’s a lot of cooking, cleaning... and walking on eggshells so as not to offend anyone...

[healingme4me]

That's partly why I have enjoyed keeping to myself and creating my own immediate family traditions. I think I'm kind of off the hook for having had three kids and living sort of not really next door to family. I count my blessings every year.

I am relieved that it's over. For different reasons than yours Sisabel but still relieved.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm sure many people can relate to what you wrote, Sisabel. But now it's over, so good job for getting through another holiday! Try to give yourself some sort of reward, relax and get some rest. Sending many hugs to everyone

Originally Posted by MickeyCheeky

I'm sure many people can relate to what you wrote, Sisabel. But now it's over, so good job for getting through another holiday! Try to give yourself some sort of reward, relax and get some rest. Sending many hugs to everyone

I like your perspective... I hadn’t thought to look at the fact that we got through it without any major issues... There were no arguments... hubby and I were very kind and accommodating... There is definitely something to be said for doing the right thing and being very nice when you’re completely annoyed on the inside. We will definitely reward ourselves after this.

[saidso]

Yes! This is the first year that I refused to celebrate. I did write a couple of cards saying "Happy Everything" lol. Friends thought it was funny avoiding mentioning the word Xmas when they asked me round.
It was a huge relief.
After the relief, I realised that my painful pattern in childhood stepfamily was forcible, false celebration and present giving with people who didn't like me. Hence all that is triggering.

I feel myself going through a missed teen stage of identifying what is important to me in life and what is irrelevant. I didn't have a chance to be respected as me at that age, too busy staying alive.

All Xmas I cooked food that I like, gave whatever I wanted to other people, and looked after my slightly exhausted and bruised inner self. It was heaven.

Part of it is the happy awareness that, due to a loan, I have enough of everything that I need, so why rush round buying stuff.

Originally Posted by saidso

Yes! This is the first year that I refused to celebrate. I did write a couple of cards saying "Happy Everything" lol. Friends thought it was funny avoiding mentioning the word Xmas when they asked me round.

It was a huge relief.

After the relief, I realised that my painful pattern in childhood stepfamily was forcible, false celebration and present giving with people who didn't like me. Hence all that is triggering.


I feel myself going through a missed teen stage of identifying what is important to me in life and what is irrelevant. I didn't have a chance to be respected as me at that age, too busy staying alive.


All Xmas I cooked food that I like, gave whatever I wanted to other people, and looked after my slightly exhausted and bruised inner self. It was heaven.


Part of it is the happy awareness that, due to a loan, I have enough of everything that I need, so why rush round buying stuff.

Good for you to enjoy the time however you choose! I agree there is no need to rush around buying stuff. And no need to force yourself to be around people who make you unhappy. Good for you.

[Esmme]

I've had the opposite experience!
This is the first year I did not celebrate any of the winter holidays...
It didn't even feel like Christmas this year.
I feel like just yesterday I was listening to Halloween music!

I didn't do anything this year, so when Christmas ended I felt kind of relieved.
So many bad things happened Christmas Day that made me wish it wasn't Christmas

Originally Posted by Esmme

I've had the opposite experience!

This is the first year I did not celebrate any of the winter holidays...

It didn't even feel like Christmas this year.

I feel like just yesterday I was listening to Halloween music!


I didn't do anything this year, so when Christmas ended I felt kind of relieved.

So many bad things happened Christmas Day that made me wish it wasn't Christmas

I’m very sorry. I am not a fan of Christmas due to all the expectations it brings... so many expectations and so much pressure. I’m sorry it was a bad day for you. I hope you can look forward to some good days coming ahead.

[Esmme]

Thank you,
I wish the same for you and yours...

Here's to the end of the year! May the next year bring much happiness and success!

Originally Posted by Sisabel

Does anybody else feel relieved when Christmas is over? For me, it’s a lot of work and expense and I just feel tired and frustrated. Years of family tensions have made the holidays more of a job than anything. It’s a lot of cooking, cleaning... and walking on eggshells so as not to offend anyone...

Tell me about it. So true.