Break from tradition.

I did Christmas on Saturday and Sunday. not very relaxing DD is working a night shift tonight and lots of shifts in the following week.

I am left at home with OH who is not the worlds best company. I will join anyone on line tomorrow for chat.

It's only when you step back from Christmas Day that you realise how tiring and stressful it actually is. Perhaps it's more a time to meet up with family members that don't live locally rather than those we see all the time. I'm detemined that next year it will be kept very simple [but not in such an extreme way as this year].

Hoping you have a better time than you expect, Tegan.

Feeling a bit down this year so haven't bothered much with Christmas. Have only sent one card thus far [I send horsey cards to a few friends who I know keep them and bring them out each year so I can't disappoint them]; no decorations and no tree. My grandson said yesterday [he came over for the day; it was our 'Christmas'] 'Granny, why haven't you got a tree, you always have a tree?' I'm so fed up with inter family politics and feuding that I felt the spirits of Christmas wasn't there so I'd give it a miss . No members of my family want to share Christmas dinner with me so it'll be a very relaxing day. I was sad about it, but am now feeling quite calm and almost relieved [watching a film about Joe Strummer!]. However, am seeing people arriving at various neighbours houses which is a bit 'ouch'. Looking forward to the New Year.

Every year I dream about going out for Christmas lunch, but it never happens! The grandchildren are toddlers and too young to be taken out. One day, when they're old enough I want to go out and be treated. I am resigned to hubby and I spending the day in the kitchen.

Not much pressure here, medical appt at 11:15, then quiet time until our evening meal when our DD and SIL arrive. It will be our big holiday meal as they must leave tomorrow morning.

I've put cards up and some tinsel, and later on will bring out an ornamental Disney tree that has a train running round it. Bit of a Christmas candle decoration on the table and that's it. CBA going the whole hog this year. I'm not cooking for the first time, just got one overnight guest. It feels great to shake off all that fuss and pressure.

There is no point in exhausting yourself. That said I will be cleaning today but that's because DS was separating eggs for the first time and managed to drop them, splatter them, spill the whites and generally get them all over so I need to give the kitchen a really good going over.

Also Santa has to come to a clean house. I've told the children he can't leave presents in an untidy bedroom in case he falls over something. makes a noise and wakes them up. And they mustn't leave Santa traps out.

I've gone for a minimalist look too Bags for similar reasons - decs. and tree still in the loft.

However I did buy a sweet little real tree in Aldi and have stuck a few tiny silver baubles on it (£1 for 12 in £shop) and it's sitting on my hearth trying to look impressive. I also have a lovely Christmas cactus in full bloom and that's it this year. We don't have any visitors until New Years Day and it has felt a lot less pressured as a result.

We are dining at DDs this evening and doing presents. She has the MIL from hell tomorrow, who needs careful management, so we don't attend when she is there. (She drinks)

Hope everyone has a happy time and manages to relax and actually enjoy it!

I am worried because I seem too organised this year but I am not cooking Christmas Dinner and no guests until Saturday so no pressure

Ruby have a relaxing day and draw the line after the budgie. Thats me up and ready to ho. Have a good Christmas Eve x

Me too glass. I've not been well and still not well, hard to breathe today but still feel like the house should be like a shiny new pin! I do think we put the stress on myself because my son couldn't care less as he attacked the tin of sweets I brought out for him earlier and we settled for a couple of hours of Big Bang Theory. I do need to clean the budgies out tomorrow though, Father Christmas cannot come to them with a mucky cage.

merlot me to, I have had a hell of a day/few weeks and if I dont throw caution to the wind there will be tears. Merry Christmas.

Blimey, how brave you are glass. I have muttered similar sentiments all day. I'm knackered but now chilling out with a glass of brandy.

Tomorrow is another day......blood, sweat and hopefully not tears springs to mind.

Merry Christmas

nellie I will be driving or I would join you in spirit too

nag my Dh insists I have a memory like an elephant
Thanks new hope it doesnt back fire on me

Glassortwo Go for it! I will join you in spirit.

glass have a lovely day

You've made my day, glass - you always remember!

I could not agree more with the principle or the particular instance. I think tradition is a dangerous and insidious thing. When people say "Oh we always do such and such at Christmas " I cringe. Do the same thing every year and the first time you want or need to change, someone's nose will be out of joint! Been there, done that. Friends and family matter MUCH more than dusting or hoovering! Enjoy!

nag

They say a change is as good as a rest bags do you think they even noticed no decs? Or do you think we put the pressure on ourselves and the rest couldnt give a s**t!

Good for you, glass - have a 'you' day!

Well done, glass. Have fun tomorrow!

I couldn' be bothered to get xmas tree decs from the loft (and no-one else offered) so I've tied some seashells on the tree with shiny red thread. Looks fine to me