Does anyone else with Christmas would just get over with?

**baxjul** · 11-27-2007, 06:55 AM

I'm trying really hard for dd, but I'm just so sad! Basically I don't have any family left, my sister but we were never that close and she lives 1400 miles away. I'm used to growing up with big Christmas events, etc. Now, it is just the three of us. I'm trying to start new traditions, it just seems like it's a waste! Guess I just needed to whine a little. sorry

**carlitasway** · 11-27-2007, 07:58 AM

I'm sorry. Do you have any friends you can throw a Christmas party with? It may not happen on Christmas day but it could be a big and fun event. Just keep trying to get in the mood. If you can, go to Target and get the Charlie Brown Christmas music cd. It's so good and puts me in the mood everytime! Also, watch It's a Wonderful Life. Don't stress! Love and hugs.

**PrairieRose** · 11-27-2007, 08:28 AM

AAwwww Julie, I know how you're feeling. My mom was always the driving force in our family and now that she's gone, things just aren't the same (with extended family). We're working on it but it's not easy. The 'first' of everything after losing family member(s) is the hardest. Just do what you can to make the holiday special for your dd and just get through it on your account. You might start by making a gingerbread house or you and dd doing something like taking a box of food to a less fortunate family and getting her to agree to one less present so you can give one to a less fortunate child. Do something for someone else and you'll feel better.

Hang in there, it gets easier but that feeling of being alone is tough.

**ilovechocolate** · 11-27-2007, 08:32 AM

Life changes are hard, especially at this time of the year. Starting your own traditions is a good idea. After all, traditions have to start somewhere, don't they?!?!

**pip** · 11-27-2007, 08:46 AM

The last couple of years I have been watching corny holiday movies like Jingle All the Way or National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. It's fast becomng a tradition and I almost get giddy thinking about it...yes, I must be a kook! Anyway, it's something that is not centered on going to the stores or buying things and it helps bring the stress level down. Maybe there are some movies you and your daughter can make a tradition of watching?

**baxjul** · 11-27-2007, 01:53 PM

Thanks ladies. No, we really don't have any friends down here either. People aren't friendly that way. I watch Christmas vacation with dd every year, we love it!!!!

**IntlMom** · 11-29-2007, 07:52 PM

I feel this way very much and I don't even have the "excuses" that you have. My family is all still living (although we won't be seeing them - they are in Wash state) - we are actually CHOOSING to not go see them. It's not that we don;t get along, we do - great....it's jsut that that I am not a very "Christmasy" person. Our tree is not up yet - no decorations....no nothing. The only reason it will go up at all is the kiddos - I love life to be "quiet" and Christmas just somehow doesn't fit into that category. Hubby and I were just saying yesterday that christmas is just like every other day.......well, other than the birth of Christ.........wake me on the 26th

**mikandmari** · 11-29-2007, 08:35 PM

Not sure if you're a religious person, but maybe getting involved with a church could bring back those happy Christmas feelings you grew up with?

Or join a group involved in volunteer work during the holidays, like visiting nursing homes to cheer the elderly who get no visitors on Christmas?

Maybe plan a small annual getaway this time of year. You could choose a different place each year, or stick with something familiar that feels comforting. Spending money on things like this --to raise your spirits and create new memories-- really is frugal!

Did you always live in Florida? I can imagine that moving to a warm climate would make it seem less like Christmas!

**starsapphire** · 11-29-2007, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by IntlMom

it's jsut that that I am not a very "Christmasy" person. Our tree is not up yet - no decorations....no nothing. I love life to be "quiet" and Christmas just somehow doesn't fit into that category. Hubby and I were just saying yesterday that christmas is just like every other day.......well, other than the birth of Christ.........wake me on the 26th

You just described Me!! lol

**Darlene** · 11-30-2007, 12:30 PM

I think you talking to someone about things really would help. It's not just Christmas that has you down Julie, it's been going on for a while.
This said with a heartfelt hug attached.

**Missy** · 11-30-2007, 12:44 PM

i do Julie. I am so down. i have a "why bother mentality" mom, gram brown, uncle clayton, mil, etc. all gone in such a short time. i have it bad this year, real bad. I put up the tree thinking it might help. it doens't. i have (by dr request) upped my anti depressant, but in my head, thigns aren't getting better.

I wasn't tryig to bring you down. just wanted to say , similar boat and all that.

**Mamaw** · 11-30-2007, 05:49 PM

As I get older I find the holidays less and less enjoyable. But...I am trying very hard to identify what the holiday really means to me and to enjoy those things. I think that sometimes we are so busy making it what we think it "should" be that by the time the day arrives we are really too exhausted to even remotely enjoy it. I am planning to permit myself 1 night per week the entire month of December to do nothing more than curl up with a good book and a cup of hot tea or to watch silly movies all night. I can second all the other thoughts the ladies provided here but I really think you need to just do what feels good to you and your family. If that means baking cookies together, great! But if it means buying cookies from a bakery and spending your time on a long walk instead, so be it! Let me know how you are faring this month and I will do the same. Maybe we can all help to lift each others spirits and keep alittle sanity in the season! Happy holidays!