Christmas Eve tomorrow

Christmas Eve is tomorrow, and I'm honestly not that excited really. As I got older, I just kinda lost the Christmas spirit 😔. It's a hard time for some, I wish I could be as happy and excited as others. But for me, it's just dreadful. I should have a little one celebrating it with 😔💔. But I hide the sadness for my family, I don't want to ruin their Christmas. I used to love holidays, but I just dread them and can't wait for them to end anymore. I hope this isn't making me sound like a Debby downer, Scrooge, or the Grinch 🙄😅. I try for my family though, so that's all that matters to me.

Anyways, would some of y'all like to share how you get through the holidays?? What helps you through it ? What are some fun things y'all have planned?? I'd love to hear

[Starrlight]

Hi! I hear you. I love holidays especially Christmas but I get depressed usually right after. This year tonight I feel myself getting depressed early and I’m irritable. What helps me is focusing on others and their happiness not on myself… I know this is hard, I just try my best. Oh also I take a walk on Christmas in my favorite woods.

[Starrlight]

p.s. I think that you focusing on your family is a really great thing that you are doing. But you may need someone to talk to… my pm is always open. don’t forget yo do something good for yourself

[Hidden in reply to Starrlight]

Thank you. I appreciate it. I try being happy for my nephews and nieces. They love a happy aunt 😊

[Starrlight in reply to Hidden]

Awww sweet! Bet you are the best aunt to them. I remember one year family stayed over for the holidays at my home and I almost never came out of my bedroom I was just so anxious and sad… and avoiding people made it seem worse but I just wanted to suffer alone.

[Hidden in reply to Starrlight]

I know how that is too.

[Agora1]

Hi ashley...I continue a tradition that my mother started when I was little.

Music always pulled the family together. She would hand out copies of the

words to different holiday songs, as she sat at the piano and played by ear.

And so tomorrow and Christmas Day, I will be playing the piano and singing

along with my daughter. After that we play cards or Scrabble and even Monopoly

if I'm in the mood lol xx

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

I like that

[davidthecoder]

Hi ashley,

I will be missing Christmas. This is the 3rd year in a row. It will just be me and my dad that I take care of. We will make the best of it, and still enjoy the day. I haven't opened my gifts from last year, it has to do with my mental health/psychology. Winter time makes me think of COVID spread...all related to the anxiety of course. I also worry about being questioned and basically put down for still being fearful.

Even though I will be missing it again, I choose not to be sad about it. I might be judged negatively for not showing up, but that is ok.

[Hidden in reply to davidthecoder]

I don't and won't judge you for that. I get it completely. I just pretend to be happy while around family, especially my little nephews and nieces. They make me smile and I love seeing them smile, so I do it for them

[davidthecoder in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Also I do something similar to you. Even though sometimes I feel miserable, I try to pretend to be happy around my dad. Because I don't want him to feel bad because I am suffering. So I totally understand what you are talking about here.

Sometimes we will fake it for others. I don't really like to be inauthentic with my feelings, but it just seems like the right thing to do sometimes.

[LadyZen]

My ex and a I separated on Halloween. It was a very volatile separation. It ruined Halloween for my daughter who was very young at the time. The following year, my daughter was sad around Halloween. After talking with the family counselor and talking with my daughter, we decided to shut off all the lights for Halloween, did not go trick or treating, did not pass out candy. We popped some popcorn and watched a movie and pretended like it wasn't Halloween. I'm not sure why, but it made her feel better. She's been able to get back into Halloween now and loves it. Maybe that's something you can try for Christmas.

[SayNOtoPanic]

Hi ashley. Thanks for your honesty and sharing your feelings and struggle with the holidays. You’re def not alone. I think everyone can relate on some level. Sometimes we struggle and might associate that with a holiday (that time frame) and it kind of sticks. I went through that before and had more anxiety and fear with certain holidays. Glad you are positive for your family. It’s a great quality, and in turn can help you to see the good, even in something that’s tough or not your favorite. Big hug.

[hbanana23]

I'm struggling at the moment and have decided that I don't want to do Christmas this year. I don't have the strength to be forced to do something when I'm finding life difficult.

I've decided to just order myself takeout and just do whatever I like that makes me feel a bit better. I'm going with music, meditation and films.

[brendahol in reply to hbanana23]

I commend you for doing what you want. You said you will get take-out and do music and films. Do you know how many people who will be stuck at a big celebration would much prefer to celebrate the way you will. Enjoy your day and I hope you stay in your pajamas too!

[MaggieSylvie]

I absolutely refuse to let my birthday get soaked up in all that Christmas nonsense. I've had a lovely time today. Tomorrow, Christmas Day will be quiet. Cheer up - if your birthday is later in the year you have no need to worry. Happy Christmas Ashley😊🎅😊

[Hidden]

Thank you all for the replies. Merry Christmas Eve y'all 🎄. I'm trying to hang in here for my family tomorrow.