So what would you do differently next Xmas?

KittyBoo_2

mrs-stressed wrote: »

Can I join as well? You are not a misery - you just see it as it is - a complete and utter con. And boy do we fall for it every year. I am dying to take cards down and decorations (minimal) put away. I remember one year opening my patio door and slinging the tree out into the garden with all its lights and baubles on as I was soooo fed up with the whole thing!! And it was only Boxing day!!!

People say I am an old misery but I dont see it like that at all. Its disruptive, expensive, unnecessary, time consuming, and just nonsense......

But I did get to see my kids and thats made it all worthwhile even for a short time so I am thankful for that..

mrs s

I keep giving the tree the dead eye and I think it will be going to the recycling centre in the morning.
To be honest I like the lights on it so I might buy some of those branches with the little lights on and replace the tree with those.
The cards are history and are bagged up ready for the recycling too.
Can't wait to get things back to normal.
Will be making homemade soup tomorrow and then going for a walk in the Peak District.
Bliss

Eenymeeny

Can I just add that you don't have to have a Christmas tree! It takes up too much room, time, decorations, electricity etc. OK, I used to love it when the kids were at home but now I find that putting out the Christmas cards that people send is enough to brighten up one room, and so easy to put into the recycling bin when it's all over! It's as much stress as you make it:)

mrs-stressed

On starting to resume normal life I discovered that the cards were hiding all the dust that has accumulated - so now I have to dust and polish - on my day off - how dare it be dusty!!!!!!!!! LOL. I have to iron uniform today as well to add insult to injury. But there will be a good film on so thats OK. Raining here now so as long as it doesnt freeze life really is returning to normal. Heating off January 1st 2011.

mrs s

mrs-stressed

KittyBoo wrote: »

I keep giving the tree the dead eye and I think it will be going to the recycling centre in the morning.
To be honest I like the lights on it so I might buy some of those branches with the little lights on and replace the tree with those.
The cards are history and are bagged up ready for the recycling too.
Can't wait to get things back to normal.
Will be making homemade soup tomorrow and then going for a walk in the Peak District.
Bliss

I am thinking of you on that lovely long walk, all wrapped up warm and coming home to normality!!!!! And all that fresh air. I feel as though I havent put my nose out of the door for three days. Oh the joys of Spring - nearly round the corner!!!! Do the days start to get a little longer by the minute or is it my imagination???

mrs s

Miss-spent_2

I have been ill since 17th Dec, and have only been out twice, once to the doctors and once to do a big shop. I have spent the rest of the time asleep. Christmas day (for 7) passed in a blur as hubby and I managed it somehow. I have so much work to catch up on but just want to sleep.
I don't care about Christmas. I just want to feel well again.

heretolearn_2

1) Not stress so much about finding just the right presents for my family. Funny that those with loads of money bought everyone boring generic pressies like smellies (not even expensive ones) and those of us on tight budgets put in a lot of effort/time to get/make something really personal. So quick generic grabs for the others next year.

2) Get my bloody oven fixed. It sort of works, but not properly, and in the worry about giving everyone food poisoning with undercooked turkey, I ended up overdoing it and we had chewy dry turkey and there's still loads in the fridge as no-one will eat it again. Disappointing.

3) confiscate OH's mobile phone before Xmas dinner. Spent half the time texting people/fiddling with it. Could have tipped the gravy over his head but didn't say anything at the time 'cos of kids there and not wanting a row.

4) Get everyone to not only take the dishes out and load the dishwasher (after I've done ALL the cooking) but explain that 'sorting out the kitchen' includes wiping worktops/throwing away rubbish etc.

5) Buy less booze but drink more of it.

SugarSpun

Wrap the baby's gifts and ice the cakes before Christmas Eve.

Everything else went fairly well aside from DH's illness and that can't be predicted.

pupsicola

Next xmas I will just stay the day for xmas and travel home. Was lovely seeing everyone, but tiring. I never sleep well if I am not in my own bed. Also having to do things someone elses way all the time gets a tad tedious.

poet123

Restrict gift giving to immediate family and young children, cross all other adults off the list. Thus reduce stress of thinking, buying, wrapping, only to gaze in awe at what we get in return (not the point I know, but galling all the same)

Not order an online delivery then it cannot be cancelled, thus giving me a heart attack.

Not try to be inventive with gifts for adult children, but give money instead.

pupsicola

mrs-stressed wrote: »

Can I join as well? You are not a misery - you just see it as it is - a complete and utter con. And boy do we fall for it every year. I am dying to take cards down and decorations (minimal) put away. I remember one year opening my patio door and slinging the tree out into the garden with all its lights and baubles on as I was soooo fed up with the whole thing!! And it was only Boxing day!!!

People say I am an old misery but I dont see it like that at all. Its disruptive, expensive, unnecessary, time consuming, and just nonsense......

But I did get to see my kids and thats made it all worthwhile even for a short time so I am thankful for that..

mrs s

I agree with you completely and dont think you are a misery at all.