We have been on our own for years, which suits us. Only my brother and his wife who we see infrequently. Once when I was working I "did" Christmas for 30 of OHs relations, never again.We go away in the caravan and have just arrived at Drax near Selby en route to Whitby.
The magic isn't as strong as it used to be for me, but I still enjoy Christmas.
When the children were young we got together with Mum and Auntie to celebrate. After Mum and Auntie died there was just us and the teenagers. Then they found partners and celebrated with them. We had a few odd years when they were both absent, we joked that we were having beans on toast for Christmas dinner. Now we get together with D, her family and in laws and have a lovely day. Take it in turns to cook and host, not me this year. I just have to make a couple of desserts to take.
If you really feel deserted, why not volunteer to help out on Christmas Day, then have a cosy dinner at home on Boxing Day.
We have no religious beliefs so don't celebrate 'Christmas' as such. It's just a winter festival near to the Solstice which I would prefer to observe.
Other than our own children, we have no living relatives and
because we live in different parts of the UK, this is one of the times we can get together and have a fun time. 'Zoom' is OK, but it's no substitute for getting together.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
I can take it or leave it.Quiet at home this year.We have been invited to brother and sister in laws boxing day but I don't really fancy the 3 hour or more drive.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Not a huge fan I must admit, we haven't even got any decorations up yet if we do at all. We do have a big family get-together over the two days, which I do enjoy, but apart from that I can take it or leave it. All the preparation stresses me out. None of our family live far away so we see them quite often anyway. It would probably be more "special" if they lived miles away or even abroad, as we would probably only then see them once a year.
I had a nasty financial shock some years ago over Christmas, which took us quite a while to recover from, and I think that ruined it for me. I still have a lot of expense not related to Christmas, the car insurance just before and the MOT and tax just after Christmas, but I am much better at planning for that now. Since we retired we have had to be far more careful anyway.
We would never go away over Christmas, unless it was to a fabulous hotel with a big log fire we could sit round and get waited on, but as we could never afford that it is just a pipe dream. I absolutely hate the cold, and I hate being confined, so going away with the caravan in winter would be absolute torture. I wouldn't do it if the site was paying me at premium rates! Fortunately my wife is in complete agreement.
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 19/12/2023
Other than our own children, we have no living relatives and
because we live in different parts of the UK, this is one of the times we can get together and have a fun time. 'Zoom' is OK, but it's no substitute for getting together.
Sounds like you've got things right, Capt Lightning. Hope you all have a great time. 👍
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 19/12/2023
We have been on our own for years, which suits us. Only my brother and his wife who we see infrequently. Once when I was working I "did" Christmas for 30 of OHs relations, never again.We go away in the caravan and have just arrived at Drax near Selby en route to Whitby.
That should have earned you 30 years of reciprocal invitations, Mrs B?!
Enjoy Drax and Whitby, and a happy Christmas to you! ❤️
Thanks liddso, I would have thought so, didn't happen! Happy Christmas to you too. We have had some battles royal between Sils since then! Hope Whitby is ok!
I love Christmas. Since marrying a Scouser and moving to England we have always gone back to Northern Ireland to spend Christmas with my family as we don’t see them a lot the rest of the year. I’m a bit apprehensive about this year though, as my parents are now 85 and 90 and seem to be really feeling their age. Mum is physically very frail and dad has a touch of dementia so I’m not sure how this year’s celebrations will go. We will not be a big crowd, just my husband, parents and brother for Christmas Day plus my aunt and one of my cousins joining us on Boxing Day. We will do our best to make it great for mum and dad (how the tables have turned from when mum and dad tried to make it great for us as kids).
Quote: Originally posted by Colin21 on 19/12/2023
...We do have a big family get-together over the two days, which I do enjoy...
Then you're a rich man, Colin. 👍
In that respect, most definitely! Every relative I have now is descended from me, and the family grows year by year. 3 children, 7 grandchildren 3 of them with partners, and two great-grandchildren. Recently learnt that there will be another grandchild by this time next year. Weird being the oldest surviving member of the family though.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Who Loves Christmas?
via mobile 19/12/2023 at 11:27am
