Holiday Grinch here (spouse, guilty, person, holidays)
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You’re probably going to get some sympathy from others who feel like you do, and a lot of advice on what you should/can do, but the bottom line is that you are the only one with the power to change...if that’s what you want to do.
I think it's important (and tough) to let go of the whole "should" thing. There really are no rules about how you're supposed to spend or enjoy the holidays -- or ignore them completely. Of course, there can be family/friend pressure, but it's a good opportunity to practice those boundary skills.
Do what you want to do. If you want traditions, make some you enjoy.
I think it's important (and tough) to let go of the whole "should" thing. There really are no rules about how you're supposed to spend or enjoy the holidays -- or ignore them completely. Of course, there can be family/friend pressure, but it's a good opportunity to practice those boundary skills.
Do what you want to do. If you want traditions, make some you enjoy.
If you don't like feeling that way, stop focusing on the resentments and try to find some joy in the season. Even if you can only find one or two small things for which to be grateful, it's a start.
I can't really say more than that, not knowing the details.
The good news is that it only lasts about 6 weeks. I kind of do a mental version of sticking my fingers in my ears while saying lalalalalalalalala until it's over. It gets easier with time to just enjoy doing what you want to do without a bunch of expectations that will never be met for anyone involved in the usual holiday stuff. It's actually quite liberating to just do what you want and not be involved in it.
The good news is that it only lasts about 6 weeks. I kind of do a mental version of sticking my fingers in my ears while saying lalalalalalalalala until it's over. It gets easier with time to just enjoy doing what you want to do without a bunch of expectations that will never be met for anyone involved in the usual holiday stuff. It's actually quite liberating to just do what you want and not be involved in it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spuggy
Why feel guilty or not accepting of how you feel? Why are you supposed to like any holiday?
I agree with both of the above. I have little to no interest in Christmas - almost zero interest - and I haven't been interested in Christmas for 25 years or longer. I haven't participated in any of it for decades.
I had dozens of great Christmases in my life and also in growing up - I do not need any more whatsoever.
There is no reason that you need to be interested in Christmas......and the pre-Christmas run-up.
The only thing I do is sometimes send some Christmas cards - and many years I haven't gotten around to doing that.
I'm not a 'Holiday Grinch', as you term it - I just have no interest.....and do nothing. :^)
OP, I think you might have a spouse, though (need to glance thru the thread again) and I realize if a spouse has expectations of sharing Christmas or expectations of you making Christmas 'joyous' and happy, it can be difficult if not impossible to opt out of it.
You need not feel guilty or weird for not being interested in Christmas and no interest in 'forced merriment'. There are plenty of people who feel as you do.
I like to relax at home and do as little as possible. And that does not include putting up lights and a christmas tree!
Now i do watch Hallmark Christmas movies all the time. I get my enjoyment through that. I help with other things around town. But here - nope. One reason i guess is that the whole thing starts so soon.
I hear people older than me agonizing about all the things they HAVE to do. No one has to do anything. So I'm trying to set that example - lol!
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