Is anyone else dreading Christmas?

I am having great difficulties getting enthusiastic about it. On the way back from the hospital the other night i saw decorated trees in people’s house and although surprised that the rest of the world is getting on with it, to be honest i thought it looked lovely and was quite glad so see that the rest of the world is not being as grinch like as I. 
However what i dread the most is people being worried about us been miserable at Christmas and forcing jollities upon us (please, not another cheerful video call!!). 

Hi NannaFizz I'm absolutely dreading it. My husband said he expected us to make more of an effort this year as it will be his last Christmas. I make an effort every Christmas! Everything I suggest to brighten things up though he says no to.  Relations between me and my dad have been very difficult for a few years. This year my husband takes it upon himself to go behind my back to invite my parents over for Christmas dinner. He put them on the spot with the invite so they couldn't say no. I mean how do you refuse a dying man? I'll make them more than welcome as that's what he wants. I'll prepare the best Christmas dinner I can but I suspect I'll see the day through a veil of tears as I know its his last. I had expressly asked that it just be the four of us as I feel the kids needs this day as a family (they're 20 and 22) but he's taken that away from us by inviting my folks. He's just ensured it will be the most stressful day ever! Roll on Boxing Day!

I'm dreading Christmas too. It will also probably be our last Christmas together. In some ways I think I should make an effort to make it special because of this but neither of us as any enthusiasm for it whatsoever. It feels like Christmas is for other people this year and not for us. Like you, we just hope to be together. Best wishes

Me too. I had to take my husband into hospital on Saturday with yet another high temperature they can’t find a cause for. He is still there on IV antibiotics.  I took him something to eat at tea time yesterday because his appetite isn’t great and neither is hospital food. Anyway, I looked at at the Christmas lights and felt envious of their cosy lives and homes, which used to be like mine.....x

Hi Wee Me, oh my days, I don’t know how I would cope with that at all.  It’s difficult for sure because as you say, how do you refuse? My husband is in hospital at the moment and it’s these repeated admissions due to high temperature that we are finding really difficult.  I’m hoping that it’s just the two of us for Christmas, that’s all we want. To have a nice day together as you wanted with you two and the kids. It’s going to be a huge strain for you, having to do everything to ‘push the boat out’ on top of everything else. Hopefully the kids will help you out and lighten the load and the tension in the house for you? 
As if it’s not going to be difficult enough....you will do it though and at least you will know that you did your very best.  I hope everyone appreciates (including your dad) what a strain and a humongous effort it will be for you and will cut you some slack x 

Hi Hermitage, I’m struggling at the moment as my husband is in hospital.  Christmas is going on all around still, on TV, friends and family preparing.  I’ve put up a Christmas Garland on the fireplace, haven’t even written a card yet. I’m trying to get a few presents wrapped, maybe later today. Normally I would have music playing, lights twinkling and a glass of wine to take away the pain of wrapping while hubby sat back in the chair giving advice on how to wrap!  At the moment I just want him home. I don’t know how we will get through Christmas Day but as long as we can be together, that’s all we can ask for. Xxx 

I too am also struggling, mums got her PET scan Thursday so we will find out just before Christmas if it has spread . It’s also my dad’s anniversary on the 12th of December and mums birthday on the 15th December.

I have a 13 year old daughter so I’m trying to be in the Christmas spirit but I’m finding I’m very bitter at the moment, “ why my mum” 

Thanks NannaFizz. We'll get through it one way or another...I'll live in hope of a quiet Boxing Day  ..Ever the optimist 

xx

I have ALWAYS dreaded Christmas. Sure we'll miss the children and grandchildren but welcome the fact that we won't be thoroughly drained by the 30th December. We'll have a quiet time, a couple of treats, a bottle of fizz, no silly games and nice early nights.  We will make up for the separations after the jabs and do so without all that nosy over the top stuff on the television.  And let's look forward to a 2021 when this new horrible threat to our health should ease off. In the meantime may I wish everyone happiness not just at Christmas but all the year round.