Family at Christmas

Former Member

Hi never sure if I'm posting in an ok place ?

Just wondered if anyone else struggles to spend the whole of Christmas around their family?

My family is lovely but like most families has issues. Christmas definitely adds stress to everyone's lives especially my dad who doesn't get much time to relax.

Just wondered if anyone has advice on how to cope with stressful life around Christmas? Or how to create a more relaxing environment?

Thanks
turtle

Rhys

Hey Turtle09, I believe this is the correct place, though I could be wrong, but I will leave it here anyhow.

Coping at Christmas is hard for even the most together families. Over the years I have had great Christmas' and I've had terrible ones. I think the main thing is to try and relax and not get to stress (easier said then done sometimes). One tip, and I'm sure this goes without saying, Monopoly may seem like a good idea, but It probably isn't.

Could bring your dad a beer or another beverage (if he drinks) to help him relax if your worried he doesn't get enough time. Small things can go a long way, especially on Christmas.

I wish you all the best, and we will be around if you need us.

Former Member

Thanks Rhys
I hope I can make it quite stress free.
Many thanks again

JustV

Heya turtle.

Even though Rhys already replied here I thought I'd drop in because I can relate a bit to this.

I tend to find it fairly tiring to be around family trying to socialise for long periods and I really miss my own space and my own things (comfort comes from the smallest stuff sometimes!). I tend to try and make the most of the space I do get to myself like taking longer showers, turning in earlier and spending a couple hours chilling in my room, making an excuse to go to the shop, etc. Those little buffer moments can really make the difference, for me personally at least.

Hope that helps and I hope things aren't too much! Take care. *hug*

Former Member

Hello Tutle,

How are you today? Rhy and Mike have pretty much summed everything up really, I personally find spending any time with family, more so during holidays, difficult. Theres also a lot more added pressure during these times. But defo agree on the making time for yourself during this, exspecially if you are struggling. As your self care needs to come first, even if it's going away from the family for 10 minutes, or having a long bath to yourself (As Mike suggested) just to allow yourself, to cry, if you need to, and let everything you've allowed to be held in, and really just having some YOU time.

You could always come on here and talk to us if you are struggling too, as the message boards are here 24/7, I hope things go well,

Best wishes,
WhispersOfTheHeart

Former Member

I think it's pretty much all been covered but for me one of the things is spending a couple of hours interspersed throughout the day in my room just doing whatever I want (like posting on the boards!)

This really helps make it bearable for me

Former Member

Thanks yeah its going ok just being around people can be like overwhelming when you live alone

Former Member

Hey turtle09,
Hope you're having a better day today You know we're always here for you to talk if it does get a bit overwhelming

Drea

Former Member

Hi Drea thanks for your message yeah stuff isn't too bad but my mum she cried yesterday

Former Member

Hey turtle09 Just wanted to say I empathise with what you've said about Christmas it can be a tough time and I'm sorry to hear that about your mum, how are you feeling about it now? *hug*

Former Member

Thanks for the reply .. she seems ok ish so hopefully it was just a short term thing !
Christmas I think people expect to be happy and plan to make things as happy as possible and that causes pressure on every one .

Former Member

Yes, it's by far the biggest event of the year, and everyone's expected to be overjoyed in celebration and seeing their families. However - if your family isn't happy, or you're estranged from them, or you're broke - it makes you feel inadequate; as though you're not playing your part and doing your duty. You're not allowed to say you're unhappy at Christmas - because if you do, people will call you a killjoy.

Rhys

Hey @turtle09
how was your christmas?

Former Member

Hey Rhys

Thanks yeah was ok ish just glad my family didn't focus on the idea of a perfect Christmas too much .