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A December/Holidays Venting Thread
Leyla
Community Manager Posts: 614 Incredible Poster
As suggested by our Community Connectors, this thread will be open for all of December as a place for to seek support or get something off your chest during this period of holidays, as we know this time of year can be extra hard and the extra support might be really appreciated. There is another thread open for specifically feeling less alone and connecting with others, whereas this one is specifically focused on seeking support/advice/being heard by your peers
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Comments
I wouldn't say I'm not excited, but I do totally get how hard this time of year can be. I think it's hard since there's so much pressure to be happy and have fun, when in reality sometimes just getting through the season is the best you can do. It helps to take good care of yourself around this time though, even in small ways, if you feel able to
With that being said, I am still watching some classic Christmas films, listening to some of my favourite Christmas music and I'm pretty much trying to enjoy this time of year while I can before the new year. I would rather just try make the best of it instead of dreading Christmas Day and getting miserable when the day doesn't go well. My reasons for disliking Christmas aren't really that bad compared to some others, but I thought I'd post my reasons anyway as I was the one who brought it up in the first place.
I think for me it's to do with getting older really. I feel like now I'm an adult, the joy that Christmas would bring is very different and I guess I see a more different side of Christmas than the magical one I grew up with. Not to say that it isn't magical for me anymore, it still is. I just see a more over consumption and commercialised Christmas rather than ones spending time with your friends and family which is what Christmas is about. Its a time to be together rather than buying tons of presents for someone. I feel as an adult there's quite a responsibility I guess on making sure everything is right and stuff. All that extra stuff you didn't think about as a child really.
I think it's perfectly okay to not be thate excited about christmas. for me it hasn't always been a holiday i've enjoyed or had fun on. Some years i just treat it as another day and focus on the little things i can do for myself to enjoy. I still do some christmassy things like watching films or having music on, but at the same time, i feel i don't make a massive deal of it anymore.
So to anyone reading this who doesn't necessarily enjoy or get excited for christmas, your feelings are valid and it's okay for it to just be another day if you'd like. Do whatever makes you comfortable and happy
@eylah That sounds really difficult and I am really sorry you’re feeling this way. I can hear how much it hurts to face another Christmas without your mum, and at the same time, how exciting but nerve-wracking it feels to spend it with your boyfriend’s family. That’s a lot to hold at once, and it makes complete sense that it feels so heavy. But it is perfectly okay to take things at your own pace and as they come. I hope you can give yourself credit for navigating all of this, and remember that you are doing your best, and that’s more than enough.
@so_very_tired It makes complete sense that Christmas feels complicated for you, especially when so many past celebrations were difficult and didn’t feel peaceful. Those memories sound really painful, and I understand that you’re not feeling excited about the day itself. At the same time, it’s lovely to hear that you’re finding ways to enjoy the season in your own way such as by watching your favourite Christmas films and listening to music you love.
It’s absolutely okay that your reasons for not loving Christmas are your own ,no one else can measure them and you’re allowed to feel however you do.
To those who for whom Christmas hasn’t been easy, your happiness and comfort matter most, and there is nothing wrong with creating your own space during this time of year, free from expectations. Even if Christmas doesn’t feel any different for you, that doesn’t make your feelings any less important. You deserve kindness, understanding and support just as you are, exactly where you are.