Festive? What’s that?
Seriously. Really not feeling it this year. I don’t know what it is; usually by the first or second week in December all the presents are bought and wrapped, the Christmas tree is up and twinkling away, the wreath is on the door, the fence and orange blossom decked in white lights, the Christmas candles are out, and I’m merrily singing carols as I brew mulled wine and sip from my large bottle of Baileys.
But no. Not even a smidgen of Christmas cheer so far this year. I’m getting a bit worried.
I’ve wondered whether it’s the weather. It’s still relatively warm(ish), grey and damp out there. It feels like November. We’ve had one frost so far this year (which is sort of good news as I haven’t managed to throw any garlic in yet… there’s still time before a big cold snap!), we’ve still got the occasional fly buzzing around the house (probably looking for a warm spot to overwinter) and all this Christmas stuff feels a bit… premature.
Usually I love the build up. I LOVE wrapping presents and decorating the tree. I’m a real stickler for traditional Christmases… I love having the fire crackling away whilst you sit infront of it your woolly jumper, surrounded by wrapping paper, ribbons (re-used every year) and discarded Quality Street wrappers - with one hand still rummaging in the tin for the purple one or the toffee penny - making decorations, writing Christmas cards… but I’ve had none of that this year at all.
Geesh, I haven’t even bought any Christmas cards to write in.
What am I, a man?!
Surely not.
I think when I have children - who knows when that’ll be - it’ll all come flooding back. But I miss feeling Christmassy and festive. Being a bit of a Scrooge is boring and dull and I don’t like it. I wonder whether it’s partly down to being *at* work. When I was freelancing at home it was very easy to get into the whole Christmas thing. I had time, and brain space and the inclination.
So what do you do to get yourself in a festive spirit? I need help!
Tags: Christmas, festive mood
December 13th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Hi Lucy…I think it is something peculiar to this year as I haven’t met anyone that is in the Christmas mood. I keep watching Christmas films but they haven’t worked their magic. I haven’t done any decorations and although I have received quite a few Christmas cards I can’t bring myself to put them out yet..it just doesn’t feel right. I think I am going to buy a bottle of Baileys and some nuts to see if that does the trick:-)
December 13th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I was feeling a little unfestive until yesterday when I was forced into town on a Saturday to get my haircut and it was surprisingly good fun! I have done most of my shopping online but just getting cards and a few little things really got me in the mood so maybe just dive in and buy those cards.
I have a day off next week so I’m planning a christmas cookathon, some roasted chestnuts and some yummy biscuits are certain but maybe some other little treats will happen too. I might even roast an orange with some cloves…
Hope you start to get the festive feeling soon!
December 13th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
I’m feeling very unfestive this year as well! My husband has been working a lot and we haven’t had the chance to get a tree, decorate or do anything. Last night we went to Lowe’s and got the best tree of the sad lot and brought it home. I figure a not so nice tree is better than no tree. And honestly we almost didn’t decorate at all. I decorated it this morning and finally feel a bit of the holiday spirit. I’m also finally feeling inspired to make a couple gifts (which is good since time is short)
Hope your holiday season gets better!
December 14th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Hi Lucy, don’t force yourself - it will happen when it happens. Perhaps you are just overworked and overtired. What about a trip down to the shops or shopping mall and see to see going on, regarding window dressing etc. Have you perhaps been to a Carol singing evening somewhere? That might put you in festive mood?
Best wishes Lucy!
December 15th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Hey Lucy! Try a few dodgy Christmas carols… some fairy lights… and a good slosh of baileys! It’s working a treat in this house despite being utterly skint and wondering what to do with our lives!!! On to letter things… I am going to attempt to finish THAT letter today after finding it in a draw just yesterday. Ridiculous. I will try to include some Christmas cheer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xxxx
December 16th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
It’s just age, Lucy. You’re seeing the light (or is it the dark?). First we grow out of Santa, then we grow out of Christmas.
It’s OK, though. Just drink more. It worked for me… until the alcoholism, obv.
Cheers
December 4th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Lucy, I too am rather cheerless this Christmas, it has gotten progressively worse each year for me. This year 8 have only 1 gift purchased could care less about doing any more. In my case this year I believe that it has come down to….rocky marriage times and the fact my husband is being a jerk about the pregnancy of our 30 year old unmarried daughter. Hopefully next year with a baby in the picture I’ll get dime cheer back but right now I just want to cry. They say to act as if ….. and you can make it your reality. Think I might give that a shot. Good luck and may you find a Marry Christmas and not a bah humbug.