Do you find Christmas tough?

Biblioklept

I've always found Christmas quite hard because of the change to routine, how busy places are and the general pressure of it all. Now I'm an adult and can do it my own way I still find it quite difficult.

Does Christmas impact you negatively and how do you protect against it?? 

Hannah_Alumni

This is very interesting. I don't think we talk enough about how Christmas can change your routine. We have a separate one just for Christmas!

I just try to keep as organised as possible. I tend to take time out of my self-care to sort out Christmas stuff, so I have to remember to book ahead for a hair appointment or remember to order a nice face mask as the winter can be quite harsh on my skin.

Sandy_123

I think the key is too start early and finish when everyone else is running around 

janer1967

I do enjoy Christmas and the build up but I do find it  it tough . It is our family tradition to go to mums on Xmas day but her house is not easily accessible for me now (have to be carried in ) and toilet upstairs (have to crawl up ) this really puts me out of my comfort zone and I get anxious prior . Before I Mey my bf my brother used to come and get me but that involved having to stay over few nights 

I have suggested family come to me boxing day instead but doesn't ever happen.  I'm not ungrateful but the family won't change to accommodate my needs 

I've stopped going Xmas day and arrange to meet family for a meal at an accessible place at sometime over the week . I spend the day with toby and my bf 

But all change this year and going away the 3 of us avoid it all and do what suits us 

mmoo60

It's only for families.
Sad for those that havn't, or no longer in contact.

Biblioklept

mmoo60 said:

It's only for families.
Sad for those that havn't, or no longer in contact.

I think that's what often tinges Christmas with sadness for me too, as it can feel like you're the only one not with family etc

L_Volunteer

That sounds really upsetting @Biblioklept. Does anything, in particular, help it to feel more manageable at this time of year? 

mmoo60

Sorry guys.. totally new in here. Finding my way around 🤔
Thanks for replying to my answer, yes agreed, more thought should be given to this.
I Netflix through.. (ie. no tv ads) 
..with my furry friends.
then plan Jan 1st resolutions lol
Take care xx

SueHeath

Hi @mmoo60 great to see you getting around the site, 

SueHeath

Hi @Oldcarsforme sorry to hear that - i hope your okay, are you on your own at Christmas ? 

SueHeath

Doesn't sound like your very happy with things at the moment @Oldcarsforme

SueHeath

Oh bless so sorry to hear that @Oldcarsforme is there any think you can do about it ?

SueHeath

I am sorry to hear this @Oldcarsforme everyone deserves to be happy. 

leeCal

Happiness comes from within in my opinion. The locus of control is your own mind. I think The idea of deserving to be happy is a first world issue, research has shown that some of the most isolated tribes with little or no modern appliances or technology are the happiest on earth. 

Adrian_Scope

janer1967 said:

I do enjoy Christmas and the build up but I do find it  it tough . It is our family tradition to go to mums on Xmas day but her house is not easily accessible for me now (have to be carried in ) and toilet upstairs (have to crawl up ) this really puts me out of my comfort zone and I get anxious prior . Before I Mey my bf my brother used to come and get me but that involved having to stay over few nights 

I have suggested family come to me boxing day instead but doesn't ever happen.  I'm not ungrateful but the family won't change to accommodate my needs 

I've stopped going Xmas day and arrange to meet family for a meal at an accessible place at sometime over the week . I spend the day with toby and my bf 

But all change this year and going away the 3 of us avoid it all and do what suits us 

I know this was posted a little while ago but I've just seen it and wanted to say how sorry I am that your family aren't more accommodating. I know people like to hold tightly to traditions but I can't imagine not making a small change such as location so that everyone can be together. 

I hope you, your son and bf enjoy your time away. I've considered going away for Christmas for the past few years and never taken the plunge. Is it your first time doing it?

durhamjaide2001

Sometimes I struggle with the food around this time of year as I have to be careful what I eat because of health reasons. 

janer1967

@Adrian_Scope it is the first time I have been abroad for Xmas always wanted to 

In fact it's first time I have been abroad since becoming disabled but my bf late wife was disabled and they travelled a lot so he is familiar with the process 

Don't get me wrong my family support me where they can but they don't live close but yes are very stuck in tradition at Xmas 🎄 

durhamjaide2001

Another thing I find tough about Christmas is gifts because without being learnt I would just say I don't like it because of my autism but now my family have told me to not say anything if I don't like something. 

Alex_Alumni

I hope you both have a wonderful time @janer1967 it sounds exciting  

And it's not easy when we can't share how we truly feel about something @durhamjaide2001, I suppose your family are worried about feelings being hurt perhaps. Have you spoken to them about the sorts of gifts you do like?