This may be a stupid question but why do you dread Christmas so much? Is it spending time with familiy and friends? Is it the hustle and bustle? Is it the money invoolved in buying presents?

If it is any of those ten I can relate. All of those things are triggers for me. I hope you handle things better than you think you can.

Good luck, magic. We're here if you need us.

Yes, it's all those things lilchit. It's a ridiculous feeling, but very real to me. I remember my mom being very sad when we were young because she couldn't afford Christmas, and I think her sadness did something to me.

It might help to understand that the early church assigned Dec 25 as the birth celebration since that time was also a Roman festival, the Saturnalia, and it was felt that people would accept the Christian holiday better if it were on a familiar date. So Christmas has nothing to do with Christ and you can relax and make it through since I find this time stressful also. Lots of people do. Perhaps your feelings have more to do with S.A.D. Talk with your doc and/or therapist so you can enjoy as much as you can.

Like I said, those things are triggers for me too. Most of my relatives know I am bipolar so they try not to smother me or really have any expectations of me. Sometimes that pisses me off. There's just no pleasing me sometimes.

Thanks Tommy, I think I will dedicate a whole session with my therapist about this. I wish, more than anything to be able to relax and enjoy. Come to think of it, I really don't enjoy much of anything anymore. Oh well.

I don't feel dread but I do have a lot of disgust. The stores and advertisements starting before Halloween. Shit, can I please get through Thanksgiving first??

Black Friday - Disgust!! The retailers might have two of something with a really good price and 722 people that want one. People, please wake-up. You are being played like a radio.

Spending money you don't have on shit you don't want or need. Disgusting!!

Family!! Pretending to like people that if you met them on the street, you would run away.

See what I mean magicsis? Even with all that disgust over human behavior, I don't dread it. I don't let it occupy that much space in my mind.

I say this every year, but I really mean it this year. I WILL NOT get pulled into the falseness that society thinks Christmas should be.

I have always wanted to volunteer on Christmas Day. Something to help others - something that will be in the true spirit of Christmas. Hoping this will be the year I find a calling.

There won't be any gifts this year for you to stick on the top shelf of your closet. If you want something from me, pull down what I gave you last year.

I hope you can work something out magicsis, that will give you peace for the holiday. For me and mine, we will be having peace on earth and goodwill toward men.

Thank you Belle.

I just spend as little time in the stores as possible as far as I'm concerned Christmas has been cancelled due to lack of interest.

This may be of some help as well...
http://kristinbell.org/2007/11/18/tips-and-tricks-for-surviving-a-mental-illness-11/#more-261

I've never been interested in Black Friday...and right now don't have the money to buy anyone anything.

No decorations up...which the tree kinda is soothing with the lights and all...but there's really no room.

I agree with Belle, my experience of family getting together is probably more awkward than complete strangers getting together because of the extended family involved that i swear look at me like I'm some kind of bug that needs to be sqashed.

If I had the money I would take a trip and do something I'd want to do instead of all this running from my family to his.

My first abuse incident happened Christmazs eve age 9 I sort of gave up then . . . .Also I have SAD and it hits during the winter which doesnt help. When my kids were little some years we would have Christmas and some years my mom would do it for them and I would celebrate it at another time it all depended


This year I just announced to friend this morning in fact that I was not celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas due to funds being the way they were so it is what it is but I do understnad

We can celebrate with money or without money. I have had it both ways and honestly I think we were happiest when we had to count every penny. Not having money took the focus off material things and put the focus on how thankful we are to have each other.

Phoenix, go out in the woods and chop down a small Chrismas tree. Put homemade ornaments on it. Enjoy it.

I agree with Bell completely but I also understand how hard it can be.. For me it's not about money as much as loss..
I know when I work at trying to connect with the real meaning I can feel really grateful .. At the same time the last few years I'm glad when it's over..
I hope you can quash the angst sweetie.. Big hug for you..x

I just don't care or participate one way or the other.... I do wish people wouldn't buy me things - rare LOL but uncomfortable as I'm not into shopping, gifts or feeling bad about getting gifts..

For me, I have to hold on to - its a month away. I try not to throw away the next 37 days - worrying.... I try and stay in today!!! NOT go too far forward (projecting things, planning a depression, or break down) or too far back (relieving things WAY GONE) again PLANNING a depression - we do have some choices!!!! WE don't have to do, what we've always done!

(((BIG HUG)))) Stay in today, and hold on to us! We are here for you - Christmas, November - Just for today : ) Try not to throw today away - worrying about next month.....

Christmas is meaningless to me. I hate all the hype and the pressure to spend time with family or friends. I have neither so I just stay out of stores till it's over and try not to feel to badly about having no one.

I used to really hate the thought of Christmas and all the preparation and buying the perfect gift , and OMG there was always that one special hard to find gift . UGH
I even thought about changing my religion so I wouldn't have to celebrate the holidays , and that was back when I had money .

Things have changed for me now , No money , I do find the holidays happier that way .I'm happy if every one can get 1 simple gift . I do try and avoid all the materialistic stuff. Hate all the commercials buy buy buy .
However I am looking forward to the holidays .
Try and make it to suit your needs , what makes you happy ?
Big Hugs