Does anyone else feel exhausted over Christmas holidays?

[Fredflintstone]

I have been off work since Tuesday. For the last 4 months, I have been putting in between 60 to 80 hours a week. Yet, for some reason, I felt charged daily.

But now that I am off for a break, I feel bored, tired and just blah.

I suppose that’s why I need to vacation to force myself to relax. I do know that does work wonders.

Do any of you find the Christmas “break” actually makes you more tired or is it just me?


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[geekette]

Depends. This one is low key for me, so pretty easy. In the past, some were seriously stressful. I was a workaholic and needed more down time than I granted myself, but enjoyed the ability to Do Nothing. It's a rare gift that I embrace. Maybe it's just hard for you to not be constantly doing and going so you're experiencing culture shock!

Rest up. Before you know it, those 60-80 hr weeks are going to be on you again. Breathe while you have the space. Do something silly that you haven't done in years. Read a book. Watch a Christmas movie. Go out and be among the shoppers even if you have no buying to do. Cruise by the local park that is decorated.

Plenty to do if you want to, but give yourself permission to Do Nothing for as long as it suits you. Ignore whether it is light or dark outside (early dusk makes me tired! yawn, must be time for bed .... No, it's only 7 pm!)

 

[WinniWoman]

Not me anymore. Not since my parents passed away and also our son living far away. I used to do XMAS or we would go to my parents house when they were younger. But for years now we just drive up to NH and stay at an inn and go out to eat, exchange gifts with our son, sometimes at his apartment- that even he has stopped decorating- and come back home after 3 nights. In the past we did a few other things like go to the speedway in NH to view the festival of lights. Not much is open when we are there, of course, so it is very low key. I usually go in the indoor pool and hot tub. The inn has a lovely fireplace and a cuddly cat mascot. The Inn is decorated beautifully with lots of XMAS trees in the lobby decorated by community organizations. They have a "contest" for people to pick their favorite. Nice breakfast in the morning is part of the stay. We have dinner at the inn for XMAS eve and dinner either at the Chinese place in town or The Lakehouse Restaurant over by - well- the lake- where we are moving- for XMAS Day. We do go to church on XMAS morning.

Being it is New England I love the vibe and it is usually snowing every day- sometimes a little and sometimes a lot!

Son's gifts are easier now that he is a man. $$$, gift card, and a little something else. This year some beer from a brewery nearby here that he has talked about since he is into that. I have not done XMAS cards since postage went way up years ago. I don't bother decorating or doing a tree because it is just us and we aren't home anyway. I just enjoy everyone else's decorations. In fact- I got rid of all my decorations. No baking or cooking.

And we have no grandchildren either so our lives are different than most other people.

The only other gifts I do are a basket of some sort for my brother and his wife; $$$ for his daughter- my niece and a small gift- all bought on line and delivered to their home.

We did go to Smuggs for XMAS once (as renters) for a few days with my brother and his family and it was really nice.

This is a far different experience than we have had much of our lives, but this is the way it is now and I don;t think I could ever go back to the other way.

The most work we have to do now is pack our suitcases and drive 6 hours up and back. When we move- we won't even have to do that!

 

[WinniWoman]

I might add that I just was speaking to the woman who cuts my hair and also the realtor for our new house, and both said they were not into it this year and were tired before they even started. I think many woman feel this way as they get older as they are the ones usually running the show.

Also- Thanksgiving falling "late" this year, it seems XMAS is coming fast.

 

[am1]

Busy buying gifts. Nintendo switch for a god son (but from Santa) game from me. His brother the same from but from Santa (mom) and god mother game. Bike to my other godson.

I miss making more in the month of December (and really lead up to Thanksgiving to about Easter) then I now make in a year. But thats life.

December 24 is the big day(night). People want to eat just before midnight but not me as my kids will be up at 6am to open gifts. December 25th will be spent at the beach house.

 

[clifffaith]

When I worked in corporate aerospace accounting, where everyone else was home between Xmas and New Year's, we worked 7 days a week from mid-December until late January with only the two holidays off. About the third year of that nonsense I figured out everyone was much happier to see cookies at Easter because there were already so many Christmas goodies. Took the stress level way, way down. That's when the tree started going up the Sunday after Thanksgiving, with a Christmas open house the following weekend before the work crunch started.

 

[moonstone]

I didn't used to, but these last few years I sure do, maybe it's due to age! In addition to doing all the Christmas gift buying for our kids and grandkids, I also do my 88yr old dad's Christmas shopping, as he finds it very hard to get out and get around in stores (even with the power cart). I have cut down on the amount of Christmas baking from what I used to do and will make 1 batch of cookies or bars (instead of 8-10) and a pie or cheesecake for our Christmas Dinner desert. Thankfully our kids are old enough that they have their own homes and can cook for me now. For the last few years we have been going to our oldest DS's who (with his wife) has a 4000 sq ft 100+ yr old home with a huge dining room and a table that can seat 16, but there are just 11 of us (our children, spouses & grandkids). It is nice that we can all comfortably sit together. We all pitch in and help our DiL with the meal preparation.

Boxing Day is DH's family Christmas gathering and more food to prepare and contribute. There will be 22 of us at that dinner after a frenzy of small children opening gifts from all the relatives.

For the last 4 years, and again this year, we leave for the winter in Belize right after Christmas so I am trying to pack for 3 mos away, as well as get ready for Christmas. I am also squeezing in a lot of extra Dr visits for my dad so he wont need to go alone in the bad weather while I am away. He often needs a translator or at least somebody who can remember what the Dr's instructions were!


~Diane

 

[slip]

I’ve never been too stressed or busy over the holidays. Thanksgiving was always our Family holiday where we stayed home and enjoyed our Turkey. Christmas Eve we always went to my brothers in the evening for three or four hours. We lived in the same town and for a quite a few year just down the street. So again not much stress.

New Years wasn’t much either. We never went out but usually at least stayed up until midnight. Again no stress.

Now still, not much different. We don’t have any grand kids and our kids are in Denver and Wisconsin so there won’t be much happening here. We’re just going to head down to the beach and enjoy the Christmas weather.

 

[WinniWoman]

I just feel as I am getting older the holidays just get blah- one rolls into the next and rolls into the next and the next and so on and so forth. Every year it's the same ol'. Really I just assume ignore them.

I guess that is why many people go on vacations during the holidays.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

I have a very stressful career. I like my job enough that I will stay at this company till I retire.

Since I work 60+ hours a week, I try to minimize the stress in my home life.

I have now decided to give experiences vs gifts for Christmas. I’ve taken my family on holiday and this becomes their Christmas gift.

I’m trying to live in the moment and savor all the greatness. Most times I don’t succeed but I keep trying.

I’m in beautiful Florida sitting on the lanai and so grateful that I’m not back home with 18 degrees and snowing. This warm weather takes all the stress out of me.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

I don't enjoy this time of the year. Stress of holiday shopping, preparations. Family stresses...Would rather just travel to a beach somewhere and relax. Plus my business has fiscal year end so there is the stress of that on top of everything else.

However, I love January, new year, fresh outlook, not so busy.

 

[elaine]

About to spend 3 hours rolling out sugar cookies with college DD,which we've done off and on since childhood. Some years I didn't do it because it is such a pain and mess. Now, I'm happy to have the mess. Don't know how many more holidays college and young adult kids will want to do this or come home.
I told extended family/friends a few years ago that we're giving to Samaritans Purse instead of gifting, as none of us need anything I'd rather do that than trade gift cards. That took a lot of stress away. Kids are pretty easy, as they tell me what they want. and many items I can get online. We're not big gifters.
I hate the clean up and put away in JAN! sometimes it slides to Feb.

 

[Fredflintstone]

I have a very stressful career. I like my job enough that I will stay at this company till I retire.

Since I work 60+ hours a week, I try to minimize the stress in my home life.

I have now decided to give experiences vs gifts for Christmas. I’ve taken my family on holiday and this becomes their Christmas gift.

I’m trying to live in the moment and savor all the greatness. Most times I don’t succeed but I keep trying.

I’m in beautiful Florida sitting on the lanai and so grateful that I’m not back home with 18 degrees and snowing. This warm weather takes all the stress out of me.

It’s amazing how warmth, relaxation and sunshine recharges.

I certainly hear you. Living in Canada, I face 2 main things that, I think, causes me to feel exhausted.

The first one is lack of sunshine. In December, the sun rises at about 8 am and sets at 4 pm. Yuck!

The second is cold. It’s so nice to feel the warm breezes and not have to bundle up like a mummy to go for a walk. The sounds of the waves really adds to the experience.

Although I love Canada, I am really thinking of retiring and spending 4 months of the year South. I can’t right now as I need to be near my aging, disabled parents.

I would still come back to Canada in the spring as the Summers here are wonderful!


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[silentg]

We will spend Christmas Eve and Day with our adult children. DD will make Christmas dinner and we will open gifts at her house.SIL Will be working and DS May not have both days off. Will find out this week who will be around.
Going to the beach for New Years just DH and I.
Looking forward to 2020
Silentg

 

[Rolltydr]

Yes, the holidays are stressful to me and, therefore, make me feel tired. It was worse before I retired but it’s still a problem. My daughter and I are introverts and minimalists. My wife is an extrovert and too much of anything is never enough for her. So, she decorates for weeks and cooks for days and we stress out wondering if it is ever going to end. Then, we have to host dinners and go to those hosted by others. It gets very stressful because we don’t get a chance to relax and catch our breath until Xmas is over. I know it is supposed to be a joyful and happy time, and we do enjoy parts of it and seeing some of the people we only see once a year, but the day after day of stress leaves us exhausted.


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[Sugarcubesea]

It’s amazing how warmth, relaxation and sunshine recharges.

I certainly hear you. Living in Canada, I face 2 main things that, I think, causes me to feel exhausted.

The first one is lack of sunshine. In December, the sun rises at about 8 am and sets at 4 pm. Yuck!

The second is cold. It’s so nice to feel the warm breezes and not have to bundle up like a mummy to go for a walk. The sounds of the waves really adds to the experience.

Although I love Canada, I am really thinking of retiring and spending 4 months of the year South. I can’t right now as I need to be near my aging, disabled parents.

I would still come back to Canada in the spring as the Summers here are wonderful!


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When I was a kid (I was an only child) my parents brought me to FL each winter and even as a kid I despised winter.

We always came back refreshed

 

[Krteczech]

Since we have no relatives in US and Christmas / school Winter break are at the same time, our TS week #51 and many times added week #52 in our TS on St Maarten became a family tradition for over 10 years. Great memories. Hurricane Irma and reluctant property owner put stop on our beach Christmas. We now live surrounded by beautiful mountains and our daughter still seems to be excited to come to visit. We keep presents to minimum and spend money on experiences instead. Happy holidays to all!

 

[mdurette]

I feel I need a certain amount of work stress to keep me going. This is my slow time...I can do my job in 10 hours a week if I wanted to. I welcome the break....but honestly, throw 10 files at me to work on and I am all over it. Put just one in front of me and it is torture to get it done.

 

[SteelerGal]

W/ Thanksgiving late this year, busiest time of the year at work, MIL passing, and 5 children, I want to take an extended holiday.

 

[missyrcrews]

Working 11 hours today. Then work at school and Target (until either 11 or midnight) all week. BUT...December 24, I'm off to Attitash in NH for the week. Can't. wait. I work 60-70 hours a week during the school year. Those little timesharing respites save me!

 

[Talent312]

We are hosting three gatherings: A party for neighbors+friends, a dinner for my family, and a dinner for DW's family. We spent two days cleaning carpets, polishing floors and dusting. Our house has never been so clean. We spent a full weekend decorating. We haven't yet done cards and gift wrapping.

It would be enuff to exhaust and stress mere mortals; however, I'm taking it all in stride. My doc recently asked me if I was feeling any anxiety. My reply: Not at all. I'm retired and life's a beach. I accept that things are as they are (and will be).

.

 

[WinniWoman]

Working 11 hours today. Then work at school and Target (until either 11 or midnight) all week. BUT...December 24, I'm off to Attitash in NH for the week. Can't. wait. I work 60-70 hours a week during the school year. Those little timesharing respites save me!

Enjoy! We will be up in Plymouth again- just a few days for the holiday! Was hoping it would be spent finally in new home this year, but that ain't happening.

Merry XMAS and Happy New Year, missyrcrews!

 

[AnnaS]

I was stressed out for Halloween, my daughter's destination wedding, then Thanksgiving and now Christmas and soon NYE. I usually get a bit tired of it because the stores and radio all start so early with music, decorations, sales, etc.

Not much exchanging here anymore. My adult kids and their spouse get $$ and the grandchildren all get one or a few gifts to open and their main gift is also $$. The parents bank it for them. So not much shopping or wrapping.

Thanksgiving is/has been at my house the last few years with my kids and parents of two daughter-in-laws. Christmas Eve is usually at one of the other parents but this year we are going out to eat and back at my house so the kids can open gifts. Christmas Day at one of my daughter--in-laws. We all help with some dish regardless who is hosting.

NYE - usually low key - hard to celebrate stay up late with the kids and families (grandchildren are very young (all 5 and under). If anyone comes by the Eve or the next day.....it's very relaxed/like any other day during the year

Also here, lot's of cleaning before and after

Hope everyone has a peaceful, healthy, blessed and stress free Christmas/NYE.

 

[b2bailey]

I feel I need a certain amount of work stress to keep me going. This is my slow time...I can do my job in 10 hours a week if I wanted to. I welcome the break....but honestly, throw 10 files at me to work on and I am all over it. Put just one in front of me and it is torture to get it done.

This reminds me of something I read. Two kinds of people -- one likes inbox empty at end of day; the other (me) likes to have things there to work on.

 

[WinniWoman]

This reminds me of something I read. Two kinds of people -- one likes inbox empty at end of day; the other (me) likes to have things there to work on.

I like empty. I need to have things resolved and that feeling of accomplishment. And the freedom of the blank slate in front of me. It's funny how people are so different!