Well, my usual calm, relaxed self is now jittering uncontrollably inside. Usually, my route to Christmas is in a well oiled machine and by now I can relax. But this year:

1 - Inspiration for cards has been not forth coming, and even the arrival of a new yellow cartridge for my printer has failed to trigger an idea. I feel that I’ve forced it this year.

2 - Not all presents bought. Other half has helpfully asked for some drawing pens for Christmas, whilst speaking about her getting a new digital camera afterwards, and I am under strict instructions to not even think about getting her one (so I’m not going to - though I may just offer a donation and some pens).

3 - No envelopes to put home made cards into - had to walk to town to get some.

The think the worse has been the cards thing. It’s a matter of pride for me that I make my own, and most years ideas have arrived well before the end of NOvember. This year, five days to go, I feel I have come up with something that will “do” but is not the best thing I have ever done.

At least my friend is getting a framed print of one of my car pictures. He’ll like it, and I feel quite pleased with how it turned out.

Am I alone? Are others here finding this year more stressful than usual?

No, not at all.

In all honesty what with my dad dying in October it's put it all into perspective and, for once, I'm really looking forward to Christmas and the New Year with my GF.

You shouldn't put yourself under so much stress, although you say your cards "will do" I'm sure anyone who receives them will appreciate the time and effort put into making them.

That afterall, time and effort, is worth more than a shiny new toy.

I don’t do it intentionally - it just happens. I have the whole home-made card thing so deeply ingrained that it feels very, very wrong to buy cards.



I’m sure they will. I just feel I did “less” this year. My dad will tell me just what he thinks about it.

TBFH you shoudnt bother with cards, I dont. its a waste of trees plus most of family are scum anyway so theres no point I get presents but never ever cards

god I hate xmas

Could be an opportunity for a new range of Christmas Cards here! "Merry Christmas, Scum!" " Happy New Year You Vermin!"

Perhaps I can sell them through moonpig or something....

but I woudnt want them to have a good xmas, I want them to rot

Perhaps "Crawl off somewhere to die and rot, you scum" is the one market Hallmark have yet to tap.

In answer at OP, this year is a mixed bag.

1. Snow makes everything a nightmare. We had to cancel our Xmas do at the last minute, meaning we paid hundreds of pounds on a hotel we never used plus the whole failing to party thing.
2. I still haven't done my cards. I buy some, make others. I don't usually send them to people I talk to; I talk to them instead. However, there's my mum and gran who aren't on line very often so I have to do those.
3. I really hate the snow. It's cold and slippery.
4. It's bloody snowing. It's horrible out there.
5. I have no woman and no cat, and my feet are cold because of the damned snow.
6. I got a Christmas bonus; although I forgot the tax man takes most of it so actually I can't afford that media centre I was costing up after all.

No Christmas this year, we are getting ready to move into the new house, so no big presents and no special Christmas meal - looks like it might be home-made pizza. Nobody is really in the mood for Christmas at the moment.

I bought the girls a Mac mini and a 13" MacBook Pro in September, so that is their Christmas presents taken care of.

Will look for something small for them this week. Also want to get something small for Tina.

And no Catwoman?

Christmas can fcuk off this year.

Mark

^ +1

My opinion on the matter may change, depending on the fortunes of the GF as she has to fly back from Finland today.


Well, look at this way, at least that means you have the chance on improving on them next year.

Last day in my job is Christmas eve so yeah I would agree with you

I'm also working Christmas Eve. I'm back in on Boxing Day.

Mark

LOL no I meant its my last day ....... contract cancelled after that