Saturday, 14 December 2013

Wednesday Whine | Christmas isn't for everyone...

Christmas isn't for me. I've loved it as a child and an adult but this year is different.

I've been called a Scrooge, Grinch and "miserable cow" just because I'm not in the festive spirit. I've still written Christmas cards and I've still bought gifts. I'm even having Christmas dinner at my house with my dad and brother the guests of honour. So what have I done to deserve the title "Miserable Cow"?

Well, I've not put up any decorations. I don't have a tree. I won't be getting one. I haven't partaken in any Christmas parties via work and I haven't donned a tacky jumper in the name of consumerism fun. This makes me, apparently, miserable.

Well that's very true. I am miserable, and I'll tell you why... this time last year my mum was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She died within a few weeks, taking ill on Boxing Day. She left us on 28th December, and as that day draws ever closer I get more and more disillusioned with the fun and frivolity of the season.

So when you're calling people names for not being as super duper jolly as you are, please remember that they might not associate Christmas or this time of year with the same things you do. They might not have the same cosy environment that you have. They might just want to be left alone, to celebrate or not, as they see fit.

Thank you.


  1. I am really sorry to hear about this, and sorry that people can't just leave you to be yourself.

    My Gran hates Christmas, she refers to herself as Scrooge, but that's her sense of humour. I know many people she knows have died at Christmas and this means she is less likely to celebrate Christmas.

    As for me 2 years ago my other Grandma was diagnosed with Throat Cancer, and I was told whilst I was decorating the tree.

    Luckily it was early stages, and she got through treatment and is still here today, but every year whilst putting up the tree I remember how sad I felt at the time, and am often filled with a feeling of dread, in case I ever get news like that again, to the point where I worry about putting up the tree, so although I haven't lived your experience I can understand where you are coming from.

  2. Yep, I think it's an association thing. I hope one day I don't associate Christmas with this awful thing but right now I do. I told someone today I didn't celebrate Christmas and they asked if I was a pagan. Ah, people!!

