Cancelling Christmas? Yes, why not
17/12/2024
Translation: machine translated
If you love gingerbread, jingle bells and Santa Claus, you need to be really strong right now. Because here are a few good reasons why Christmas can be cancelled.
I was at a time when I just wasn't feeling Christmassy. The sky was grey, not a snowflake in sight. My inner reindeer herd was in hibernation and the sack of presents had a hole in it. While the world around me sank into the hustle and bustle of pre-Christmas activity, I only wanted one thing: peace and quiet. And that's what I got.
How it came about
Christmas 2018 was preceded by my worst year to date: a bike accident, three operations, months of sick leave, separation from my partner, moving out of the flat we shared. So I was more than exhausted. And the last thing I wanted was to chew over all my grief again with my relatives over the holidays. So I did the only right thing in my eyes: I cancelled. My parents were understanding and I put the rest of the family off until later.
It felt strange at first. Somehow, as if I was a traitor. After all, it's only right to visit family at Christmas. To my own surprise, however, this feeling faded relatively quickly and was replaced by a deep sense of relaxation. And I decided to savour this state to the full.
What I did instead
What I do best: eat, read a good book and doze on the sofa. For almost three days in a row. Mobile off, world off. It. Was. Marvellous.
On Christmas Eve, I conjured up a delicious duck breast fillet with red cabbage and dumplings, grabbed a thriller by Sebastian Fitzek - and made plans for the new year wrapped up in a cosy blanket.
On the second day of Christmas, I went outside and took a walk around the neighbourhood. It had started to snow and a soft dusting of icing sugar covered the streets. And so I actually felt a little bit Christmassy after all.
Would I do it again?
Yes. Even though I desperately needed the time off over the holidays back then, I have never cancelled Christmas or celebrated it alone since. My family is small anyway, so it's nice when we all get to see each other at least over the holidays. This year I'm visiting my mum and my cousin. You know, the one who has been playing through "The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past" with me. I don't yet know what's coming up in the next few years. But as the Christmas carol says: "Star over Bethlehem, show us the way."
What you can do if you don't want to celebrate either
Be honest with those around you. Explain to them why you don't feel like partying in a big group. There are plenty of good reasons to treat yourself to a few days of peace and quiet. Christmas is a time for reflection and peace. Allow yourself this peace. It is a gift to yourself.
Nice side effect: you avoid the eternal bickering under the Christmas tree. Because that often comes free of charge...
And if your environment is completely resistant to advice: Cheating is okay. Pop round for a quick Christmas present and then you "urgently need to pick up Knecht Ruprecht from a mulled wine party". Or something like that.
And if you think Christmas is great?
Then go for it! Enjoy the precious time with your family, hang tinsel around your neck and stuff yourself with gingerbread. Just because I'm considered a "self-proclaimed Grinch" in the Galaxus editorial team doesn't mean you have to see it the same way.
By the way: If you still want to order last-minute gifts, you'll have to hurry. You can find out by when you need to have sent off your virtual shopping basket in this article.
Header image: Pixabay
Anika Schulz
Teamleader Editorial
Anika.Schulz@galaxus.deAs a child, I was socialised with Mario Kart on SNES before ending up in journalism after graduating from high school. As a team leader at Galaxus, I'm responsible for news. I'm also a trekkie and an engineer.