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Yes, this is the thread on which to express your annoyance, boredom, displeasure or boredom with all things Christmassy.
Many people dread Christmas for all sorts of reasons...financial, emotional and others just feel totally fed up of how all the Christmas stuff appears on the shelves in September each year.
So, feel free to express your feelings here! 
By the way, we have another new thread asking for positive thoughts to help other single parents on the topic of Christmas, see it here
Ah well, feel free to ignore all Christmas threads then Hopeful, we are asking on the other thread for material for an article to help other parents (and this needs to be prepared in advance, hence now) so this thread is just for people who wanted to make other comments, rather than for the article, as we want to keep material for the article in a positive vein
At least by Christmas the days will be getting longer 
Hi everyone
I'm glad of this thread because I am feeling pretty anxious about Christmas. I've been a single parent for 3 Christmasses. My exH has always said I can have the boys on Christmas Day.
The first one I spent at my Mum's house as normal with my Mum, Dad and Grandma. My sister refused to come not realising that my Dad had cancer and was going to die (we found out a couple of days before Christmas and my parents didn't want to tell her over the phone.)
The second one my Dad and Grandma had both died back in the July within a week of each other. I invited my Mum to my house so it was just me, her and my two boys. It was nice to finally be allowed to host Christmas after so many years.
Last year my Mum and I are no longer speaking and I was invited to a friend's house so it was her, her hubby and their three children. The kids all get on really well as they're similar ages so it was a great day.
When we were at the friends last year I invited them to us this year. My friend came over on Friday night and during conversation it came up that they have to go to her Mum's for Christmas so they won't be with us.
When she said it for me it was devastating but of course for her she wouldn't realise that. I certainly wouldn't want anyone to spend Christmas Day with me out of duty or feeling sorry for me so I'm glad they're doing what they need to do.
It's just made me panic properly now! I just feel sad for the boys that they have no extended family - i've essentially been unable to provide a loving environment beyond myself for them.
I know I'm lucky to have them on Christmas and to not be totally alone, I think I just don't want it to be so obvious how alone I am.
Thanks for listening.
Gem
x
Hi Gem
My parents died a number of years ago. My Mum died at Christmas 1996, when my oldest was 5.
Since then it has 'only' been the family. Me and the children since 2004. A friend would sometimes join us, but she does have a boyfriend of sorts and is often cooking for him.
The children and I do enjoy Christmas day. We wait until everyone is awake before opening gifts (they have stockings on their bed with mainly chocolate), and we have Christmas music on tv (once upon a time that used to be a CD!).
The love Christmas dinner and sometimes even help peeling potatoes.
They have never minded it being 'just' us.
I understand that it is sad that there is no extended family about - Boxing day when I was little was just that. But this lot have never missed it. They don't even seem to long for it.
I do understand how you feel alone too. I too feel that. More so at the moment.
A great thread Louise.
It certainly depresses me, seeing displays of christmas cards, in August. Totally ridiculous. Much too early.
Gem, so sorry to read about your Dad and Nan, also that your mum and you no longer speak. Is there any chance of patching things up?
C and I are also on our own, and I would dearly love him to experience the fantastic Christmas's that I had, but that will never happen. He is more than happy though and does enjoy the whole build up. I make it as special for him as i can. It's a very lonely time though isn't it?
I agree that Christmas can be a lonely time and indeed I think many of us dream of a perfect time for our children and that that would include a storybook extended family. However, even if family are still around, there is no guarantee that they would be ideal (as many of us know, heh heh)
The boys and I have had many times on our own together and they have still loved it. The routine was that we would have the morning together, go to church then to their dad's. I would pick them back up about 7pm and we would have our Christmas dinner on Boxing Day. You're right, sparkling, they are happy to have two Christmases.The thing to remember is that children take their cues from us.
However, I totally understand that you feel panicky at the idea, Gem. I wonder if there is someone you know that is also on their own,or is an older person whom you could invite over for a visit sometime over the holidays? they would probably love to see your boys and share in some of their excitement. I am a great believer in the concept of an adopted grandparent. Alternatively, how about planning an outing on Christmas day? One year my eldest got a cheapie kids' metal detector and we had a fun ramble through the woods.
Hazeleyes I agree that all the stuff is on sale far too early...for everything:Easter, Valentines, Hallowe'en, but of course Christmas is the really big one. If you try to get a birthday card after about 1st November, you often have a only a really weedy selection to choose from.
Thanks for all the good ideas. I have decided I definitely need to make the day really special and think of some traditions we can start etc. I feel a lot better about it now hearing your stories. Being surrounded by people who are married and/or having big family Christmasses made me feel like the kids were missing out but actually I think they will enjoy it just being me.
Regarding my Mum, I took the decision to remove myself from her because of her toxicity. I chose that knowing there would be hard times. It would be wrong to try and patch things up with her so I don't have to spend Christmas alone.
x
Hear what you are saying about your mum, Gem 
Gem - I'm sure I've logged on to the site every Christmas day since I joined five or so years ago... So even here there will be someone about to share the day...
And I pop in on Christmas Day too, to make sure everyone is Ok and....(I was going to say "and leave a Christmas message" but that sounds like the Queen hahaha)
I can imagine you doing 'the' wave Louise...
What on earth makes you think I want to discuss Chrismas at all??? Its OCTOBER for crying out loud!