I wonder what's wrong with me. I never want to get together with my relatives for the holidays. I don't like Thanksgiving - all of the food preparation and craziness preparing it and weight gain after eating it. Also Christmas is so expensive. Maybe it's not that I don't love my relatives, I just don't like what we do when we get together. And there are always so many pressures and expectations.

Help.

Thanks.

What would you rather do during the holidays?They do come every year.

A pattern of negativity and personal expectations can become a problem.

Is it seasonal depression?You know,the sun gone before you know it,darkness most of the time,alone?

There are a lot of us with this,post more and we can assist you as you see fit.

KBC

Sometimes the holidays can be very overwhelming, I understand. If your not the type to go to holiday party after holiday party, why don't you plan your own get-together?

Pick the people you care about most, and try to spend time with them in as low-key a way as possible. For example, istead of worrying about baking and cooking for everyone, make it a potluck. Plan a Saturday or something, where you can just hang out, plan activities that you like to do, and that everyone could enjoy.

Make it very casual, sometimes it is not the fact of having to spend time with each other during the holidays that is daunting, but what to wear, what to bring... etc. No expectations!!

With the economy the way it is right now, I think everyone feels the same way coming up to the Christmas season. Why not talk to friends and family, explain how you feel, and decide on an appropriate gift exchange.

You could set a limit as to what the gifts could cost, or even decide to exchange homemade gifts for a change. You would be surprised how many people would be open to that.

You would probably feel much better giving loved ones simple gifts that is personalized by you, and means something to them.

Hope this helps even a little

It's your life, you can make your own decisions. :)

Perhaps, you don't realize the value in appreciating Noble Ideals at this point in your life?

Thanksgiving----gratitude, friendship, love...

Christmas-----joy of giving, friendship, pleasure, having peace of mind...