'I work too hard to spend Christmas surrounded by family – this year I'm relaxing'
Christmas can be a stressful time, with high expectations for just one day.
From the food to presents which need buying and wrapping, as well as the table that requires a glorious centrepiece, it's easy to understand why some people breathe a huge sigh of relief once the festive period is done and dusted.
In fact, one woman has decided to "sack off Christmas" this year in favour of a day of rest and relaxation all to herself, confessing she couldn't be bothered with "the whole shebang". She took to Mumsnet to share her thoughts, stating she didn't think she was being unreasonable for considering not seeing her family, but wanted to gauge the general consensus.
READ MORE: People on State Pension, PIP and other benefits due one-off DWP payment this month
READ MORE: People over State Pension age living on their own could be due annual income top-up of nearly £4,000
She explained: "For the last few years I have joined in Christmas with extended family, I have no close family of my own. I have one adult son who I don't see at Christmas as he lives abroad, he usually visits after Christmas as the flights are cheaper.
"This year, I am just not bothered with the driving, the socialising and the whole shebang. I'm considering doing Christmas on my own, and I'm planning my day already."
She then revealed what her plans would be if she allowed herself the day to relax. The woman shared: "Get up late, maybe after a cup of tea in bed with the cat.
"Have a lovely indulgent brunch - fantastic coffee, eggs florentine, or scrambled eggs and smoked salmon. Go for a peaceful walk in the woods with my wellies on with next-doors dog borrowed for the purpose.
"Back in the early afternoon, as daylight is waning, light the wood stove. Have a candle-lit bath and change into new pyjamas.
"Then downstairs to a cosy evening of buffet/tapas nibbles, a few Baileys or G&T, a select film or two, and a spot of knitting if I feel like it. Add in a call with my son and a couple of family members, a gift or two, and that will be my day done."
She said she works "really hard in a demanding job", and so just wanted a "cosy chill" on Christmas day, but was worried it would be "weird and antisocial" - although a whopping 98% of people told her to go ahead with her plans.
Comments included: "That sounds like absolute bliss. Please do it, you’ll thank yourself afterwards", "Sounds perfect, enjoy", "Do whatever the hell makes you happy", and "Sounds absolutely lovely. Definitely go for it, and don’t worry about being antisocial just for wanting a quiet year off."
Others penned: "Sounds absolutely marvellous! Mind if I pop round at about 7pm? My house will be full and loud and I tend to go and have 20 minutes upstairs to myself. I won’t make any noise and you won’t have to entertain me at all!" Another encouraged: "Did it for 6 years when I was single. Loved it. Crack on and enjoy."
Another follower chimed in: "Sounds ideal. We should normalise doing Christmas however you want to. It doesn’t need to be the same every year, and it doesn’t have to be all about family if you just want a chilled one."
