Pittsburgh Nesties
Dear Community,

Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.

If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.

Thank you.

Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.

Depressed around Christmas

So how do you fight it We moved this year, and I feel like I have been constantly running.  Now I have three weeks to get presents for everyone.  

Even worse my husband is not romantic.   Case in point I didn't make a list for my bday so he just didn't buy me anything.

Oh and I feel bad for even whining since I know so many people have "real problems."

Re: Depressed around Christmas

  • You don't need to feel bad about your depressed feelings just because you don't have real problems.  Depression isn't something you can just shrug off by remembering you have a good life. It is ok to feel what you feel.  But if it is overwhelming perhaps talking to your doctor about it is a good first step.  (FWIW, I am treated for anxiety and it makes such a huge difference in my day-to-day life).

    As for that husband of yours... I get it.  I had to let go of my lofty expectations on how he should behave/act/react to situations. And rather appreciate the ways he shows love- and not assume it can only be done by finding me the perfect gift or buying me a valentines day card. I like surprises too, but this year for my birthday I just got a camera I wanted, and told him it was from him and thank you.  :D Then I took the money from his account and put it into mine.

    Take some time for yourself. Cut out the excess from your holiday to-do list where you can.  As I like to say... step away from the crazy.  and feel free to whine, it is nice to just let it all out sometimes!
  • Try not to let it stress you out.  (I know it's easier said than done).  Just like the Grinch learned, Christmas will come without ribbons, tags, packages, boxes and bags!   So if you don't get to bake cookies this year, it's okay. (pick up a tray at Giant Eagle). If you find everyone something on Amazon and have it shipped, great, you don't have to rush around in stores. Or make it a gift card Christmas, everyone likes a giftcard, and you can earn 20cent fuel perks at Giant Eagle! ;)  If you only get a few decorations out, that's fine, too.  I used to try to do it all, but I've really tried to move in to the mindset that what gets done and doesn't stress me out, is enough!

    As for your husband, while it sucks to have to make a list, not everyone is a great gift giver.  So make a list or tell him what you'd like.  I'd rather tell him what I'd like than get nothing.  (I'm greedy like that though!)   
  • I agree with Amanda and Amber. Crap, for the last two years I didn't even decorate for Christmas not because I didn't want to, I just ran out of time. Okay, partially because I hate to put it all back and we spend the holidays at my parents, my mom decorates enough for 20 houses.

    Pick what is important, while decorating is high on my list I do bake cookies. If you don't want to shop, do a theme. This is what I did for the in-laws last year, everyone got slippers from LL Bean, ordered online plus I got rewards to use after Christmas on myself.

    And I agree, while my husband is a good gift giver, he needs direction. I make a list and while he doesn't follow it to a T, at least he has an idea of where to go. He hates the mall and shopping so he needs a specific plan of attack or it is overwhelming to him. I have created wishlist at Nordstrom and emailed it to him. I also made him a list with pictures and sizes.

    Most of all, don't feel bad about not being all Pinterest, Martha Stewart perfect. Those people are figments, they don't exist in real life.
    image

    "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." - Unknown 

  • Hindsight being 20/20, I'm pretty sure my job gave me depression - especially at Christmas. My poor husband had to do all the Christmas stuff on his own, because I just didn't care to. Why bother? I never had time off for Christmas except for that day and I was usually stressed about work even when I wasn't there. I really wish I would have gone to talk to someone about why I was so apathetic and annoyed by the holidays. So that's my advice. Maybe seek out a therapist to see if it's something they can help with. There's zero shame in that.

    Now that I'm out of my job I have Christmas spirit coming out the wazoo. It may just be about finding the why behind your depression.
    image
  • kris356 said:

    Most of all, don't feel bad about not being all Pinterest, Martha Stewart perfect. Those people are figments, they don't exist in real life.


    Yes, this!  I would make a list of all the things that you think you need to do before Christmas and then try to weed out some things that aren't truly necessary. 

    I think a lot of people feel a little blue or even depressed over the holidays.  But, If you truly think it's depression, I would contact your doctor and work on a treatment plan.   

     
  • Hi! I used to get low around Christmas too. My hub is NOT romantic either- I know how you feel! What helped for me is we decided not to exchange gifts with each other- then I had no expectations...Instead, maybe go out for a night together.
    I didn't need to "seek help" for the blues. Working out and just talking to my friends on the phone did a world of wonders. Good luck- I think it is pretty common this type of year.
  • Ditto the others!  I usually get overwhelmed at the holidays as well, but I try to keep it simple, while still enjoying the spirit of the holidays.  I try not to go overboard, I make to do lists, I delegate to DH, and I do a lot of online shopping.  For decorating, we did it the Friday after Thanksgiving and made it fun by taking breaks to watch the Grinch or drink hot chocolate (the boys were really into it this year, so that also helped make decorating not feel like such a chore).  I also try to focus on one thing at a time, rather than get stressed about everything at once. 

    DH wants to buy me gifts that I love, but he completely lacks the ability to pick something out on his own, so I give him lists.  I also ask him for a list because there's usually always something on it that I didn't know that he wanted.  I'm sitting with Amber on the greedy train, because I would rather get gifts, than get nothing at all! =)

    There's nothing wrong with being overwhelmed or complaining about things, you are entitled to your feelings!  If you are feeling as if it's too much, having a conversation with your Dr. would be a good idea.

    Also, anyone can look Pinterest perfect with a quality camera and photoshop!

  • Oh and about the husband thing...I have been asking for a for a light weight short robe for over a year now.  He asks me if there's anything I need.  I describe the robe and where to buy it.  He buys me something else.  3 years after the birth of my child, I am still wearing a robe that says "motherhood maternity" in the collar.  Husbands just don't get it some times. 
     
  • I would love to have an idyllic, magical, peaceful Christmas, but it doesn't exist in my world, either.  I usually end up exhausted, frustrated, and experience little (sometimes big!) let down when it is all over.  I feel like it is all work work work...wrap, bake, cook, clean, host...and I never get to actually enjoy anything, and then it's done.  I know it is some stress I put on myself, and some from my job.  And some is just missing the simplicity of being young w/ no responsibilities. 

    If the depression is indeed just stress, and being tired/overwhelmed, then I woudl just muddle through and try to find the joy in the small things (decorating a new home!).  Not every year is going to be one for the record books, so its OK to do the minimum this year.  But, like the other ladies said, if you think it is something more, def. talk to a doctor.  Perspective is one thing, remembering that you don't have the worst problems in the world, but it is OK to feel what you feel!  Don't discount that.

    Lists help me cope.  Also trying to prioritize.  And remember, sometimes simple is better for everyone.  Finally, I usually try to plan something fun to look forward to when its all over. 

    Maybe instead of exchanging gifts with your hubby you can plan a night out or weekend away to be romantic.  If you don't want to give him a specific list for gifts, do you have a sister or a friend who could take him shopping?  Maybe simply letting him know your expectations well help!

    Good luck!
  • I think my problem is my heart isn't in it.  Christmas has been damaged ever since my father passed away in December many years ago.  I'm not that into it, but I know the kids love it.  Then my mother piles on her own hatred of the event every time I call her.  I have tried to add activities to the list before with no success from the husband.  I guess I just wish my husband would try to make it suck a little less.

    Thanks for the vent.  Sadly this holiday just feels like one last stress in a year that seems to have contained many.  I'm glad this is my worst issue, but sometimes I wish I could just SCREAM or at least swear a lot :)
  • kris356kris356 member
    Ancient Membership 500 Comments 100 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2013
    I think my problem is my heart isn't in it.  Christmas has been damaged ever since my father passed away in December many years ago.  I'm not that into it, but I know the kids love it.  Then my mother piles on her own hatred of the event every time I call her.  I have tried to add activities to the list before with no success from the husband.  I guess I just wish my husband would try to make it suck a little less.

    Thanks for the vent.  Sadly this holiday just feels like one last stress in a year that seems to have contained many.  I'm glad this is my worst issue, but sometimes I wish I could just SCREAM or at least swear a lot :)
    I am so sorry, the is definitely a really big reason to be depressed at this time of year. I cannot even begin to imagine how hard it is for you, and your mom sounds like she isn't really helping much.

    Have you ever had a heart to heart with your husband about this? I know that I have a tendency to sometimes think my husband has the ability to know what is bothering me without me telling him and he doesn't. Maybe explain why you would like him to be more helpful may help? Maybe it may help to talk to someone who is a neutral party about it. Or you can come vent to us, we can take it. ;)
     (((hugs)))
    image

    "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." - Unknown 

  • edited December 2013
    I can definitely relate. My mom flips out every Christmas and has done so for almost every Christmas since my dad left her 30 years ago. 2 years ago, she created such a miserable Christmas that my sister and I have taken over everything. My husband goes to see his family and my sister and I entertain my mother. It has taken the fun out of everything but at least we don't have to deal with her tantrums. I try to find one event or special thing that is fun for me and grin and bear the rest. Take a drive and swear a lot. You will feel better.
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards