Anyone else struggle with the holidays?

[bif]

This isn't my favorite time of year to begin with. My mom passed away in the beginning of December (many years ago). But now that I'm not drinking, it's even more depressing. "F*ck Christmas" seems to be my new mantra. The forced merriment and endless stream of parties really get to me after a while. January 2nd can't come soon enough.

[rainy]

1. Sorry you are struggling. The holidays will do that.

I hope you have some good peeps to hang with to get you through this❤️

[bif]

2. Big party tonight

Which I'm probably going to skip. If I go, I plan on ghosting after a half hour or so. Still up in the air about going. Staying home and either watching something on Netflix or painting is all the company I need. Way more fun that making idle conversation with people I don't know and don't care about.

[Stuart G]

3. Do whatever you feel best doing..If you feel better skipping, then skip the party.

Protect yourself always. We addicts need to protect ourselves. ALWAYS. If this is going to put a strain on us, cause us "extra trouble", forget it. If painting will make you happy, then that is what to do. Yes, the Holidays SUCK ...AND SUCK IS indeed close to .....UCK....

[bif]

4. well, I'm glad I skipped the party

When my wife came home she said, "You would have hated it!" She said the only people she knew were the host couple and a woman from her book club. She still managed to stay for an hour and a half, chatting with a bunch of strangers. She loves that scene. So I stayed home and made a fabulous dinner! Time much better spent, I must say.

[Tipperary]

5. It is difficult for many.

I think we have to remember we actually do NOT have to do a thing or go anywhere we choose not to. I was in my 40s when that truth hit me. It has made a wonderful difference.