Well, what a good response and how interesting to read such differing views on quite an emotive subject.
Last year, due to different circumstances, I decided to "opt out" of everything relating to the "C" word. This year I will do the same again - a solo bike ride in an area that I enjoy, accompanied by a little picnic including a flask of hot proper coffee. The ride may even include footpaths and tracks where I'm not allowed 
Progressively disengaged from the whole festive period.
Last year, what with circumstances, I did the hermit thing. Didn't even send one card...
This year will be the same.
So for you, the "C" word is "Cheeky".
Have fun.
It looks like I will have to be with the in-laws on the farm. But they're OK and we will get out for a walk to feed the sheep before nightfall.
Ah, but the hermit thing is through choice. I didn't send one card or give one pressie. It's liberating to feel disengaged from such cr*p 
I was willingly sporting a santa hat in public last Sunday. Funny what parenthood does to you. Had to welcome santa to town with 2 year old.
Anyone who knows what a miserable bas***d i am wont believe this though.
When you strip away the big dinner and family gathering (otherwise known as gluttony and quiet frustration - both of which are possible at any point during the year should anyone be that bothered) it's hard to see Christmas as anything other than an opportunity to sell lots of tat to lots of frenzied sheep.
+1 Left to my own devices I'd just take the opportunity to get out and do something in the hills and forget the rest.
So ... people ... any changes of heart/mind/circumstances?
A little update would be interesting ... and wind up those who accuse some of us of being miserable!
C for me is the 90 min in the morning of the 25th seeing my kids, then its back to abnormal. except this year lacking a mtn bike for the usual c-day ride. might have to go for a run instead. not a problem.
xmas-free zone here, though I did feel quite xmassy walking through the snow to my mum's house yesterday afternoon :o) And I tried to buy some blue tinsel to wind round my bike but either it has fallen out of fashion, or all been snapped up 
Well I for one cant wait
I have 2 small children that are really excited about it.
and I am going to eat and drink my arse off !!
and lots of time off to go riding (starting with afan monday)
Wooohooo 
My wife is obsessed, one xmas prezzie is not enough, we have to spend the GNP of Mali on stuff for each other and the kids not to mention food ,drink etc. The younger son has inherited her obsession. Well. you say ickle kiddywinks love it. HE'S TWENTY EIGHT for GOD'S SAKE!! He has taken 3 weeks holiday from work so he can play on his console and do nothing. I don't know what his girlfriend thinks but when it gets to summer and she wants to go somewhere warm, he has no holiday left! He won't even go out on his bike--it might be cold. In fact I have been thinking of selling it as it is in my garage at the moment because he has no storage at his current house. I don't mind xmas but I am cast in the role of Scrooge if I say a word about these excesses. Oh and I can hardly get out on my bike because her indoors thinks it is anti-social to leave all the hundreds of people she invites to go off on my own!
Well, I'm doing a bit of compromising but being the contrary type, very much on my terms
Nevertheless I am sticking to my guns about gifts - scrooge moi?
This will be my 1st ever Xmas un-employed in 42 yrs. Not a nice feeling when everyone makes a point of telling me 'don't bother with a present, save your money'...
It's a bit weird, what with everything thats gone on but it's only one day.
FOG - that's terrible! But I really would choose your words carefully - most mothers think the sun shines ... etc etc... of their sons (and I can empathise here). Let him be his gf's problem, not your wife's!
Next year you need to order a couple of expensive bikes and then tell her there's no money left 
We're not sending presents this year, unless it's for the children of the family, even then it's a £5 minium.
We were invited by some close friends to spend the 25th at their gorgeous cottage. Mtbing with them in the day, very late Christmas lunch, then a nice slobby evening in front of their wood burner - perfect.
Then the guilt of not being at my Mothers house overcame me and I had to say that family loyalty came first. Sometimes we can't always do the things we would like, instead thinking of others, even though it'll make us a bit cheesed off.
if only i could............
Bunnyhop - that did sound like a lovely invite though. Sometimes it's very difficult to live with your conscience.
I was determined not to cook another Xmas dinner last year cos circumstances had changed, I needed to move on. Family thought I would still do Xmas though. My (adult) kids were particularly disgusted by my attitude.
No regrets on what I did. For once I did what was right for me and not try pleasing everybody else.
c_g - you've totally done what's right for you. High five to you.
Bunnyhop - my family told me I was being selfish!
They're being selfish expecting you to wait on them.
My Mother always annoys me at Christmas with her magic words ' let the men relax, they've worked hard all year', aarrgghh, what does that mean?
On Christmas day my brother, brother in law and hubby, don't have to lift a finger, while we ( females) run around like idiots, cooking, washing up, making drinks, letting then have what they like on the box. I always leave early on in the evening, otherwise I'll explode.
And breath.
Different generation Bunnyhop but at least ours will be enlightened! Trouble is men probably do as they are told so as to not rock the boat and upset the matriarch.
Sounds sensible to leave early and avoid confrontation. Then finally relax!!
Can be a tough time of year for some people, for me its not to bad but like other i seem to spend the time doing what the GF wants just to keep the peace.
If i'm lucky i may get out for a run on the 25th.
After two years of badgering I gave in and allowed my wife a puppy. Said pup is now 11 months and I love her to bit's, but it does mean we can't go to my dog fearing, immaculately housed sister's whose turn it is this year.
My wife is a bit miffed, but we will have a lovely country walk with said pooch and then I'm determined to make her the best Christmas dinner ever (lamb, not turkey.)Then drive down to my other (dog loving) sister for drinks and nibbles.
My Mum doesn't cook Christmas dinner anymore and quite right too. She has been doing it for the last thirty odd years and earned her retirement.
Looking forward to nice walks and bike rides.
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