I miss the closeness and how when its the holidays all your family comes together. I miss the excuse to eat whatever you want because it's the holidays so you can eat whatever and get away with it. I miss that my brother is out of school and he gets to come stay with me for Christmas break.When hes is at school I only get to see him on the weekends, so its very sad not having him here with me. I raised my brother since he was a month old while my mother was in the hospital recovering from another surgery she had to do right after she had a c-section . Those are my only misses of the holidays, other than that I don't really miss anything about them. I do miss when I was younger and Christmas was just simple like chilling by a fireplace drinking hot cocoa in your pajamas and watching Christmas movies and demolishing the gingerbread house we made. Me and one of my brothers who's 4 years younger than me, we used to go and look for our presents when our parents were gone lol, then we would poke holes to see if we could tell what we got. I remember that one time the box had holes all over it my mom was so mad at us and that year she scolded us saying how we were going to be on the naughty list. I just miss the simplicity of our Christmas.

:P that's my favorite part also! the first thing I do is gather up all the wrapping paper then go recycle it, but i keep the bags so I can reuse them. I hate messes especially because our apartment is small so when there is too much stuff its like a bomb exploded. I am pretty sure I have like mild OCD. LUckily for me I don't ever get a tree because every time I want one I chicken out from having to clean pine needles off the floor or having my aunt who is disabled try to rip the ornaments of the tree and break them. I really want one next year though, only because my brother whos 13 really wants a tree so I feel like I'm making him miss out on those types of memories. I feel you on the treats, since we had so many that we were eating all kinds of junk. I agree 100% with you that the best time is when it ends ^-^

For me it's that my kids seem to spread all the stuff they get absolutely EVERYWHERE. My living room on Christmas day couldn't even be seen through all the paper and boxes and just stuff over every surface.

For us we have an artificial tree that we use every year. The decorations are mainly things like little bells and plastic that can't really do any damage, you could even do all soft types of decorations to keep it safe for your aunt. One year we made loads of salt dough stars and covered them in glitter and they're all over the tree. They look pretty and if they break it's no big deal because it's fun to make more! Every year people call me scrooge because I say 'Boxing Day is the day the tree goes back in the box" 😆

Also.. I love this post-Christmas comic..

COMIC

Before I had kids I never really cared for the Holidays once I got to be a teenager. We’d always visited family growing up and spent a lot of time in the car which I hated. I would have rather spent the day home with my friends. However, When I was about 21 and my son was old enough to enjoy Christmas and presents I really started getting excited for it again. My husband and I would go all out (and still do) with a big tree, presents, music, decorating, the works. Now we have 3 kids and when it’s over I miss all the excitement that the Holidays bring. I miss the kids wanting us to play with them and their new toys. We went to family in the mountains to stay this year and were all really sad when it was time to go home. I also miss the tree. I love the lights on it and when it’s the only light on in the room.

I miss the holidays of my childhood. I remember having the chance of having 2 christmas, as my parents are divorced since I was a toddler. My father was much more stable in his life/addiction and my mom was doing her best. But as time went on, my mother was unable to purchase gift. She had to be in great debt to be able to give a proper Christmas to me and my younger brother. A few years later, now at 24, Christmas has lost its meaning. We are unable to celebrate because we lack money and we don't bother putting up a tree and decorations. We do have a big dinner but my mom is never able to feel happy during that time of the year.

I miss my happiness and I miss seeing my mother happy. The holidays have a sour taste to me now.

I think my mother would relate with you. There is always that fear of not doing enough, especially if you need to use a restricted budget. I'm sure your children are not seeing all the possibilities with the XBOX. It was a good move since a lot of games offer mutliplayer option that can be played together. I think you did good :)

❤ Thanks for sharing with us all. Glad your day could be brighten. And glad to hear that it's turning around at home too!

You are a very generous person. I bet you are like this in real life also. <3

I am not very good with words so this is gonna be short and to the point. lol

I do not have any friends in RL (long story), so my friends are on here and we are . They are the most wonderful caring group of gals!!! My heart swells with love every time I think of them. They have been there for me thru alot of ups and downs. If it werent for them I do not know where I would be. .........So I will miss binge shopping for them for Lumni.

I am sorry you have had a hard year. I know what it is like to be money "strapped. I was unable to get gifts for anyone. Thankfully my rl family understands. <3 My heart is with you.

I think I miss my tree and the Christmas lights the most, after Christmas is over. Winter is bleak, and often depressing for me, but the coziness of my twinkling, white-lit tree in my living room, and the bright, cheerful decorations on houses in my neighborhood really help stave off some of the dreariness. When I take down my tree after Christmas, I feel like there's a hole in my living room - and it's just dark and kinda sad for a while, haha. This year, I've decided to look into using fairy lights in my normal decor somehow, and try to replicate that feeling of warmth and light throughout the rest of winter!

You are a very generous person. I bet you are like this in real life also. <3

I am not very good with words so this is gonna be short and to the point. lol

I do not have any friends in RL (long story), so my friends are on here and we are . They are the most wonderful caring group of gals!!! My heart swells with love every time I think of them. They have been there for me thru alot of ups and downs. If it werent for them I do not know where I would be. .........So I will miss binge shopping for them for Lumni.

I am sorry you have had a hard year. I know what it is like to be money "strapped. I was unable to get gifts for anyone. Thankfully my rl family understands. <3 My heart is with you.

Sorry for the double post....I have no clue why it happened.

Congrats to the winners!

On Christmas Eve, as my roommate and myself were sitting down to dinner there was a knock on the door, a neighbor's indoor cat got out, and it was heart-warming to see so many people bundled against the cold out with flashlights looking for the cat We're a closely knit community, but the thought of it still makes me smile (shiver, too, for Ca it was freaking cold). What I'm trying to say is I miss the Christmas spirit

Roose was a sociopath "A quiet land, a peaceful people" boy please! Ramsey was pure 100% Psychopath

Motherhood is never easy. I thought I did okay. But this Christmas, my grown-up son and his wife decided that I was not worth a phone call or a card. I was put on their naughty list nearly a year ago over petty BS. They have a beautiful baby who I've only seen a couple weeks after she was born but haven't since. This has really put a knife through my heart. There are many circumstances surrounding this relationship and sadly I have decided to walk away from it all and move on without them as they have with me. I've done a lot of crying this Christmas. Because I do miss my son, his wife and their precious little girl. I also miss my parents who are now in heaven(Dad passed nearly 6 years ago and Mom last year). My sister gave me my last gift from my mom this year, some tea towels that she decorated, stashed away and put my name on them. tears She also gave me an ornament with a poem on it about loved ones in heaven which has my sister-in-laws name engraved on the back (she passed 10 years ago). more tears Then I get a call from my sister last night. Her dog wasn't doing well. He couldn't walk, and he had labored breathing. I told her to get him to the vet ASAP. He died right before they got there. BLAH. So yeah, I truly miss the way things were. The WHOLE family, getting together and enjoying each other. I have been trying to focus more on the positives so that none of this gets to me. Like the fact that I got to spend some time with my 5yo grandson. We made pies together on Christmas Eve. My other son (father of said grandson) spent a lot of time with me this year. His roommate came with us to my sister's house on Christmas day so he wouldn't have to spend it alone. And many more great memories. Please don't feel sorry for me. I will get through this and keep focusing on those silver linings, just like Country did in the end. I think we all have our ups and downs throughout the holidays and some years it's harder than others. Much love to all :) especially to those that need it ❤

I just miss the warmth and joy of the holidays, and how everyone seems to be so happy and so kind to one another. I feel like people become their best selves at the holidays: everyone is more giving, more gracious, and more thoughtful. Just like anyone else, I miss the sparkly lights and the fun decorations and the food (omg the food), but it's that holly-jolly spirit that I miss most when the holidays come to an end and everyone goes back to their normal routines.

thank you so much for running this event! Reading everyone's fun, thoughtful responses have really warmed my heart. This has been so fun.

since my grandmother died a few years ago the holidays are not the same , we used to bake together and it was a lot more festive being with more faily members than my parents and siblings . this year was was pretty rough since there was not a lot of chistmas cheer. we all used to decorate the tree together but this year only my mom, my older sister an i did. and well my dad hung the lights on the tree and went back to his pc and when we asked him to help he just sayed he hung the lights, my 2 younger siblings where not helping at all they where just on theyr pcs, and on chistmas my little brother just went beck to his room as soon as he finished opening his gifts and was not on any photos we made , so what i really miss is the christmas cheer we used to have all as kids

I miss the feeling of finding that perfect gift, and the excitement of waiting to see the look when that present is opened. I miss the wonderful food and the closeness of family.

This year wasn't as fun for a variety of reasons. Being a poor college student, I couldn't spend a lot of money, and it was hard to get into the proper spirit due to reasons I mentioned earlier.

yes the Xbox was the best choice for us since there are 4 boys (husband included) in the house that all want to play at once. Now we will need to get 2 more controllers amd there will be zero fighting haha, oh wait they would all have to agree to play the same game... nevermind lol

i know it was a long ranting session but it feels good sharing

I made gifts for all the adults this year, which went over very well.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I don't know what I'd do if I lost my mother too, having dad gone is bad enough, but if something were to happen to her...I'd be lost. You're in my thoughts and prayers and I hope your son comes around and y'all get past the past. hugs

thanks y'all ❤

I love that post-christmas comic :P I just woke up so it had me smiling.

I don't have any kids but I can imagine all of the clean up you have to do. Growing up in a huge family things would be everywhere I felt bad for my mom because she would be the one picking up everything, looking back I wish I helped her more. I will definitely take your advice on the tree and the plastic ornaments and the idea about the salt dough stars is amazing. I like diy projects. I always watch YouTube videos of them and life hacks people are so creative.

I feel the exact same way about presents, I miss finding the perfect one and it didn't even have to be expensive just thoughtful and even making my own present. I feel like nowadays its like family wants the most expensive or whatever the new technology is out lol. Bring back the simplicity!

so true the Christmas spirit is missing, like I lost count of how much times my family members had their nose in their phones.

yea! can't we all just apreciate that we are all together once a year without needing our phone/pc for a few hours

That's quite the challenge! But there is always a way to make people agree (especially kids). I've babysat enough to know how haha. But that's something you'll have to discuss with your husband. But either way, it's going to be fun for everyone.

I feel you on the 'poor college student' vibe. I've spend a total of $85 for my mother and brother. I can't afford more and I try to aim for something useful. I have to pay for school again soon, which is why I'm limited. You'll eventually be able to afford what you want to. Give yourself some time :)

making gifts is so fun! I haven't had much time this year though.

thank you. Broke college students unite!

YUP! so true, next time I'm ripping the phones from their paws :P

I really need to find time also, there's always next year ^-^

btw if I don't get a chance to say this hope everyone on here has a wonderful new years :D its slowly approaching. I'm going to make it my new years resolution to be more sociable. I always make my new years resolution to lose weight or something like that, so I'm changing it up.

XD please everyone give your phones in this basked. you'll get them back in a few hours