[charles]

The subject of Christmas has come up in some of the groups lately, it is fast approaching.  There can be a lot of issues around Christmas, things good and bad.  Stresses and triggers, joy and sadness.

 

I thought I would start a thread for all to post about any aspect of how we find Christmas, good and/or bad.  Benefits or problems caused.

 

All thoughts welcome.

 

 

 

[lizbeth4]

For myself, Christmas has always been a big stressor and a trigger for gambling. This year I am cutting the gift purchases. I am only buying for the Grandkids. Decorating was kept to a minimum, a tree and a few extra decorations. If I make the dinner, I am asking everyone to bring a dish. The less stress=no gambling!

[kathryn]

One year I gambled all the money I had put away for the kids Christmas presents. I lied to my mother and told her my purse had been stolen out of my car. She ‘lent’ me the money. Of course, I only bought minimal stuff for the kids and gambled the rest.
To read that back gives me a hot flush and makes me feel physically ill.
Not this year.
Love K xxx

[p]

Funny

i dont cope well with christmas, i dont cope with the whole time from December till January, it does my head in.
I know i sound like the spoiler of holidays or something it just makes me crazy. I find it just chaos and kind of deal with the normal days so much easier

p

[Monica1]

As I have nothing, nada. First time since I was very young that I have nothing. Usually very lavish on my family at Xmas. And it hurts this year.

[charles]

The subject of Christmas came up in the Topic group the other week. The Topic was Triggers.

Triggers caused by Christmas included:

Needing money for presnts and visiting/buying drinks etc
Receiving cash as presents
Free time over the holidays
Having to spend time with relatives we might not actually like much
Being stuck in the house for several days with family who we might usualy only see for a few hours each day.

These things are going to happen so we can plan for them. Plan our time, have barriers and support in place etc

There were positive comments about Christmas as well. It does highlight the difference between then and now. We can enjoy it for the right reasons no as opposed to the gambling that comes with the sports happening over the holiday period.

For anyone new to recovery or who is struggling then with only a couple opf weeks to go this Christmas might not be the best one. It is what you do now though which will determioe what future Christmases are like.

[charles]

Not to forget of course the risk of financial pressures after Christmas if we overspend. Important to stay within our means.

[Bluedaze17]

Every Christmas my hubs gives me cash to buy gifts for the kiddos, and as fast as I can get out the door, I’m up at the casino gambling it all away. I then use credit, beg, borrow or steal to cover Christmas. Next Christmas that won’t happen.

[charles]

With just a few days to go before Christmas I thought I’d bump this one up.

[Author]

Posts