In the past, growing up, we used to celebrate "Sinterklaas" on the 5th of December (we're Dutch) and/or (depending on how it was arranged in your family) Christmas eve and the 2 Christmas days. For me personally, it meant that all three days (well, 2,5 technically) during Christmas were booked upfront after the rest of the family finally agreed on the planning because it wasn't an easy task with some in-laws who also claimed these days..
I hated the part of not having some chill days and preferred to only celebrate it Christmas eve and or one of the two days but it was not what it was growing up.
Once I got older and I had my own family, this changed and I decided to be in charge of these traditions myself and not be stressed about these days anymore. Once we moved abroad, we humbly celebrate it either with us three alone or a friend if this happens to be in the planning. We eat fancier breakfasts or leftovers from the evening before, order steak for dinner and bake Christmas cookies etc.
Of course we also have gifts and usually this can't wait until after Christmas morning, lol. In January we don't celebrate any of these holidays.
I'm sorry to hear that these holidays weren't enjoyable for you growing up, but I'm glad to hear that you get to celebrate them in your own way now. Best wishes to you and your family.
Of course we also had nice moments every Christmas but I always found the "must do this and that" planning every Christmas a lot of stress.. I was exhausted when it was over, haha. But I know this was an issue in many families, some just love this and others don't :)
True, but I also believe that the way you approach those tasks leads you to enjoy it or not.
I mean, you can always find a way to make the moment of deciding the decoration and/or putting up the decorations fun and enjoyable for everyone.
For example, in my family we usually play competition type games with each other which helps us reduce stress, plus the fact that sharing as a family helps with that as well.
I agree that these games make it more fun, I did that later with in-laws..
The decoration part was already long done before Christmas, in Holland we already put up the tree in November or early December :)
Also, if you are an only child, and left with all adults a whole day who are all having fun and some drinks until late, it's not that fun to be the only child is my experience. My niece and nephew were all long gone to the next family gathering while I stayed behind..
It's important that adults understand that these days aren't fun for children this way..
You're right. I think I was very lucky because I have 4 siblings and a lot of cousins around my age. My family has always been very numerous.
In the days of Christmas celebration, the most beautiful are the gifts, that's why I love to celebrate.
Merry Christmas!