'I'm sacking off my family this Christmas – I want it to be all about me for once'

One woman admitted she couldn't be bothered with doing Christmas in a family-oriented way this year and just wanted to go for a walk, chill with her cat and eat in peace

Christmas can be a stressful time, and there are lots of expectations put on one day.

From food which needs cooking to presents, and even the table that requires a glorious centrepiece, it's clear to see why some people breathe a huge sigh of relief once December 25 has been and gone.

So much so one woman said she was going to be "sacking off Christmas" this year because she wanted a day of rest and relaxation, all to herself for a change, admitting she wasn't "a***d" about "the whole shebang".

Taking to Mumsnet, the woman said she didn't think she was being unreasonable for considering not seeing her family, but wanted to check what the general consensus was.

She explained: "For the last few years I have joined in Christmas with extended family, I have no close family of my own. I have one adult son who I don't see at Christmas as he lives abroad, he usually visits after Christmas as the flights are cheaper.

"This year, I am just not a***d with the driving, the socialising and the whole shebang. I'm considering doing Christmas on my own, and I'm planning my day already."

She then shared what her plans would be if she allowed herself the day to chill. The woman shared: "Get up late, maybe after a cup of tea in bed with the cat.

"Have a lovely indulgent brunch - fantastic coffee, eggs florentine, or scrambled eggs and smoked salmon. Go for a peaceful walk in the woods with my wellies on with next-doors dog borrowed for the purpose.

"Back in the early afternoon, as daylight is waning, light the wood stove. Have a candle lit bath and change into new pyjamas.

"Then downstairs to a cosy evening of buffet/tapas nibbles, a few Baileys or G&T, a select film or two, and a spot of knitting if I feel like it. Add in a call with my son and a couple of family members, a gift or two, and that will be my day done."

She said she works "really hard in a demanding job", and so just wanted a "cosy chill" on Christmas Day, but was worried it would be "weird and antisocial". However a whopping 98% of people told her to go ahead with her plans.

Comments included: "That sounds like absolute bliss. Please do it, you’ll thank yourself afterwards", "Sounds perfect, enjoy", "Do whatever the hell makes you happy", and "Sounds absolutely lovely. Definitely go for it, and don’t worry about being antisocial just for wanting a quiet year off."

Others penned: "Sounds absolutely marvellous! Mind if I pop round at about 7pm? My house will be full and loud and I tend to go and have 20 minutes upstairs to myself. I won’t make any noise and you won’t have to entertain me at all!!" Another encouraged: "Did it for 6 years when I was single. Loved it. Crack on and enjoy."

Someone else shared: "Sounds ideal. We should normalise doing Christmas however you want to. It doesn’t need to be the same every year, and it doesn’t have to be all about family if you just want a chilled one."