While for most of us the festive season is one for getting together with family and celebrating the little things in life, it's not without significant issues.
No sir, it's not all tinsel, turkey and falling asleep in front of the TV - sometimes Christmas can actually be really stressful. Everyone has their own personal horror stories of when Christmas plans have gone awry, but there are some common things that seem to crop up every year.
Thankfully, with the help of Gumtree, these issues can be simply a ghost of Christmas past!
So kick back and relive some of the most common Christmas issues we all face annually, and see how Gumtree can help solve them.
1. Not enough chairs!
It's two days before Christmas and your uncle has called to say he's now bringing his new girlfriend and her five kids to Christmas dinner. Don't panic, a few clicks and new chairs are on the way.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Pexels]]
2. The annual Xmas shouting match
Forget about sitting there listening to nan and grandad spar over whether to watch the Queen's speech. Get some nice new headphones and drown them out with some festive tunes.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Pexels]]
3. Faulty lights on your tree
Blown bulbs are the hallmark of a Christmas catastrophe, but never fear! Invest in some last-minute lighting solutions and make sure your tree shines as bright as you do the rest of the year.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Pexels]]
4. Board game fiasco
Yes, we know what happened last year - your brother flipped the Monopoly board again after going bankrupt. Instead of playing the same old games year after year, why not purchase some newer and less divisive options.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Pexels]]
5. Who's going to do the dishes?
The elephant in the room as soon as the last piece of turkey is devoured, who the hell is going to do the dishes? The answer: nobody - because your new dishwasher you just bought online is going to take care of everything in no time.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Pexels]]
6. No room at the inn
With all the relatives staying over Christmas, sleeping arrangements can get a little tight to say the least. Instead of taking a leaf out of Mary and Joseph's book and sleeping in a barn, why not spend some money on some comfy air beds to house your festive guests!
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Pexels]]
So don't let your Christmas get bogged down by the usual clatter of dirty plates and your family warring over what to watch on TV - the festive season can be simpler! Get yourself over to Gumtree, where all your festive woes can be solved with a click. Enjoy!
As Christmas Day approaches, it's time to acknowledge that there is one thing all the greats have in spades. And no, before you ask, I'm not talking about Michael Buble's Christmas album.
Your mum, your aunty, your grandma - all these strong independent women have one trusty weapon in their armory during the undeniable festive slog. Organisational skills. Skills that you can't possibly hope to match at such a tender age.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Pexels]]
The perfect picture book Christmas is not a last minute rush to the shops and a slapdash tree - it's hours of meticulous menu planning, standing in long lines for the perfect turkey, shopping around for the perfect cheese board, and days of hard graft turning the house into a winter wonderland.
So how do the rest of us, a bunch of noel novices, hope to get out of the festive season totally unscathed? The answer is relatively simple... a handy site called Gumtree.
The home of classified adverts in the UK, Gumtree are on hand this Christmas to solve the yuletide hiccups that have become synonymous with Santa dropping off his presents. Whether it's grabbing that extra chair to make sure Great Aunt Edith isn't sitting on the floor, or hunting down some much needed kitchen utensils for the big Christmas lunch showdown, Gumtree can help you out. Oh yeah, and don't worry about the sleeping arrangements either, as it might even be able to sort you out with some last-minute airbeds for those guests who aren't built for sofa surfing.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Pexels]]
Christmas doesn't have to be a stressful event, in fact, it could even be - whisper it - enjoyable! So as the big day gets nearer, try not to panic, and remember that there is always a helping hand on duty for those of us to whom organisation and planning don't come easy.
We make our own Christmas traditions. However, the more that goes on, the more that can go wrong! The tree falls down, the dog eats the presents, the cat pulls down the lights, your racist old grandmother goes on a tirade after a few sherries, the presents don't arrive in time, someone sets fire to your boat - it really matters not! Absolute anything can go wrong in and around this yearly event. I bet you're worried now, aren't you? Well, ignore that worry and laugh at the following calamities!
Christmas is a time of receiving the same old gifts year in year out from the same family members. Usually. The caption really says it all here, kids, and I hope you have truly learned a lesson. It really does bring new meaning to "washing your mouth out with soap" doesn't it?.
[post_page_title]#2 Passive Aggression At Its Absolute Finest[/post_page_title]
'My Parents Made My Wife A Stocking For Christmas' - Spending time with your parents or in-laws, distant family or family friends can be a strain on the mind. Especially if there is some bad blood or you simply can't stand whoever it is sat at your table. However, this goes a little further, especially when you're aware of how a member of your family feels towards your partner.
[post_page_title]#3 Prank or Prophecy?[/post_page_title]
As much as this is very, very, very, very, very - VERY amusing to us, I can't imagine it was initially to the owner of this garage. The dinner is in the over, you come outside to move the car to make room for nana and grandad's needlessly huge car and you find this, but, is there more to it? People eat a lot of meat at Christmas... Just saying.
[post_page_title]#4 Well, There Goes Christmas Lunch[/post_page_title]
I mean, wow, I honestly would not know how to react if this happened to me. I would likely just stand and stare in complete and utter bewilderment at what lay before me. If only - A) This was that sugar glass they use in action blockbusters and B) These people had a better understanding of how physics and specifically heat works with glass surfaces!
And so we see this image before us, much like the image that may well have brought you here, this won't be the last time something like this graces this list. I mean it obviously wasn't the cat now, was it? Cats have absolutely no tendency to wreck things simply because they can...
[post_page_title]#6 Starting Christmas On The Wrong Foot[/post_page_title]
What I adore about these lists is that as much as I enjoy writing a few words here and there to accentuate the hilarity in front of me and ultimately you, sometimes, I simply don't need to. All in all, I guess we're just another foot through the floor.
[post_page_title]#7 Brand New Christmas Decorations, Dog Did Not Approve[/post_page_title]
Ah Christmas, ah having to leave to house, ah having pets that you leave in the house while you go out for an indeterminate amount of time. Ah coming home to find the pet has done something and is now skulking in the corner.
[post_page_title]#8 Christmas Dinner Is Ruined[/post_page_title]
Once the presents are done, breakfast and or brunch are done, the family disperses to mess around with their gifts of the day. Once the dinner is in the oven, the gifts of the day become sentient and take Christmas for themselves. Judgment day is upon us.
[post_page_title]#9 I Was Putting Up Christmas Lights On My Roof A While Back When This Happened...[/post_page_title]
When it comes to Christmas decorations, some people truly go all out in a display brighter than the northern lights and tackier than a warehouse full of knock off Faberge Eggs. The effort that goes into Christmas really starts with the decorations and often sets the tone for the season! Right, so shall I ask for a new ladder, a better one or for someone to - HELP ME OFF THIS F**KING ROOF.
[post_page_title]#11 Neighbor Just Tried To Throw His Christmas Tree From The Balcony. Not Sure Where It Should’ve Landed Ideally[/post_page_title]
Something I've always enjoyed is how long people keep their trees up this time of year. Be them fake or real, the time really varies. Anyway, when comes the time to expel the festive leafy greens from your home, most will simply chop them up or places them on the roadside for collection. Most people...
[post_page_title]#12 I Ummmm... Uhhhhh... Merry Christmas![/post_page_title]
Here we are, AGAIN. Dogs are an absolute mystery. Yet at Christmas, you'd think owners would be far more cautious with what they leave their pets around. I mean, look at that face, I'm sure they were just trying to help with something!
[post_page_title]#14 I Bought My Dog An Advent Calendar, Who Then Explored All 24 Days Of Christmas While I Was Pumping Gas[/post_page_title]
Showering your pets with gifts, treats and all the things you normally wouldn't want them to get too used to is often cast by the wayside at Christmas. In all honesty, they are part of the family after all, so why not?!
[post_page_title]#15 Christmas Toy, Meet Dog's Water Bowl. Dog’s Water Bowl, Meet Christmas Toy[/post_page_title]
While we're still on the Christmas adventure that is having a dog, we have a life lesson for you to consider before its all way, way, way too late. BE SURE OF THE LOCATION OF YOUR DOG AT ALL TIMES. Christmas is full of joy, amazing food, family and gifted items galore! Dogs are aware of this.
[post_page_title]#16 Hid The Ham From The Dog In The Oven. On A Plastic Carving Tray. Turned The Oven On To Preheat For The Roast Turkey[/post_page_title]
Now, I imagine many of you are now questioning whether it is really worth having a dog? These instances in some way, shape or form can occur all year anyway but apparently are all the more prominent during the festive period and it really must be questioning the issue for all you prospective owners. First off, YES, it is worth having one, just be a little smarter this December. This human was on the right track but once again, the machines have the final say. Where is Sarah Connor when you need her?
[post_page_title]#17 Why The Wife Says We Can No Longer Have A Real Christmas Tree[/post_page_title]
Like many, I grew up with a real tree until the house was decorated and my mother got her way. Those pesky little needles would indeed get everywhere but in reality, it was never really that bad and I never completely understood the fuss of it all. Until now... Indeed, yes, completely fair enough! Carry on.
[post_page_title]#18 Got An Interesting Package In The Mail Today. I Have No Idea Who Sent It... Merry Christmas I Guess[/post_page_title]
Unwanted gifts are a staple of Christmas, it happens at least once every year and yet most of the time, they are still in good faith! Most of the time they are and most of the time, a simple smile, nod and a thank you are enough to move past whatever it is that you didn't want. Sometimes, oh sometimes, it's a little... harder.
[post_page_title]#19 Found On Snapchat. Someone Got A Great Christmas Present[/post_page_title]
Carrying over from unwanted gifts, we have those in which the sentiment was present and true, if not a little misguided. Imagine this, you've had an absolute clanger of a few weeks and irreparable damage to your life has left you deflated and down-trodden. You visit the family to feel better and distract yourself from it all, only to receive this...
We all know the story of Ebeneser Scrouge and his hateful attitude towards Christmas, and despite the happy ending of A Christmas Carol, his disdain was real, so real in fact the story of such has clear imprinted on the quadruped in this family. Seriously, keep the dogs away from the tree! This has been a cautionary tale.
[post_page_title]#22 Merry Christmas To Me! My Secret Pal Gift At Work Included Live Roaches And Roach Droppings[/post_page_title]
Secret Pal Gift, Secret Santa, the anonymous gift-giving exercise seen in the workplace each yeah is often a fun one. You have no idea what you are going to get, be it a piece of paper with a photo of something nice on it or actually something nice, the ambiguity is part of the fun! In this case, the final stage of this little light-hearted team building end of the year exercise was not. At all.
[post_page_title] #23 My Christmas Present [/post_page_title]
For myself, when I was still living at home, getting the game I'd been yearning for on Christmas day would mean running up to my room and immersing myself in whatever fantasy or fictional world I had been gifted. I miss those days! This is completely not what you want to find, personally I would either curl up in a ball and cry or go on a rampage of wanton destruction until I found the culprit! What about you?
[post_page_title]#24 Just About Died Getting This Up And None Of The Lights Work[/post_page_title]
Another for those house-proud builders of awe-inspiring displays or cozy festive homes for the Christmas season, the folly of this entry will likely hit home! That looks lovely too! What a shame!
[post_page_title]#25 My Parents Came Home To Their Christmas Tree This Morning[/post_page_title]
Christmas are beautiful, there is no denying that. However, once again on this list, physics is having some play into why Christmas is ultimately being ruined. Trees, Trees are ROOTED in the ground with ROOTS that support the ever-growing weight as the leafy-boii races to the sky to get as much sunlight as possible. This tree is clearly taller than even a reasonably tall human adult and yet has nothing but a flimsy plant pot to support its weight.
[post_page_title]#26 This Morning Some Kids Decided To Set Fire To My Boat. Merry Christmas[/post_page_title]
Do you remember my covert mentioning of boats earlier? If you noticed it, then you may well well have experienced some confusion. Boats on fire? Christmas? What? Strange, I'll give you that but still, not what you need!
[post_page_title]#29 10 Foot Tall Christmas Tree Fell Over Today...[/post_page_title]
Right, so either this was a dog, poor planning on the part of whoever put it up or the spirit of old Scrouge has now got to the trees. You may recognize this from the cover image that again, likely brought you here, it just had to go in, I NEED TO KNOW. Judging from what I can see, getting that tree in the house in the first place seems like a struggle plain and simple. Who needs a 10ft tree INSIDE anyway?
[post_page_title]#30 Got A Flat Tire Last Night Over The Christmas Holidays, Nowhere Is Open To Fix It[/post_page_title]
Family obligations, Christmas is chockful of it! Ferrying loved ones around, ferrying friends around, ferrying in-laws that drive you insane from place to place, someone has to do it! And if it's not this it's rushing to town to get the last of the Christmas comestibles, needless to say, its a busy time of year if you drive! So with that said, this is not what you need now, is it?
We make our own Christmas traditions. However, the more that goes on, the more that can go wrong! The tree falls down, the dog eats the presents, the cat pulls down the lights, your racist old grandmother goes on a tirade after a few sherries, the presents don't arrive in time, someone sets fire to your boat - it really matters not! Absolute anything can go wrong in and around this yearly event. I bet you're worried now, aren't you? Well, ignore that worry and laugh at the following calamities!
[post_page_title]#1 Clean Eating[/post_page_title]
Christmas is a time of receiving the same old gifts year in year out from the same family members. Usually.
[caption id="attachment_4305" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Twitter / jellispants[/caption]
The caption really says it all here, kids, and I hope you have truly learned a lesson. It really does bring new meaning to "washing your mouth out with soap" doesn't it?.
[post_page_title]#2 Passive Aggression At Its Absolute Finest[/post_page_title]
'My Parents Made My Wife A Stocking For Christmas' - Spending time with your parents or in-laws, distant family or family friends can be a strain on the mind. Especially if there is some bad blood or you simply can't stand whoever it is sat at your table.
[caption id="attachment_4306" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit" Reddit / akantho[/caption]
However, this goes a little further, especially when you're aware of how a member of your family feels towards your partner. People are petty and Christmas is the jolly time of year for it to reach its peak! I hope dinner went well, akantho!
[post_page_title]#3 Prank or Prophecy?[/post_page_title]
As much as this is very, very, very, very, very - VERY amusing to us, I can't imagine it was initially to the owner of this garage. The dinner is in the over, you come outside to move the car to make room for nana and grandad's needlessly huge car and you find this, but, is there more to it?
[caption id="attachment_4307" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / extcm1[/caption]
People eat a lot of meat at Christmas... Just saying.
[post_page_title]#4 Well, There Goes Christmas Lunch[/post_page_title]
I mean, wow, I honestly would not know how to react if this happened to me. I would likely just stand and stare in complete and utter bewilderment at what lay before me.
[caption id="attachment_4308" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / thejimking[/caption]
If only - A) This was that sugar glass they use in action blockbusters and B) These people had a better understanding of how physics and specifically heat works with glass surfaces!
[post_page_title]#5 Merry Christmas![/post_page_title]
And so we see this image before us, much like the image that may well have brought you here, this won't be the last time something like this graces this list.
[caption id="attachment_4309" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / MainePoster[/caption]
I mean it obviously wasn't the cat now, was it? Cats have absolutely no tendency to wreck things simply because they can...
[post_page_title]#6 Starting Christmas On The Wrong Foot[/post_page_title]
What I adore about these lists is that as much as I enjoy writing a few words here and there to accentuate the hilarity in front of me and ultimately you, sometimes, I simply don't need to.
[caption id="attachment_4310" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / we_re_all_dead[/caption]
All in all, I guess we're just another foot through the floor.
[post_page_title]#7 Brand New Christmas Decorations, Dog Did Not Approve[/post_page_title]
Ah Christmas, ah having to leave to house, ah having pets that you leave in the house while you go out for an indeterminate amount of time.
[caption id="attachment_4311" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / thehuddster123[/caption]
Ah coming home to find the pet has done something and is now skulking in the corner.
[post_page_title]#8 Christmas Dinner Is Ruined[/post_page_title]
Once the presents are done, breakfast and or brunch are done, the family disperses to mess around with their gifts of the day.
[caption id="attachment_4312" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / Aiden2222[/caption]
Once the dinner is in the oven, the gifts of the day become sentient and take Christmas for themselves. Judgment day is upon us.
[post_page_title]#9 I Was Putting Up Christmas Lights On My Roof A While Back When This Happened...[/post_page_title]
When it comes to Christmas decorations, some people truly go all out in a display brighter than the northern lights and tackier than a warehouse full of knock off Faberge Eggs. The effort that goes into Christmas really starts with the decorations and often sets the tone for the season!
[caption id="attachment_4313" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / brend2b[/caption]
Right, so shall I ask for a new ladder, a better one or for someone to - HELP ME OFF THIS F**KING ROOF.
[post_page_title]#10 My Mom Left $300 Unattended, My Nephew (Special Little Kid) Thought It Was Just Papers. Merry Christmas, Mom[/post_page_title]
"Thank god we have that extra three-hundred for food this year, its really going to be something special?"
[caption id="attachment_4314" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / appycapterr[/caption]
*jaw drops to the ground*
[post_page_title]#11 Neighbor Just Tried To Throw His Christmas Tree From The Balcony. Not Sure Where It Should’ve Landed Ideally[/post_page_title]
Something I've always enjoyed is how long people keep their trees up this time of year. Be them fake or real, the time really varies.
Anyway, when comes the time to expel the festive leafy greens from your home, most will simply chop them up or places them on the roadside for collection. Most people...
[caption id="attachment_4318" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / goldquest[/caption]
I wouldn't say this a person having a bad Christmas but this is still a problem, a rather laughable post-festive problem.
[post_page_title]#12 I Ummmm... Uhhhhh... Merry Christmas![/post_page_title]
Here we are, AGAIN.
[caption id="attachment_4319" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / RedPill42[/caption]
Dogs are an absolute mystery. Yet at Christmas, you'd think owners would be far more cautious with what they leave their pets around. I mean, look at that face, I'm sure they were just trying to help with something!
[post_page_title]#14 I Bought My Dog An Advent Calendar, Who Then Explored All 24 Days Of Christmas While I Was Pumping Gas[/post_page_title]
Showering your pets with gifts, treats and all the things you normally wouldn't want them to get too used to is often cast by the wayside at Christmas. In all honesty, they are part of the family after all, so why not?!
Absolutely nothing can go wrong!
... ever!
[caption id="attachment_4320" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / Trair[/caption]
On the first day of Christmas, my owner gave to me... twenty-four days of Christmaaaasssssss!
[post_page_title]#15 Christmas Toy, Meet Dog's Water Bowl. Dog’s Water Bowl, Meet Christmas Toy[/post_page_title]
While we're still on the Christmas adventure that is having a dog, we have a life lesson for you to consider before its all way, way, way too late.
[caption id="attachment_4321" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / AudsOrEvens[/caption]
BE SURE OF THE LOCATION OF YOUR DOG AT ALL TIMES. Christmas is full of joy, amazing food, family and gifted items galore! Dogs are aware of this.
[post_page_title]#16 Hid The Ham From The Dog In The Oven. On A Plastic Carving Tray. Turned The Oven On To Preheat For The Roast Turkey[/post_page_title]
Now, I imagine many of you are now questioning whether it is really worth having a dog? These instances in some way, shape or form can occur all year anyway but apparently are all the more prominent during the festive period and it really must be questioning the issue for all you prospective owners.
[caption id="attachment_4322" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / official_jessicafellowes[/caption]
First off, YES, it is worth having one, just be a little smarter this December. This human was on the right track but once again, the machines have the final say. Where is Sarah Connor when you need her?
[post_page_title]#17 Why The Wife Says We Can No Longer Have A Real Christmas Tree[/post_page_title]
Like many, I grew up with a real tree until the house was decorated and my mother got her way. Those pesky little needles would indeed get everywhere but in reality, it was never really that bad and I never completely understood the fuss of it all. Until now...
[caption id="attachment_4323" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / stehigs321[/caption]
Indeed, yes, completely fair enough! Carry on.
[post_page_title]#18 Got An Interesting Package In The Mail Today. I Have No Idea Who Sent It... Merry Christmas I Guess[/post_page_title]
Unwanted gifts are a staple of Christmas, it happens at least once every year and yet most of the time, they are still in good faith! Most of the time they are and most of the time, a simple smile, nod and a thank you are enough to move past whatever it is that you didn't want.
[caption id="attachment_4325" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / BienGuzman[/caption]
Sometimes, oh sometimes, it's a little... harder.
[post_page_title]#19 Found On Snapchat. Someone Got A Great Christmas Present[/post_page_title]
Carrying over from unwanted gifts, we have those in which the sentiment was present and true, if not a little misguided.
[caption id="attachment_4326" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / Blizzardscissors[/caption]
Imagine this, you've had an absolute clanger of a few weeks and irreparable damage to your life has left you deflated and down-trodden. You visit the family to feel better and distract yourself from it all, only to receive this...
The word "savage" is thrown around a lot these days.
[post_page_title]#20 Scrouge Hound?[/post_page_title]
We all know the story of Ebeneser Scrouge and his hateful attitude towards Christmas, and despite the happy ending of A Christmas Carol, his disdain was real, so real in fact the story of such has clear imprinted on the quadruped in this family.
[caption id="attachment_4327" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / SirMumbleBee[/caption]
Seriously, keep the dogs away from the tree! This has been a cautionary tale.
[post_page_title]#21 Yep, This Just Happened! Very Lucky To Have No Injuries, Just Shattered About My Christmas Ham, Haha[/post_page_title]
Glass tables.
[caption id="attachment_4328" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Instagram / coreyfoxlandscaping[/caption]
Hot dishes.
[post_page_title]#22 Merry Christmas To Me! My Secret Pal Gift At Work Included Live Roaches And Roach Droppings[/post_page_title]
Secret Pal Gift, Secret Santa, the anonymous gift-giving exercise seen in the workplace each yeah is often a fun one. You have no idea what you are going to get, be it a piece of paper with a photo of something nice on it or actually something nice, the ambiguity is part of the fun!
[caption id="attachment_4329" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / amandal0514[/caption]
In this case, the final stage of this little light-hearted team building end of the year exercise was not. At all. *shudder*.
[post_page_title] #23 My Christmas Present [/post_page_title]
For myself, when I was still living at home, getting the game I'd been yearning for on Christmas day would mean running up to my room and immersing myself in whatever fantasy or fictional world I had been gifted. I miss those days!
[caption id="attachment_4330" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / magalz[/caption]
This is completely not what you want to find, personally I would either curl up in a ball and cry or go on a rampage of wanton destruction until I found the culprit! What about you?
[post_page_title]#24 Just About Died Getting This Up And None Of The Lights Work[/post_page_title]
Another for those house-proud builders of awe-inspiring displays or cozy festive homes for the Christmas season, the folly of this entry will likely hit home!
[caption id="attachment_4331" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Instagram rms518[/caption]
That looks lovely too! What a shame!
[post_page_title]#25 My Parents Came Home To Their Christmas Tree This Morning[/post_page_title]
Christmas are beautiful, there is no denying that. However, once again on this list, physics is having some play into why Christmas is ultimately being ruined.
[caption id="attachment_4332" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / FinneganTheGoldenGod[/caption]
Trees, Trees are ROOTED in the ground with ROOTS that support the ever-growing weight as the leafy-boii races to the sky to get as much sunlight as possible. This tree is clearly taller than even a reasonably tall human adult and yet has nothing but a flimsy plant pot to support its weight.
You ruined your own Christmas there my friend!
[post_page_title]#26 This Morning Some Kids Decided To Set Fire To My Boat. Merry Christmas[/post_page_title]
Do you remember my covert mentioning of boats earlier? If you noticed it, then you may well well have experienced some confusion. Boats on fire? Christmas? What?
[caption id="attachment_4333" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / Pedantichrist[/caption]
Strange, I'll give you that but still, not what you need!
[post_page_title]#27 My Dogs Just Knocked Over My Christmas Tree[/post_page_title]
On the third day of Christmas, my woofers gave to me...
[caption id="attachment_4334" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / Squacknog[/caption]
... hindsight via something furryyyyy.
Dog + Christmas = Headache.
[post_page_title]#29 10 Foot Tall Christmas Tree Fell Over Today...[/post_page_title]
Right, so either this was a dog, poor planning on the part of whoever put it up or the spirit of old Scrouge has now got to the trees. You may recognize this from the cover image that again, likely brought you here, it just had to go in, I NEED TO KNOW.
[caption id="attachment_4336" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / SharkFinProgramming[/caption]
Judging from what I can see, getting that tree in the house in the first place seems like a struggle plain and simple. Who needs a 10ft tree INSIDE anyway? It's beautiful and this really, isn't what you want to be dealing with at Christmas but still? Why?
[post_page_title]#30 Got A Flat Tire Last Night Over The Christmas Holidays, Nowhere Is Open To Fix It[/post_page_title]
Family obligations, Christmas is chockful of it! Ferrying loved ones around, ferrying friends around, ferrying in-laws that drive you insane from place to place, someone has to do it! And if it's not this it's rushing to town to get the last of the Christmas comestibles, needless to say, its a busy time of year if you drive!
[caption id="attachment_4338" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Reddit / matty111222[/caption]
So with that said, this is not what you need now, is it?
Now if you excuse me, I need to safety proof my Christmas! Have a good one!
With just over two weeks to go until Christmas Day, a lot of people are starting to realize that it might not be "the most wonderful time of the year" that we were all promised. Aside from being bombarded with festive jingles and commercials for discounted mince pies, we're also being pressured into buying gifts, preparing elaborate meals, and getting in touch with family members that we're only about 70 per cent certain are still alive.
Plus, when it transpires that your great auntie Jill is, in fact, still on this mortal plane, and that, yes, she would simply love to join you for Christmas dinner, you actually have to follow through with your offer. And that's a lot of effort. Don't worry, though, just follow these 9 tips for surviving difficult relatives and you'll hopefully make it out with (most of) your sanity still intact.
1. Prepare for the "so what's happening in your life?" inquisition
If you've got a lot of positive stuff going on, great! Talk about it all you want. However, if you've hit a bit of a stagnation point, or you're not particularly happy with where you are at the moment, prepare a sort of highlight reel for your family. Did something fun recently? Tell them about that. Planning a holiday next year? Distract them by talking about your future adventures. Just don't let them make you feel miserable.
2. And for the "do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?" classic
Again, if you're sorted in this department, great. Just show off your other half as much as possible. If you're not, hit them with the old "I'm focusing on me right now" excuse. Or you could be a bit coy and give them a look that says, "maybe I do have a partner, but I'm not saying more than that."
3. Avoid politics at all costs
Pretend to have swallowed a stray turkey bone, fake a phone call, or just straight-up leave the room without warning. Whatever you do, don't talk politics with your weird racist uncle. Just don't.
4. Have a prepared distraction for any awkward moments
If someone does manage to skewer politics into the discussion, offer a hasty distraction. Maybe turn up the Christmas jingles or push the conversation into something a bit more family-friendly by saying something like, "Oh, speaking of Donald Trump, I've been thinking of taking up golf next year." It'll be weird, but at least it won't be politics.
5. Feign an illness
Not a major one, just something like a cough or a sore throat. Either one will give you an excuse not to talk to people, and you'll hopefully garner enough sympathy to avoid any catty comments from your cousin Sheila.
6. Help out with dinner
If you do this, you'll have an excellent weapon in your arsenal. Nobody is going to start something with the person who's just cooked an excellent meal, and it also gives you a great excuse not to be around people for a few hours, at least.
7. Form an alliance
Pick out the most acceptable relative and become their best friend. Who cares if it's your older brother who you normally bicker with, or your quiet aunt that has like eight cats or something. Just choose the least offensive person, and stick to them like glue.
8. Keep Nana off the vodka
It's Christmas, so of course everyone is going to want a little bit of a drink. However, too much of the good stuff is going to have some very adverse effects on some relatives, and before you know it you'll be dealing with an 80-year-old having a meltdown about roast potatoes. So keep tabs on what people are drinking.
9. Have a planned excuse to leave
Mention right at the start of the day that you might have to pop over to a friend's house at some point, or that you've been asked to check on a neighbor's dog or something. That way, it won't seem suspicious if you duck out at any point.
Hopefully, you won't need any of these survival tips, and Christmas will all run smoothly. If you do, though, you should be well-prepared after reading this.
Despite the fact that Christmas comes around at the same time every year, there are always some people who are grossly underprepared for it. You know the sorts I'm talking about: they do all their shopping on Christmas Eve, their tree (if they even have one) is barely decorated because they can't find all the baubles in the attic, and they always end up going to someone else on the 25th because they "don't have time" to cook a Turkey at their own place.
However, even those of us who are organized enough to have bought enough brussels sprouts and wrapped all the presents before the big day still experience a bit of Christmas panic at times. But how exactly does the fear manifest itself?
1. Denial
It's mid-November. High street stores have started Christmas songs. The festive commercials have started playing. Every other person you talk to begins a conversation by saying, "So, have you got any plans for the holidays?" But you refuse to take part in all that. You tell yourself it's too early to pay it any attention and carry on going about your daily life without giving a second thought to anyone's festive excitement or Amazon wish list.
2. Anger
It's late November now. You've heard All I Want For Christmas Is You at least nine times. You can't even walk down the street without being bombarded by tinsel-laden trees and bauble-covered billboards. It's not even December yet! What are these people thinking? Is Autumn just not a thing anymore!?
3. Guilt
December has finally arrived, but you're still feeling a little grumpy about how disgustingly cheery everyone else is. However, this changes when you get a call from your mom. She says she's so excited to see you in a few weeks - and she's already got your gift sorted! You suddenly feel your stomach drop. You haven't even asked her what she wants yet. You cover up the guilt in your voice and say you're looking forward to seeing her too.
4. Fear
Ok, so you sort of have an idea of what you should get for your mom. Or do you? What if she doesn't like it? Or worse, what if all the shops have sold out of all the good stuff now? Oh man, what if she realizes you basically forgot about her?
5. Panic
SERIOUSLY, THOUGH, WHAT IF YOUR MOM IS DISAPPOINTED IN YOU ON CHRISTMAS DAY? That would be the worst. And you already blew half your last paycheck on stuff you didn't need because you totally forgot about the gift-giving bit of Christmas. You need to get your dad something, too. And your sister. And your secret Santa. How is there suddenly so much to do?
6. Depression
Once the panic subsides, you sort of resign yourself to the idea that Christmas might actually suck this year. It's cold outside. All I Want For Christmas Is You somehow sounds sort of sad after the twenty-ninth play. Everyone else has solid plans, and what do you have? A shopping list of half-thought-out presents and a sudden disdain for Mariah Carey.
7. Reflection
But wait, there's still time. There's online shopping. There's that mall on the other side of town that you always hate going to, but know will have the sorts of things you need. Your mom has invited you over for the day. Your co-workers' cheeriness is actually quite reassuring. And Mariah Carey isn't that bad.
8. Acceptance
The festive season is upon us whether you like it or not, so you have to do what you can to enjoy it. You dig old your old Christmas sweater. You ask your friends for advice on what to get your family. You have a little dance to WHAM!'s Last Christmas in your living room, then drink some mulled wine and chow down on a mince pie. You go see the street lights at night. You watch Home Alone. Then, after all that, you realize that Christmas isn't that bad after all, really.
9. Hope
As the last few days of the season draw in, you start to have a really good feeling about this year. You accept that it might not be perfect, and you know there's some stuff you could have done differently, but, ultimately, you're looking forward to it. You're excited. And so you should be.
If you're still caught up in one of the earlier stages of Christmas panic, don't worry. There's still time to make plans and have a really good holiday. And listen to Mariah Carey on a loop, if that's what you're into.
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