It's out there, that big black cloud, just appearing on the horizon. That time of year.. whether it's Christmas or another tradition you celebrate that brings demands, expectations, families coming together, cooking, entertaining, good times or crushing stress.
Roll with it or roll into a ball?
Are you coping or crumbling?
This year, I am going to try to not secretly unwrap and then re wrap presents with my name on them. I am tired of acting surprised when I open them in front of everyone.
Every gift he opened was "exactly what he wanted" from socks, underwear, to wrestling buddies. This was several decades ago and his perfect appreciation of every single gift made that a special, memorable Christmas for everyone there.
His exact words, "Wow, that's exactly what I wanted, Thank you!"
He only lived 21 years and he left more happy memories for his family than any other person I have ever known.
So give that big surprised thank you, even if you sneaked a peak.
1) Plan a small manageable Christmas dinner, no more than 4 or 5 people including you. The person you are caring for can’t cope with a bigger crowd, can’t hear the conversations, gets very tired. That’s probably true as well as a good excuse. Others can schedule a visit on Christmas eve or Boxing Day, or a phone call instead.
2)Work out food that’s easy, and dole out responsibility for particular things if you want to. ‘Gourmet’ icecream for desert, or microwave pudding works well. Doing this for my almost-end-of-life BIL, we did lots of little finger food savories that were small (so he could try a bite of several) and that didn’t need him to manage cutlery. Slice of ham wrapped around a stick of cucumber or asparagus, a little bit of turkey on a tiny biscuit with a dob of sauce on top, peeled prawns on a cocktail stick, that sort of thing. Easy to get ready in advance, easy to clean up, and everyone enjoyed it.
3)Forget the presents, or make a rule that they must cost less than $10. If anyone really wants to splurge, they do it separately so there are no comparisons.
4)Buy a very small artificial tree, and decorate it with just a few ‘family’ ornaments. No big tree to topple over, no buckets of water to carry, and nice memories that come up with the ornaments. I have a lovely little nativity set that comes out every year, good to prompt someone to sing a carol or two. You don't need much to make it special.
It’s a bit miserable to ignore Christmas (shades of post marriage breakup), but there’s no need to make it over-the-top. Love to all, Margaret
Thanksgiving update. Last Sunday the hubs and I went to my parents ALF for Thanksgiving lunch. It was a warm lovely day with a light breeze we sat outside. Turkey and ham with all the fixings. Nice party music in the background.
My parents will come over for Thanksgiving lunch. Enchiladas on Friday!
Christmas Eve Dinner: Steak, baked potatoes, fresh green salad with ranch dressing, Chocolate Satin Pie. I bought a pie because I was stressed.
Christmas Day: Christmas breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast.
Finger sandwiches at parents ALF. Fresh fruit and cheese platter.
Thank you for starting this discussion Beatty. I used it focus and stay on track and not give into people pleasing.
I didn't have Turkey this year. I'm not a big fan.
My wife bought a Costco chicken,small ham, McCormak instant gravy, scalloped potatoes and a vegetable. My son and wife brought dessert, which came from Costco as well.
Everything came from Costco.
I just couldn't resist the urge to secretly unwrap and then re-wrap presents with my name on them.
My 94.5 year old mother came out of her room and caught me. She can be stealthy with her walker. First time in 63 years.
Maybe I'll have better willpower next year....
For those who love the holidays I wish them the very merriest cheer of the day, or the most peaceful and joyful of celebrations of the birth of their Christ. For me I am down to I have 365 days, should I live so long, before the next round. My present is seeing those like you who give so much joy and great advice here the live long year.
Welcome Janualry 2022.
I will be pleased to see you - despite the uncertainty, new challenges & the coming heat
Must roll on.
― Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Says it well for me.
Happy New Year's Eve everyone!