I share these moments of angst in the spirit of keeping it real. Because I have a feeling I'm not the only person going through some sort of pre-holiday frustration and I feel your pain. I've heard it all: "Don't do so much." Duh. But maybe you've experienced some of this and even if you are way more together than me (in real life, not what-I-see-on-your-blog life) I also have a couple of fun video links you might enjoy if nothing else!
And yes, sprinkled with a tree or two throughout -- just to show you that I am making progress!
Do you send things to lots of out-of-towners? That's probably 85 percent of my holiday shopping. There's the wrapping -- not bad. And prepping them to mail. I can't find boxes the right size -- every box I've saved for the past year is way too big or way too small. A nail breaks off (below the quick, which hurts) while trying to open the box with the wrapping paper. Everything's a weird shape. Shopping isn't done. And I look at it all and think "Why does it have to be so hard?"
I'm also frustrated because I'm cutting back on everything this year and I want people to understand and hope they realize it isn't personal. And that at least my shopping will bring gifts a little better than this...
And I realize that probably people won't care what it looks like. I don't. I appreciate the effort but the wrapping isn't the thing. Even the gift itself doesn't matter. It's the being remembered that counts.
Letting go of your inner Martha is hard. And the fact is, I was never a Martha. I was and am a faux-Martha, and not even a very good one at that. This area by my dry sink looks great, all holiday festive!
Next to it -- this corner. The dishwasher padding Rick hasn't found time to put in; a temporary "holding spot" for the cookbooks I couldn't fit anywhere else when the cookbook case fell down. It also held the wine racks and now there's no place to put them with Christmas and no shelf. Pictures taken off the wall to put holiday pictures in their place. (Note -- I did tidy that up a bit today -- hid the dishwasher insulation, moved the pictures...)
While we're at it, let's not look in the corners of the ceiling where the cobwebs have set up their own home sweet home.
The vacuum cleaner decided it wouldn't pick up anymore and after two hours trying to tear it apart to see where it was clogged, I made the determination that I can live with cat-hairy floors for awhile longer. Meanwhile, the puppy pads continue to lay by the door to the garage, since Lizzie has decided to forego the pleasures of using her box for #1 but loves the pads. It beats using the carpet. So, we co-exist. This is her feeding station.
And blowing out the circuit that serves the plugs for the fireplace lights and family room Christmas tree isn't fun. There is now a super-long orange code threading its way into another room. I'll deal with an electrician in the new year.
And we won't talk about the Fibber Magee closet.
More concerning, I'm forgetting big things like PT appointments and did I take my meds? I'm juggling too many things in my head and I skip from one activity to another without finishing anything. I worry about my challenges walking and the pain that comes along with it while still gamely trying to take the stairs, do my exercises and try to be normal. I don't even know what normal is anymore.
And I know, in my heart of hearts that all of this -- messy floor, badly wrapped gifts, cobwebs and ugly corners, even gimpy legs, are really nothing.
We are so fortunate. We can buy or make gifts for each other and afford the postage to mail those not near. Granted, utility bills took a big hike but there is still heat. Gas prices are coming way down and I have a roof over my head. No one is shooting at me or blowing up my city, my home. There is food on the table and resources to have special treats. I am rich with the friendship of people near and far and a family I love with all my heart.
Christmas is both a season of joy and a season of grief for me and my emotions go up and down like one of those swirly roller coasters I see at big amusement parks that dip swiftly, then slowly climb up the next track only to dip again.
I hate roller coasters.
But I know more than a few people who will be experiencing their first Christmas without someone they love. Others who are enduring rounds of chemo or other therapies for diseases far more serious than a gimpy hip. Still others who I'm sure are holding their pain -- physical, emotional or material -- close to their chests and soldiering on.
Life feels heavy these days. There is much in our world that is distressing. The Marsh family sums it up far better than I could in this song.
And yes -- they are right. There is hope. We just have to lighten up enough to seek it out. Well, that's what I have to do.
So, last night Rick and I went to a small town symphony concert. I have to say, the first four songs were beyond dreadful -- I told someone it was like Christmas music in Hell sounded like. And then the real symphony came out and took us on a "sleigh ride" into a "winter wonderland" where it was a "white Christmas" and things lifted. (In fairness to the opening numbers, we didn't realize at the time that these were people with only one year playing under their belts. They need a few years, but -- as I often say -- at least they are doing it.)
As the Marsh family sings, "Small steps are a beginning."
And this morning -- this.
There were five of them and they were beautiful. Today is a better day. I hope it is for you, too.
(I promise a cheerier post sooner. Or else the November books! Or both.)
Sharing with: All About Home / Share Your Style
69 comments:
Jeanie,
I stopped buying gifts for family a long time ago...They get money and then can put it toward something they want or go out to Dinner....Saves so much time, keeps the stress level down and helps me stay within my budget...Easy Peasy and everyone is thrilled with money!! Joe and I stopped giving each other gifts over 20 years ago...It made no sense to keep buying things that we could just go out and buy when we wanted to or end up with things that neither of us really wanted...I will bake tomorrow but I am cutting back on that because after losing 37 pounds in 6 months, I do not want to blow it all over the Holidays...
we were exposed to covid again so we are testing but we are fine...Just a fact of life anymore....Hope you have a good week and thanks so much for always visiting!!
Hugs.
Deb
I cut back this year on gifts also. But you are so right. Utility bills are higher, and gas still is, even if the price is down a bit. But we have homes that are warm and have power. We have food. And you aren't the only one with clutter. Last night it was all getting to me. So this morning I got up and went through some of my kitchen storage and did some picking up. It didn't take too long, and I should have done it weeks ago, but of course I didn't. Now there's the rest of the house...but whether I will get to it or not, I don't know. It doesn't have to be perfect. And better to have fun and celebrate than have the house looking 100%. It's ok to cut back a bit on decorating just like spending...I will admit I did a bit of decorating cut back too. I hope you have a great start to the new week. hugs-Erika
The deer must be quite a sight for Lizzie.
For me this time of year is very difficult. I'll be glad when we're past it.
Jeanie, you are such a perfectionist! Lots of us don’t do a tenth of what you do, but you are still beating yourself up over what’s not there. You have so many beautiful places set up in your house that it’s really impressive.
Have fun and enjoy your holiday… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Oh yes, social media ( is old time blogging also considered social media?) mostly shows only the clean , the organized, the beautiful, the happy. But of course we all have our junk rooms, crowded storage spaces, cat throw-up on the floor, issues in our relationships, pants we don’t fit into, and health concerns. It’s a gutsy move when people share the good, the bad, and the ugly, but that’s often when they get the most heartfelt responses.
We are cutting back this Christmas. The money spent on gas alone for all of the drives back and forth to the city for appointments and procedures has been ridiculous. We ( I say “we” but husband is doing the work) continue to improve our insulation and therefore heating bills but it’s a situation of spending money to save money in the long run.
You are not alone, Jeanie. Hugs being sent from the great white North! - Jenn
Gift wrapping and mailing? Haven't you heard of Amazon? 😂 Seriously, though, I hope you find some time to rest. Have a peaceful day, at least today...and then tomorrow, repeat.
Here, hot apple pie for you. 🥧
{{{{{{{Jeanie}}}}}}
Good post-says what many of us are thinking-
I think this will be a rough christms time for many-I always try to be thankful and grateful-things could always be worse-hugs Kathy
Jeanie, since the pandemic so much has changed in all of our lives. Your tree looks so pretty and must be a joy to you in spite of all the other things going on. Yes, we are blessed but that doesn't mean we have to pretend everything is okay. Take care of yourself, my friend. Thank you for being real!
Blogger is giving me trouble when I comment on my phone so this might not come across right - so this is Lisa in case it shows as anonymous! I have 2 friends that lost parents this fall. More and more of my friends are losing a parent and it’s so hard to watch someone go through. The holidays can be so hard. I think they haven’t ever really been the same for Phil and his mom since they lost his dad. The kids help but his dad is so very missed.
We are heading to Mexico tomorrow and I am feeling very ready for a break. I got a flare this morning. I knew it was brewing but hopes some naproxen would help. But nope. My hand hurts like hell. Life has been really busy lately and this week was really busy with a packed trip to Chicago. So this is my body’s way of saying - slow the heck down!!
Gah I tried to comment from my phone but it would not go through! I think a lot of people struggle at this time of year so you are not alone. I think Phil and his mom feel a sense of sadness. His dad is so very missed. The kids help but still - you miss those you’ve made memories with. And your parents were taken far far far too soon.
We leave for Mexico tomorrow and I am very much looking forward to it! I got a flare this weekend. I knew one was brewing but hoped the naproxen might nip it in the bud. But nope. It hurts like hell. I had an intense week last week with a very busy trip to Chicago. This is my body telling me to slow down. And I certainly will this week!!
Jeanie, I hear you and I can tell you things are similar here. I love the fact that you too are a faux Martha. I try, I really do. I used to make big plans and be so excited but when it came down to it, fatigue and stress would set in. I look at other bloggers that have something going constantly and always look lovely and put together and it's hard not to compare ourselves with near perfection. I also understand about the gimpy legs. It started several years ago and did not get better after my back surgery. I loved your list of how blessed we are that we are not worrying about our town and home being blown up by a madman. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Please share this tomorrow at All About Home. I'm sure many many of us can relate. xo
It is these posts that make me thankful that we do not celebrate Christmas. I can enjoy all the pretty lights and decorations without the worry of decorating or present buying.
Your tree is looking lovely..
I drastically cut back this year, and since Shanley Belle and Christopher are bringing their dogs home for Christmas (one is a very busy Golden Retriever) we're NOT putting up a Christmas tree. I had help this weekend with finishing the shopping for gifts being shipped, and I was thankful for the help.
Here's a tip: It's a Ukrainian Christmas tradition NOT to clean cobwebs from their homes during December because according to legend, spider webs were the first entertaining "toy" for Jesus. We're Ukrainian during December! ;P
You seem to do quite a lot. Our circle is very small, and even it is enough. Parcel post must be a lot less expensive down there. It’s crazy here. Did you just get a fairly big snow. It’s cold here, and we also got some snow overnight and into today.
The marsh family lives in Faversahm! I redkon that you have been there. Christmas this year is pretty laid back for us, though we are having everyone here for dinner and I hope I can get my timing right , cooking and making and baking. If I do not it will be OK , There are no grades.
It does somehow feel like I left a bleak mid-winter behind in the UK. In Australia Christmas is easier, our gifts are a holiday week together for all the family. We rarely by things especially when everyone is back flying. I've been away for 3 years to even the presents between girlfriends have stopped (I'm hoping!) We are having a turkey and have bought a real tree, that will be it!
Wishing you the best Christmas ever Jeanie when you eventually get there!
Wren x
I love this honest, real post. None of us is Martha….probably not even Martha. Your Christmas sounds just like mine….happy, melancholy, rushed, confused, excited, dreaded and delightful. I’m working hard to enjoy every minute, we are so fortunate here, there will always be ups and downs to the preparations…but making memories and counting blessings are the most important…and, a cuppa tea while watching an old movie can’t hurt either. ‘Christmas in Connecticut’ will be playing here tomorrow evening, a favorite of mine. So, take time to breathe…and enjoy! Merry Merry Christmas. xox, V.
Such a wonderful vibe to see your photos and words. I will be working during the entire time
We tend to do much less Christmas decorating over here - especially once children have grown and flown (apart from a few people who go crazy with outside stuff) - I just have a Christmas tree, some things on top of the bookshelf and a front door wreath. Christmas cards I receive will add more colour later - if the Postmen's strike doesn't hold things up.
I decided after my husband died that there wasn't anything that could be worse at Christmas so whatever happens I just go along with the flow and don't worry what people think.
Hope you see your way through and get to enjoy the season. Sending good wishes to you from a long way away
I finally made it over to visit you! Wow Wow Wow, you live a rich Christmas life! Oh that tree! Oh the wrapping, the gifts, & the emotions...I actually ride an emotional roller coaster year round, but the holiday one has its own special quality...Glad to see you, Jeanie!
I'm all for a low-key Christmas as the closer we get, the more I feel overwhelmed. I've realised the only way through is to keep it low-key. Ours will be different this year, but I'm not changing one major thing - no stressing over present buying, wrapping or anything else, if I can help it. Happy Christmas from France x
With apologies in advance, I roared with laughter when I saw what I'm calling your "on show" pictures and your "hidden from view pictures". Talk about an echo of what's going on in my cottage! I have decided to send only a very small handful of Christmas cards this year. Aside from the rising costs of postage, there's the fact that we've got these postal strikes that mean many things will not be delivered until January. And by that time, what's the point? Thankfully, I only have three people with whom I exchange gifts. However, I find it's getting more and more difficult each year now as everybody seems to have everything they want or need. I sent very little by post. In fact, I'm keeping Christmas to a minimum again this year. Anything to make life a little easier.
Hello Jeanie,
Your tree looks beautiful. It can become overwhelming trying to do so much for the holidays. Only you can decide how much stress you want in your life. I have cut back drastically. Gifts only for my son, DIL and grandchildren. The holidays should be more about fun times with the family and your friends. Take care of you, enjoy your new week!
I'm having as cheery of holidays so far as I can muster. Sometimes you have to chose to be positive and keep going one foot in front of the other even when things are kind of crappy all around you--lol! ;) It does get tiring going toward that light at the end of the tunnel for too long, though, doesn't it? LOL! Hang in there. It always works out. :) :)
Oy veh! I am exhausted, let alone you! I am so glad we don't get involved in this stuff!
Thanks, Jeanie!
That song has really resonated with me this year, in fact I am planning to post the lyrics later today and had already started working on the post. I loved the family rendition.
It is frustrating to have heating and light bills go up more than ever when you live on a retirement income and sometimes something has to go.
I guess we just do the best we can do and be happy with that.
Sending love!!! And enjoyed seeing your beautiful tree.
I know what you mean, Jeanie. My place needs cleaning, everywhere are heaps of things I need to put away in the right places. Up till now I have bought no presents, and have no ideas. But as my neighbour said this morning - 'Let's enjoy life as it is and count our blessings'. So true!! Hugs, Valerie
I think you are charming.I am the polar opposite lol.Maybe a touch OCD.
How I turned into being happy with everything just right I have no clue:)
Possibly marrying an engineer at 20..and it's almost 50 yrs.
I think he's the culprit.Now I am worse.
But I love and appreciate..each and everyone's way.
Well re shipping presents..There are some traditions I'll never break the universe willing.
But some I had to put a pause on.
Canada post has added FUEL surcharge..so you know those little felt mice we love? To mail within Canada is over $20.00.I can't.
It's the principle of the thing and yes of course dollars more pressing elsewhere.
But..I'm still into it all..I've been less into it all when decorating the tree was a hardship health wise.Decorating feeling better is a gratitude moment/gift.
I just read Michael J Fox's latest book ..if that's not inspiring..I don't know what is.
I/m recommending a game for you and friends..boys are still too little.
SPLURT.
We played en famille Sat ages..13-82..I give it 5 stars for fun.
Take care Jeanie and keep being refreshing you.
Jeanie I am so sad you are feeling low . Most sensitive women suffer days like you and the days do get better. My heart goes out to you with hugs. There will come a time when you wil give up wrapping and mailing and perfect cleaning etc and do what is best for your happiness and health. Yes, certain things will always be with your day, like Christmas trees and special things that truly make you happy. We are aging and sadly we must make decisions that are hard. Please take care of you, you are loved.
Wishing you and Rick a happy Christmas. Rx
We stopped buying gifts in my family so long ago I don't even remember what year it was. It sure simplifies the holidays. You try to do so much over the holidays that you could easily over tax your body, even if your spirit still wants to work in overdrive. Take a baby step this year toward cutting back. Put up one last tree or area of decor or go to one less event and use that time for resting with a book and a cup of tea.
If I've learned anything over the decades, it's that I can't bring back the past or fill empty spaces with a surfeit of Christmas decorations, cookies, and parties. One tree, a few candles, seasonal music, and a few cherished family heirloom decorations are enough. I don't want to block the light of the Christmas Star!
Its all worth it on Christmas day Jeanie :)
Oh, my, not that cheery, but you are getting it all done. Sort of. I love your Christmas trees and decor. Wish I had the energy to decorate like you do.
I love the Marsh Family - I first one of their videos during lockdown. Very talented family. Yes many things are bleak but I agree about keeping hope alive. I'm sending you warm hugs; I think we all need hugs right now.
We stopped giving presents years ago and then the tree was replaced by ornaments. The stress isn't good to have in the festive season. You'll find a way to enjoy peace and have a relaxful festive season. Have a wonderful week, Jeanie.
I never qualified for even being Martha-adjacent; but I do enjoy holiday baking. I have three wreaths and one small tree up and I'm very happy with that being enough for my decorations. I think everyone is fine with cutting back on presents. And, thank you for the music (one fun and one heartfelt).
I appreciate this post so much. Hugs.
Christmas can be such a challenge, when we want it to be festive and we want to show those we love how we feel about them, and yet doing so is so much work! I must confess I have pretty much abandoned gift-giving entirely. I take Dave to dinner or give him an experience, and I want the same from him. But I do give my nieces Amazon cards, because kids should get something!
Nothing I love more than someone being real. Don't you love the blogs where everything is perfect--not a thing out of place and everything sparkles and shines? Yep- that ain't happening here.
I listened to that first song and remember hearing it before.
I hope your physical health continues to improve so you can get back to feeling more like your old self and able to do more things.
I ended up decking the halls here for Christmas this year, too, and it feels wonderful. I am going to do it while I still can and enjoy each year as it comes. xo Diana
Jeanie, your tree looks wonderful! and it's great to see how much you have done. I know it can be very hard when you don't feel 100 percent, but please don't beat yourself up. I found this an honest and inspirational post. And I liked the Marsh family's song. I bought the track of it - they put it for free on Youtube but all proceeds from streaming go for Save the Children. What a nice family they seem. What a lovely sight those deer are. How wonderful to see them in your garden. I like to think of you sitting there with a cup of tea and watching them!
I hear you! It's been tough for so many. We are grateful for what we have. We don't do a lot over Christmas. We sent a couple of things out west. I don't know when we'll see the kids. We don't do parties anymore.
We are at peace with it all.
You take care.
Our present-buying is limited to immediate family only, and not all of them ;) Decorating is something we do in a day and then stop when we get tired of it lol Spiced cider and a Christmas music playlist add to the joy :) We pared back years ago...
Jeanie, I loved reading this tonight (It’s been one of those days for us!). I only send one package out to our family in TX, and to keep things less expensive, only gift cards were in it.. I sent only a few cards out this year, and we cutback with everyone this year except for the little ones. Even though I’m finished decorating, our dining room table is currently covered with a few gifts waiting to be wrappped. There’s gift bags and wrapping paper and just lots of clutter. I guess it is what it is. At the end of the day I just want to sit back and relax and enjoy the candle burning and the lights of the tree and elsewhere in our house. I love your tree and the deer!
Your trees look beautiful! And so does your dry sink area! Christmas has to be what is perfect for ourselves! I have paired way down and I still love everything! I stopped buying gifts that I have to wrap and ship. It’s too expensive and it sucks up sooooo much time. My gifts are purchased online and sent to the recipients. It’s a win win as the people love their gift and it wasn’t a hassle for me. I also bake just a few things now. And I send Happy New Year Cards instead of Christmas cards. I have more time to do them!! I need Christmas decor and all the twinkling lights but I do so much less than what I use too. I also stopped decorating outside. I’m sad about it but… I am not stressed so that’s so much more important.
Sending Christmas love to you!
You have all my sympathies, Jeanie. The holidays, and all the expectations around them, can make life very hard, especially if, for whatever reason, you are not up for all the required cheer and fa-la-la. Sometimes I miss the days when I did all my Christmas shopping in one fell swoop through the downtown bookstore and the record store with an obligatory stop afterwards at my favorite Polish cafe for pierogi and coffee.
The musical interludes in this post were wonderful -- thank you! And your home, as always, looks perfectly beautiful!
--Anno (sorry to be posting as anonymous, but I signed in with a different account, and if I have to back out of all of this, there's a good chance that I will fall asleep before making it back online...)
I feel your pain and delusion. I can empathize. I know those roller coaster rides and only have my blogger friends to cheer me. But the bright side is, no one has given me a Japanese transistor radio this year, or even helped fix my sewing machine. But by fixing my machine myself, I am able to pay my water bill. The other utilities will get paid on time, and I will have money left over for cans of green beans and cream of mushroom soup. And the cats now have enough litter for three months, too. All is well in my world, but not as beautiful as the view you have out your window in your world. Keep believing life is good!
I get it, it can be a crazy time of year if you let others control what you do. My philosophy is to do what brings me joy, and let the rest go. I like a tree, so I put one up. I enjoy a pretty table, so I do that. Christmas parties are fun, so I go to every one I can, and plan a couple of dinners with friends as well. I wish I had people to exchange gifts with, I love shopping and wrapping, but I don't have anyone other than my husband. It is lonely sometimes as the day grows closer, but like you I have all I really need - a roof over my head, food on the table, a loving husband, friends who care. Merry Christmas!!
Why are we so hard on ourselves . . .
I do it every year . . .
Right now, this week . . .
I am focused on music . . .
And I am calmer . . .
The cat bunting in the window makes me smile. A perfect change from bells, Santas and pinecones. Your space for the holidays is big, full of caring for others.
Jeanie, I understand what you are going through. We have done less this year than ever before. Martha has lots of help behind the scenes, so we can’t measure up to that. Rest and enjoy the season!
I partially read you and partially not.
When the Nieces were little I made Advent-calendars, oh, all the thoughts put in (one has Diabetis1), all the wrapping, and where to put it all?
It was painful fun.
Friends, Granma, all came with (bought) calendars too, so I never even got a real "thank you", it was "normal" and I let go.
Mind you, I had one cheap calendar with chocolates and was thankful and happy.
Ingo and I exchange gifts whenever we see something. And Christmas deco is around all year. Just a bit.
Yes, some are lonely.
I am glad my neighbor W I met yesterday has friends to go to. He said "no worries you are sick now and we meet when you are better!. All good!"
He cycles to the graveyard to "visit" his wife twice a week and meets people there, too.
Those are things I am thankful for. His kids don´t care but he has others who do!
Merry Christmas, either way we celebrate!
You are busy and happy in this season. Enjoy December!
Everything looks so pretty. I have never had more than one large tree and maybe a couple of smaller ones. It just takes me so much ump to even do one now of these days, so one it is. lol
I read every single comment :))
I’ve been having the bleus too. It is colder than usual and I basically live in an igloo on the roof…not well-insulated with only partial heating. But there’s other things…so much expectation leading up to the holidays. I cannot choose to not participate. In general the world seems much messier too which is daunting. On a positive note, I absolutely Love your deer picture. At first I only saw 2 deer! Nature is redeeming isn’t it.
❤️❤️❤️ Carol from Parisbreakfast
The tradition of sending cards has almost vanished in my 'neck of the woods'. Everything is done by email. Gifts are not sent, but given personally during the gathering for celebration of the holiday.
I cannot believe Christmas is 2 weeks away already. I never baked one Christmas cookie yet....plus our Christmas dinner was cancelled. However, we will get together and still have some family time. Enjoy the season and love your decor! Janice
Jeanie, it is always hard not to feel stressed during the busy holiday season. I often wish I had more time to do more of what I dream about doing. There never seems to be enough time. But then I realize how fortunate I am to be healthy and still have the energy to be able to do a portion of what I want to do. My husband and I feel we have enough so instead of gifts for each other we both take a day and write out checks to all our favorite charities instead. This year we saw there is a special "Colorado Gives Day" online and added a few extra local charities and nonprofits that had signed up with a need. The only gifts we buy are for the grandchildren, and we try to give them "experiences" or memberships more than toys. That makes it easier for us too! We even give money to a Colorado animal refuge farm that is nearby called "Broken Shovels" in the name of each grandchild as that money goes towards vet care and food for this farm that takes in old and abandoned farm animals and horses. There are so many that need so much and to be able to help even just a few is the true meaning of Christmas
Hope your day is filled with energy and joy. Things are looking festive at your house.
Apologies for even asking, but could Lizzy have a health issue that is causing her to pee outside her box?
This time of year can so often be a roller-coaster of thoughts and emotions.
The world is not in a perfect place at the moment, has it ever been? But we carry-on do the best we can, help each other out whenever possible, and be thankful.
Sending lots of good wishes and relaxing thoughts to you.
Take care.
All the best Jan
My dad's wife has been sick since Thanksgiving and she's in the hospital now, so I can sympathize with your mood. Day before yesterday, everything looked very bleak for Rosa, but yesterday she seemed improved and today a little more so. Small steps, yes.
Oh, Jeanie, my love. I hear you and have been there and done that. I made up my mind this year, after going through the other part of the year from hell, that I was going to take my time and not get frustrated about anything. Well, it almost worked perfectly but there were bits and pieces that were on the verge, but I did stop and take a breath and got on with it. Speaking of spider webs we were sitting in the kitchen the other morning with some rare sunshine coming in the window and Jerry spotted a web up high. Just now, reading about yours I remembered and hope that it didn't show in the pictures because it is still there. The old saying of "not even a mouse" is perfect here as we have mouse traps all over and the oven is filled with bread and bagels. We stopped buying presents for anyone except the kids and then we stopped that and just give them money now. I hope they like it but it is a lot easier for us. So Christmas will come whether we are in a good place or bad and I guess we should just let it. One thing you are right about though is how fortunate we are that we have a roof over our heads and food on the table. Every morning when I let the dogs out and it is so cold, I think about people that are displaced from their homes. I can't even imagine how they cope. Well, my good friend, keep putting one foot in front of the other and hope you can stay upright. That is my big problem now too. I was told my balance would be crap after having my toes removed and wow, were they right..Merry Christmas to you and Rick..xxoJudy
It’s all beautiful Jeanie! Lizzie’s feeding station is adorable, and that kitty garland caught my eye immediately but then so many things jumped out at me. I have always sent presents to friends and relatives overseas but have had to cut back as the postage started getting more expensive than the actual presents. Even among certain friends they have asked if we don’t send overseas cards because they can’t afford the postage. Understand completely as things can be tough for many. This can also be a frustrating and sad time for those who have lost their loved ones, while trying to get everything done to make others have the best time they possibly can. And then there’s the Pandemic. We certainly need to be kinder to ourselves during this time. A wonderfully thought-provoking post, plenty to meditate on. Thanks Jeanie :)
We haven't bought gifts for family in many,many years. We give money that everyone seems to need/want. I do still buy for Sam (10) who is the youngest grandchild. He and I "shop" on-line in the fall and make a list - I purchase his birthday and Christmas gifts from that list and have them shipped directly to his house where his Dad wraps them. This year, he picked a neon pink and green hoodie that he liked which I would have never chosen for him. It is now under his tree along with Legos and some stuffed animals. Bob and I haven't exchanged Christmas gifts in over 40 years. We buy "just because" gifts sometimes if we see something special the other would enjoy, but we don't shop for holidays. I feel mostly stress-free even though I'm still recuperating from this ankle injury. Take care of yourself, Jeanie. Each of us can only do so much.
I am always keeping it as simple as I want it to be. I had xmases with dozens of dishes prepared, now I am buying most of it because I'm too busy with my studies. I will make a special cake though and decorate it nicely, but the rest will be shop-bought. :)
We are lucky to have food and peace, that is the most important thing.
I think this time of year makes the highs feel higher and the lows feel lower, because all we see around us is "perfection" in decorating, and only the joyous side of the holiday season. But that can't be true for most people, who are living real lives. It reminds me of the series White Lotus, where everyone goes to an amazing resort to have a seemingly perfect vacation, and then we learn the details of the deeply troubled guests who appear on the outside to be having the most marvelous time. Keeping it real is the way to go, Jeanie. We do the best we can. We enjoy the good times with all our hearts, and try our hardest to get through the not-so-good.
Thanks for this "reality check" post!
It is exhausting just reading this and I can easily undestand that you actually ARE exhausted. I think you need to give yourself some slack - you are doing so much already! We have comletely stopped doing all of this - there is no Christmas tree, no big decorations (except the lights on our home that give some real cheer to our winter dark corner), no gifts (except for our daughter). This year is the first time that I wrote Christmas cards again which I usually don't do either. I always felt there was enough stress with work anyway that I didn't need any Christmas stress on top of that. It feels good and right for me. I hope you can find some balance and ENJOY this season. Since I'm reading your post backwards, I know that you completed your decorating and it all looks so beautiful. Now it's time to sit down and enjoy something good, like a glass of wine and some cuddling with Rick.
Jeanie, I hope you enjoy this Christmas Day that you worked so hard for. We stopped exchanging gifts long ago and only send an Amazon gift card to our two grandchildren so that they can get exactly what they want. This year I told our friends that I could not do Christmas Eve dinner and my girlfriend took on the task. Parkinson's Disease has made cooking tasks much harder and everyone has understood. I hope you take the rest of this year to give your body and mind a chance to recoup. One day at a time, little by little, every thing that is truly important will get done...everything else just has to wait.
I opted for a much more low-key holiday season this year. I was involved in a gift exchange and got stuff for my immediate family, but that's it. I expect there are people who will be disappointed to have not gotten even a card, but the combination of the costs and stress involved in doing it has made me feel I need to step back. I'm re-evaluating how I do some things, and Christmas is one of those things.
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