The Christmas Spirit

Gabe N Abby Mom
Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
in Breast Cancer #1
I'm having a really hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year. For those of you who don't celebrate Christmas, I apologize for this post.

I have tried saying 'Merry Christmas' frequently, listening to holiday music, shopping (I'm hating that...don't like the crowds). I don't bake, so baking goodies doesn't work.

My husband took the tree and stuff out of the garage (yep, a fake tree) a week ago...it's still sitting in the box. It's actually pretty pathetic, my daughter wrapped a gift for me that sits on top of the box waiting for the tree to go up and take it's spot underneath.

Does anyone have another suggestion for helping me get in the spirit?

I don't think I'm depressed...I'm enjoying time with kids, hubby, and friends. I'm not having any trouble laughing or smiling. It just all seems like such a chore this year.

Thanks for your help with this one.

Hugs,

Linda

P.S. Merry Christmas!

Comments

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #2
    I would just take a break
    I would just take a break this year (skip all the hub bub) if not in to it..Don't feel guilty by any means. If grandkids are YOUNG just do gifts for them. I have heard a a couple people at my job just not doing tree etc..just a few decorations.

    IT is suppose to be a FUN time and if not INTO IT..don't fret

    Denise
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #3
    This Has Been Such A Year for You
    You have been through so much. There is still plenty of time to put up the tree. And your kids are big enough to be a big part of decorating. If you are not in the mood, it is fine to keep things low key. Here is a big ((((((((hug))))))))))). xoxoxo Lynn
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #4
    Focus on the little things you do like
    Linda,

    I think we can all relate to some/most/all of the Christmas season feeling like a chore. Linda, listen to me [this is me giving you one of my very direct looks and shaking you by the shoulders]: After everything you've been through this year, you shouldn't be doing ANYTHING that doesn't give you joy!

    I focus on the little things that bring me Christmas joy: I love listening to my holiday CDs, watching my favorite holiday DVDs (Charlie Brown Christmas, all the Rankin-Bass specials, White Christmas), burning yummy-smelling Christmas candles, and Trader Joe's Candy Cane tea.

    Maybe treat yourself to a new holiday CD, instead of the same old Christmas music? Or buy yourself a delicious-smelling Christmas candle, or your favorite holiday movie on DVD? Then just curl up with a cup of holiday tea and have some Christmas ME time! Above all, don't force yourself to do anything you don't want to do.

    Big hug to you,

    Traci
  • Lynn Smith
    Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member
    #5
    TraciInLA said:

    Focus on the little things you do like
    Linda,

    I think we can all relate to some/most/all of the Christmas season feeling like a chore. Linda, listen to me [this is me giving you one of my very direct looks and shaking you by the shoulders]: After everything you've been through this year, you shouldn't be doing ANYTHING that doesn't give you joy!

    I focus on the little things that bring me Christmas joy: I love listening to my holiday CDs, watching my favorite holiday DVDs (Charlie Brown Christmas, all the Rankin-Bass specials, White Christmas), burning yummy-smelling Christmas candles, and Trader Joe's Candy Cane tea.

    Maybe treat yourself to a new holiday CD, instead of the same old Christmas music? Or buy yourself a delicious-smelling Christmas candle, or your favorite holiday movie on DVD? Then just curl up with a cup of holiday tea and have some Christmas ME time! Above all, don't force yourself to do anything you don't want to do.

    Big hug to you,

    Traci

    You've been through
    You've been through alot this year and I'm sure you've had some mixed feelings about Christmas.At least your children are older and I'm sure will help with the tree.I had a bout with bronchitis.It has lingered for months and caused some other health problems with my vitamin levels.I told my husband the other day we need to get a tree up and also do some decorating outside.Honestly the last few years just been putting up the tree and a few things in the house.Oh my husband did manage to get a real wreath and hung it on the front door last week.We're getting there but I feel like you.

    I became a great grandma Tuesday and my shopping hasnt been for Christmas but shopping for him.Only have 2 grandkids that are under 18 so only buying for them.The others graduated and work. In fact I barely go into the stores with the flu season here.My husband said for the last 2 months nothing but people coughing in every aisle.So I only shop once in awhile.Even trying to see my doctor in his office is a chore with everyone coughing.We need to stay away from sick people.I know you've been through alot and need to think of yourself.Let others do the shopping for you.Stay out of crowds. Your family will understand.

    Take care of yourself.

    Lynn Smith
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    #6
    Lynn Smith said:

    You've been through
    You've been through alot this year and I'm sure you've had some mixed feelings about Christmas.At least your children are older and I'm sure will help with the tree.I had a bout with bronchitis.It has lingered for months and caused some other health problems with my vitamin levels.I told my husband the other day we need to get a tree up and also do some decorating outside.Honestly the last few years just been putting up the tree and a few things in the house.Oh my husband did manage to get a real wreath and hung it on the front door last week.We're getting there but I feel like you.

    I became a great grandma Tuesday and my shopping hasnt been for Christmas but shopping for him.Only have 2 grandkids that are under 18 so only buying for them.The others graduated and work. In fact I barely go into the stores with the flu season here.My husband said for the last 2 months nothing but people coughing in every aisle.So I only shop once in awhile.Even trying to see my doctor in his office is a chore with everyone coughing.We need to stay away from sick people.I know you've been through alot and need to think of yourself.Let others do the shopping for you.Stay out of crowds. Your family will understand.

    Take care of yourself.

    Lynn Smith

    Hi Linda
    I think it's so normal how you're feeling right now. Especially with the year you've had. Traci's right--just do things that please you. I'm sure the kids and hubby can put up the tree--and I'm sure you'll enjoy looking at it once it's up. Christmas can be overwhelming--especially when you're not feeling well. Take it one day at a time and if you're feeling a little better one day, do whatever you feel like that day.

    Take good care.

    Hugs, Renee
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #7
    After Katrina, I felt so
    After Katrina, I felt so defeated. We were living upstairs in a gutted house with no kitchen, making do with a microwave and crock pot. We were all so depressed.

    At the last minute, I booked a hotel room in the French Quarter. We ended up having a wonderful time and it felt so good to give back to the city. The Quarter was empty then and the restaurants and shops were desperate (so different from today, thank goodness). The whole experience was unfamiliar, but really fun.

    So, my long-winded way of saying this, maybe do something different and new that works for you and matches your physical and emotional capabilities. Maybe even let this Christmas be about letting others do for you. Sometimes graciously receiving is the best gift that you can give to others.

    And,if you want to skip the holiday this year, I think that is entirely reasonable too :-). You are just one of the loveliest and courageous ladies I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, so please don't stress about this whatever you decide! Big, big (((hugs))).
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #8
    My 2 cents worth
    You have received many tips and encouragement from the other ladies. ...and you have been through a hell of a year.

    The first time for me was back at diagnose, I learned that year to cut all the things I didn't really like but felt I had to do. I gave myself permission to quit, say, "no", and did only what I wanted to do.

    I didn't go back to any of it. I did go out and acquire other things to replace the ones I gave up, when I was back to a new normal. However, time did catch up with me, now I am back and still only doing what I want.

    Your daughter and your son can put up the tree, decorate and wrap the gifts. (Wrapping might be a girl's things). Perhaps, she can have a few friends over and do a wrapping session. Buying online is great. I don't like shopping and wouldn't mix with crowd these days.

    It is hard to get into the spirit when one doesn't feel well. We just do the best we can.... letting the guilt go too.

    Best,

    Doris
  • salls41
    salls41 Member Posts: 340
    #9
    Have a party
    Throw a decorating party and have guests and family put up the tree and decorate. I agree with shopping on line.. with a good cup of coffee and maybe some holiday music. Let kids wrap each others gifts and see how long they keep the secrets. Take a night time ride alone with hubby and look at the christmas lights displays in your town. And if it that doesn't work just proclaim "Bah humbug" and let it go.
    (((Hugs)))
    Sandy
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #10
    salls41 said:

    Have a party
    Throw a decorating party and have guests and family put up the tree and decorate. I agree with shopping on line.. with a good cup of coffee and maybe some holiday music. Let kids wrap each others gifts and see how long they keep the secrets. Take a night time ride alone with hubby and look at the christmas lights displays in your town. And if it that doesn't work just proclaim "Bah humbug" and let it go.
    (((Hugs)))
    Sandy

    Christmas light displays
    Oooh, good idea, Sandy -- I forgot about that one.

    If you live in a neighborhood that's walkable, and your neighbors put up lights, a Christmas-lit walk after dinner with the hubby is a romantic way to get a little exercise.

    Traci
  • aysemari
    aysemari Member Posts: 1,596 Member
    #11
    What is the spirit for you?
    For me it is family, friends and giving. And it is for most
    people.

    So I'd say, start with eggnogg, oh almost forgot invite your
    amazing friends to have some eggnogg with you. Then ask your
    kids to put a up the tree. If a grinch like myself can do it,
    so can they. Freddy,gets so jolly this time of year (I swear
    those are his words, WHO says Jolly?). He loves Christmas. But
    we were very busy and didn't get around... so one day I surprised
    him and put up the tree and I have to say, I felt better as I was
    doing it and to see his face. So get JOLLY (:
    By the way, do you see a theme here? After the year you had super
    woman, you need to sit back and let others do for you. So get Jolly
    and see where it takes you.

    Love you,
    Ayse
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #12
    You guys are all so much
    You guys are all so much easier on me than I am. We did get the tree up this weekend, the whole family worked together...that's been our tradition for many years. And there are already a few presents underneath. Stockings are hung, other decorations are up. My husband got the outside lights working.

    I am keeping the gifts very simple this year...a few special things for family. Everyone else is getting gift cards. So most of that is done now too. Overall, I'm still not really feeling the spirit, but it's less of a chore now.

    Thank you all for the great advice!

    Hugs and Merry Christmas,

    Linda

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