raptureready

I think with age comes a relaxation. The older I get the less the little things seem to matter. I do enjoy Christmas as I do most holidays. I used to get depressed on Mother's Day because I'd had so many miscarriages. Mom would tell me to enjoy the day for her. Now that she's gone I realize what she was saying and that's my one regret---that I'll never get those days back, that I couldn't let go of my own hurt for her sake. Melinda, please find a way to let go of the hurt if for no other reason than for your kids/grandkids. There's nothing you can do to change the past, only enjoy the future. I know, my father got killed on our wedding anniversary 7 years ago. It took a while to let go of that.

Now, that said, Merry Christmas to all. Christmas will come and it will go whether the cookies all get baked or not, no matter if all the dusting is done. Just take time to enjoy each day of the season. Staying within ALL budgets---money, time and energy---will always make it more enjoyable.

kathy

Melinda, I'm sorry for you and I do think and hope it will get better.
I'm put off by the commercialition of the holidays. I usually give the grandskids money so they can get what they want and then a little something under the tree. I love being together but I'm SSOOOO glad when it's over! we will celebrate on the 19th, so I'll be sewing and relaxing while the rest of you are pulling your hair out! :shock: ENJOY

luvTooQuilt

Ok now I'm the complete opposite. I LOVE Christmas.. I really hate dragging out the decorations- there's LOTS of them- But I love, love, love to see what Ive done when everything is all put out and lit up..We put up two trees, one 4ft in the foyer and one 7.5ft in the formal dining room.. the big one is in memory of my MIL (we lost her to cancer 2 yrs ago xmas)- we usually put all of hers and dads old ornaments they collected over the years on that one.. its neat to reminisce over them, who gave them to her and why she loved it so, and see hubbys 'first year baby ornament'... I have a lil one who still believes in Santa so for me this is a big deal to keep her believing.. So yes I'm a nut when it comes to presents too. My daughter is monetarily spoiled but doesn't behave and act like she is. I put out all my nick knack, gaudy garland, even musical string lights on the banister and railings, Yup I do it all.. Now outside, that's another story, waaaaaay to cold for me!!!!

As for gifts for others, my family does a secret Santa (a real gift) , and a group white elephant gift exchange (gag gift) However I usually have extra homemade canned jam, potholders, coaster and such for unexpected gifts exchanges..

I'm sorry things are so tough for some- I hope one day the heartache will heal.. What I did realized when I lost my MIL that everyday was a special day. Forgive more, Hug more, love more, laugh more with no regrets..

magpie

I'm like amandasgrandma, if I don't bake before Xmas, january or whenever i get to it is fine. cookies and what not all are fine any time of year. No decorating the last few years\, kids and grands all live out of state and don;t travel in winter. Also knee surgery 12/27 so won;t be time to put it all away.

BMP

I certainly have simplified things this year, I only put 1 tree up instead of 3, only decorated in a few spots and bake if I feel like it each day.
My kids are grown and gone so gift giving has been scaled back.
Its been alot easier than making myself crazy trying to please everyone.
My oldest son works a 16 hour shift on the holiday so that others that have children can be home with them.
We will have a grand dinner Christmas Eve and exchange. Christmas day I will drop by my sisters and then spend the rest of the day with my Mother who just had a leg amputation and is in the rehab at the hospital.

Shelbie

I so agree with your post. People get all bent out of shape about Christmas and have huge expectations which may just not match reality. I don't know why people just can't say "We need to re-think this or make some changes to our ususal Christmas". Family and friends will survive with few gifts or no gifts if the budget just won't allow present exchanges. It's really ok to start some new traditions or dispense with some old ones. Christmas Blessings to all.

Sadiemae

When I had someone to celebrate Christmas with, I absolutely loved Christmas and decorated my house!!! Now, I don't do anything. I am not a grinch, I just can't seem to get into the decorating. Maybe next year... I love the happy Christmas movies on tv. I love driving down the road and seeing other peoples lights. I love the Christmas music on the radio etc...

Melinda in Tulsa

This topic has been a light bulb moment for me! Thank you, thank you! One of the big disappointments I have giving my DGK's presents is, nothing I do for them is *good enough* in my DD's eyes. I can't win for losing. Thanks to this thread, I have decided to buy them savings bonds. It will pay off when they get grown and need them the most. Thanks for the light bulb moment!!

katyquilter

Congratulations on being able to retire at 58. Wish I could. Happy Holidays.

C.Cal Quilt Girl

Had gotten to the point of, not enjoying, with overload, but have stepped back, realized one year when unexpectidly had some family needed to stay over on the 25th, one of the kids got sick, before they could get home. Things were kind of pitiful without even a tree up :).
So now decorate some, gives another good reason to dust:)
Have always enjoyed the cooking, can try out those new recepies and get some input.
Send out a few cards, if no other reason than to say Hi! (one year all rec'd them on New Years, LOL)
Now have Company comes in from out of town stay over, we end up cooking and goofing around, and there always nice enough to help out with the last minute wrapping or cooking.
Just my out look for this year, but much better than some years past :)