Count me in. I've really stopped putting up the big tree and all the other stuff since my boys flew the nest and have their own families and traditions in other states. I have a 3 foot artificial topiary that I hang the annual ornament that I get from St. Judes and that topiary has made a hope in the corner where it resides.

Although we have a small family, my boys have more in-laws than my DIL has, so this is the year that Mom announced a new Holiday tradition...gifts only to the grandchildren. (If they insist on giving me gift certificates to the LQS that's their choice and who am I to make them feel bad by refusing any? ;-)

Seriously, I have more than I will ever use, so I'm happy.

I also scaled way back 2 yrs ago. Our family was going through a very painful time & I just did not have it in me to go all out as I always did. Ya know....nobody was upset about it & they all understood. We focused more on the reason for the Season. Last year I did not put up a tree or any type of decoration. Nada. It was okay though and we all got together for a easy but fun meal & gifts for the grandkids. We do this on the 22nd so everyone can go to my Mom & Dad's on the 24th and do their own thing, whenever, with their little families. It works real well. I am enjoying it so much more. I am tired so want it to be as stress free as I can make it. I do some baking but not all out like when the kids were at home. They can do it for themselves and set their own traditions. I stopped sending out Cards 5 yrs ago. I now sign Cards for Vets in Hospitals for The Art of Encouragement program. At least I hope that makes a difference in their lives and makes their holiday a little more enjoyable, knowing someone cares & Thanks them for their time in the Service for this Country. I find that removing as much pressure as you want or can, helps me to enjoy the holiday & what Christmas is all about!

Husband and I pulled the plug on Christmas this year. Refusing to buy anymore gifts for nephews that rip and tear and then so "is that all i get". I refuse to listen to even one more snide comment about something my husband did 15 years ago, if they cant let go I most definately can and will. Husband offered to work both thanksgiving and Christmas to be sure that those with small children could be at home. and I stayed home totally alone on thanksgiving and thanked God the whole day at the total peace there was. I enjoyed it totally got a lot of sewing done, but still find it just a little sad that its more fun to be alone than with family.

My poor mother finally gets this. Shes had alot of health problems in the last couple of years but still wanted the big fancy tree and to cook way to much food. Last year we all tried to pitch in to help her out. This year she gets it, she only did half the decorating and is letting me do some of the cooking. Dad put up the lights outside but not as many as normal. I'm so happy they are finally making themselves happy instead of B******* about trying to please everyone with their over the top, when we dont care if one light is lit.

Completely agree, stress is often brought on by ourselves and now is the time to be able to stop, do try!!!

After reading all of this I don't feel quite so out of step. When there are no small children around, all of the Christmas activities lose their charm. The full extent of my decorating this year is two flameless candles that I turn on if I remember. With all of the decorations going up in the stores before Halloween, I am sick of it all before it is time to do my own house. I had some construction work done in my sewing room that was finished yesterday and my living room is still full of boxes of fabric and supplies so there will be no more decorating. I was too sick to go the the Secret Sister party at church and am trying to figure out a way to get out of the work party tomorrow. I have cut my gift list down to my sisters and my grandchildren. I usually make embroidered Christmas cards, but this year may not send any cards at all. I am a Christian and never tire of the religious aspect but I am so DONE with all of the rest of the 'stuff.'

Son #2, out of 4, had heart attack day before Thanksgiving and is now home with us recuperating. Son # 3 lives with us and my granddaughter. So, this year its relax, do what you can, if it doesn't get done, we'll do it next year. No tree yet, but that is a must, for me. The gifts, oh well, we'll get one nice thing for each of us and forget the little goodies. Of course, they want the little goodies and forget the one big thing. Cookies and traditional Greek goodies will be bought from ladies at the church, I have no time to bake. Christmas dinner, who knows, could be hotdogs or steak. We will make it thru this Christmas and get Chris back on his feet. Son#1 gets married, again, Jan 1, 2011. Son #4 works at a hospital and always takes a double shift on Christmas & New Years so the married guys can take off. He will eat at the hospital. See, it works.

This year we put CHRIST back in Christmas, and things couldn't be better.

Will you share what you did or have done differently?
We've made this more of a year to focus on Christ as well. Not that we don't always but yes, unfortunately He does sometimes get lost in the shuffle.

I love your Avitar. Where do you get something like this?