I was so relieved when I figured out that it was ok not to do all the old traditions, and to start some new ones. We (DH) put up a small tree we have had for 34 years (!), will put the gifts under it. I am having too much fun sewing to do much else. When our daughter and granddogs come, we will relax and do a jigasw puzzle or 2 and eat and sleep. I was pleasantly surprised when I looked at my list yesterday and found out I need only a couple of small items and I am done shopping. Still have 13 aprons to make, but they will get there sooner or later.

well stated!

Bearisgray, I don't think you're a Grinch or Scrooge at all. I REALLY WISH we (meaning me, not all of you) could have a Dicken's Christmas!! Actually, we just may this year b/c of a lot of stuff going on and nobody will care. My kids love to eat and be with us, it doesn't matter if we don't go all out. As long as we have great food and good times together everyone is happy. I'm the one who wants to do a million things, not them.
Thanks for posting this great topic.

What I am really trying to say -

Is that we truly enjoy most of the activities we choose to do and not take on "extra" things that only stress ourselves out.

There are some activities that are in the "have to" category - and there is no getting out of or around them - and every person/family has to work that out.

I am in favor of minimizing them as much as possible, though.

Many of us have only so many resources available to us (financial, time, energy, emotional) - and I think it's important that we use them wisely.

One of the ladies used "the spoon theory" to explain what it is like to have a chronic illness.

That analogy can also be applied to the things we choose to do. If we take on things we don't want or need to do - there is less available for the things we do want and/or need to do.

What I wish for all of us:

Contentment - gratitude/appreciation - serenity (as in The Serenity Prayer)

((hugs)) to all of you that like hugs - a "high five" - which is about all the physical contact our older grandsons will tolerate now - to the rest of you.

Bearisgray., I will take that HUG and give you one right back!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU :D
You shared a lot of wisdom today and I appreciate it.

I took a que from my son. I AM DONE. He knows when he is done and well it was quite refreshing this year. We only decorated one tree and put up a couple of decorations. I slowed down this year too many Wants and not enough giving.

I love Christmas not because of the gift giving, decorating,or baking, I love it because our Savior was born and came into the world to save mankind. I do put up a tree, bake a little and buy for my kids,grandkids and DH, and mom.
Each gift I give wheater bought or made is a gift of love and when we all get together on Christmas Eve to share our dreams and thoughts and eat together I stand back and realize how blessed I am.

I agree with Sherry, sometimes we get caught up in the moment and forget that it is the birth of Jesus we are celebrating. Not all the money we can spend on each other. I remember one year when my son and daughter were real young and we had almost no money,so we talked it over and decided to adopt a child from the American Legion Christmas tree and give to a child that had nothing. That was one of our best ever and they still talk about it 30 yrs later. It is great to have good memories. Here is wishing you all Peace ,Joy,and Love through the hollidays and the coming new year. Katie

I agree. If we remember what Christmas is all about...oh what a wonderful world this would be!!

It seems like I always have more ideas of what I "want" to do than actually gets done. I still have the fall decorations to put away. That having been said, when the decorations are up, there is a great feeling and I love the way the house looks. My mother died 24 years ago today so this could be a difficult time but I have tried to remember the good things/memories of her life not the bad, i.e, the 8 months it took her to fade away. My uncle died on Christmas Day, the same year, but again, I have tried to remember the good in our lives together. However, I know that what I do may not work for someone else. I think the important thing is that we remember WHY we celebrate this season. I wish Melinda the best and pray that the hurt will ease with time, however long it may take. My heart aches for her and the pain she is feeling. Blessings to all during this holiday season and may we all get done what will make us happy.