Due to both my husband and I being in the recovery stages of surgery, it was necessary for us to make big changes in our holiday routine last year. After all was said and done, it was one of the best decisions we've ever made and it resulted in the best holiday season the family has had in years. We saved time, money and energy. We also had more time to enjoy our family and friends and spent less time cleaning up. We are going to do it again this year.

Hope your hubby recovers quickly things always happen at the holidays it seems. Well said about what we do and what we want to do and people not always caring about what we put so much time & energy into. I'm having a hard time with my hand and will have to just do the important ones and let the rest go and I think I'm going to just start doing things for me I never make myself anything no time. Good luck everyone and have a wonderful Thanksgiving and really appreciate the blessings we already have. Sue

The only must haves or must to dos I should say are for my grandkids. Even if it was only a hand made item they are the ones who are guaranteed something under the tree by me. Not that my kids and friends don't deserve anything but they are old enough to understand that sometimes you can afford and other times you can't. I myself feel blessed if I hear from them or get to see them. I quit putting so much stress on myself; that's not what Christmas is all about. I have projects I'm trying to finish but know that not all of them will get done so I'm stressing about that either. For Thanksgiving I'm going to two places; my daughter's house to help her prepare her first holiday meal there and spend time with my grandkids. Then I'm going to my ex's house to visit his wife; my best friend. Christmas I have to work so I'll go to my daughters for lunch and then again when I get off that night. I will enjoy my holidays the best that I can and do what I can when ever I can. Most of us do so much for our families over the year that if something can't happen on Christmas the love should out shine the lack of a present or visit; even though the visit part is my favorite.