Minnisewta

I've never been a "Christmas" person. For years I did what had to be done so the kids had a nice Christmas. On this Christmas Day for the first time in maybe 35 years I don't have to be anywhere or do anything but sit home. I am very happy. I hate that christmas is all about buying presents, being with family ya da ya da ya da. If I want something I buy it, it's our money so it's still from my husband. I could skip Christmas for the rest of my life and I'm sure I would be just fine. It's one day out of the year for pete's sake and I'm so glad it's almost over.
Enough said.

MargeD

I'll admit that I have been bitten by the "Bah Humbug Bug", however, spending the afternoon with my DS, DDIL and our adorable 19 month old granddaughter I managed to get some of it back. It was extra special as she is in that shy stage, but I got 2 kisses from her before we left, made my day. Merry Christmas everyone and Happy Quilllting in the new year.

MisDixie

Been up and down on the whole bit for years. When my birthday rolls up in early November I feel it setting in. SAD is also and issue. And this year we have been renovating the bathrooms. That was taking forever and driving me up the wall! Then this just after Rememberance Day I was throwen into a new assigment at school. Wow. I have been so busy this leed up to Christmas that I didn't have time to worry about. A week before school got out I slipped and badly sprained my ankle. That left me off work just before the most trying week at school. Couldn't seem to catch a break. Then my sub came into the pic, I won't tell her story but will say my sprain was a blessing for me and for her. I was forced to slow down and try to get as much done as I could. The renos were compleated enough that we can live with them. DD arrived yesterday safe and sound. And I will putting dinner in the oven soon.

Some how its all worked out, Christmas comes as it does, ready or not. May you find your blessing and have a peacefull time.

For those of you with SAD, check out a "lite book". We only get a couple of hours of day light up here. I use mine from Oct. to March. It really helps.

luv2so

No, you're not alone. We sold our house and are living in our motorhome while our new house is built. I had a hard time baking any cookies, the gas oven took forever and the covention oven burned everything. I could only bake one small sheet at a time so it took me almost two weeks to bake everything.

I've got all my machines, fabric and supplies in the storage building we put on our property. I had to hunt everything down when I wanted to use it. It took me longer to find things than it did to make them. Then, one of my embroidery machines decided it wanted to take an unauthorized vacation, so we took it in to the dealer. When we dropped it off they told me the technician was on vacation. Ten days later I called to see how my machine was coming. The lady that answered said, "Didn't they tell you his father died and we don't know for sure when he'll be back?" I said , no, they told me he was on vacation. So, three and a half weeks and $200.00 later I got my machine. Sewed beautifully. But now the embroidery unit was acting up, so now that had to go back. Good thing I had another but I'm so used to using two at this time of year that I still haven't finished everything.

I was upset because this is the first time in 47 years I didn't have a house to decorate, couldn't bake or sew like I do every year. I told my husband this was the worst Christmas I've ever had! Then I had a very dear son in law that passed away at 34 from kidney disease. His birthday was 12/23 and their youngest daughter's is 12/21. So of course that was on my mind too. I sent gifts to all of my granddaughters teachers and make cookies and goodies for all the staff. Only got three thanks yous. Not that I'm looking to be praised, just a quick thanks woul d have been nice. I know some said the teachers were busy. I'm never too busy to say thank you to someone whose shown me some kindness. I have a neighbor that works in the school kitchen. She told me not to feel bad, that's how these teachers are. Oh well, I'll know better next year. We were new here this year.

So all in all, you weren't the only one that had a bah humbug Christmas. I even told my husband I hated Christmas this year. He said he couldn't believe he heard me say that because I always love Christmas.

Sheila_H

I've already told DH I'm asking my doctor in the New Year to put me back on my anti depressant meds, I've been so low this year with medical issues, not able to work because of disability, even with the children and grand children here with me it didn't help my mood. I'm just waiting to get Christmas over with this year and I've never felt like this before and for this long. I don't know if I'd say I'm glad to see so many other's in the same position but at least I know I'm not alone in feeling like this. Me falling on our icy steps and cracking my tail bone two days before Christmas didn't help much either. I hope we all have a better New Year.

writerwomen

Our Christmas began with much stress over money health etc. Over the years I have found it hard to decorate for Christmas feeling the lose of miscarriages over and over again. This year I said ENOUGH of this depressive behavior and got the kids and my husband together to decorate the house. The issues of family health, finances etc have not gone away but we have been enjoying a very blessed Christmas that started with church this morning. Sometimes in what seem the bleekest of times God shows his grace the most brilliant. No fancy gifts, no extravagent meal or travels. Lots of prayers and simple gifts made by hand. So today I pray for you someone I have not met that God will be with you and hold you. As you find yourself frustrated and overwhelmed, sad and maybe angry he will bring peace into your heart as you talk to him.

trolleystation

I think that the Catholic Church Pope hit the nail on the head today saying there is too much commercialism, too many things that your supposed to do, and places you are supposed to be. I am worn out just thinking about it. Last year I slowed myself and my expectations down a notch and am going to do the same this year. Life goes by so fast we do not take the time to enjoy it. Take your time and enjoy the New Year. Don't forget to be thankful for all we have.

Jingle

I think once you get to about 55 - 60 Christmas isn't very much fun. Time flies by so fast and I think that is the resaon for me to lose interest. Feels like it comes at least every 6 months. My youngest Grandson is 9 going on 45, We have 2 GGD, 1 and 4 yrs. We had a great time Christmas Eve at DD and DSIL's house. Husband only strings Christmas lights outside, our only decorations.

MaryKatherine

I truly believe the not having a Santa presence in the house takes away that excitment and surprise factor. The hype from the sales medias have added this mystery and expectation to Christmas morning that you just don't get when no one really needs or wants anything you go out and buy. My Christmas was a warm pleasent visit with family and we'll do it twice more as the rest straggle in over the next few days.
MaryKatherine

chelgvns

I have to say that I have really had a hard time here lately and the thought of "Christmas" just made it worse! This year like never before has been rough on our family economically and spiritually. This year just seemed to be a reminder of how bad its gotten. I have gr8 kids they wouldn't tell us what they wanted because they know we don't really have it to give, we did get each of them a little something. But Saturday night when we went to Christmas even service, something changed. As we were walking into the sanctuary, we passed by a large manger scene - my 6yr old could ride the cow- my son started pulling away before I could get ahold of him again he was in the manager scene-hence why I know he could ride the cow- as I was repremanding him he said but mommy I just wanted to touch the hope of the world! It doesn't matter how much I have to give or not give- my hope isn't in things or a good job its in Him!