psumom

Is it just me, or did anyone else notice that the majority of the contributors to this thread live in the north? Maybe the dreary, cold weather has something to do with the unhappiness at Christmas?

kqqlme1147

I only have to take down a 3 ft tree and put it in the box, and change the wreath on the front door. I just could not get into the commercial spirit this year. My greatest please was getting to serve communion on Christmas eve and Christmas day at my church. I did get to spend time with all my grandchildren. Blessing to all for a renwed spirit in 2012.

raptureready

Nope, this year all my shopping was done several weeks in advance, we had a nice but not extravagant Christmas dinner and a very relaxing couple of days. Oh, and by being done shopping in advance, I was able to go on a quilting retreat from Saturday until Wednesday right before Christmas.
We also have a lot to feel blessed by this year. Several months ago DH went blind in his right eye due to Ocular Histoplasmosis. Three months of shots in his eye and lots of prayer the retinal bleeding has stopped, the abnormal blood vessels are shrinking and some of his vision has been restored. God is so good that we enjoyed the day we set aside to celebrate His birth.

Mkotch

Many of us are "women who do too much." We need to say "no" once in a while and just get some "me" time in!

Mkotch

New England has had an unusually warm winter so far. But we do dread what we fear may be coming next!

lonestardreams

I'm a little glad every year when Christmas is over. I love it but there is always so much to do and I'm just tired by the time Christmas day is here. It's fun but so much work. I love the reason for the season. All the activity- not so much.
It was a good Christmas however, and I am grateful for that.

Prayers for each of you.

KimS

I agree! Ready to get back to normal. Christmas has lost it's true meaning and has become so commercialized. I usually really enjoy the first couple of weeks after Thanksgiving but after that I'm done with it. Now when someone wants something they just go buy it so finding gifts for family members is a chore. My tree came down yesterday and all the decorations, except the lights outside, are all put away. The lights will have to wait until this weekend since hubby does that part.

krisgray

Yes!! We hosted everyone at our house from the 19th to the 26th. First my in-laws arrived on Monday, then Tuesday morning DH awoke with ear pain - trip to the urgent care, drug store, grocery store, brush teeth around noon - and then about 1 PM SIL and her family arrived. DH was in bed asleep all day Tues til dinner time and did not go sight seeing w/us on Wed or get dinner ready (lasagnas from the freezer). SIL's family left Thurs morning and I went to the gym. Friday took in-laws to the Art Museum. Sat. I was back at the gym b4 my mom, grandma, and step dad arrived. Sunday we had Christmas dinner by 1PM and I was done!! The in-laws finally left yesterday morning. I have a friend who always makes a point of staying no more than 3 days with the same people b/c he says, "company is like fish, after 3 days they both start to stink."

littlehud

I love the holidays and this one was no exception. BUT when it's over I'm always happy to get things back to normal.

JayCee

This attitude is one I agree with--I do what I enjoy doing, I do what my family loves and I embrace the true "reason for the season" . My younger daughter, in response to the frantic activities of others made the remark "come on people, I'm not planning the Normandy invasion-just a celebration of love".