topic Re: Is anyone else “overdone”? in Community Chat

Is anyone else “overdone”?

gidgetgh — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:46:10 GMT

Kind of an offshoot from @dooBdoo’s thread about the holidays.

I am overdone and we still have days to go to get to Christmas.

Just too much stuff to get done, trying to cram it all in before the midnight hour. I’ve had enough. It’s sapped the spirit from me. I can’t wait till it’s over. I’m not depressed. Quite frankly, I’m just sick of it.

Before all the criticism comes rolling in, I take full responsibility for some of it. Trying to do too much. Shopping early, getting all that done, planning meals, etc. you know, all the holiday hoopla.

Some of it it also just happened on its own. Multiple doctor appointments this week, a doctor who thought it would be a great idea for me to cram in 8 physical therapy sessions in the middle of all this before he schedules the inevitable surgery on my knee. That seemed to be the cherry on top. And my knee which is not good right now and I’m aware of that. Also, my husband has some health issues and isn’t the greatest right now and I’m not quite sure what to make of all that and that’s on my mind.

Starting today, 4 straight days of lunches with friends. Then Christmas Eve with my husband’s family, Christmas Day with my family. Cooking and eating.

We didn’t even put up a tree this year because I just ran out of steam. And I’m perfectly fine with that. I did put out some minimal decorations and bought several of the pop up cards that Hallmark put out this year. I really enjoy looking at those.

But I am just overdone. I talked to my husband and this is a real turning point for me. I’m going to make a concerted effort for next year to be much simpler. I’m going to strive for that. And to be honest, I’m never really over the top at Christmas compared to what some people do.....multiple trees, parties, stuff like that.

Anyway, just venting this morning.

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

vermint — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:57:19 GMT

No criticism from me...it's too easy to get overwhelmed at this time of year! Add in dr. appointments, etc. and whew. My oncologist wanted to do a CT scan this week. That entails 3 appts.--bloodwork, scan, dr. visit, all within a week. I said no, I'll schedule it for the week after New Year's, no sooner. And that's what we did. I don't do a lot of decorating, entertaining, etc. but there are a couple of family things this weekend. Also, it's year end at work, and everything needs to be to the accountant before we leave on Friday, since we're closed next week...and I'm the only "admin" person, so I'm the only one who can do it. I just didn't need the extra stress of the doctor visits!

Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

chrystaltree — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 14:58:12 GMT

Venting's good. Just remember this post next year and change things. It's 100% within your power. Start early, scale back, do things differently; there are 1000 ways to make the holidays less stressful. The holidays arrive the same time every single year so think the key to starting early and planning.

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

faeriemoon — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:04:25 GMT

The holidays are mentally draining.

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

software — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:05:56 GMT

Going to be a grandmother again on Thursday.

Plop that down in the middle of your Christmas!

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

nana59 — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:07:32 GMT

You took the words right out of my mouth......feeling very over-whelmed....physically and emotionally....

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

gidgetgh — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:07:55 GMT

@chrystaltree wrote:
Venting's good. Just remember this post next year and change things. It's 100% within your power. Start early, scale back, do things differently; there are 1000 ways to make the holidays less stressful. The holidays arrive the same time every single year so think the key to starting early and planning.

@chrystaltree- thanks. I appreciate your comments. I think that’s part of my problem though. I DO start really early and I’m the most organized person on the planet. My out of town packages were sent two weeks before Thanksgiving.

Scaling back is what I’m going to work toward. I think that by starting really early, which is what I like to do, that I’m sick of it by the time it all gets here. And then you add in the unexpected therapy appts and multiple doctor appts and lunches with friends and that tipped the balance.

Next year, some of the lunches are going to be moved till after Christmas. It’s not like there’s a deadline for when you can have a holiday lunch, LOL.

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

gidgetgh — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:10:18 GMT

@software wrote:
Going to be a grandmother again on Thursday.
Plop that down in the middle of your Christmas!

@software- I think that’s the only thing I’m missing! Best wishes on your new grandchild.

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

lulu1 — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:11:46 GMT

For me there is never too much Christmas. I get depressed when the holidays are over. The house looks so special when we Deck the Halls. (and everything else)

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

GCR18 — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:14:22 GMT

At this point, you know what's coming. Simplify what you can. If you're bringing presents along to the luncheons, get them ready and put them all in the car. Maybe you can switch a couple to coffee instead and meet up at the coffee shop. Whatever foods you have for the get togethers go with it. If there's a simple less ingredients/steps recipe, use it. Anything you haven't purchased, buy it premade. That should take the edge off and you can enjoy the holiday.

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

ptagirl — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:12:17 GMT

Just remember the positive aspect...you get to spend time with family/friends while you still have them....just saying...

My family is mostly deceased and am estranged from one child, so I miss all the busy holiday gatherings...

I know it can be quite tiresome, but things change with time whether you want them to or not....

The unnecessary things can wait til after the holidays (i.e. appointments, etc), but cherish the time spent with family/friends....

Hope you have a nice holiday season and good luck with all the hustle and bustle...it will soon be over...

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

gidgetgh — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:23:28 GMT

@ptagirl wrote:
Just remember the positive aspect...you get to spend time with family/friends while you still have them....just saying...
My family is mostly deceased and am estranged from one child, so I miss all the busy holiday gatherings...
I know it can be quite tiresome, but things change with time whether you want them to or not....
The unnecessary things can wait til after the holidays (i.e. appointments, etc), but cherish the time spent with family/friends....
Hope you have a nice holiday season and good luck with all the hustle and bustle...it will soon be over...

I’m THRILLED to spend time with family. Neither my husband nor I have much family left and I’m acutely aware of it. However......I’d be more thrilled if we’d just enjoy each other’s company and eat warmed up pizza from Pizza Hut and Baskin Robbins ice cream cake. It’s never about all the food for me. It’s about the company.

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

Q4u — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:25:18 GMT

We're trying to sell our house so we're in 34' of Motorhome fun! No tree (a little decorated house plant).... but youngest son put up a tree (lights but no decorations) and we'll go over there after lunch.

The whole family used to exchange cookies/goodies every year but it's diminished so much from most of the relatives that I wondered if it was worth their cost in postage.... so this year I suggested not doing it at all (I can't in the Motorhome anyway), but everyone jumped on that, so that's no longer a chore.

AND then.... we went out to the house to make sure everythilng was good and we parked on the north side of the house and as I got out of the car my foot hit glare ice and I fell, hitting my tail bone on the running board of the truck and then hitting my tail bone again HARD on the concrete! That was Sunday and I'm just barely getting around.... So.... Merry Christmas!! I'll do what I can do.... but jeeze..... as long as we're together as a family, everything else is a bonus!

OH, and I wouldn't mind some Charmin strapped to my rear end....

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

Laura14 — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:29:41 GMT

I said the same thing just yesterday. I announced to my in person peeps that I was officially in my holiday bad mood and I would pipe back up after January 1st.

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

JJsMom — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:30:59 GMT

The holidays haven't been that stressful for me this year because I tried to do things early, and I'm just taking one day at a time.

I understand how everything can feel overwhelming. I think it helps to remember that everything is a choice. If you don't feel like doing it, don't. Others will have to adapt.

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

txskies — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:31:07 GMT

First of all, you are not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed and stressed-even depressed at Christmas, for a variety of reasons. I lost my mother some months ago, and just could not go through with the usual Christmas fare, this year. I did not send Christmas cards, or even put up Christmas Decorations. We no longer have small children, nor do we have Grandchildren, so it was not a big impact on anyone.

When you have these feelings, give in to them - the people that matter, will understand.

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

sweetee2 — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:51:50 GMT

gidgetgh: I'm so glad you started this post because I wanted to do the same but I was afraid I would get beaten up. I just haven't been in the mood this year for all hoopla work, work, did I say work. I've always decorated to the max ( 4 trees). Done all the shopping. Cooked dinner Christmas Eve for family. Then their here early Christmas morning for quiche homemade blueberry muffins and fruit bowl, open gifts. Usually they are here most of the day. Don't get me wrong, they are all appreciative, but this year all I can see is the work it's going to take and I'm in the mood.

I'm afraid I'm turning into one of those people that gradually stops putting up a tree next it will be nonething at all.

It doesn't help that we haven't gotten any snow this years yet. I'm hoping that' what' wrong with me this year.

Thanks for the vent.

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

Lipstickdiva — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:29:21 GMT

I can fully understand and sympathize. I posted in another thread some time ago that I know more people who for one reason or the other just aren't into the holiday this year. Some have lost loved ones, some just had too much to do, some said it seemed like all of a sudden Christmas is here and they still have a ton to do with no time to do it and on and on.

I have a relative who didn't have one decoration up as of Friday and was trying to get it all done. She realized it won't be up long before she has to take it all down and put it away. I have other relatives who have had their trees up since Thanksgiving night but now they sit without a decoration on them.

I for some reason just am not into the holiday at all. I've been listening to Christmas music, trying to watch holiday movies, have been decorated since Thanksgiving weekend but it just doesn't seem like Christmas to me.

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

Lilysmom — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:46:45 GMT

@gidgetgh, you and I are thinking alike. Why does everything have to happen in December? I enjoy all the activities and enjoy seeing everyone. We are doing Christmas dinner this year which I like.

I have one neighbour's party the 23rd the other the 24th and then off to a family party later on the 24th. We had an invite for dinner on the 22nd. I just said no. Let's do it in January.

I always enjoy the the catch up when it comes but I think I will have my next Christmas dinner in Feb😀.

@gidgetgh, slow down and don't sweat it. It will all be over soon. Merry Christmas to you and your family. I declare Boxing Day to be gidgetgh appreciation day! Let yourself be waited on. That's my plan. A big snow storm would be welcome too. LM

Re: Is anyone else “overdone”?

corita — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:51:18 GMT

@gidgetgh wrote:
@chrystaltree wrote:
Venting's good. Just remember this post next year and change things. It's 100% within your power. Start early, scale back, do things differently; there are 1000 ways to make the holidays less stressful. The holidays arrive the same time every single year so think the key to starting early and planning.

@chrystaltree- thanks. I appreciate your comments. I think that’s part of my problem though. I DO start really early and I’m the most organized person on the planet. My out of town packages were sent two weeks before Thanksgiving.
Scaling back is what I’m going to work toward. I think that by starting really early, which is what I like to do, that I’m sick of it by the time it all gets here. And then you add in the unexpected therapy appts and multiple doctor appts and lunches with friends and that tipped the balance.
Next year, some of the lunches are going to be moved till after Christmas. It’s not like there’s a deadline for when you can have a holiday lunch, LOL.
----------------
That is what my friends and I decided to do! With doc apts, some weird weather, some cold symptoms, going out of town, busy work week etc -- we decided to wait until the New Year and celebrate 2018 with food and holiday goodies!!
PS - am just now putting out some Christmas decor!! I love my Fall/Harvest items...love the oranges, golds and browns! But finally decided to put them away and change to minimal reds and greens!!