topic Re: Holiday Changes in Community Chat

Holiday Changes

QVCkitty1 — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 23:06:50 GMT

This time of year gets me thinking about holidays past and instead of being sad I'm kind of relieved that at my age and limitations that Christmas is smaller. Decorations are not as festive, but still pretty, food will be scaled back, but still tasty, and there will be fewer at the table, but congenial. Of course I miss those who have passed, but I'm deeply thankful for those still in my life. If you read this thanks for indulging me . I always shed some tears at this season, but my holiday will be peaceful and calm. My wish for you is that you have the holiday that you want, and if not ,it's only a few days and life will be normal again.

Re: Holiday Changes

jlkz — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:29:39 GMT

@QVCkitty1

Like you I am glad that doing the big Christmas Eve and Day meals is a thing of the past. DH and I worked hard before, during and after !

Now there are so few left and each with their own responsibilities. The holidays are quiet and I enjoy them and the memories.

This past week I had lunch with each of my good friends. Since we are all 80, I suggested this is the last gift exchange since we each need nothing and want nothing....each nodded and agreed that just a delicious, quiet lunch would be the way to go.

I have lunch with each of them separately throughout the year but the Christmas and our birthday lunches are special.

Re: Holiday Changes

Bonkers1 — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:52:48 GMT

I feel the same as you. I find myself getting lost in past holiday gatherings with my family. I try to pull myself out of this funk and be happy that I am still around to write this. Truth be said it is an uphill battle. Happy holidays to you.

Re: Holiday Changes

walker — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 01:04:18 GMT

Holidays are full of memories. Those are wonderful and we think....how did it go by so fast? I am happy as well to be around to enjoy whatever the holidays bring. Families grow...extended families and gatherings now ....so we go with the flow. But, I do miss "the way it was"...🥴.

Thankful for times to still celebrate! Merry Christmas to all....Happy Hannukah.....Happy Holidays...enjoy each day!

Re: Holiday Changes

Lilysmom1 — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 11:11:59 GMT

@jlkz wrote:
@QVCkitty1

Like you I am glad that doing the big Christmas Eve and Day meals is a thing of the past. DH and I worked hard before, during and after !

Now there are so few left and each with their own responsibilities. The holidays are quiet and I enjoy them and the memories.

This past week I had lunch with each of my good friends. Since we are all 80, I suggested this is the last gift exchange since we each need nothing and want nothing....each nodded and agreed that just a delicious, quiet lunch would be the way to go.

I have lunch with each of them separately throughout the year but the Christmas and our birthday lunches are special.

@jlkz This! We stopped the gifts with family siblings a few years ago. None of us need anything! Makes the focus the real meaning of Christmas!

Re: Holiday Changes

CalminHeart — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 11:31:45 GMT

My siblings and all our familes used to draw names for gifts. We stopped that many many years ago (my youngest sibling is 50).

The only gifts I buy are for my grandkids. And it's not a lot. Being on a fixed income changed what I can afford (and took a lot of pressure off me).

I don't decorate or bake for holidays anymore. I prefer peace and less clutter.

Re: Holiday Changes

Roscoe the Rascal — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:25:11 GMT

Christmas has always brought me mixed emotions. Use to have big gatherings and work so hard and just like that over and then the next day bummed out.

I have lost a few family members along the way and things have changed over the years. I try and make the most of every Christmas and try and do something different as well.

My two grandchildren live next door now for last 3 years and I have Christmas Eve as always and they have Christmas Day. They open gifts from me at my house and a simple meal and then Christmas Day I let them do their own thing and join them later for a special meal.

Just sort of changed rolls. My husband and I use to have a big gatherings and big meal Christmas Eve and then Christmas Day alone and sometimes guests over night and so much work before and after and at times I miss the crowd and other times I am glad it is over.

Not all Christmas time with family was great. Some I could have done without.

I enjoy decorating but I have simplified it some this year but I still like it. I use to put up more than one tree but not this year. Just got to be so much work and kind of went back to how it use to be.

I decided Christmas should be more enjoyable than so much work. I have cut back on some things and trying to balance it out more but still a work in progress. I have done my share over the years and created many a memory. I wouldn't trade those memories for anything but more to be made.

I am looking forward to the next two days but also missing many a loved one and first Christmas without my husband but I am hanging on to those memories and some of those traditions too. It will be ok.

Happy holidays to all and hopefully a better New Year.

Re: Holiday Changes

RetRN — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:28:30 GMT

It has become simpler and more enjoyable.

Re: Holiday Changes

LindaSal — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:30:20 GMT

Our holidays are fairly quiet now. I am thankful we will spend it with our adult kids and their SO's as always. No grandchildren so it's not too much to prepare for. My siblings do their own thing with their kids so we'll just talk to them on the phone. DH and I like to cook together and always say as long as we are physically able we wil continue to do it.

It's still enjoyable and a happy time for me. I hope everyone can find some joy in it while it's here, even if you are alone this holiday

Re: Holiday Changes

Sooner — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:40:52 GMT

@QVCkitty1 wrote:
This time of year gets me thinking about holidays past and instead of being sad I'm kind of relieved that at my age and limitations that Christmas is smaller. Decorations are not as festive, but still pretty, food will be scaled back, but still tasty, and there will be fewer at the table, but congenial. Of course I miss those who have passed, but I'm deeply thankful for those still in my life. If you read this thanks for indulging me . I always shed some tears at this season, but my holiday will be peaceful and calm. My wish for you is that you have the holiday that you want, and if not ,it's only a few days and life will be normal again.

@QVCkitty1 You said it all for me. It's husband and me, catered food, and it is lovely! We have a huge tree up, the house was lit up by a crew not us, and we are very very happy.

What was at one time was wonderful, but the people are all gone now, and we are thankful for our stressless time here together.

Best wishes and blessings to all who have the big Christmas, and to those who don't! One thing that hasn't changed about Christmas is what Linus tells us in the Charlie Brown show.

Re: Holiday Changes

Still Raining — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:38:49 GMT

We are gifted if we can be at peace with the ending stages of life. My dear MIL taught me a lot about being content.

I am now a widow, have only one sibling and one child left. Lost another BIL this summer. Without exception all those older are gone. That is just how a trail ends. Path of life.

Re: Holiday Changes

Roscoe the Rascal — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 12:43:27 GMT

I have an update and went to the store yesterday and got a few things. I bought veggies and fruit and dip and already prepared. I am so glad to not have to do all that prep work. I know easy to do but easier to buy that way.

Love it. I thought girl you have done enough.

Re: Holiday Changes

Lakelife62 — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 13:06:48 GMT

I have lost so many over the last few years, that each Christmas since has taken on new and poignant significance.

I work hard to stay involved with my extended family, especially the younger members. My home is a gathering place for all of us and I wouldn't have it any other way. I've toned down the menu over the years and no longer do the traditional and elaborate sit downs. Buffets are the order of business and I even (gasp) serve prepared foods straight from the grocery. Everyone pitches in for clean up so its not exhausting.

I will carry on the Christmas traditions for as long as I can stand on my own 2 feet and my crew still wants to drive out to the country to celebrate.

Re: Holiday Changes

Trinity11 — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:28:45 GMT

@Lakelife62 wrote:
I have lost so many over the last few years, that each Christmas since has taken on new and poignant significance.
I work hard to stay involved with my extended family, especially the younger members. My home is a gathering place for all of us and I wouldn't have it any other way. I've toned down the menu over the years and no longer do the traditional and elaborate sit downs. Buffets are the order of business and I even (gasp) serve prepared foods straight from the grocery. Everyone pitches in for clean up so its not exhausting.
I will carry on the Christmas traditions for as long as I can stand on my own 2 feet and my crew still wants to drive out to the country to celebrate.

Merry Christmas 🎄 @Lakelife62. You sound a lot like myself as everyone is coming here both today and tomorrow. I like your idea of a buffet. And yes, we are doing the catered route this afternoon and tomorrow. Enjoy your holidays!🎄

Re: Holiday Changes

Lakelife62 — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:33:37 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:
@Lakelife62 wrote:
I have lost so many over the last few years, that each Christmas since has taken on new and poignant significance.
I work hard to stay involved with my extended family, especially the younger members. My home is a gathering place for all of us and I wouldn't have it any other way. I've toned down the menu over the years and no longer do the traditional and elaborate sit downs. Buffets are the order of business and I even (gasp) serve prepared foods straight from the grocery. Everyone pitches in for clean up so its not exhausting.
I will carry on the Christmas traditions for as long as I can stand on my own 2 feet and my crew still wants to drive out to the country to celebrate.
Merry Christmas 🎄 @Lakelife62. You sound a lot like myself as everyone is coming here both today and tomorrow. I like your idea of a buffet. And yes, we are doing the catered route this afternoon and tomorrow. Enjoy your holidays!🎄

Merry Christmas to you too, lovely lady! My most favorite time of year! The numbers in the family are dwindling and the kids are growing up with families and extended families of their own but we can always gather them back at the holidays! Even if it has to be in shifts! Glad you are going the catered route and you get 2 days to love on your tribe 😍😘

Treasure the moments @Trinity11