topic Re: Finding Christmas again, in Among Friends

Finding Christmas again,

Still keeper of the koi — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 22:42:59 GMT

This year I found myself older dealing with physical disabilities, my first thoughtl was I will do less.That made me rethink everything.Would I me ok with less Christmas?

So this year took longer, I was still baking ginger bread today, something I always did first week of December.Our customers would often tell us they loved the little deliveries of homade jams ,pickles and gingerbread. I am terrible on inclines with my leg, so today as I prepared our nativity for this week we pray outside our den, I needed pine branches, from a special tree.I ended up on my butt in the snow.Took a while to get back home...Another victory. While I am not perfect now,I still find ways to carry on.I actually am proud of my self.I hope despite where you are you find strength to carry on ,best you can..Dont give up be kind to yourself

Find joy where you are right now...Sending you Christmas joy,hugs,MaryAnne

Re: Finding Christmas again,

2blonde — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 21:25:21 GMT

@Still keeper of the koi Yes, getting older is often all about finding new ways to accomplish the same tasks. You are learning how to think out of the old box......you are using creativity to get it done! Good for you, MaryAnne!

Re: Finding Christmas again,

Vickiv — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 21:28:21 GMT

Still keeper of the koi. What a beautiful outlook you have. So inspiring and I think to myself I can do it also. What a wonderful Christmas message. I have always said never give up the ship. Even though at times I thought I was sinking. Have a blessed holiday. You my dear are an inspiration for all.

Re: Finding Christmas again,

QVCkitty1 — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 21:36:43 GMT

I find myself getting impatient because everything takes longer to do than it used to. I'm coming to terms with it though, it's just the new normal.

Re: Finding Christmas again,

kitty60 — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 21:51:44 GMT

I find I am doing the things I really enjoy. They can be either for myself or those that I know will make others happy. I used to make myself crazy trying to do things that didn't matter.

Re: Finding Christmas again,

viva923 — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 21:58:08 GMT

the older i get the less i do. i no longer bake xmas cookies, i no longer shop for gifts, i just give the grand kids money, they can pick out what they want. they are older now except 1, i give mom-dad the money they can buy him his gifts what he needs.

I no longer make cook the big meals. i just go over to the kids house who ever invites us.

Re: Finding Christmas again,

LTT1 — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 22:40:24 GMT

@Still keeper of the koi

Thank you for the helpful, uplifting words!

🎄🎄🎄

~LTT

Re: Finding Christmas again,

blackhole99 — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 22:57:00 GMT

It's not that I can't do what I used to at Xmas time, I just don't want to. I will bake cookies this week, but nothing that takes a lot of prep or fancy ingredients. I bought a Kansas City ham from the Q and I'm making a mushroom lasagna. broccoli casserole and Italian bread for Xmas Eve dinner, that's when my son wants to visit this year. I will gift my son money which he prefers anyway and I bought my husband insulated, waterproof boots. Xmas Day my husband and I will have a nice breakfast and then go to movie later in the day. Suits me.

Re: Finding Christmas again,

Zhills — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:05:03 GMT

Thanks for putting some positives into the Christmas season. It is difficult to find them sometimes! Merry Christmas to you!

Re: Finding Christmas again,

Catiele — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:06:58 GMT

We should all do that we can do and not what we aren’t capable of doing and never feel guilty. When younger I could do soo much more. It’s time to enjoy what we can do.

Re: Finding Christmas again,

Graciesmom — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 01:06:06 GMT

Two weeks ago i was in my kitchen making a wreath for my front door. It was late at night and quiet in the house so I asked Alexa to play Josh Groban Christmas music. The song came on “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” which usually make me very melancholy ... missing my parents, etc. The song just makes me sad !! Anyway, a very quiet voice or whatever you want to call it said to me “that’s not what this is about” which I took to mean as the meaning of Christmas ... it’s about the birth of Christ not about missing my Dad. I shared this experience with my sister and niece and never expected to share it anywhere else, but while reading your post, which I totally agree with, I also thought I would share Finding Christmas Again ... it has given me a new spirit this Christmas and reinforces my faith. Christ is Christmas ... the reason for the season. Sorry if this is off point, just sharing.

Re: Finding Christmas again,

AuntG — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 01:52:08 GMT

While I had time to bake this season, I just had no inclination. This Saturday I'll make some cookies.

Re: Finding Christmas again,

AuntG — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 01:55:12 GMT

While I had time to bake this season, I just had no inclination to do so. This Saturday I'll make some cookies and a loaf of cranberry orange bread. @Graciesmom you help put in perspective and we will celebrate what should be celebrated!

Re: Finding Christmas again,

Graciesmom — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 02:50:03 GMT

Please let me add I have cookies to make too ... bought all the ingredients, but it kills my back !! No going back now ...

Re: Finding Christmas again,

chrystaltree — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 03:40:41 GMT

If soldiering on made you happy, that's all that really matters. I cannot relate to that, I'm the opposite. I've had health issues in 2017, I am having knee replacement surgery in January and I have spinal stenosis. 2017 has painful year for me. I had scale back this Christmas and I never gave it a second thought. I'm much more concerned with my own comfort and safety than I am about what others expect from me. My friends and family will still have wonderful Christmases even if I don't do all the baking I usually do and even if we don't give our big holiday party this year. I think of this as an "off year". I'll be back to next Christmas.

Re: Finding Christmas again,

deedledeedeedle — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 09:28:33 GMT

@Still keeper of the koi:

Loved & appreciated your post. I have been in a funk lately because I've "slowed down". Quite frankly, it's depressing. It's human nature, for me anyways, to always be on top of my game & that is just no longer possible, unfortunately .

I've been reading Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts and it's been food for my soul. Thank you again for reminding me to accept my circumstances where I am right now & to have a grateful heart.

I've been praying for you, @Still keeper of the koi, as you celebrate this Christmas without your precious MIL/Mom. The first one is the hardest.

to you & your family,

dee

Re: Finding Christmas again,

Still keeper of the koi — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 21:11:48 GMT

@deedledeedeedle, You are such a beautiful blessing in my life, I love you special one.You remind me that love is not exclusive to those we meet face to face., it is a leap of faith....By doing this you, friend have touched my heart deeply. I have been held up by the friends here in prayer and love, my journey has been easier for thiis.I do believe the creator sends us angels ,you are one.I wish you the beauty of this season, the promise of forever joy, you are doing what we are called to do,love without reserve,freely...Bless your life friend...Hugs,MaryAnne