topic Re: Things they are changing...not political... in Among Friends

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I am stillkeeper of the — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 16:09:56 GMT

Re: Things they are changing...not political...

Bird mama — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 19:40:33 GMT

Good for you Maryanne Just my 2 cents. Taking care of you and Edward and the animals IS keeping the family together.

It's all how you look at it

Re: Things they are changing...not political...

Sooner — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 19:42:47 GMT

@I am stillkeeper of the Your post strikes a chord with me! It is our time now. We have done and run, traveled and hauled holiday meals with us, visited, buried, and upheld so many over the years.

Quiet time to reflect and enjoy and be together sometimes with close friends, sometimes just us is all we ask for!

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I am stillkeeper of the — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 16:10:25 GMT

Re: Things they are changing...not political...

Puppy Lips — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 19:59:56 GMT

Way to go MaryAnne! I am not a fan of the holidays. Too much work. Plus, I would rather just be with my immediate family. But every year we have to see and spend time with people that I would rather not be around. That spoils it for me. I guess I am selfish that way. If everyone did what they wanted to do, instead of what they are expected to do at the holidays, I think we would all be happier.

Re: Things they are changing...not political...

Suzeecat — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 20:00:33 GMT

Bravo, well said! Your heart is in the right place and I applaud you standing up for YOURSELF!

Re: Things they are changing...not political...

meallen616 — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 20:43:40 GMT

My dear friend MaryAnne and Edward,

Enjoy each other and the animals!

Re: Things they are changing...not political...

chrystaltree — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 23:01:00 GMT

There does come a time when you know it's time to step aside; it's hard work and exhausting. It's your time now. It's time for the next generation to take over; if indeed, the family still wants those big family celebrations.

Re: Things they are changing...not political...

jubilant — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 00:39:49 GMT

I'm definitely with you on this, Maryanne. We had our Thanksgiving here at our home last Sat. This is the first big "get together" I have hosted since my heart attacks and open heart surgery about this time last Fall. My daughter offered to have it but I honestly thought I was up to it. Everyone brought food and helped. After the meal I sat down amongst all my company and fell asleep in a recliner....something I have Never done before and a bit embarrassing! I guess that should tell me something! LOL! I am soon to be 69 and I guess I don't see that as old. I guess I need to come to the conclusion, it's not exactly young either!

Re: Things they are changing...not political...

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 13:22:58 GMT

I get it... change can be hard. Things really changed for DH and me after my parents died, a couple of my sisters reared their ugly heads and family gatherings are no more for me....I do miss it but my sisters are bully's and we decided years ago to distance ourselves from them...it's hard, but no more drama, harsh words, hurt feelings...

Thanksgiving was always the holiday we would load the car with food, excitement (to see the little ones) and travel to see the one sister, (6 hours away) and her family, so now dh and I just take a short trip out of town, usually 3-8 hours away. We eat at Bob Evans or what ever we can find that is open, we are not particular....head to our destination hotel and enjoy a few days away, eating out and shopping. The big change came with tears on my part, it's hard not having family around.....but it is what it is.......

Re: Things they are changing...not political...

qualitygal — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 13:49:40 GMT

Don't feel bad, you have no idea of the thousands who preceeded you and made that very same decision. The torch is passed, so to speak. Happy holidays.

Re: Things they are changing...not political...

Imaoldhippie — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 16:25:30 GMT

I totally agree, "duties" can suck you dry, make you depressed and have a bad attitude and cause physical illness.

A lot of family is expectant and grateful.

I wish you all the best.

Re: Things they are changing...not political...

hckynut — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 17:05:53 GMT

@I am stillkeeper of the

Have used this phrase often and also lived most of my adult life by it:

* "Man was born to live, not to prepare for life". I also have never had any concerns what anyone thinks of me when I tell them NO! I live MY life the way I want to live it, not not the way others think I should live it, especially family! Have most of my adult life and have no plan to change it in the fewer years I have left.

* Woman

hckynut(john)

Re: Things they are changing...not political...

WaJa61 — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 19:25:29 GMT

I try to live each day in a state of gratitude... as trying as that can sometimes be! Usually, it's not so hard to find a multitude of blessings to give daily thanks for. I have always taken most joy in the simple pleasures and having our basic needs met. There are too many suffering without even those in this world. Could be us next, as it is for those survivors of the CA fires, or the recent devastating flooding from hurricanes.

I like this quote:

Become a vessel of grace...

As to the official holiday deemed Thanksgiving; we are all blessedly free to recognize and celebrate that in the way that means most to us and our loved ones. With no guilt or shame! There's no mandate on traditions and we can change them from year to year. Some years my husband and I volunteer to serve from our church's food pantry and just take a plate home to enjoy that evening while watching football on TV. Other times we travel to be with distant kin we don’t see so often.

This year, I'm grateful to be able to host our growing immediate and some extended family and friends here in our home. I'll thankfully accept plenty of help with it, too! Especially the clean-up. 😉

Enjoy the season in whatever way truly makes you most grateful! That's the bigger point of it, AFAIC.