The Holidays

Jordan2 · ‎03-16-2010

So, Thursday is Thanksgiving which starts the holiday season with Christmas, Chanukah, New Year's Eve, and New Years Day to follow. For many of us ( myself included) this is a lonely and sad time. People at work mean well and ask what your plans are for Thanksgiving, I usually make something up. Since my mother died the holidays haven't been the same, I just feel like I'm just trying to make it to the new year. For those that will be celebrating Thanksgiving I hope you enjoy being with family and friends. I'll be around for every holiday to check in.

on the bay · ‎03-09-2010

@Jordan2,

I wish you could come with me to my family's. You would be hugged and so welcome! So don't feel like you are alone cause I will be thinking of you and you just imagine many are with you in spirit.

That's what I say when I can't be with someone in person

Will be with you in spirit!

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"

gidgetgh · ‎03-09-2010

Counting the days till January 2nd.

Why is it, when I have a 50/50 guess at something, I'm always 100% wrong?

debfau · ‎03-25-2010

@Jordan2 wrote:
So, Thursday is Thanksgiving which starts the holiday season with Christmas, Chanukah, New Year's Eve, and New Years Day to follow. For many of us ( myself included) this is a lonely and sad time. People at work mean well and ask what your plans are for Thanksgiving, I usually make something up. Since my mother died the holidays haven't been the same, I just feel like I'm just trying to make it to the new year. For those that will be celebrating Thanksgiving I hope you enjoy being with family and friends. I'll be around for every holiday to check in.

Jordan2 - I know you might not feel like celebrating around this time of year, but have you thought about volunteering at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen? It would keep you busy and your mind off of things.

on the bay · ‎03-09-2010

@debfau wrote:

Jordan2 - I know you might not feel like celebrating around this time of year, but have you thought about volunteering at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen? It would keep you busy and your mind off of things.

@debfau,

One Thanksgiving, and I don't remember the circumstances around this, my son and I decided to volunteer at a soup kitchen nearby on Thanksgiving Day.

Well, they had so many volunteers, we weren't needed for very long, so dished out a few plates and then let others take a turn.

They told us to go ahead and eat and I was so hungry so we both sat down with others there and it was so good. We talked with other people there who didn't have anywhere to go.

I'll never forget that Thanksgiving!

I think many get lonely not just at holidays though that might make it all the more lonely at those times, thinking of families gathering, or family no longer with us.

I just know many do feel that way at times even with family, if they go home alone after all the celebrations are over. If anything we should know that we are not alone feeling lonely at times. So it's good to try and reach out to someone, even if a phone call. I'm sure it will mean a lot.

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"

Kitty Galore · ‎03-16-2010

@Jordan2 I always think of those that aren't looking forward to the holidays. It isn't all fun and joy for everyone . I have had those years in the past . Thankfully I'm blessed to not for many years , but I've never forgotten the feeling . I'm very sorry that you will be sad at holiday time they tend to really empathize it as well . As @on the bay wrote I will be thinking of you in spirit .

SouthernBee · ‎09-16-2010

@Jordan2 :I understand what you are saying. My Mother died in 1977 and I was 22, single and one brother and he passed in 2014.Everything is different and I don't like the holidays but refused to give up. I stay busy during the holidays , trying not to think about previous holidays.

gidgetgh · ‎03-09-2010

@monicakm wrote:
I'm sorry @gidgetgh. I wish you had neighbors you could count on to invite you for dinner. I guess there is no getting around the fact that some are very lonely during holidays. I hate that. Is there anything you can do on Thursday? I don't know what size city you're in but are there soup kitchens or churches that are serving meals? If you're able, you could help with one of those organizations.

@monicakm - I live in Metro Atlanta and I wouldn't feel comfortable at all driving downtown by myself to places I'm not familiar with. I'm not aware of any churches in my area doing anything.

Holidays are just to be gotten through for me. That's just the truth. I do spend Christmas Day at my sister's house and am thankful for that, but it's just not the same with my parents and my husband gone. And my sister and I both agree that Christmas hasn't been the same since our mom died.

I'm not a total sad sack though. 🙂. Several in our neighborhood are getting together for a potluck and token gift exchange a few weeks before Christmas and I'm looking forward to that as well as a group lunch with friends next week. And I do some charity giving and things for others this season that make me really happy. And I do put out a few decorations. I don't sit here crying or anything. It's just that too many life changing events have just changed the holidays for me.

Why is it, when I have a 50/50 guess at something, I'm always 100% wrong?

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

@Jordan2 wrote:
So, Thursday is Thanksgiving which starts the holiday season with Christmas, Chanukah, New Year's Eve, and New Years Day to follow. For many of us ( myself included) this is a lonely and sad time. People at work mean well and ask what your plans are for Thanksgiving, I usually make something up. Since my mother died the holidays haven't been the same, I just feel like I'm just trying to make it to the new year. For those that will be celebrating Thanksgiving I hope you enjoy being with family and friends. I'll be around for every holiday to check in.

@Jordan2 I am so sorry you ae hurting. Please make an effort to make the day special for you in your own way. No, the holidays aren't the same, and lots of us are without the family they had at this time of the year.

Don't expect it to be as it was, but treat yourself to some things you like to eat and do, dress up or dress down as you please, and make the day low key with things you usually don't indulge in--candy? A cake? Pie?

You can celebrate you, relax, remember good times and be thankful you had them. Some never do. And remember not everyone is having a crowd and a big meal and a party. We aren't, but are blessed to have the two of us. We are old and it is what it is. And please make the best of it for you! You deserve it.

And when people ask, say you are looking forward to a day off and some treats. And be ready with an answer if you get an invitation. You could also take part or volunteer at a shelter or church doing a meal.