Holiday

[texassunflower]

I have back issues. Herniated disc and a bulging disc. The epidural I had in November increased my pain. I started Christmas decorating today and I overdid it. I know I will feel it tomorrow, just like I hurt badly this afternoon. I haven't even started on the tree. I think it's time to re- evaluate how much decorating I need to do for Christmas. Not every surface needs to be covered in Christmas decor. I only decorate the living room but bending and lifting did me in this afternoon. Those of you with bad backs or other issues, do you decorate less or just take longer to complete the task? I will be downsizing after this year. I think I would be content with just a tree, a wreath over the fireplace and stockings on the mantel. Also a wreath on outside door and cute doormat. 

[ciao_bella]

I don't have the health issues you have, but the older I get the harder it is to keep up with decorating like we did when we were younger.  I decorated my fireplace mantle over a few days and yesterday decorated the 7 1/2 foot tree.  I'm the type who has to have each ribbon and ornament in the right place, so it took me quite some time to get it like I like.  The only thing I did outside was hang a wreath on the front door and put a string of lights on the two urns that sit on each side of the front door.   I do have battery timed candles in each window but that was done the beginning of November.   I leave the window candles in all winter.  Love the look of them.

Do what you can and enjoy whatever gets decorated.  

Enjoy the holidays...

[Nataliesgramma]

I have arthritis in my knees.....I started right after Halloween and I finishe last week. I don't work on it every day and I just do a little at a time when I do....

I don't like boxes or bins laying around ....so I bring one in and work until I empty it...

[SouthernBee]

@texassunflower : I understand. I have lower back and hip issues and walk with a quad cane. Two friends have offered to help me decorate but big question will they be available to help when time to take everything down! Last year thought family would be visiting and put up big tree. Family didn't come. I ended up in the hospital a week before Christmas. Very easy to get excited about the holidays and do to much. Appreciate friends offer to help.Probably best to decorate and put 3 foot tree on a table. Wreath on the door. Navativity set on the hutch in the living room and yet will be in pain from that amount of work. Southern Bee

[DAD]

I have a terrible back. I just finished outside decorations. My husband helped me get the garland with lights around a pillar. I do a wreath, two reindeer & small tree that are lit under our dining room window. I hang two small wreaths on our garage lights. I have two wooden snowmen & a smaller one on our outdoor table. It's all done, but I did everything slowly & while we had 3 mild days in a row. Inside I do a 7 foot slimline tree & keep the decorations simple. I hang two wreaths. I have some special yet simple decorations I put out & it doesn't take long. My husband sets the tree up & it may take me 3 days to do the rest. Just a little each day.  And of course flamless candles in the windows. I used to decorate everything in sight. Not anymore. We have already downsized. Good luck & just do what makes you happy! Merry Christmas! 

[wilma]

@texassunflower 

Sorry about your back. Hope you feel better soon.

I used to put something Christmas in every room of my house! It was just too much. We started decorating more simply a few years ago. I went through lots and lots of boxes of Christmas decorations and kept only the basics and sentimental items.

We finally bought a tree with lights already attached (that really helps). Our main decorations are the tree, wreaths  on doors, nativity, & electric candles in windows. I have a Christmas tablecloth & centerpiece for our dining table. I can put everything up in a few hours. 

I kept our Christmas village houses, but we haven’t put them up in a few years. 

Merry Christmas! 

[AuntG]

Your condition sounds painful @texassunflower . Yes, cutting back is for the best. So far, my back, knees and joints aren't too painful. Still, a tree, wreath and a few Valerie Parr Hill decorations are all that are needed to make a home festive. I've never thought greens and berry garland on stair rails was practical.  Also, I've never adorned a chandelier with bows and greenery. You see that stuff in magazines, but no thanks.

[ValuSkr]

I'll decorate after Thanksgiving.  But it seems hardly worth it for only 3+ weeks.  I'll definitely pare it back: no tree and just a few favored decorations, nutcrackers, etc - things that can be easily put out and, later, put away.

[kaydee50]

 No health or back issues but we stopped putting up a tree years ago.  It's just the 2 of us and it was more work than it was worth.  I only put out my nativity set and stable and display a few dozen ornaments.  I certainly wouldn't jeopardize my health just to put up some decorations.

[Snowpuppy]

Checking in with 1 arthritic knee and an autoimmune disorder. 😐

Add to that a long workday.

I kept saying that I would get help decorating, even if just a college kid for a few hours.

I truly lucked out this year. DS came up for a few days to lend a hand. He's even gone grocery shopping for me while I was at work. All I had to do was feed him! Aye yi yi 😭