Are you able to make any plans for this Christmastime?

[chloe40]

What will you be doing during the coming season?

Chloe

[Hidden]

Hello chloe40

The thought of Christmas is not great to be perfectly honest and has not been since my partner passed away four years ago. Is it that time of year already?

I will go to friends and have a quiet and enjoyable Christmas with them.

Can I say I do not like the consumerism surrounding Christmas?

Lottie x

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

I'm glad to hear you have friends to go to Hidden and I am with you on consumerism but that a different thread

Chloe x

[Sueby55]

With it being my first Christmas without my husband,I know it's going to be hard. Even the weeks before,there's no getting away from it. I'll be spending Christmas day with my son and 2 daughters,and granddaughter. We'll all be missing him dreadfully. We've all decided not to do a traditional Xmas lunch,instead we're just doing a buffet of all the foods we like. We will also probably go out for a long walk with the dog. I just want the day to pass like any other day. Its New year which I know I will struggle with. I'm sure this first year will be really hard and there will be sad moments. But as long as I have my children around me,I will cope. And hopefully my Garry will be with us in spirit.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Sueby55]

Hi Sueby55

You're right, the first year is always the worst because we dread it and that's because wee don't know what to expect of ourselves and others. I think you've all made the right choice, in fact it's excellent and I really hope the strength and bond of your loved ones, gets you all through it.

Chloe x

[Greyone]

Before - Christmas was always a very quiet but never trouble free simple affair for many years devoted to keeping mum and dad, then just mum occupied and happy.

After - for me, it is still that. Can't say I actually plan anything. Meals are at the same time, just different meat for lunch. Not a big drinker, to be honest, I go more for quality now I'm getting older. Never really thought of planning anything....

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Greyone]

Hi Greyone

Yes, I think also as we get older we do tend to have a quieter time too. Definitely agree about quality.

Chloe

[Greyone in reply to chloe40]

Maybe its time to change. This year I decided to be thrifty and stick to an annual budget. One test my old schoolmaster gave me when buying anything is to ask myself 3 times "Is it worth it ?". I do this every time I shop even for food, even for cheap or healthy food. I'm extending this to buying things for Christmas, just to show myself I can learn about shopping, time and money. Next year my reward will be any money I save to enjoy myself in January.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Greyone]

What a great way to think Greyone actually, I think I have been reasonably careful this year although I'm a sucker for Christmas goodies, which I put away until Christmas Eve, trouble is they end up lasting until May!

Chloe

[kenster1 Volunteer]

just my usual get up early and go to the graveyard.only this year I will have another person to visit in my dad.then I come home try brush off the pain for the sake of my kids.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to kenster1]

Hi Kenny kenster1

You're such a devoted son and father and they must be so very proud of you! Please do take some time for self care Kenny.

Chloe

[RealEyes]

Holiday time is a big challenge for me !

Last year I volunteered to go to my parent's home as a helper as both parents were just home from the hospital ...

This year I won't be there (which is mostly good) ... yet, my mthr has an operation in early december - soo, it is tough to say how this year will go

... one day at a time and, keep on keepin' on ... to everyone out there.

Honouring my deceased loved ones 'n ancestors -in a special way- may help me to feel more a part of the 'holiday spirit' ... will think on that ...

Take Care Every One - now, and as we move closer to a 'new' year.

real eyes (:

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to RealEyes]

Hi RealEyes

Your Mother has an operation in December? I do hope she has a good recovery. Very difficult for you as I imagine you have to be on standby.

Great way to honour loved ones.

Chloe