Xmas all wrapped up...

7 days and we will all be pulling crackers, eating too much (nausea depending) and generally ho ho ho-ing with the seasonal festivities..... I know I will ... but only because I do Xmas my way ..... I have to. In fact I do most things my way... does that make me selfish, I don't know, I don't like to think so. If it makes me function better, be more fun to be with, be more human, frankly be myself, then it can't? Oh heck of course its not selfish, there we go another decision made. So what do I mean I'm doing Xmas my way..... well here's a few things.

1. No cards :: I just dont send them. I can't write them well, or at all. I am lousy with peoples addresses. I will forget people. It costs a lot. Does it mean I don't care, of course not we all know that.

2. I buy very few presents. Most people I know don't need more stuff, and anyway we have agreed a no present giving rule. I make stuff however, truffles, bottles of flavoured oil, drawings, I put together music playlists and I

just recorded the 'night before xmas' for some small people. You know people kinda like this.

3. I only do the social things I want to and I rest for them. You can't drag me along to something dull, I don't want to expend my precious energy. I will save it to see and do things that mean something.

4. I don't fret about people seeing me who haven't for a while, as yes in 12 months we all change. Don't forget they do too, older fatter more grey or less hair

5. Do something new.. I dont have tv and this year I am switching the pc off. Instead I am going to try and set up a home recording studio with free software, a second hand mic and a friend who is a sound whizz. The I am going to start a series of recordings for my friends un born baby, bed time stories! that should keep me off the quality street.

6. No face book

7. Can't resist it.... I am getting married on Xmas Eve, so I intend to spend this year all loved up.

Peace and joy to all.

[Debfrmco]

First of all Congrats on your upcoming wedding...how exciting! I want to say your post was so very close to my own feelings!! Thank you for putting it into words! it's funny how different and yet so alike we with PD are. Nice post...

[Hidden]

Thanks! And a very gorgeous Xmas to you too!

[jazzfan53]

I LOVE your list ! As a fellow PWP I understand exactly. It really hit home for me. Thank you very very much for sharing ! ! !

[Hamish]

Great Plan, I will adopt this next year !!.....I am so happy to hear your going to marry on xmas eve, I wish you both every happiness xx

[Hidden in reply to Hamish]

Thank you and a very merry xmas !

[Court]

Thank you for your post. It really cheered me up. Will be thinking about you on Christmas Eve. A really positive post. Good Luck.

[zama]

Thank you. My sentiments exactly! And congrats on the new marriage.

[Hidden]

Thank you for sharing so openly! Congrats on your upcoming marriage. May your years together be many and blessed!

[Jupeter]

Your sentiments are both laudable and understandable and I concur with most of your list.

1. Cards

When you have a spouse (congrats and good luck to you both) you won't have an excuse for not sending cards. My wife writes all our cards, I produce the labels from a database of addresses - the PC is a boon!

I also design and produce cards from photographs (just for the family) for birthdays as well as Xmas. It gives me a great deal of pleasure and I know that the photos are appreciated. They feature our beautiful Tibetan Terrier, Muffin, not boring photos of people!

3 Social Events

As for social events, they can be a trial. I often wind up in a corner, just people watching, because, at age 75 and 12 years down the PD journey, I find it difficult to get into a general conversation (voice not strong enough). And, there is always the downside of the meds, trying to avoid an "off" period.

4. Seeing others

I don't worry about others seeing me and I usually answer truthfully when they ask how I am - no point in just saying "OK" when they can see it isn't. When I go on holiday (usually a cruise), I always make a point of telling our dining companions of my condition so we can all stop dancing around the subject.

Anyway, we all have to make our own way through this and it is good to be able to share our experiences with others.

Peter

[merlethegirl]

ditto to the cards and gifts. I never know how my PD is going to affect me so I don't decide on outings until the last minute. Been sick lately.... I'm definitely staying away from crowds. Happy Holidays to you all!