A quiet Christmas.....

[sunnysanie]

Hi everyone,it's nearing that time of year where we must put our smiles on,it's pretty compulsory,to be asked more than ever how we are and we say oh yeah fine...But we are not so fine,Christmas isint a cure,oh how great would that be?it's still tough,it's even tougher as we have things to organise,things to buy,people to see,it's Christmas you must do the Christmas things right,but all those things we used to do so easily are now so hard,hours in the shops,food shops,wrapping a ton of things,cleaning the house in case of visitors,popping into relatives with the usual card and biccies,we did all that with a tired happiness and a big yawn at the end of a day,I really wish it was like that again🤦so we adapt like our circumstances do,my times are so quiet now,I'm not a mum or an auntie and my folks are gone,I've brothers with their own lives,but I'm luckier than some,I've some good neighbours locally who care,I'm a sort of adopted auntie by one with many kids,I've wrapped all their presents for their Christmas and hidden them for her,their mum says I'm a godsend,she's run ragged 24/7,they think I'm cool and funny so that gives me smiles,my best male friend is coming for Christmas,he's very laid back and we are doing dinner in the slow cooker and I've an online shop with enough snacks for for a party,no pretence or fake smiles with him,just nonsense and a good moan together(with snacks)

So really I'm quite lucky this christmas time,a sort of adopted family I can take it leave who understand my limits,a best pal who is chilled to the max,more local friends for a walk in the park and a hug and online to the door deliveries of food and presents!😮my Christmas has adapted to me,doesn't sound great to some but I know at the end of it i will have new slippers and most of my faculties intact😮🍾🌞

Merry Christmas everyone and a gentle hug👍🌈Sandra

[Dizzytwo]

I think that sounds like my ideal xmas to be honest. I would be thankful just to have nice neighbours. One friend for me would be a blessing. But any holiday time is what you make of it and I intend to enjoy like there is no tmw😄

Ihope you and your friend have a lovely day 🍷🥃

Momo

[sunnysanie in reply to Dizzytwo]

Thank you for your reply❤yes I intent to party like it's 1899😮⛄🍾

[Brighteyedbabe78]

What you do is this: buy some get well cards and have them sitting on your mantle or on tv stand (wherever it is that you put cards that will be seen. If people come round they will think you have been unwell and unable to do housework! Its a genius plan! Tell them you had/have covid. They seem to understand what thats like and actually believe you more than when you tell them about your CFS/ME or Fibro. Keep this information secret! Hope you have a quiet peaceful xmas.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff in reply to Brighteyedbabe78]

If people come round and find my house untidy - they get told the truth..... Both hubby and myself have chronic illnesses /disabilities, and often housework ends up at the bottom of the priority list.

Anyone who is likely to pop in knows I have fibromyalgia - so there would be no point in me saying I had covid (besides i have never hidden that I have fibromyalgia so not likely to start now after almost 30 years)

[sunnysanie in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

I'm lucky my house is untidy with crafting items piled up and projects needing a home!🤦I am one for trying to make sure all my dishes are done tho,it's like who cares but our brains are funny things tho!😮😴

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff in reply to sunnysanie]

I'm with you on the craft supplies /projects lol. Yeah, we do housework essentials and the rest gets done whenever xxx

[sunnysanie in reply to Brighteyedbabe78]

Yes that's a good one!😝maybe I can get a neck brace too and an arm sling coz people seem to only understand what they see visually!👍😎🤦merry Christmas❤

[PAULINE15]

merry Christmas

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Sounds idea 😀, I’ve spent most of December fighting off bugs (one this week) brought in from primary school by my wonderful little grand boys bless🤣it’s proberly been my worst build up ever, currently a homemade Xmas cake not iced, presents I’ve not wrapped , mother-in-law coming and my worst nightmare being so behind , but having conditions on too and auto immune with CFS as well I don’t have a fighting chance sometimes. Fingers crossed by the end of the week I improve, for now it’s lots of warm drinks 😀, have a chilled time sounds great xx

[Gigimama in reply to Yassytina]

Oh, I know how you feel! I can relate as I have been sick for going on two weeks with a respiratory virus. My energy level has been so low but I’ve noticed an improvement in the last two days. Take care of yourself. You’re doing the best you can!! Happy Christmas to you and yours from across the pond in 🇨🇦

[sunnysanie in reply to Yassytina]

Ooh no sounds a right pain all that,I really hope you get a few boosts of energy when you can do what you need to!👍you sound like a fighter so I'm sure it will all come together!Merry Christmas❤⛄🍾👯

[Gigimama]

Your Christmas sounds lovely! You are blessed! You have truly demonstrated the spirit of Christmas with giving gifts to your neighbours children 😊 Happy Christmas 🎄 to you from across the pond in Canada 🇨🇦

[sunnysanie in reply to Gigimama]

Merry Christmas!⛄⛄⛄⛄⛄

[Blearyeyed]

Sounds like you will have a lovely Christmas. I'm having my two grown up daughters for the first time since COVID ,as I have other health issues which effect my immunity and so they couldn't visit before.I've been trying to pace myself well but I know I will need lots of help . Although my youngest daughter ( just 20) has recently been diagnosed with Fibro and CFS , alongside the EDS which we both suffer from and she's struggling to get the pain in control at the moment so my eldest and the OH will need to step up to do the sous chef role and washing up.

Just taking in a deep breath this morning before decorating the tree prior to their arrival. Luckily , after years of chronic illness though I do have a well oiled system of shopping online and getting gifts early enough to wrap as they arrive which helps reduce the fatigue.

At the end of the day it's the time shared together that counts more than the trimmings , I've learnt that over the years , there have been a few times when we had soup and a turkey sandwich but the company made it feel like we were eating a la carte.

I've also learnt to be honest and everyone knows that I might have to cancel a meet up or not stay for long if I socialise. Plus , they have all learned that asking someone with a chronic illness if they are well just brings them down so they just ask how are things going instead.

Merry Yule

[sunnysanie in reply to Blearyeyed]

Yes online shopping is a Christmas miracle!especially food shopping as who among us can carry more than one two litre bottle of pop in each bag on each side in total!😝🤦oh you have a washer upper so that is luxury and I'm sure you will all have a ball and then an early night!👍😎🍾merry Christmas ❤

[calliejx]

Perfect Sandra x Happy Christmas x