December is a season of lights; Hanukkah candles, Christmas trees, Kwanza candles. I find myself meditating about the relationship between the longest, darkest days in the northern hemisphere and the human soul’s need to brighten them with festive lights and stories of miracles when things are at their gloomiest.
Lung cancer has reduced the energy I have available to indulge in decorating and baking so I’ve given most of that up. One holiday tradition I’ve established though is decorating a living tree instead of an artificial one or cutting a live one down. A couple years ago I bought a Norfolk pine and it’s MY tree. It’s hard to explain the simple joy that comes with having a live Christmas tree in the house
Have you altered any decades old traditions to accommodate your lung cancer? What other holidays have you had to change and how did you make them better?
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We always gave my partner Rick a birthday party when he turned seventy we had no one but we had no one but family his kids mine sister brother cousins.we decided it would be his last party because I,d been too sick.it turned out to be the best party ever. We got a real tree too. Love susie
The Christmas holiday is now spent at my daughter's home where she carries on the tradition of the Christmas lasagna. It can be made ahead and baked on Christmas day. I also used to do tons of baking, but now buy either prepared or frozen pies and cookies. I've also scaled way down on decorating. I have found that the holidays can be just as wondrous and fun with less frenzied preparations. We have to adapt, but can find joy in new ways of celebrating.
There are some wonderful frozen.baked goods out there. When they go on sale I stock up. They go over great when I need to bring a dish to pass.
Maybe part of that wondrous experience is letting go of things and relaxing for the holidays. It’s pretty cool that you family continues your lasagna tradition. That part of you will carry on for generations.
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