Hi I'm Puddin' , and wanted to talk talk about holiday season .

[puddin55]

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004 . I'm 61 years old now I'm still challenged , but I think I'm doing quite well . Have you noticed the holidays is kind of a mixed bag? Some of it uplifting and others not so much . Mostly I focus on the beauty of the season , joy and others heart and mind own.

[Raingrrl]

Hi Puddin! I'm 59 and was diagnosed over 17 years ago. The holidays are a challenge for me and have gotten more so in the last year or two. The holidays aren't as fun now that my only child lives across the country and I don't get to see her much. I'm also plagued with fatigue that slows me down. I used to be able to go gift shopping for at least 4-5 hours at a time and get it mostly done at once but not any more. Today I was ready for a nap in less than two hours. The noise and the crowds really get to me. I do enjoy decorating my home and getting together with friends for a holiday meal. I also love baking holiday treats.

[puddin55 in reply to Raingrrl]

I hear you about the fatigue I deal with it also. I also enjoyed decorating for the holidays . I find that I can only do it for about 15 minutes at a time. The results however are pleasing . My only child lives in Florida while I am on the West Coast . This makes things a bit challenging .

[Raingrrl in reply to puddin55]

My daughter lives in New York and I am also on the West Coast so I understand those distance challenges very much.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Raingrrl]

Raingrrl where about in NY? I'm in Allegheny County.

[Raingrrl in reply to Jesmcd2]

When she first moved there, she lived in Brooklyn. Now she lives on Long Island.

[Iona60 in reply to puddin55]

Hi puddin55 . I live in FL and our only child lives in CA. Luckily, she and her husband come home for 2 weeks at Christmas. They are very understading and we are trying to pace ourselves. Welcome to our chat family.

[puddin55 in reply to Raingrrl]

Hi! I'm jealous your baking holiday treats as I can't but love to eat them . The holidays have been a little demanding I've been to two parties in the last week . They were a great deal of fun and I took a few breaks . I find now that I'm going to need a couple days of downtime just to rest. I'm planning on making some custom greeting cards . And maybe doing a little crocheting . Merry Christmas to you and your family .

[Raingrrl in reply to puddin55]

Thanks puddin! The baking wouldn't be happening this year if it weren't for the fact that there will be 4 young adults here to eat them including my daughter. I don't need the calories but I love to make them! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[jimeka]

I love your attitude puddin, we have to make the most of what we can, and as you said, joy is amazing, blessings Jimeka

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hi puddin55 welcome. I'm sry you have been on the roller coaster ride for so long. My Ride started 18mos ago. Someone needs to stop the ride, we want off. 😁

I love the Christmas season. Mostly Christmas Eve. I'm like you l look for the beauty in the season. The 1st snowfall, the Angel at the top of the tree, the lights, the smiles always the smiles.

Hope your ready for Christmas?

Jes🎄

[puddin55]

Yes I'm ready . Presents are wrapped into the appropriate people . Have gone to Christmas parties and had a lovely time. Am resting now . Working on it scarf I'm crocheting for myself . It is cold here and snowy .

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to puddin55]

puddin55 when you're finished we would love to see it! We have alot of wonderful talent on here.☺

Jes🎄

[Fancy1959]

Hello Puddin55, it's Fancy1959 welcoming new to this awesome chat room. Everyday including the holidays are what you make of it Pudding. Look past your limitations and reflect on the positives in your life, what you can still enjoy doing, and the beauty around you at Christmas and you'll have a Merry Christmas.

Have you filled out a profile on yourself yet? If not when you have time create one. Then check out our community guidelines as time permits. In the meantime please reply to all the post that interest you and write a post ot two. The more you interact with us the quicker you'll get to know us and we'll get to know you. I look forward to your continued support. And I want you to remember one thing that together we are stronger.

[Eleyne92]

Good morning, Puddin'.

Holidays ... hmm. They're a mixed bag. For my family, holidays are definitely for getting together ... almost like a reunion a couple of times a year. (Hubby and I have 7 children.) We have the largest, as well as most accessible house, so I host the celebrations. And they can spread out over a few days because of everyone's school, work, and travel schedules.

I plan just about everything in advance, down to a time table, so that I don't have to think about it during the day. Then, I can hand everything off to someone else if I get tired. I can enjoy being with my family and friends, and even relax while doing it.

It does make me sad, though, that I'm not able to get out and do a lot of the 'traditional' holiday activities anymore. Even decorating the house and tree are less doable. And ... at one time, I was the gift-wrap go-to guru. I was good at it, and I loved doing it. Now ... well let's just say that gift wrapping can be awkward from a wheelchair.

I'm looking forward to having most of my family home over the holidays, especially my #3 son who's in the army. (2 absent family members were home for Thanksgiving.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone.

[puddin55 in reply to Eleyne92]

I agree the holidays can be a bit tiring . I had to Christmas parties back to back at friends . Took me three days to recover . Overall the holidays have been bright and I'm looking forward to Christmas Day . Had a call from my son he was in the army but after 20 years left . After five tours of duty as a combat medic he was pretty pretty pooped . What does your number three son do in the army ? Wishing you and yours a beautiful day .

[Eleyne92 in reply to puddin55]

My son is a field medic, although he's going to be doing a term of recruiting this next tour of duty. He arrived home on Friday, without any prior notice. Quite a happy surprise.