Aunty Bees PMR , GCA and Chronic Pain Sufferers Advent Calendar. Dec 13. National Christmas Jumper Day , My Past Efforts and a little Quiz .

[Blearyeyed]

Happy National Christmas Jumper Day !

Or whichever Winter Festivals Jumper you prefer , as I have friends that happily join in the celebrations , and giving much needed support to Charities with their donations from all religions and None.

Some of my chums past efforts have been amazing , including a twinkling Hanukkah bush with Doves , and my friend Keith's Bacchus costume was the hit of the Woodland Festival two years ago ( although maybe he would have been better off with a Christmas Jumper as well as a Toga , as he came down with a touch of Pneumonia a week later).

I have decided to put up a photo of one particular years efforts of Mrs Claus ( aka Me!) .

As I said in a previous post , one of the upsides before GCA was that the Illness induced Insomnia gave me plenty of time in the night to knit or sew jumpers for my Family and New Borns , and the odd child in need . These would be dispersed , again in the sleepless hours of Christmas Eve , to the doors of whomever they were being sent to as a Gift via Elf Post from Mrs Claus. Although , my Family eventually guessed who did it ( although in this photo the children still had no idea ) , I have some people who never worked out whom was the Jumper making Christmas Elf.

Unfortunately , I am beyond this level of Christmas Crafting since GCA , so , last year I just managed to make crackers containing a simple knitted cracker hat and a badge for the Gang at home . This year , who knows , it maybe it will be a tradition that completely takes a break for a Year , but there is nothing wrong with that , even Mrs Claus deserves a holiday at Christmas when she gets rundown.

However , my quiz for today is this .....

In 24 years of Christmas Jumper and Sweater making for Friends and Family , How many jumpers has Mrs. Bee Claus made?

And please do leave a reply about any Christmas jumpers or other gifts that raised a smile that you have made.

And as Pro says , 12 million Christmas Jumpers were bought this year alone to celebrate Christmas Jumper Day , if you bought one of these jumpers , please cherish it , adapt it , don't just wear it once , help Greta save the planet and wear it every year.

Oh , by the way the answer to Who is the Snowman?

It was Eric !!! Nursing a stomach ache

Although all the answers were actually right in terms of what happened , including Me , Grandma , the friend hid under it, laid down and fell asleep , it has also hidden two Music Stars and an actor from Harry Potter , but the actual photo you were shown was Eric.

The winners were , ooh flipping brain Fog , I will add to this in a moment ....

Pixix

Jackoh

Yellow bluebell

💃💃💃💃🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌👌

And a final thought , if you can't craft your usual Christmas gifts this year , like Mrs Bee Claus , think small , or give yourself a little rest and feel free to make nothing at all.

Thanks for taking part ,

Big jumper shaped snuggles folks , Aunty Bee xxx

[Rose54]

Hi

PMR gave me back the art of knitting as I spent so much time resting and my 1st Grandchild was expected .

I knitted him a rainbow Cardigan one year followed by Bobble hat and scarf.

Hes crazy about it in the summer his Mum told him her needed a hat on

Yes he came down stairs with hat pulled on at odd angle and scarf knotted around his neck

Mum and Dad have to hide it as he would wear it every day

[Blearyeyed in reply to Rose54]

That's brilliant , and a great point , many of our forum friends actually went back to doing crafts they hadn't done for years because they had the time to do hobbies that those busy Pre PMR lives had made them forget.

It's one of those silver linings that you need to search for even in the darker days for that I talk about .

Others found new crafts and actually exercise activities that they never did before or knew they would enjoy as part of the way to stay Mind and Body Healthy during PMR , GCA.

Your jumper set sounds lovely , my nephew got a tiger hat one year that he would never take off , not even for bed. And his Mum had to bring it to school everyday so he could put it on as he came out of the door even in Summer.

Thanks for the reminders , hugs xx

[Cyclegirl54 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Even I had a go at homemade cards last year.. this year I have made some red Woolley Pom poms for the tree! That’s the sum of my craft abilities 😂

[Blearyeyed in reply to Cyclegirl54]

Have a look at my reply to Marilyn , small and sweet is a lovely health giving treat !

Love the idea of your Ruldolph noses on your tree xxx

[Pixix in reply to Rose54]

59 jumpers & thought it would be Eric! I’ve been crocheting a lot more since my diagnosis. As many of you will have gleaned I don’t rest or sit at all, really, so took up crochet to force me to sit, at least! Have just finished six choc orange hat covers, four snowmen, and in the middle of a tomte right now! It’s proving fun and also helping my arthritic thumbs, though...groan...if I overdo the crochet my hands are stiff and swollen in the mornings! LOL anybody would think I’m 100!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Pixix]

There is an identical photo of Me , hiding from work, the only difference is the colour of the jumper! We actually leave Olaf on the corner of the sofa each year now and tell anyone to go to Grumpy Olaf corner if they don't want to be disturbed a, works wonders!

Have you tried making mini Christmas pudding hats to put on Ferrero Rocher , I did it one year for mini table gifts , you can use them later as a Christmas boiled egg hat !

It's funny , your forum friends will be really happy encouraging you to do lots more crochet just to get you to sit down to take a well earned break.

But , for some of us , like my Chum Louise , we have to remind people that crochet can be an extreme sport for the back and fingers , as you do forget , especially when you haven't done it for ages just how much you use muscles in your hands and arms that don't usually get a workout.

Craft Therapy like Physio needs building up gradually within a limit you can cope with and then that limit , just like a homemade scarf , eventually grows!

I bet you have made Santa the odd lovely hat and jumper to go with his costume.

You may be a winner again too but I can't say yet , hugs xxx

[Pixix in reply to Blearyeyed]

Ha ha...actually I made myself a red and white striped really really long hat as I didn’t have anything other than an old red fleece! It was fine except I drove the end with the bobble swing round and hit me on the nose! I’ve seen the mini Ferrero Rocher patterns, but already have six other crochet projects on the go so I will just finish the Christmas gnome & move on I think! Didn’t realise there was so many Christmas patterns available...oh I did make a Christmas tree skirt as well! Today I’m drying oranges...did I mention I love Christmas LOL. xx

[Blearyeyed in reply to Pixix]

Yes, the amount of Elf Hat related injuries we have had over the years in our house is scarily large.

The amount of times we have whipped around quickly and poked ourselves in the eye with a point or bobble you would have thought we would have learnt to take them off when Slade comes on the radio!

Of course you love Christmas , you are married to Mr. Claus after all. Your Christmas energy is astounding us all , but I bet it's taking your mind off the PMR and even making it feel a bit easier , as you're Christmas Activities aren't done because you ' have To' it's because you ' want To' so it's giving you a Mental Health boost. Just as long as the body can keep up! xxx

[Pixix in reply to Blearyeyed]

Body is rather fed up, but took a complete-ish day off yesterday! Sorted out my crochet projects, advanced a few, watched a film, made cheese and bacon pastry puffs, lovely! Nights are bad with pain, but more FM than PMR, oh and lung trouble from the storm. I was much better in the short dry spell we had. Will post photo of Santa after next appearance...and I must do a health and safety check on the elf hat, thanks, I know I’m not alone now! S x

[Blearyeyed in reply to Pixix]

Ooh ! Could you post a photo of your Santa on the big Christmas PMR/ GCA card and party post the Charity and Moderators are putting up on December 22nd ?

That would be brilliant , it would be like we had had a visit from Santa on our official party day , I bet everyone would love it !

[Pixix in reply to Blearyeyed]

Yes, that’s exactly what I’m planning! Should have mentioned the date in my previous reply, sorry! I didn’t mean a separate post, I meant that one! Duh...not great today, am I? Groan....

[Blearyeyed in reply to Pixix]

Great minds think alike Pixix!😋😘😘😍

Did you see the little ditty I sent to Pro about snotty children on the Nativity post?!😋😂😂😂

[Pixix in reply to Blearyeyed]

Yes. Wonderful, love the idea for a new version of the Snowman! Don’t think Santa is allowed to chuck them in the air, though!

[Hidden in reply to Pixix]

I saw the flying bit and got vertigo. 😱

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pixix]

It will be separate posts for pictures - you can't post a picture in a reply unfortunately because of the way HU works, we have asked, unless you have a link but that's a faff.

That's why it will be a "one day only" thing, allowing non-PMR posts all the time just isn't feasible.

[Blearyeyed in reply to PMRpro]

Are right , I get it , I thought maybe we were going to get tech instruction from Poops on how to add a photo or clip in replies.

I'm always amazed at the people that do that , I still haven't got the ability myself , even a blue link confuses me , and believe me Poops has been trying to teach me!!

It will be a busy day for the HU postman on the 22 nd !

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Blearyeyed]

I'm playing taxi! Family arriving at Innsbruck airport - and then it is one daughter's birthday

[bunnymom in reply to PMRpro]

Wonderful! that's Christmas right there. We have no kids at home this year, but do see grand kids Christmas Day 🎄

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to bunnymom]

The bad bit is I have to get up early on Boxing Day to take them back!!! 11am flight and the birthday daughter is OCD about being places on time - like 2 hours early on time ...

[Blearyeyed in reply to PMRpro]

Do they have Taxis nearby😋😂😂😂😂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Blearyeyed]

Real ones you mean? Innsbruck airport will be about 250 euros at least ...

[Pixix in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. I assumed that’s the way it would work, as no way to add photos (which is correct for this type of forum, imho!)

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pixix]

I agree - they added it on the patient forum and for a few months it was like being on FB as a couple of people insisted on putting cuddly teddies and the like in every reply! The serious stuff just disappeared in the fog.

[Pixix in reply to PMRpro]

It’s fun at Christmas time, but dilutes the purpose of the forum, I think. There’s plenty of space on Facebook for it, though! However, the post that became a bit based on crafts was allied to the cause, I believe! Many people find craft making therapeutic and it does take your mind off the pain!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pixix]

It's what we are hoping to encourage - sensible tried and tested ways of coping with chronic illness ...

[Marilyn1959]

Oh Bee. What a lovely thing to do incognito for others. It must have given you and the recipients a really warm glow.

I love anything homemade craft wise, since they are unique. One Christmas we were a bit tight for money. That year I had painted and hung some water colour paintings which family commented very favourably on. Encouraged, I decided to attend water colour classes to get the best out of the medium since I was an 'oils' girl previously. I also decided I would give framed paintings as presents that Christmas. However I started the classes in September and felt sick each time I attended. Well blow me down I was pregnant, after trying for three years and having finally received a forthcoming appointment at a London fertility clinic!

I had to give up the classes, but completed the paintings regardless. I found it tough going and the deadline of Christmas made it a bit pressurised, but the looks on the faces of family members when they opened their unique gift, especially for them, was worth it.

Haven't painted since. It was on my to do list when I retired but PMR hit. So at present enjoy crafting personalised cards instead. Watercolour painting remains on the to do list, just delayed!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Marilyn1959]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

I'm giggling as I began to think perhaps Art and Craft Therapy should start having a health warning ,

Be aware, the relaxation you will feel from getting creative may cause side effects of Pregnancy and Little bundles of Joy!!!😋😂😂😂😘

You did supply us with two really helpful tips so thank you so much for your reply.

Sometimes we try to choose to make home made things that take a lot of time and energy that we may not have to spare, even when we are Healthy let alone with something like PMR/ GCA .

It can make us feel too much pressure , and rather than a joy begins to turn into a ' Have To' that makes Us tired , Stressed and we cannot enjoy it they way we did.

Swapping to making something smaller but still gives the relaxation from doing something we 'want to ' do , like a card , or a little scarf or accessory , gives us that freedom and the Festive Pacing balance to enjoy making and giving Homemade without the Flare.

Have you tried watercolour cards ? that's what I did last year , then gave them a mini frame to put it in if they wanted to make it into a decoration for next year. I have seen five up on different walls so far so I think I got it right.

And , if I ever get back on my feet and put back on my Elf Post shoes I'll let you know , you might see me sneeking up to a door near you!

Thanks M , hugs xxx

[Yellowbluebell]

You know my thoughts on crafting especially quilting. Even when feeling knackered i still enjoy sewing and sending out my quilts to their new owners. I always hope they will get passed down through the generations. My family have all been gifted their own quilts although gransdaon has more than one and is always coming up with new ideas for his next one which usually means i spend the next month designing it. I love this part as well. Happy crafting to everyone no matter how big or small. Oh and now i want to go and make pom poms again!!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Mr . Bee is nicknamed Professor Pompom at our Craft activity workshops , he makes hundreds and we have a whole set of Muppet Christmas characters that hang around the door. He started a craze , and uses those reusable Pompom makers that literally lets you make a normal size pompom in minutes with none of the fiddling with circles of card and far more safety using the scissors for sore , stiff fingers.

We sold so many makers in the shop after people gave them a go , especially to little boys and Grandads , I think it's a perfect craft to relax the mind as you wind the wool with PMR or Arthritis .

My art was my Profession , so I used to thank my lucky stars every day that my job , not matter how busy , was also something that gave me enjoyment and good Mental Health just like your quilting.

But , I can't work just now with the limits the illnesses are putting on Me , and find even a bit of simple drawing can be too much , so I miss it very much and when I can just do something small.

Art Therapy is just like Physiotherapy , it does amazing things for your body and mind as long as you start small and work within your limitations .

[Highlandtiger in reply to Blearyeyed]

Hmm.... I used to design and knit Fair Isle jumpers but haven’t done so for years now. You’re making me think I might give it a go again..... 🤔 🧶

[Blearyeyed in reply to Highlandtiger]

Brilliant! Build up gradually though you don't want any extreme crafting Pain injuries , then you will get hooked again , or should I say needled as hooks are a crochet thing!😋😂😂😂

The first bit of fairisle I did , as a mere girl , was just a simple collar and cuff to be able to add to a jacket or jumper. It was for my Girl Guide Knitters badge!

A few years ago , I made fairisle knitted baubles based on a book by these two Male Trendy knitters , I will check their names so you can look at their stuff .

I find even smaller projects take so much more time now and it can get a bit frustrating if you want to see the finished product. It's a bit like all those half made scarves many of us stuffed in a bag when we first started knitting.

So , I suggest do it but maybe start on a mini scarf or some socks first then build up to a jumper , I will happily give you my measurements if you get obsessed again!😋😂😂😂😂

So, you could try for a hat trick , how many jumpers do you think I have knitted or sewed for Christmas in 24 years ?

You may get it spot on after years of Knitty experience!😋😘😍

[Highlandtiger in reply to Blearyeyed]

Ok, so still basking in my success after being in the winning team this afternoon in my work's Xmas quiz (I got a packet of Minstrels - I told you I am competitive), the highlight of an otherwise fairly depressing day, I'll give the quiz a go.....you’ve knitted/sewn 107 jumpers?

[Blearyeyed in reply to Highlandtiger]

Ummmm! I will let you know ......😋

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Did you guess on the jumper count?

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

56! Mind you if you were as prolific as i am with quilts it could be a huge number!! 129?

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

You can have one number or the other , choose wisely 😋😂😂😂😂

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Going in between with 109

[Nuff1]

No Christmas juper but OH is cultivating a Christmas Beard - obviouly not suffering from Pred hair- loss, ha always grown stronger on chin than on top of head,which was bare well befor PMR/GCA.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Nuff1]

Ditto , have you seen Mr. Bee in that picture , it was taken 12 years ago , he looks like a beard wearing egg now and the poor things only 44!

( Yes, I have a toy boy!)

[SheffieldJane]

How inspiring all this is. I forgot how happy crafting, drawing and painting made me when I had a much missed little one to play with. Maybe I will have a look at the treasures in my big crafting hamper again. You name it, it’s there. Thanks!

[Blearyeyed in reply to SheffieldJane]

Great idea , if you love to craft and just play around with it first and start small it's amazing how much better you feel . It doesn't need a purpose , it can just be for fun , like lots of things we forget to keep doing when the kids grow up. Perfect for a little all year round De-stress Mental ' Me' Time. Let us know in a post in the future if you start Crafting again and you find it works as a Therapy. I would love to see what you have in your Stash box !😋😁😘😘😍

[Blearyeyed in reply to SheffieldJane]

Do you want a guess the how many Christmas jumper game , gosh , now it sounds like we are having a PMR/ GCA Christmas Fete!😋😂😂😂

[SheffieldJane in reply to Blearyeyed]

96 🤔 jumpers made.

[Marilyn1959]

I didn't guess the number of jumpers. I am thinking over 24 years I will go for 20 each year on the premise new borns being smaller might take less time, so total of 480?

[Blearyeyed in reply to Marilyn1959]

I will let you know tomorrow , I just thought , if it was hats and bootees the number would definitely be huge !

[Jackoh]

96?! Have had to stop knitting so much as can make my arms and shoulders hurt. So still continuing with some hats but they take forever!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Jackoh]

I know what you mean , you have to start adapting you crafting to what you can manage and every craft job seems to take three times as long , even a simple hat or card.

Combo of how you need to sit , stiff arms and fingers and brain fog causes it I think.

The knitted crowns I made last year would have taken me about an hour and a half to do the lot Pre GCA , but I ended up making them over a few days , just knitting a few lines then putting it down.

It meant I could still enjoy my creative side but I had to learn to adapt my ambitions of what I wanted to do into what I could do , it meant I could still do it in a relaxed way and get the benefit of it rather than stressing over not getting things done , which I had been in danger of doing at one time.

[Jackoh in reply to Blearyeyed]

Yes that’s the same for me- a few years back I made hats for all the SILs. Son and boy grandchildren- now I just do one when I can and they will probably all get one but not all this year!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Jackoh]

Great planning , Art and Craft is meant to be enjoyable therapy for you as much as a way to make a gift for others. I am still working on a new hat for Mr. Bee that I started in September , I am hoping I can manage in time for Christmas xx