Head spinning

[purple64]

How do you all cope with Christmas? I have several things that need to be done, write cards, wrap presents, but presents etc but I just don't seem to be able to get myself into gear! Feel restless mind racing and end up making a hot drink and doing nothing. So frustrating, mind is busy body exhausted. Just had to rant 😂

[Redrosegirlie]

Purple, I feel the same. I do work full time in a demanding and difficult job and that is all I can manage. The rest of the time l do nothing.

I am disinterested in Christmas 😒

[purple64 in reply to Redrosegirlie]

Me too just can't be doing with it🙄

[shaws Administrator]

Explain to your friends/family that you're not well enough - that will come as a surprise to them as they cannot see what is going on within your body.

You can tell them that you have a problem with your metabolism at present and are trying to get to an optimum of thyroid hormone replacement as it is these that drive our whole body and provide the energy for our body and heart and brain needing the most . The fact that increases have to be done very gradually.

The No.1 issue here is that you have a disease which is classed as serious and due to that diagnosis you will no longer pay for any other prescriptions for any other illnesses you may (hopefully not) develop.

[purple64 in reply to shaws]

I am guilty of saying I'm fine 😊. I also think that they think I pop a pill each day and the graves is controlled. Will have to be better at saying no I'm not feeling too good today😂New Year's resolution maybe🤔it's also me being stubborn and not wanting to admit that I have an illness and I'm getting older so therefore can't do as much 😤

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to purple64]

Think it’s just easier to say you’re fine. I’ve got to stop myself saying I feel f8ne when the doctor asks and I’m feeling so bad I’ve had to go and see her. That was why I started keeping adaiky diary of how I felt when I was being treated for Graves. If I hadn’t done I would just have said I was fine - with my notes I was able to look through them and jot down exactly how I had been.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

That's a good idea, to keep track of how you feel each day. You can then present them to the GP instead of them forgetting what you've said during the consultation.

[greygoose]

Fortunately, I have my daughter to do most of the work! But, I have cut out Christmas cards. I was sending them later and later until it hardly seemed worth it, because they would never arrive before Christmas! Plus, I don't like the idea on principal. Whilst I love the actual cards, I do think of the poor trees that have been cut down to make them. I don't like cutting down trees. And, knowing they will just be thrown away or recycled after Christmas, it just seems like a lot of effort and destruction for not very much gain. So, I prefer to give money to charity, instead.

We only give presents to children in our extended family, not the adults (although I do make an exception for my daughter and her partner who do so much for me). Most of my shopping is done on-line.

As for the meal on Christmas Day, we don't have a traditional meal, turkey and all the trimmings, that's far too much work! What we do - without all the boring details - is extensive preparation on Christmas Eve, then everyone cooks their own meal, at the table, on the day. There are a variety of meal that can be done that way.

So, it might not be everyone's cup of tea, but that's the way we do it.

[purple64 in reply to greygoose]

I understand the Christmas card thing I just think it's a waste. They only get recycled and as you say all the trees that get cut plus the cost of postage. Going to suggest that next year cards are stopped see what they say.

I'm sure the family won't be mind. I buy for my 4 sons and the grandchildren and I know in my head what needs to be done it's just getting myself in heat and do it 😂😂

[greygoose in reply to purple64]

Yes, I know the problem.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to greygoose]

Gosh, I’ve cut out Christmas cards too. Pretty much for the same reas9ns as GG. I got so late some were just never sent in the end. Plus I just got fed up with the hassle of it all. I can see it coming to a stage where people stop sending them to me - they will probably think I’m dead! So I’m thinking of saving the ones I get at present in case a day comes when I get none at all.

I get presents for my grown up kids who I love and people and local dogs I like and see regularly. We have a very small family but I’m afraid I’ve stopped sending pressies to distant relatives (children) who don’t even bother to let me know they’ve got them let alone say thanks - with internet and mobile phones it shouldn’t be all that difficult. I used to find it especially rude and galling as they have far more disposable cash than I have. I never see them so it is easy to do.

My husband does the meal, because he loves doing it - I suggested a Christmas lasagne this year but it’s turkey again because my men love the left overs, we’ve been married 46 years and I’ve never cooked a Christmas lunch - cooked loads of other meals though but not that one.

Years ago when the kids were little my husband and I exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve - like the Queen! Then they grew up and noticed so now we have a massive gift swapping session on Christmas Eve - all the paper etc goes in a black sack which means that Christmas Day is incredibly relaxing.

I try to get everything we need but if I forget and miss something then that’s tough but I don’t worry about it.

All sounds very strange to people who have a ‘normal’ Christmas but it works for us and it really is stress free. I used to keep our Christmas Eve gift giving secret but now I don’t care, all my friends know we do it and they still speak to me / us.

[purple64 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Sounds good to me. You have a good one there doing the dinner. I must admit I like cards and I do look back at them but it is a lot of hassle. Like you I only buy for immediate family and their dogs😂. I know how you feel

About distant family who can't be bothered to acknowledge their gift.

[greygoose in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

The French do that, give presents on Christmas Eve at midnight. They have a huge meal in the evening, and then just eat leftovers on Christmas day. But, I like present giving in the morning, after breakfast, with a glass of sherry, or champagne. So, some of my grandchildren have presents on Christmas Eve with their other grand parents, and then again on Christmas morning, with us.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to greygoose]

Sounds the best of both worlds. When our boys were young they always opened theirs on Christmas Day even though my husband and I swapped presents before we went to bed on Christmas Eve.

[Rmichelle in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Lol😆same here....hubby does all of the prep and dinner, so lucky!!

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Rmichelle]

I almost had to do it last year as other half had a hip replacement in November but he fought me for the honour and he won. He sees it as a badge of honour I think 😉

[Rmichelle in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Aaw bless, yes my hubby sees it as his job, im glad i do not have any christmas stress🎄

[Rmichelle]

Do not feel guilty, if you do not want to do it-do not do it!! Im lucky as hubby does the thinking and prep as he prefers it that way, lo😆l im quite good at saying "No" particulary since becoming ill. Don't stress.xx

[purple64 in reply to Rmichelle]

You are lucky. My new mantra is going to be no I can't or no I'm not fine😂. I just need to get my butt into gear😂

[Angel_of_the_North]

I make a list and then decide to do it on a particular day and make myself do it all on that day.