Holiday Survival
The holidays are here and how to not only survive but enjoy them. I love to entertain and have a house full of guest. Rick and I would start planning early. He would decorate the outside and I would do the inside. Like all couples, I did the shopping but we would joke, he was my last minute man. I could always count on him to run to the store numerous times to get that one ingredient that I forgot. He would laugh and never complain.
The holidays have changed since Rick had the stroke, his desire to fully participate has left but he still loves when the kids and grandkids arrive. The first year after the stroke, I set myself up. I was convinced that the holidays didn’t need to change - I could do it all.
I did my best but by January 2, I was tired, crabby and depressed that it didn’t go as planned. So this year, I have a much simpler plan.
Holiday Survival Plan
Review what you want to give. After the year we had, the gift of being together is so much more important than the latest gadget. I was worried that the family would be upset with the change - they were thrilled.
·Shop early and wrap those gifts when you bring them home. This has helped with the last minute crazy of wrapping and also keeping track of what you bought. Every Christmas, I would always have a gift tucked away that I forgot.
Instead of gifts, give experiences. With Rick’s limitations and health scare, memories made will last longer than a gift.
Others love to entertain as well. Be gracious and enjoy the holidays at another’s home. It is a gift to them to be able to celebrate with you.
Decorations at the house. This year, Rick will be supervising the outside lights. Plan a family day to decorate, serve chile and dessert. This will be a new tradition.
Plan for naps. Schedule the holiday celebrations to include rest. Rick can handle about 2 hours at a time in larger groups.
Do not over plan. Not every tradition from the past needs to be carried over. Really, How many cookies do I need to bake and eat? Does dinner need to be a sit down dinner or appetizers through out the day? Do you need to see everyone over those few days? Spread out visits and fun over a longer period of time so that everyone can enjoy.
Lastly, the season is not about what you did but rather the birth of Jesus. Celebrate the love He provides and be grateful for all of your blessings.
Enjoy the holidays! Next post will be 1/2/2024
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