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Post by volunteergirl on Dec 24, 2023 16:38:04 GMT
We are down to the last few days of a tough time of year. When I read the last thread, I found myself nodding in agreement, especially about moms planning everything, and feeling for all of us who have seasonal struggles.
Several years ago, when someone complained about an activity that they had chosen to do, I decided to quit planning. I didn’t enjoy the activities and obviously the family didn’t. Ever since then, they make huge plans for all the activities they want to do. One by one, they keep finding reasons not to do them. It’s too cold, too rainy, too tiring, too far, etc. This year was the same. All the stuff that was so important isn’t so important when they have to make it happen! 😁
What do you find helpful to make it through the last push? I have an hourly countdown (about 48!), a good music station that isn’t playing Christmas music, and a trashy novel to read.
I wish you all peace and minimal stress and anxiety. Thank you for making me feel not so alone with my feelings. It is very appreciated.
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Post by mom on Dec 24, 2023 17:12:58 GMT
I am really big on planning my schedule for the last few days. I print out all my recipes (even if I know the recipe by heart) so that if someone wants to help, I can give them the recipe and they can do it. I also double check all of my ingredients and store them together so I can see that I have everything I need.
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Post by Lexica on Dec 24, 2023 18:16:30 GMT
I am really big on planning my schedule for the last few days. I print out all my recipes (even if I know the recipe by heart) so that if someone wants to help, I can give them the recipe and they can do it. I also double check all of my ingredients and store them together so I can see that I have everything I need. Both excellent ideas. If I end up hosting a small neighborhood gathering next year, I’m going to borrow your suggestions. There is not much more frustrating than thinking you have a critical component and finding that spot on the shelf empty. My neighbor used to set her table a couple of weeks or more in advance, including each serving dish. She used Post-it notes to label what each serving dish would hold, making sure there was adequate room for everything on the menu. When she was happy with the layout, she threw a clean bedsheet across it all and moved on to other chores. Now that was organization! |
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pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,750 
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Post by pantsonfire on Dec 24, 2023 18:20:12 GMT
Front load DS and DD for about a week, sometimes 2 weeks leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. With Autism, this is so important.
Relax the next few days after Christmas so they can decompress. There is no set schedule for 2 days post Christmas. This allows them to relax as needed.
Make a big Christmas dinner so we have left overs. Then I can relax on the cooking front.
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Post by Merge on Dec 24, 2023 18:43:16 GMT
Yesterday I had everyone here helping with the baking and we had a great time. Today I am in sensory overload and just need to work in silence, so I kicked everyone out and I'm prepping tomorrow's breakfast and part of the dinner on my own. I enjoy cooking and don't mind doing it myself today just so I can be inside my own head.
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Post by birdy on Dec 24, 2023 20:03:47 GMT
Today we cleaned and did some food prep for tomorrow.
I thought of 2 ideas I've never done before and they worked well, so I'm going to remember them for next year.
1. Earlier this week I made a list of all the cleaning tasks we needed to do today to be ready for tomorrow. I added to it as I thought of things. Did this on my computer in Excel. Same with food prep. stuff. DH and DD were able to look at the list and pick things to do and delete them as they went. It saved me having to stop every time they were done with something and asked what next.
2. Normally on Christmas after we open presents and have breakfast, I get in the kitchen right away to start food prep. This year, we did as much as we could today to make tomorrow more laid back. I put everything in Tupperware or ziplock bags and tomorrow will be much more calm around here!
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Post by nlwilkins on Dec 24, 2023 20:22:32 GMT
Finding myself alone on Thanksgiving, I decided not to expect anything from Christmas. Husband passed away in June, so this is how it is going to be I guess. The two daughters have plans, though one said she was going to spend part of the day with me. No tree, I purchased my own gifts, and a few others just in case I need them, and have a few dishes planned. Next year I think I will take a trip and not let myself wallow in pity - otherwise I really have no definate plans for this year.
So please enjoy the fun, don't stress cause no matter how busy you can get, the opposite is not something you want to have.
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Post by grammadee on Dec 24, 2023 20:25:04 GMT
(((((Hugs))))) nlwilkins. And to everyone else adjusting to this season for the first time on their own. I have learned to ask for—and accept—help. I don’t do it weeks ahead, but tomorrow morning I will have the serving bowls and trays on the table, and a list of what’s on the menu for snacks and the main meal. Since we use the same serving pieces for the same items each time, people hardly need my list. One person will start getting the pickle lazy Susan filled. Someone else will start cutting up cheese and sausage to serve with crackers on that tray, etc. |
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Post by fiddlesticks on Dec 24, 2023 20:36:25 GMT
Yesterday was DH’s birthday and we had our good friends and MIL over and, played games, had a crab feast and it was a great day and I was super grateful I pulled that off. I’m going to call my parents in a bit to get that done and then it will be smooth sailing. It’s really the ramp up leading is hard for me. Well, mostly.
Today, DD and I will bake cookies. We are going to look at lights, doing appetizers for dinner and then will go to a movie. We haven’t decided yet. Tomorrow, we will open presents, have brunch and MIL will go home in the afternoon. And then I breathe.
It has taken awhile to curate the days to end up doing what we truly want to do and it’s like a treat to get through the craziness and have the days we want.
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Post by koontz on Dec 24, 2023 22:32:01 GMT
Finding myself alone on Thanksgiving, I decided not to expect anything from Christmas. Husband passed away in June, so this is how it is going to be I guess. The two daughters have plans, though one said she was going to spend part of the day with me. No tree, I purchased my own gifts, and a few others just in case I need them, and have a few dishes planned. Next year I think I will take a trip and not let myself wallow in pity - otherwise I really have no definate plans for this year. So please enjoy the fun, don't stress cause no matter how busy you can get, the opposite is not something you want to have. Just wanted to send you a hug. |
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Post by KelleeM on Dec 24, 2023 23:56:07 GMT
Big hugs, nlwilkins. I’m sorry you’re alone. I remember the first Christmas after my husband passed away and it was so much better because I had people around me. |
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Dec 25, 2023 0:30:22 GMT
After a busier holiday time at work leading up to Christmas day, I always stay home on the day and night of Christmas eve.
I sleep in. I decompress. I enjoy the quiet. I stay in my pajamas. It's needed and good for my well being.
Tomorrow (Christmas day), I will be ready to be social and partake in the Christmas day gathering.....including being polite and civil to the couple of toxic family members that I have to tolerate.
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Post by marie on Dec 25, 2023 6:06:57 GMT
Finding myself alone on Thanksgiving, I decided not to expect anything from Christmas. Husband passed away in June, so this is how it is going to be I guess. The two daughters have plans, though one said she was going to spend part of the day with me. No tree, I purchased my own gifts, and a few others just in case I need them, and have a few dishes planned. Next year I think I will take a trip and not let myself wallow in pity - otherwise I really have no definate plans for this year. So please enjoy the fun, don't stress cause no matter how busy you can get, the opposite is not something you want to have. Sending hugs. I remember how hard it was the first Christmas after I lost my husband. |
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Post by scrapmaven on Dec 25, 2023 18:05:26 GMT
nlwilkins I'm thinking about you today and sending ((((HUGS))). Might I suggest that you plan a really fun vacation next year? What about a Christmas cruise or something else that you would really enjoy?
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Post by 950nancy on Dec 25, 2023 23:00:03 GMT
(((((Hugs))))) nlwilkins . And to everyone else adjusting to this season for the first time on their own. I have learned to ask for—and accept—help. I don’t do it weeks ahead, but tomorrow morning I will have the serving bowls and trays on the table, and a list of what’s on the menu for snacks and the main meal. Since we use the same serving pieces for the same items each time, people hardly need my list. One person will start getting the pickle lazy Susan filled. Someone else will start cutting up cheese and sausage to serve with crackers on that tray, etc. I had 5 out of the 6 of us getting the meal cooked yesterday. In the morning, I spent 2 hours prepping for it and my husband got the table set. I also get everything set out in food zones and the daughters in law just pick a thing they want to do get started with it. The guys also help, but they need a bit more guidance sometimes. My husband was grilling and the other son was feeding the baby. If I had to go back to doing it all on my own, we'd be having Chinese take out. |
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