Thanks to Trish I have a new blog group that I'm apart of. The question is what are your Christmas traditions.
I must admit that since my daughter's medical diagnosis in January 2010 I have not been able to get in the Christmas spirit whether it is putting up the tree or going shopping and I love shopping. I think some of this ties in with our financial issues. I try not to think about whether or not this may be the last holiday that we spend together. So much changes when you have a child or other loved one with a chronic, incurable illness/disease.
One of the traditions that I really enjoy is putting up and decorating the tree. I would have put up the tree this past weekend but we had company so I will do it this weekend. Nicole and I decorate the tree while watching a Christmas DVD with some of the classic's Frosty, Rudolph etc. Sometimes Nicole will have hot chocolate and I will have coffee. It is tiring for Nicole as she only has so much energy but I know she enjoys it. I have also bought her an ornament every year since she was born so when she had a place/family of her own she would be able to decorate her tree.
Another tradition that I really enjoy is riding around looking at the Christmas lights which we usually do on Christmas night on the way home from Grandma and Grandpa's house. I have found though a lot of people go to a relatives house and the lights aren't on.
I hope that I will be in the Christmas spirit a little more. I have started Christmas cards but only have a limited number as I refuse to buy more until after Christmas when they are very cheap.
Hi Jane - Welcome to our blogging group! I can see you have a rich source of material, though very challenging for you. I hope this season will be a source of pleasure for you and your family despite the difficulties you face. Personally, the idea of quiet family traditions (decorating a tree and drinking hot chocolate sound divine!) seem the best to me. I also love that you buy a Christmas ornament each year. Makes for lovely reflections year after year as you look back on the previous years.
ReplyDeleteHope your daughter is feeling well. I know I will learn more about her and about you as we go along.
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
http://www.thereflectivewriter.com
Personal-Professional Balance Through Writing
Jane, I love the tradition you started with the Christmas ornaments! I love ornaments and remembering when the kids made them or why we bought it when we hang it on the tree. I hope you have fun putting up the tree (I highly recommend the movie "The Year Without a Santa Claus" -- the one with the two squabbling brothers, Mr. Hot & Mr. Freeze). :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, guess what!? I found a TON of Christmas cards in my dad's things and it would take me 100 Christmases to use them all. They'll go out in the mail to you tomorrow.
Trish
www.robertssister.com
caregiving. family. advocacy.
Hi Judy:
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I treasure the holidays especially the day of Christmas because it is with family and that is the most important things.
Hugs:o)
Jane ~ mom to Nicole, 17 yo, VSD, PAH, Eisenmengers, BHJS
"If you don't like something change it, if you can't change it, change the way you think about it."
Hi Trish:
ReplyDeleteI will have to check out that movie you suggested.
You don't have to send me the Christmas cards you found but it is very sweet of you. You know what a special person you are and an inspiration to me.
Hugs:o)
Jane ~ mom to Nicole, 17 yo, VSD, PAH, Eisenmengers, BHJS
"If you don't like something change it, if you can't change it, change the way you think about it."
Jane, great tradition that you have started. I know it is hard as you have much on your plate. However, you have to try to keep the tradition going. It will help cheer you up especially with all you are going through.
ReplyDeleteMy tradition is that my kids and I put up the xmas tree together. However, with my daughter off to college (her first year) she won't be here to help. :( So now, I'm going to have to start a new tradition that can include both my children.
Angela
Care About You
www.careaboutyou10.com
Jane,
ReplyDeleteI love that you started an ornament tradition with Nicole. Did she pick one out this year yet?
I hope you can find some peace in the tree decorating as you treasure the moments with your daughter.
They grow and move on too soon. Or at least mine did.
Kathy... I haven't missed your posts. Thank you Angela.. I'm sorry your daughter won't be home to participate in the traditions.
ReplyDeleteHugs:o)
Jane~mom to Nicole, 17 yo, VSD, PAH, Eisenmengers, BHJS
One thing I really like to do this time of year is watch all the really good Christmas movies. Like Elf, Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story or anything that's funny.
ReplyDelete