Being a social thread--- ima pretend for a moment that i have a Social Life. Ha ha
The Holidays are a fun time of year for me, as long as seasonal depression stays the Fuck outta the picture. My kids are grown, yet young enuf they still love to gather, eat my Bomb holiday goodies , play games at a large table and exchange gifts throughout. We had a blast last year; hoping for repeats this year. (5 kids!)
I'm not sure what threads I've mentioned it in, but I lost my Dad about 19 months ago. He had lung cancer: I was his caregiver and at his side when he Transitioned, from this life to whatever the Next Step may be. So last years holidays were defiantly tainted with a loss, a sadness; that Logical feeling that the world had now become Altered, and Nothing will ever be quite the "same " again .
My heart is slow in healing
But it's coming along.
I still enjoy some various holiday Traditions aside from just those mentioned above.
I love the Ritual of dragging out the Christmas decorations (I decided to no longer put up a Tree, in my apartment. One of my cats is a real Climber and things got dangerous last year in the five days I had a Tree up.)
I still put out stockings, knick -knacks, decorations. Although the Family gatherings now take place at the homes of our relatives, my husband and I have certain "items" we put out each year.
I did this tonight; took down the Autumn decorations and put out the Christmas ones. The actual WEEK OF Christmas, I will put the Nativity up (small frosted cystal set had belonged to my husband's parents). On Christmas Eve, I lay tiny Baby Jesus in the manger.
Little rituals.
Baking pumpkin pies and wrapping holiday gifts.... baking up cookies n treats : making trays for neighbors n friends. These things my parents did before me and my now-Adult children are beginning to do in their own homes.....
Bittersweet, these special occasions. but they are markedly more comfortable and enjoyable when I Observe the little rituals and traditions as best I can.
Last year was difficult all December, right up to Christmas eve when I got off my butt and Forced myself to make treats, wrap presents, put a traditional holiday movie on the DVD player. The Spirit took over and I was Ok after that.
I truly wish ALL life's comforts and joys to everyone this holiday season; May we ALL be Blessed with wellness and Peace .