How are you dealing with the holidays?

[AspiePie]

Christmas is thirteen days away today, which makes me nervous somehow, even anxious, unsure why as it has been something of a disappointment since I was young. Recall being so excited that I couldn't sleep as my Father stole into our bedrooms and hung Christmas stockings on our bedposts, after he had rung sleigh bells outside to indicate that Santa's sleigh had arrived.

The stockings had been handmade by my grandmother and each had our names embroidered on them, there was always a tangerine, a laura secord striped candy stick, a small toy, a wrapped piece of homemade fudge, a pair of knitted mittens and a small children's book.

Don't suppose that I can ever recreate the Christmas's I had as a child, nor would I want to as it could only ever be a copy. My entire extended family, including grandparents lived nearby. They would visit on Christmas eve after midnight mass, bringing plates of sandwiches, oysters, oranges, lobster, roasted nuts and homemade candy. While some ate, others wrapped gifts, some cooked, many took out musical instruments and sang christmas songs.

Most every adult could play an instrument, and others danced, teaching the children steps. Everyone sang, and neighbors came by in the middle of the night, to dance or eat or bring gifts. The entire tiny street's residents went caroling with candles, and all were invited in for a warm mulled wine.

It seems another time and another place now, all these years later. One that I can't hope to recreate, sometimes I wonder if it was even real as everything since pales in comparison. Yet the fact that I experienced such 'old-fashioned' Christmases as a child has given me something that makes me smile and enjoy the holidays no matter the circumstances. This year will be a quiet holiday, the tree and outside lights are up, the stockings are hung and some of the food is already prepared and in the freezer. I'm making catnip toys for the cats, and a special meal for that day.

I hope I can eat lobster at least once this year?

 

[Andrew206]

I like family time during the holidays. What I find most challenging is increasing my socialization, especially with people I don't know, since many people are so busy during this time of year.

 

[flynn_gabriel]

"For me I wished the holidays were just normal days but alas." RidingDutchman, i couldnt agree more!!!!! i dislike most holidays, including my birthday... its just another day. i identify more with the grinch than santa. i am the grinch!!!!

 

[Butterfly88]

I'm seeing my family. I sometimes go into a quiet room if the social interaction gets to be too much.

 

[Nitro]

I got the Holiday spirit turned all the way up this year.The decorations are done outside and most of the inside is done now.My train layout is nearly finished with tons of small cars,trucks,an antique Greyhound bus and buildings in all the wrong scales as a crazy bit of artistic license placed around the tiny Christmas tree. The trains are both HO and N gauges on the layout with another tiny motorized train under the tree. Nothing matches at all and I like it that way

I am assembling my entertainment system tonite,but took a break to sit down for a moment. The stand is a three shelved glass unit that is 58x20 inches on the top and makes my 50 class TV look like a portable on it. The damned thing is uber heavy too,but was only $16 with my senior citizen discount. (cheapskate old bastritch for those who don't get it)

I still have to wrap the gifts for the wee ones,but that is the easy part. My holiday will be spent with family and good friends.I wouldn't miss it for nuthin'

 

[Progster]

Christmas isn't such a big deal here as it is in other countries. I don't do much, just sit in and watch a video, or I go for a walk in the forest. I don't do much in the way of food, I just have some extra tasty goodies and treats around to eat, and a couple of bottles of red wine. The most difficult things to deal with are surprise visits and having to go to other people's houses. I prefer to socialise at home because I have control over what goes on - I have food I like, music I like and smoking in the house is banned. I also have my room to retreat to if it gets too much. I don't like going to other people's houses, because I have no control over these things and often feel uncomfortable.

 

[Nitro]

Here are a few pix of my train fiasco

 

[ancusmitis]

Nitro, I would hardly call that a fiasco. It looks great

 

[Nitro]

Nitro, I would hardly call that a fiasco. It looks great

Thanks!

 

[ancusmitis]

Thanks!

No problem

 

[peoplesrjames]

Im going to be with my family back at home. I kind of would rather spend time with my friends, but I know that's wrong so I'm going home.

 

[Suzanne]

I am constructed a scrooge because I HATE these holidays and look so forward to them ending.

Not always been like this. One time, did love celebrating this festival, but began to question it all and then, learned that it has nothing to do with Jesus. So, as a christian, I keep well away from it all. I know that sounds contradictory, but it is actually a pagan holiday, nothinges to do with Christianity. Obviously it is my choice to not want anything to do with pagan things.

So, I get out of all the pretence of socialising lol