Holiday Feelings: Are They Merry or Stressful?

@hodagwi This was s bad year as my husband died on December 22 so it was rough for me but my connect family helped pull me through 2 yrs later my Mom died on Feb 2 now my brother died on April 6 different yrs but as we get older that's life

The only thing I enjoy about holidays is first, the meaning...
Secondly, having the whole family together is a blessing. What bugs me is feeling forced to do certain things because it's a special day. Last Easter my very special dog was on his last days with bone cancer. Everyone assumed I was supposed to go about the usual BIG family dinner, all the fuss and cooking, cleaning etc. I was literally exhausted with uncontrollable emotions and sleepness nights sitting with my buddy, my pal, holding him, comforting him. Finally I just told everyone I'm not doing a thing but staying put right here with him and my husband, who's heart was literally broken. So, no one did anything. I have friends I always invite, all through the year, regardless of holidays, yet never ever ever do we get an invitation, not even to meet someplace out for a quick lunch. Yet I feel so badly not to invite them. I just dont get it...and I'm sorry for all us that feel the holidays stir up emotions. Shouldn't be that way. Personally, I'm thankful my family and I had a lovely Christmas, but I'm glad it's all over. Hubby and I are staying home new years, just us...and God willing, I'll cook us a special meal. All said...let's move on...dont look back, and pray for a healthy, peaceful 2019. Nice people here!!

So true, @lioness. As we age, our losses multiply, don't they? You are blessed to be able to see beyond your losses and to reach out to others. Glad you are at our cyber table😊!

@hopefull33250 Thank you I do feel blessed God has always been there when I needed him the most I'm glad I can add my 2cents hope it helps you have always been so kind.Stay warm It's cold here in Calif at nights

I always stay warm. I live in SE Michigan and last year (after too many below zero nights) I invested in an electric blanket. It's wonderfully soothing to preheat the bed before I get in😂

@hopeful33250 yes it is When I lived in PA we had no heat in our bedroom but an electronic blanket ,our dog would go clear to our feet under it

@lioness As you and I are in the same part of the country; I definitely agree with you! I may have to dig out a heavier comforter for the bed. The cat didn't want to get off the bed this morning- she had found her a nice little warm spot. This afternoon she sought me out and climbed up for a nap for about an hour and a half. That was all the prompting that I needed so we took a nap together! Should be pretty chilly and windy around here the next few days. My husband has taken himself off to Disneyland for the afternoon and evening, which is fine by me. I don't do crowds.

an electric throw was a recent present to all 4 daughters and GF. they can sit in their chair or on a couch and plug it in and snuggle under northern WI winter temperatures.

@gingerw that's funny about your cat she was giving you a message I don't like crowds either sure going to be cold for those overnighters In Pasedena I,ll stay in and watch it from my cozy couch What is the name of float you worked on?

@lioness We worked on the Donate Life float. It features African drums. Theme of the parade is "Melody of Life", float is titled "Rhythm of the Heart". There are 70 floral pictographs of donors from all over the country. Yep, Tessie Belle our cat has her own fur coat, but she's a lightweight ;))
Ginger