g_ortegam's Journal, 06 Dec 20

I put up Christmas lights, painted my nails, and listening to more upbeat tunes. I am also baking lots of tasty Christmas treats to gift to neighbors. 

Sorry about your mom. So many friends are permanently missing family members this year. 💔 

So sorry about your mom. I'm sure she would want you to live your best life. Memories are precious. Keeping your traditions with her in mind will make them more meaningful to you if you have had great times with her. Peace. 

Single I think right? No kids? This is a year that we can all help each other in some way.. it is very hard to get into the hoho spirit when there are so many sad things happening and we are deprived of our usual holiday shenanigans . Try to be a bit of a shinning light to people you might know. I make up little baggies labeled SNOWMAN SOUP. A package of instant cocoa, a couple of Hershey kisses, a small handful of marshmallows and a candy cane. Go to the internet and Google Snowman soup and you will find all sorts of poems about making snowman soup. Print and attach to your baggie. I give them to my friends, all the little kids in my condo complex, my hairdresser, etc. just a little surprise to bring a smile to someone’s face. And remember that there may be many elderly people in your world who have no one and would probably delight in your efforts.  

my advice would be to honor what you are feeling right now and don't try to force the "holiday spirit"; if you are tapped out emotionally, then best to prioritize refueling; the best gift you can give yourself for the holidays is to take care of yourself and to get yourself feeling healthy, strong, and positive; you deserve it! 

Don't dispire. I know it's hard when you loose a parent. From Thanksgiving to New Year was the time my mother shined. It was her favorite time of year and each year I miss her. She died in 1988. It took a while but I found letting the tears come when they needed to lessened the pain of losing her and renewed the joy of carrying on the traditions she gave to me. Don't push the memories aside, just let them fill you. You will find the joy in them again. It just takes time. 

I understand what you mean. My mom past 16 years ago. This was going to be the first Christmas with my family in years. I asked my sister to pick a date in august so I could ask off. Now due to COVID we won’t be getting together. But this too shall pass and we will try for next year 

I’m all about feeling the feelings. I’m so sorry to hear you are feeling this way. The holidays can be so very hard for many of us for various reasons, and you have every right to step away and take a few moments. I totally agree with Dean, if you aren’t feeling it... don’t force it, refocus on yourself as much and as long as you need to. 

Have not seen you in some time. Hope you have a great New Years.  

Hope you all had a great Christmas 

What really made my Christmas and helped me get into the Christmas spirit.......I volunteered to help these two elderly women from my church that lives close to me with their grocery shopping every Monday since March.. I enjoy dropping off their groceries and enjoy a quick conversation. I can see that they appreciate the help. Makes me feel good that I am helping them.. The Monday before Christmas these ladies got together and made me a bag filled with Christmas goodies and a lovely note saying we appreciate you... Helping others or volunteering to do something good for someone like an elderly neighbor is something to get yourself into the Happy Zone and you will feel more motivated to enjoy your life and to take care of yourself..  

ps.. My mother passed away 6 years ago..  

Thanks guys !! Thank you for sharing. I know I’m not alone and I couldn’t possibly imagine how hard it is for each and every one of you! I try and try not to feel sorry for myself and start that pity party ESPECIALLY when I have so much to be thankful for this year and every year. Much love to you and the FS fam ❤️❤️❤️