What Makes this Christmas/Holiday Season better Than Last Year?
By Grandmaof2
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
Canada
December 23, 2010 7:03pm CST
What Makes this Christmas/Holiday Season better Than Last Year?
For me there has been many changes. I am now moved finally and I can not honestly remember ever being this happy as a single person.
Last Christmas was Okay but going home was no fun at all. I was living in an apartment paying 815.00 per month. The sewer continually backed up in the kitchen sink and we had no heat all winter except for a 12x12 space heater. Pipes froze upstairs causing a flood in my brother in laws bedroom. Then near the end of September I had a drunk try to break into my apartment, I called police they came and the drunk was taken off.
Then finally by the grace of God I was accepted into Senior housing.
As most of you know I am my B.I.L's caregiver, he was also accepted.
He has his own apt. I have my own as these are just one bedroom apartments. I am still his caregiver and he comes to my place for meals and watches TV etc.
While nothing is a picture perfect world and although I do feel stressed at times this has been a Huge Improvement for me. This is the best Christmas for a Very Very Long Time. I will be with my daughter her hubby and my two amazing Granchildren.
I already have friends here and have even received gifts and cards. I am Happy!
8 people like this
28 responses
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
24 Dec 10
Hello fellow Gramma, so happy to hear that your doing so much better. Wow this has been some year for you. Thats great that you and your BIL are settled in senior housing. Thats a relief for you. I have had an interesting year also. I have a new set of house apes. The original house apes are still next door, but they are off the hook. my new set of house apes are off the hook too. How do you think this Christmas is compared to last year. Last year my house was my own. It was clean, I had Christmas decorations up. I got sleep at night, I had food in the fridge, that didn't get devoured by house apes. I will say I have many blessings that I am thankful for. I have my own home, if I didn't I wouldn't have room for house apes, lol. I have had an eventful year. When I have time I will have to fill you in on what has been happening in a private email. I do wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a most Joyous Healthy Happy New Year. Enjoy your day.....My grandson is spending the night with me tonight.
4 people like this
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
27 Dec 10
Thanks for BR, Christmas is over. Thank God for that, I survived. I normally love Christmas, but this year has not been a good time. Its been a sad time and a worrysome time for me. I hope and pray that next year will be better, don't want a repeat of this last year, its been hell. Of course there has been some good parts, its just the bad outweighs the good. Take care my sweet friend, always nice hearing from you.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Oh my dear Polly so good to see you here. Enjoy your visit with the grandson, I will be at my daughters the next two days. It just doesn't get any better than this. I would love hearing from you via Email!!! Merry Christmas.
3 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
24 Dec 10
That's wonderful, i am so happy for u. U deserve all good things especailly a star in your crown for looking after your bil. I hope u have a vert merry christmas. My oldest son & his family have said they will come tonight. he has had very little to do w/me the last 3 years so if they come i will be blessed as u have been.
4 people like this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Well Thank You so very much for such a heart warming response. I am so happy you will have time with your oldest son. We are truly blessed in so many ways. Merry Christmas to you and the family.
2 people like this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Thank You ever so much Lakota and I wish you and your family the very best as well.
Thank You for your loyal response. Merry Christmas.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
That is wonderful and congratulations. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and all best wishes for 2011.
1 person likes this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Good to be off work so you can enjoy your Christmas, Take Care stay safe and have a wonderful Christmas to you and your families. Hugs dear friend.
2 people like this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
24 Dec 10
Hey Grandmaof2~ I couldn't be happier for anyone! You most certainly
deserve to be happy! I am so glad that things were able to be
straightened out so well for you within this year. I am glad that
both you and your bil are able to be happy and still be able to
have the same "setup", yet separately! I am also glad that you
are making new friends now and really enjoying your life again.
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Healthy
New Year! Enjoy your holidays with those that you love~ Hugs, Opal
4 people like this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Many Many Thanks dear Opal. Yes we really did go through the mill, but that's all behind me now. I wish you all the best and Hugs going your way as well. I am so happy to see my loyal friends here again. Thank You so much.
2 people like this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
24 Dec 10
I am glad things are much better. Being a caregiver is a very stressful thing in itself. Be sure to take time for you! Merry Christmas!!
3 people like this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Thank You for your response and also the reminder to take time for me, I don't do that nearly enough and I need to take yoiur advice, I plan to work on that right after the hussle and bussle of the holidays. Merry Christmas my friend!!!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160949)
• United States
24 Dec 10
This is really good. I can see why you are having a much better year. I am in a better place, I am not working. I know that sounds odd, but my job was driving me crazy. I have had some small, part time jobs this year, and I am on unemployment. Financially, we may not be in a better place, but in terms of mental health and relationships, it is really good.
3 people like this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
I am so over joyed to see all my loyal friends answering my post after being away for so long. Thank You dear friend. Isn't it a fact that money isn't always the answer. I am no better financially as a matter of fact the price of everything just climbs all the time doesn't it. I have and will Never be rich, but with my family this will be a Great Christmas for me. We don't need millions of dollars to be good people. Blessings dear friend!!!
1 person likes this
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
very nice to hear from you grandmaof2
I am happy to hear you get to spend holidays with your loved ones and in a warmer/safer place too
I hope 2011 is a better year for you than 2010
my year has been crazy busy with work and family matters, but holidays time is a good time because things slow down hubby gets to stay home more
this year's holidays is better in a spiritual way
it's a long story, I found my path last year and this year I am deeper into it
I no longer celebrate Christmas, but I do enjoy the holidays
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Oh another loyal myLot friend. Thank You so much for your response. I would love to hear your story if after the holidays you find time I'd love to get a message from you. Enjoy the holidays in whatever way you so desire and stay well my friend!!!
1 person likes this
@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
24 Dec 10
I am so happy to hear that things have worked out good for you Grandmaof2 - I know it has been a long time coming. Now you have your own nice little place and your brother-in-law has his own place too; you are still his caregiver, so he will be happy too! But you each have your own independence now - and you can't put a price on that. Love the pic btw.
This Christmas is not going to be the best for me and hubby as we are not able to spend it with family as we usually do. the East coast of Australis has been battered with severe storms for the last two weeks, and there is flooding everywhere. We live a 4 hour drive from our family and have been advised not to travel on the roads as it's treacherous.
We called them last night to give them the bad news, so hubby and I (and our little dog), will be spending the holidays on our own this year. That's ok, it will be a change for us - and there is always next year to look forward to.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Yes my friend it was a long time coming but I think it helps to make a person realize how fortunate we are when things do get good. I sit back now and when I hear some of these ol'Gals complain about the weather, the lighting the dryer making too much noise and on an on they complain, I just sit there and think to myself If you only knew what my last year was like, and inside I chuckle to myself.
I am so pleased you have decided to stay home this year. We don't need anything happening to you and right you are there will always be next year. I have heard about the storms on our news here, sounds pretty nasty.
Enjoy your Christmas dear friend Hugs.
1 person likes this
@joyceshookery (2057)
• United States
24 Dec 10
Hi Grandma -- i'm glzd to hear things are going better now after those unfortunate events earlier.
Merry Christmas, Grandma...and a blessed New Year.
3 people like this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Thank You so much my friend. Good to see you again. Yes I am doing so much better here. Merry Christmas to you and your families!!!
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
24 Dec 10
higrandmaof2 well at least you are in an apartment now thank good ness I have been here two Christmases going on three Saturday as my son had on partime job for three months and now they only need him for one day a week. but maybe this will be a better christmas as I have a small amt of money and also we have a New Year to hope that there are job opening for all who are out of work. I will be with my son so I will be okay.
3 people like this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Oh Hatley another dear friend Thank You for being here.
Thank God for family and a good warm place to call home. When you look at the big picture we now have a lot to be grateful for.
I keep looking for a picture of you and Lori when you two met. That must have been so exciting!!! Merry Christmas my friend, also to your son. Prayers that he finds a stable job soon. Hugs
2 people like this
@daliaj (5674)
• India
24 Dec 10
This holiday season is better than last year for me for sure because I am spending my first Christmas with my husband's family. That is great news for me. I don't expect each Christmas to be better than the pervious one. But, definitely this Christmas is better. I also miss those days when I spent Christmas with my family as a kid. I can never be a kid again.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Well it is true we have memories of our childhood. I'm glad this is a good Christmas for you. Enjoy the in laws and have a Great Christmas.
1 person likes this
@jinjer168 (1596)
• Philippines
24 Dec 10
I am happier this Christmas because Im conceiving with my second baby at long last! For sure, this Christmas will be merrier in the thought of we will be four in the family already next year. Im glad as well because we're not having any major problems and difficulties that will affect our relationship with each other. Christmas season is the merriest season of all, thank God that He allowed us to be happy every now and then. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
3 people like this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Congratulations hope all goes well with your birth of baby. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
1 person likes this
@danishcanadian (28955)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
For one thing, last year at this time, I had a horrible cold, and it almost ruined our holiday. This year, no health problems, and we are going to go back to the same hotel, and even spend an extra day. Can't wait to get there!
2 people like this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Oh that's wonderful that you're feeling better this year. Have a Great Christmas and what s great idea, take an extra day to make up for last year. Stay Well dear friend.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
30 Dec 10
Oh happy days Grandma...that's wonderful news. I'm really pleased for you. Are you much further away and can you still get to see you ex and your darling little doggy?
Is it too much to hope for to see you here more often? It seems an age since we've seen you.
Big hugs to you.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (47667)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
24 Dec 10
Hey there, stranger! Haven't seen you around these parts for quite some time.
Glad to hear that things are working out for you. 
Merry Christmas, indeed!
Merry Christmas, indeed!
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Oh I am so overwhelmed with the response of my friends here, I had such a bad year and a half and I didn't do anything with myLot because I just simply didn't have anything good to say so what I did for enjoyment was dig myself into playing games on pogo. So glad to see you here and Please have a very Merry Christmas also!!! Hugs
1 person likes this
@nagatron123456 (888)
• Philippines
24 Dec 10
I think nothing, for me last year is much more better that now. My Christmas now is so cold and I am alone. Last year I was with my girlfriend and at that time, everything heat up even if it is cold.
2 people like this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
24 Dec 10
Well I'm sorry to hear that and hopefully things will warm up for you soon. At your young age you have the rest of your life ahead of you and sometimes when we think we have it good it isn't always. Be patient and things will work out. Take it from granny. Merry Christmas!!!
1 person likes this
