Only 127 Days until Christmas

I don't like Halloween so I don't consider it in my plans.

Lol.

Hummm, Halloween. Doesn't that come just after Saint Swivens day? We don't worry too much about Halloween, we live in the woods and there aren't too many ghosts or ghouls that come to our area during that time. They are busy in town scaring the be-gabbers out of the kiddies who are out trick or treating. The most we would have in the way of trick or treaters is the raccoons knocking for a hand out. My deer come in the morning for their food so they won't come by for Halloween snacks, and the cats don't much like sweets...they prefer chicken livers and that kind of thing. So I don't really observe Halloween much, except to buy some chocolate for Bill and myself...especially the dark chocolate stuff! YUM!

I love it when kids decorate. We had a Christmas tree most years. Four green ornaments on the same branch. We had paper chains all over the house. One always made an angel for the front door. Oh, it was awful. I miss those days so much.

@akalinus Well, thanks for the reminder.

@popciclecold You are welcome. I often provide services like that.

Most people never are. The day draws near and it is panic time.

@akalinus Last year I got people from an old age home and earlier it was for the mentally challenged. I have had poor kids from institutes run by nuns. This time I have to yet decide.

@allknowing The old are important because they may never get another chance to go to your party. The young are important because they are the future of the country. The challenged are important because they are often left out of things in life. How many people go to one of your parties?

That is a great way to celebrate! I am sure it will not be hard to find people to go to your party!

Yes, an anniversary is very important. One of my kids was born two days after Christmas which made things awkward. How many years of marriage will you celebrate?

@akalinus The next 27th of December is our 48th anniversary. I hope you can reach our 50th.

@LadyDuck Congratulations on a long and happy marriage. I hope you reach 50 and beyond.

Yes, holidays are hard when you are missing someone. They will never be the same again. In 2016, we had two deaths of dear people. We did not celebrate Christmas at all that year, no decorations or cards sent. We did eat dinner but we do other nights too.

@akalinus can't believe this year is so going by so quickly. i mean it was quick past years but this year its kind of faster than usual. hehe or it just feels like that.

I know that feeling. January flashed past and then it was summer.

@chiyosan Every year whirls by faster than the year before.

That is an excellent idea.

@anya12adwi That is the best kind of present to yourself.

That is a worthy present to yourself.

@akalinus yes, a treat to my eyes and some healings to my soul..

It comes upon you like a flash and if you are not ready, that is bad. Or is it?

Because Christmas will come rushing in and knock you over if you aren't ready.

@dya80dya I'm glad you have time til Christmas.

@akalinus I have enough time until Christmas will come.

I know the feeling. I miss so many loved ones. One year we had two deaths and did not celebrate at all. The only thing we did was eat dinner.

@oahuwriter I feel your pain. Some people have left holes in my heart that will never heal. Holidays make me so sad.

@akalinus Indeed, that's how we feel. When love ones pass they take a little piece of our heart with them to heaven. On their birthday, special days like Mother's Day and holidays you miss them more. I'm retired, so heaven has a lot of my loved ones, so we just quietly live on for we got together especially on holidays to catch up with each other, so it's sad for our family. We decided not to celebrate for we miss our loved ones too much. But life goes on, we must make the best of it and though our hearts are missing our loved ones, we have our memories forever.

Do you get a cold season at Christmas time? Does it ever snow for Christmas?

@akalinus Christmas up to February is really cold but not as cold as some countries and it doesn't snow.

Why does Christmas cost so much? I saw a Little House on the Prairie episode where the mother made mittens, and a friend brought a candy stick and tin cup for each child. They thought it was the best Christmas ever. Why isn't Christmas like that anymore?

@akalinus I think it's changed and being used to be. Children are accustomed with that tradition and they're the ones expecting. Like for us adults are more different.

@ZedSmart Every year, they seem to expect more and more. They are disappointed because that is all there is, no matter how much stuff they get.

Your trash collector must love you. Your m-i-l will not be around forever, so enjoy her.

@akalinus We normally do the same with our older nieces and nephews who are under 18. In our extended family, for everyone over 18, we put the names into a hat and they draw at Thanksgiving. The you only have to buy for the person whose name you drew.

I usually send my kids gift cards so they can get what they really want.

Oh, I'm sorry. I hope you will be okay.

Fiacre Banks @xFiacreI had written a response to your posting...but somewhere in the cyber universe it is hanging around. All I can say is I hope that the depression isn't too bad, but I want you to know that there is someone here that is willing to take you into her life and her world and help you through your depression. I promise I'll try not to hurt you and I'll try to make you happier and less depressed. If you step through the doorway into my heart you'll be met with happiness and plenty of hugs!!! Depression is something that a person shouldn't go through alone!!! I know from experience!!! I had my house burn down last year on October 2nd, twelve days before my birthday. I lost everything including my car, personal belongings, mementos, bear making supplies, sewing machines and furry babies (9 cats and a mini dachshund). The fire was caused by the local power company. I am still dealing with the after effects of the fire which includes depression. There are a lot of people on the edge of the depression from the fire, but none of them wanting to step in and help with the pain and suffering of the depression. I know what has helped is the people from myLot and their caring and loving. They all are such wonderful loving caring people and they don't push you away and say things like "I've heard that before" or "It's over with, you need to get over it and start your life over." So, you're dealing with the right crowd of people when you admit you're depressed. And if you want one-on-one care, come knocking on my door. I'll happily open my door and let you in, but I warn you that you'll be greeted with tons of warm heart felt hugs right away!!! Then a few more as you're invited to sit on the couch with the cat and bear making stuff. After we have talked for awhile we may go down to the lake or maybe go out and feed the deer. I'll let you hand feed them the bread. All you do is whistle for them and about 15 of them come running for their handouts. After we feed the deer than maybe we'll go down to the lakeside and dip our feet in the water and kick back and relax. Maybe we'll throw a fishing line in the water and see if we can catch a couple of catfish for dinner....then there'll be more hugs and back up to the house... anything to beat off that miserable depression. Especially the hugs! Just knock at the door of my heart and see who answers!

A dollar and a bit of creativity can go a long way. Don't knock it.

Yes, I hear that.

You must have a huge shopping list. They are fortunate to have you as a God Parent.