So, be honest. Are you glad Christmas is nearly over?
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (37570)
December 25, 2022 10:36pm CST
Usually, I think, oh. That went by so fast. But this year, we had to flip our plans a lot due to son's illness and appointments and then in the hospital, then the wild terrible weather and bad road conditions--it just wasn't a good weekend to try to travel. We made some new plans with family this next weekend and are going to try to look forward to that, there is not supposed to be any snow and it will be above freezing the entire weekend, which will be nice, no slick roads to worry about.
Yes, the other kids called, and we facetimed and laughed and enjoyed that. No, it's not the same, but it sure is better than nothing at all. I am glad they never forget me. I did fix a really good dinner for son and I here at my place--we had some wonderful beef tenderloin I was hoarding in the freezer for today if we needed it. I cooked a mushroom/onion red wine sauce for it, and I must say, even if I did make it, it was wonderful! I fixed mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, sweet corn I harvested with a friend last summer, homemade rolls, and a favorite dish my son expects only on Christmas, scalloped pineapple (it has a ton of sugar in it and it's truly sinful, but it's Christmas, right?) We had some dessert we could have eaten, but there was no room for dessert. So, we had a very good dinner. There is enough of everything to have it again, too, which is nice.
Still, I am glad it's over. The buying madness I see happening, people who cannot afford to pay their bills spending their last dime on expensive electronics for their kids, more things they really don't need, just to be spending and having big presents to open. The older I get, the less sense some of this makes. We all love presents, but it would be nice to gear it down and make it easier for everyone, with less stress and less money spent. But hey, people do what they do, it's not up to me. I just want them to be warm and have enough food for their kids. You know, priorities.
All in all, I'm thankful for my friends and family, most certainly. I am glad it's over for a year. It seems stressful for so many people.
Hope your Christmas was what you wanted it to be and you and yours enjoyed it!
9 people like this
9 responses
@LadyDuck (471459)
• Switzerland
26 Dec 22
@MarieCoyle - It went better than I thought. My husband feel well and we enjoyed playing Christmas video clips musics that I had downloaded from YouTube, while we were eating.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37570)
•
26 Dec 22
@LadyDuck
I am glad he felt well today. I listened to some Christmas music for a time, then son said that was enough and we turned on a movie. It was a nice time here and it sounds like you had a nice day as well, I'm so glad for you. We have to make our good memories while we can, I know the memories often sustain me through hard times.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37570)
•
26 Dec 22
That's so nice, that you can enjoy it like that. We all have different ways of celebrating Christmas, I know. I just think some of it is way out of kilter, and as you said, it's buying madness.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (106413)
• Marion, Ohio
26 Dec 22
My first wish for everyone is to be safe and happy. So we haven't had Christmas yet either. Next week then I can cheer that it's over
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37570)
•
26 Dec 22
Yes, that was one big reason there was just two of us today, to be safe. Next week will be just fine, and way less stressful.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37570)
•
26 Dec 22
@marlina
Watching the news to hear of the Buffalo, NY area and how hard they got hit. And we thought we had it terrible here. So, so many lives lost, very sad.
1 person likes this
@much2say (55664)
• Los Angeles, California
26 Dec 22
This year we are not celebrating - for a year - as it is tradition in my culture/family to do so when a close one passes on (my father passed away in October). But we do so loosely. We had a nice bbq dinner for ourselves and to share with my mom. No decorations, tree, presents, and holiday stresses . . . just family time spent together.
2 people like this
@much2say (55664)
• Los Angeles, California
26 Dec 22
@MarieCoyle Yes, we were honoring my father . . . thank you for seeing that. Some people were saying that we should still keep our holiday spirits up and celebrate . . . but my mom and I were on the same page about not needing that. And things worked out ok.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37570)
•
26 Dec 22
Honestly, I know Christmas can be wonderful and I am not advocating to dismiss it. I know for many, it's not a cheerful day or time in their lives. You are honoring your father in your own way that is right for you and your family, you still saw each other and spent quality time together. We all know that's what really matters most, and that's really nice that you did that.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37570)
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27 Dec 22
@much2say
The people closest to him wanted to honor him in this way, and no one should be judging that. We all grieve in our own time and our own ways, what works for one doesn't always work for another. Years ago, my own Dad passed away very unexpectedly right before Christmas. We had small children, and we went through the Santa motions and such with them, it was very difficult at the time.
Losing a husband and father, your family no doubt needed that time to help you heal.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178877)
• United States
26 Dec 22
We only had to buy two gifts; and they were gift cards. I'm sorry your Christmas was a bit stressed. This weekend will be nice because a lot of the s**w will be melted.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37570)
•
27 Dec 22
Tomorrow is supposed to be warmer and it will start to melt some here. That will be nice.
1 person likes this
@Kasjnak (4489)
• Romania
26 Dec 22
Christmas is Christmas. Indeed, all the errands before this day and all the preparations, all the time consuming little things are a hassle and when Christmas finally comes you may want to just sit and relax, maybe just sleep it over. But the magic is still there if you look closely. My kids are still small and they enjoy presents a lot. I don't need any presents, seeing them happy is more than enough 
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True, a son's illness is bad, especially this time of year. But always hope for the best 
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True, a son's illness is bad, especially this time of year. But always hope for the best .1 person likes this
@Kasjnak (4489)
• Romania
26 Dec 22
@MarieCoyle all the best tou you, to him and to all your dear ones. I treasure the moments that I share with my children, I do it as much as possible. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? I hope there will be better days for you and that they will come soon.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37570)
•
26 Dec 22
@Kasjnak
Thank you, and the best to you and yours as well.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37570)
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26 Dec 22
I never lose hope for him, I never will. I've buried one child, I don't want to bury another one, ever.
Yes, having tiny little ones around definitely makes Christmas better!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180857)
• United States
27 Dec 22
Yes, I am glad it's over. There is too much pressure to be happy, and to reconnect with loved ones. If you aren't happy on that day you feel like your life is a complete failure. Fortunately, the day worked out fairly well but not until later in the day.
@allknowing (136550)
• India
27 Dec 22
Since I will hosting a party on Jan 8 I cannot say Christmas is over for me.
