A very different Christmas for my family
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (40523)
December 23, 2024 9:16pm CST
This year our Christmas is just not working out for us the way we planned it to be.
My son has been in and out of the hospital for 3 weeks. He is weak and tired, and is not supposed to do much, which is going to keep him here. We were going to be with my oldest daughter and son in law. My daughter is just getting over pneumonia, and SHE is feeling very weak, too. Neither son nor daughter feels like having a big dinner, etc. until another time when they feel better.
So the latest plan is, the daughter and son in law stay home and have a very quiet day. Mom and son stay home and do the same. Usually, my oldest son brings his family, but this year they are going to his in-laws, as his father in law isn't very well. And the youngest of my crew lives in Florida with her little family, so we won't see them over Christmas, either.
No littles...no excitement...it's just going to be a very quiet Christmas. We didn't plan on it being this way, but we have to go with what works for now.
It just seems so strange. My daughter called, she doesn't want it this way, either, but hey...it's just the way it is.
This year, I think I will be doing a lot of reflecting on previous Christmas get togethers, and realizing I have an awesome family, we will hopefully all be well next year and be together again.
Are you having a quiet Christmas, or one you hadn't planned on?
17 people like this
17 responses
@kaylachan (74692)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Dec
It's sad thigs won't work out for Christmas. But, that's okay. Your family's health comes first. Recovery is often a slow process. George seems to be feeling stronger, but it'll be a day home. Something that was a far cry from last year in a hospital room.
4 people like this
@sallypup (62660)
• Centralia, Washington
24 Dec
Thank God you've had measurable health progress, @kaylachan. Keep going George!
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
24 Dec
Yes Kayla, this year you are home with George, I know you are both very thankful for that. And it really is OK. We plan on gettting together in the next week or two when everyone feels a bit better.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (74692)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Dec
@MarieCoyle And, that's an option for you. Which is great.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (184899)
• United States
24 Dec
It will be pretty quiet with just friend and his dog, but the cat and dog don't get along very well so that usually creates some drama.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (184899)
• United States
24 Dec
@MarieCoyle It would e nice Maybe if Jax gets stuffed with enough turkey he will fall asleep 
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
24 Dec
Oh, dear. Hopefully, they can decare a truce for one day!
2 people like this
@FourWalls (71179)
• United States
24 Dec
I like quiet. I hope you have a blessed Christmas, even if it isn’t what you “planned.”2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
25 Dec
I just want everyone to be well. Thank you, Karen. I hope you have a nice peaceful day tomorrow!
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (106366)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
24 Dec
My relatives and myself plan to enjoy our Christmas at home in a quiet manner since our relatives live out of state.
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (106366)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
24 Dec
@MarieCoyle Thank you for your kind words. I will enjoy my Christmas holiday.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
24 Dec
I am glad you all have each other, George. Have a wonderful Christmas!
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (183865)
• United States
24 Dec
Everyone will be together when everyone is healthy again. I will be having a very quiet Christmas seeing my husband and then his 2nd cousin will be making dinner at my house after the visit. Try to have a good Christmas Eve.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
25 Dec
I am glad you get to visit with your husband, and that you will have a nice dinner later. I hope it's a great day.
1 person likes this
@Gnana_Helps (712)
•
24 Dec
I’m really sorry to hear that things aren’t going the way you’d hoped for Christmas this year. It sounds like a lot of unexpected challenges, with your son and daughter both feeling unwell and the usual celebrations being on hold. It’s understandable to feel disappointed when plans shift like that, especially when you're used to a more lively Christmas with everyone together.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
25 Dec
We are doing our best. Many thanks for your kind words, and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
1 person likes this
@much2say (57063)
• Los Angeles, California
30 Dec
I hope everyone is feeling/doing better now and that you all had a wonderful Christmas even if it wasn't as planned. When you are able to get together again, it will be extra joyous!
Our Christmas was just different from previous years. We had my mom over for a Christmas lunch . . . it was quiet but nice for all of us.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
30 Dec
I am hopeful for future holidays and get-togethers. We did the best we could. Thank you so much.
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (141592)
• Roseburg, Oregon
24 Dec
@MarieCoyle Yes he will. I always give him some toys to play with .
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
24 Dec
I am sure the three year old will keep all of you entertained, Judy. 
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (52093)
• Canada
24 Dec
We had a year like that once.
Only we did gather.
It was the first year after my Dad's passing, and we 'celebrated' without his presence.
There was no celebration, we only went through the motions, which I have to think is worse than not being together as you are facing this year.
I hope that you have a date to gather for next month.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (52093)
• Canada
26 Dec
@MarieCoyle I am proud of you for making the very best of it.
Afterall, it is being together that we love, you had your son there, and if the need be there is always facetime.
I remember the years of covid, not being able to gather for a couple of Christmas. We developed new traditions since then, and we are thankful for things that we used to take for granted.
The tears, I am sure, were therapeutic. Without a good and loving heart, you would not shed those.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (52093)
• Canada
25 Dec
@MarieCoyle You know, we always taught our son that Santa is love. And since Santa only comes around at Christmas time, we can be assured that true love, kindness and caring, lasts for a lifetime not just a season. We both know this. I hope that you enjoy the entire Christmas season, enjoy today with your son if he is there and your memories of the sweet years you have enjoyed.
That is the very best gift that we can give and receive.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
26 Dec
@Juliaacv
When my kids came to the point that they knew Santa wasn't a person at the mall, or in a sleigh, I taught them the same thing--that Santa is love, and everytime they give from the heart, that's Santa. It's for all the time, as you say--not just Christmas time.
We did the best we could today. To say it was low key is an understatement, but we made it. We talked together, and he smiled a couple of times, so that helped, too.
Thank you for words that brought tears to my eyes. But, good words.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (111218)
• Marion, Ohio
24 Dec
Sorry everyone has been sick. Hope they all get better soon. Maybe everyone can get together after Christmas
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
25 Dec
We all hope so, too. Thank you, Eva, and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (62660)
• Centralia, Washington
24 Dec
I'm glad your folks are still alive and kicking. My Solstice was very quiet. We're going to a friends for Christmas just cause she's a friend. It will be a quiet gathering. I expect her rather odd neighbors will be there too. Hugs from me.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
24 Dec
I am so very thankful that me and mine ARE alive and kicking. I am glad you can go to your friend's, and nothing wrong with a quiet gathering, for sure.
Hugs right back, Lenore.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (345628)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Dec
Ours will be relatively quiet. We're going to my SIL's for dinner on Christmas Day then to my BIL's daughter's place for Boxing Day. There will be quite a few family members there. I'm sorry things haven't worked out better for you but it does sound much the best to spend the Christmas period trying to recuperate and get stronger. I wish you and your family all the best and hope 2025 will be a good year for you all.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
24 Dec
We are hopeful for better health for the ones who need it, and that we can be together next Christmas. We are fortunate to be able to see each other often, it's just that Christmas this year is not going to work. If everyone is somewhat better, we may get together this Sunday.
Thank you, Judy. I hope 2025 is a better year for all of us.
2 people like this
@NJChicaa (121199)
• United States
24 Dec
@MarieCoyle 100% it is very hard without Dad.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
24 Dec
Go with what works for you. At least you are trying. It has to be really hard with your Dad not there now, I'm sure.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (121199)
• United States
24 Dec
@MarieCoyle I am so sorry that you had to go through that.
I just can't do family gatherings for more than a couple of hours. It is too hard without my ex being there with me and now definitely without my dad.
2 people like this
@willmichaelson (153)
• Chengdu, China
25 Dec
Anyway,merry Christmas .
I plan to buy a bunch of flowers for my wife on Christmas Day.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
25 Dec
That will be very nice, buying flowers for your wife. Have a great Christmas!
1 person likes this
@allknowing (140400)
• India
24 Dec
Not everything is in our hands but you will surely have many more Christmas's and you will be able to have them they way you want them. Merry Christmas.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (40523)
•
25 Dec
I’m not worried, er will be getting together as soon as everyone is doing better. Merry Christmas to you!
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (82341)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Dec
Just me and the cats and Scrooge. Of course, there are any memories, I hope your Christmas is merry and bright and everyone in your family starts feeling better,
1 person likes this
@just4him (318962)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
25 Dec
I'm sorry your daughter is sick, and your son has been in and out of the hospital this month. I hope you have a wonderful, quiet and reflective day. Merry Christmas.
