A very different Christmas for my family
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (38768)
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?
11 people like this
11 responses
@kaylachan (71884)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
15h
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 (61663)
• Centralia, Washington
15h
Thank God you've had measurable health progress, @kaylachan. Keep going George!
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38768)
•
14h
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 (71884)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
14h
@MarieCoyle And, that's an option for you. Which is great.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (182317)
• United States
15h
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 (182317)
• United States
14h
@MarieCoyle It would e nice Maybe if Jax gets stuffed with enough turkey he will fall asleep 
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38768)
•
14h
Oh, dear. Hopefully, they can decare a truce for one day!
2 people like this
@jstory07 (140022)
• Roseburg, Oregon
13h
@MarieCoyle Yes he will. I always give him some toys to play with .
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38768)
•
14h
I am sure the three year old will keep all of you entertained, Judy. 
1 person likes this
@sallypup (61663)
• Centralia, Washington
15h
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 (38768)
•
14h
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
@Deepizzaguy (104231)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
14h
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
@MarieCoyle (38768)
•
14h
I am glad you all have each other, George. Have a wonderful Christmas!
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (120176)
• United States
9h
@MarieCoyle 100% it is very hard without Dad.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (120176)
• United States
9h
@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.
@MarieCoyle (38768)
•
10h
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
@FourWalls (69085)
• United States
1h
I like quiet. I hope you have a blessed Christmas, even if it isn’t what you “planned.”
@wolfgirl569 (108277)
• Marion, Ohio
4h
Sorry everyone has been sick. Hope they all get better soon. Maybe everyone can get together after Christmas
@JudyEv (342225)
• Rockingham, Australia
12h
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.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38768)
•
10h
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.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181931)
• United States
9h
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.
@LooeyVille (71)
• United States
12h
Mine is very different. I’m halfway across the world
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38768)
•
10h
I couldn't have gone that far over Christmas, even though this year is nuts for us here, I wouldn't want to be away from my children. But everyone has different needs and wants...I hope you have a very nice time on your vacation.
