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Some of you may remember my past Christmas posts over the past few years. My family has not spoken to me in 6 years. DH & I are childless, too, which makes things even more sad for me. Last year & this year, I've tried a different approach to dealing with a family-less Christmas, and thought I'd share it here--especially for those in the same boat as I.
Last year was the first time since 2005 that I didn't cry at least once on 12/25. I had tried to muddle through the day, with fake cheeriness, but it just didn't work. I decided that DH & I would not put pressure on ourselves to be merry, nor to make it seem too Christmasy on that day. It worked. We spent the day cuddled on the sofa, watching Netflix movies, documentaries, etc. I didn't cook a "special" dinner. On Christmas Eve, we ordered pizza, and got a big blast from tipping the delivery woman $25 (for a $25 order!). It was so nice to be able to make someone else's Christmas happy. Maybe that seems a bit corny, but we still treasure that memory. For Christmas dinner, I set out pre-made appetizers and desserts. We just waddled over to the table in the dining room between movies! We had the cats on the sofa with us, too. It was wonderful! I literally forgot about the family 4 miles down the road who hated me.
Last year, I also started enjoying doing random acts of kindness while in stores--nothing great, just taking pleasure in being sincere while wishing total strangers, "Merry Christmas", and just striking up conversations with them while shopping, and being especially helpful, such as giving crafts advice in the craft store; helping a stranger pick out jewelry, and enjoying watching her try it on, etc. I would walk away with a smile on my face. I tried to find charitable things to do, but i never got a reply from the charities (despite their begging for help on their website), or the event was canceled. I figured that God wanted me, at least this year, to find another way to spread goodwill.
I also made a lot of sweets to take into work; everyone loved them.
Yesterday, our neighbor gave DH an ormament just out of the blue. I made a tin of my famous decadent fudge to take over to them.
I love Christmas.
May you and your family have a WONDERFUL Christmas!
Last year was the first time since 2005 that I didn't cry at least once on 12/25. I had tried to muddle through the day, with fake cheeriness, but it just didn't work. I decided that DH & I would not put pressure on ourselves to be merry, nor to make it seem too Christmasy on that day. It worked. We spent the day cuddled on the sofa, watching Netflix movies, documentaries, etc. I didn't cook a "special" dinner. On Christmas Eve, we ordered pizza, and got a big blast from tipping the delivery woman $25 (for a $25 order!). It was so nice to be able to make someone else's Christmas happy. Maybe that seems a bit corny, but we still treasure that memory. For Christmas dinner, I set out pre-made appetizers and desserts. We just waddled over to the table in the dining room between movies! We had the cats on the sofa with us, too. It was wonderful! I literally forgot about the family 4 miles down the road who hated me.
Last year, I also started enjoying doing random acts of kindness while in stores--nothing great, just taking pleasure in being sincere while wishing total strangers, "Merry Christmas", and just striking up conversations with them while shopping, and being especially helpful, such as giving crafts advice in the craft store; helping a stranger pick out jewelry, and enjoying watching her try it on, etc. I would walk away with a smile on my face. I tried to find charitable things to do, but i never got a reply from the charities (despite their begging for help on their website), or the event was canceled. I figured that God wanted me, at least this year, to find another way to spread goodwill.
I also made a lot of sweets to take into work; everyone loved them.
Yesterday, our neighbor gave DH an ormament just out of the blue. I made a tin of my famous decadent fudge to take over to them.
I love Christmas.
May you and your family have a WONDERFUL Christmas!