How do you feel about the festive season?

Thanks Tom

I was a huge fan of Christmas when I had young children the planning of the menu, buying and hiding presents was the very best time for us as a family.

I worked in a school for twenty one years so I was heavily involved in building Christmas grottos displays and getting caught up in the excitement of the children's wonder if it all

Now I’m old and my children have flown the nest far and wide,

Covid and Health problems made their distance unreachable. 

So I thank this group for helping me through my trials and tribulations. You’ve helped me more than I can say. 

I thank the internet enabling me to hear my Irish grandchildren read. 

And the NHS for their bowel screening programme that found me and treated me with dignity, care and compassion

They saved my life for Christmases to come.   

Hi Tom, I have always loved Christmas, like Artsie I worked in a school. Getting ready for Christmas was hard work but wow was it the best. I also helped out with my church bazaar. The Nativity plays put on by the school was such hard work by dedicated staff. My children and grandchildren are grown up, but Christmas is still my favourite time of the year. Unfortunately these last two Christmases for me have been hard. Last year I was waiting results of my cancer treatment, which I got in January this year Today I’m going to se n oncologist about chemo  I have been watching the channel 5 very cheesy Christmas films.still recovering After surgery. My favourite film is Love actually and favourite songs . All I want for Christmas is you. And The fairytale of  New York. Lost my sister back in January, so at the moment keep finding myself in floods of tears. It’s been a very tough couple of years. I’m grateful for this sight. Cancer is a lonely place.best wishes Nelly 55 xx

Hi Nelly

Christmas is so tough when you’ve lost a loved one. I too am grieving so I’m changing my normal Christmas routine. It’s helping me through. 
I’m sorry for your loss. 
I felt very low so I phoned my doctor and got some pick me ups. Just short term
I am not decorating up or buying lots of presents as we will only be seeing our Daughter and Partner. 
To be honest I haven’t got the energy for all the Christmas work so I will be able to catch some naps between. 
Some nice treats to eat a little quiet company, FaceTime my family and relax. That’s my plan this year.
Take care

Artsie Nelly1955

Thank you both so much for taking the time to share here.

It's true that the magic of Christmas is often best when there are little ones around.

I still hope you both have a wonderful festive season. 

I'm sure many members can relate to heightened feelings of loss at this time of year. By sharing your story and feelings, you are helping others to feel less alone. 

Take care.

Kindest Regards, 

Thanks Tom

I hope so, I also think that Covid has heightened our anxiety levels put Christmas on top of cancer it’s really hard going. 
We all need to be kind to ourselves and just do whatever feels right this Christmas. 

Wishing Everyone Healthy Restful Christmas 

Hi Artsie,

Yes that's true, there can be a lot of extra expectations this time of year. 

Hope you find a balance in what's right for you this year, as you say.

Have a restful and merry Christmas too!

Kindest Regards, 

Hi Artsie, sorry to hear you are feeling low, I think when you have lost someone close it’s all the firsts, so this is the first Christmas. I’m going to a local pub for Christmas dinner, just waiting to see if the rules change. I know what you mean by just wanting to nap. I still can’t believe how tired I am. Just been skimming over things then completely wiped out. Make sure I go for a short walk every day. Can’t get motivated. Hope what your GP has given you works and you feel better. Big hugs xx

Thanks Nelly1955. I’m improving thank you. My daughters health is improving after Covid. It’s just been a really tough year. Going to your pub sounds like a really good place to be. The tablets are helping they’ll get me through and have some counselling next  year so all will improve with time Hugs back 

Hi Artsie, it’s good your tablets are working and your daughter is recovering. My friend bought me a tonic around so I’m having that..I am already getting nervous about going out. I just do my walk around the block and I don’t usually meet anyone. Anyone comes up they stay on the doorstep because of this new variant, I feel like I’m in lockdown again. Take care xx

Have you had your booster?
I know exactly how you feel this COVID has got us all so used to not getting too close. Trouble is we’ve been locked up now for so long the common cold can make us panic. 
Just do what you can to get through these grey skies once spring arrives we will all feel so much brighter. 
I hope the tonic helps, my tablets definitely have given me a boost.
I’ll be off them in the Spring