Home Alone Christmas
I’m not gonna lie. I had sincerely hoped to spend Christmas with family this year.
Last Christmas was the worst Christmas on record for me. My late husband was trying to adjust to side effects from yet another clinical trial. My meagre care-taking abilities were sorely tapped. Both of us were valiantly pretending holiday spirit and neither of us were fooled.
So, yes, I had been hoping to spend this year enjoying good food, comfort and cheer with various parts of my family.
However, I cannot in good conscience join any other households. When I hear the provincial medical advisors practically begging everyone to stay home for the holidays I cannot assume that they don’t mean me.
I will admit to having had a mini pity party for myself. And then I got a grip.
How will I design my first solo Christmas?
Well, I will toast myself with single malt Scotch. I will cook some of my favourite things. I will buy myself a wee giftie or two and I will pack an extra special bag for the local food bank.
And then I will bring to mind the fact that I have much to be grateful for. Friends, family, physical comforts; I am fortunate — all those basic needs are generously covered. What am I really grateful for?
Health. This, of all years, I am very grateful to be fit and healthy.
What are you most grateful for?
Stay safe everyone.
I will be taking a short break, returning January 10, 2021. I wish all of you the best of celebrations for the holiday season, and let’s not forget to toast to a Happy New Year, Auld Lang Syne.
Anne, thank you for your wonderful blogs. I look for them every Sunday! Your creativity in your writing skills is amazing. The messages you impart are necessary, real and vulnerable. I have been to some of the places you have been, and survived, albeit a little battered and bruised. Thank you for just being you. I hope to catch up in person when we are allowed. I miss you.
Thank you Barb! There is a therapeutic element to these writings, I have to admit. I look forward to when we can have a visit too. We’ll compare bruises, scars and healed over spots. 🙂
Anne, wishing you the best Christmas possible. You are a super role model for so many, including me. I have been feeling a bit low these days, but your kick in my butt has me thinking of all I have and am grateful for. You puit a smile on my face.
Thanks Gab — you put one on my face too! Tomorrow is the winter solstice — after that days will be getting longer and hopefully there will be a spring when we can all reunite. Have a wonderful Christmas too.
Anne thank you for your thoughtful words. I always appreciate reading your blog. Holidays, birthdays and such are always difficult when you have lost someone special in your life. Although it has been over 23 since I lost Bev and Melissa this time of year is always tough as it is also Melissa’s birthday this week. We won’t be able to see the grandkids this year, but thanks to Zoom we will spend a few minutes with them on line. Take care and thanks again for sharing.
HI Brian, thank you for this. It has been a difficult year and I try and be mindful that this has been a difficult year for everyone. I really appreciate how much you and others have been reaching out. Have a wonderful holiday, zoom and all.
I send hugs to you. On top of COVID, you’ve endured so many personal changes in the past months. Stay strong.
Hugs accepted. Thank you.