Thanks for thinking of me. I do sometimes struggle in winter but I'm in Australia so summer here. A couple of years ago I was able to embrace the freedom of being alone at Christmas - could please myself how I spent the time, no obligations and so on. But I still get annoyed at the assumptions behind the mindless 'merry Christmas' offered by many people, almost like a talisman. Not everyone looks forward to Christmas.
Such a good conversation. My husband and I have talked about next year telling our (young adult)daughters we’ll buy them one splurge gift they wouldn’t buy for themselves and make a donation to their retirement account with the other money we’d spend. I’m dying to downsize the gifting.
Gifts can be conversations memories to share a meal just listening with faith hope humanity and care to the reason for the season as every family believes hoping for leadership that walks with us to grow enjoy the peace the crackling of the fires amazing music and stories create gros remember all you are ! Happy Holidays!
Thank-you so much for this thoughtful, helpful article. Having spent many years giving multiple gifts to the people in my family and several friends, I have reduced my efforts and costs in recent years. This year I have bought 6 lovely scented candles which I will put in pretty bags, one for each family and friend, and still leggo for the young children. Whew!
Thank you for this article. There are so many holidays in December including Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, not to mention birthdays, Solstice, New Years, and others. And the idea that we measure our love for one another by how many or how much, is really taking away from the spirit of all of them.
Your article resonates with me a lot. I down scaled gift giving to zero years ago due to financial difficulties. I explained my decision to those I cared about, and everyone completely understood. Nowadays nobody expects a gift from me at all, and I don’t expect a gift from anybody either. I make up for it in non-monetary ways throughout the year. There has never been any push back or criticism and I have been able to avoid debt, stress and feelings of guilt and obligation. Happy Christmas to Healthy Seniors and all the subscribers here!
I use “holiday” to be inclusive—since not everyone celebrates Christmas and there are other holidays in December (like Hanukkah, for example). The pressure and excitement around celebrating (and gift-giving) can be similar, though. Merry Christmas!
I for one, really appreciate this whole idea of reducing the stress of gift giving and especially appreciate the lack of 'Happy Christmas'. I spend the time alone as I have no family and it took many years to get over feeling lonely, excluded and bereft at this time of year. I hated people wishing me Happy Christmas because it was anything but. It's not just people who might celebrate other festivals - many people find Christmas a troubling time. Thank you for your inclusiveness!
Thank you for sharing this, Glenda. The holidays can be heavy for a lot of people for all kinds of reasons, and it shouldn’t be assumed they’re automatically joyful. I appreciate you saying this—and I’m wishing you a peaceful, kind season on your terms. 💛
@Glenda, I kept thinking about what you said - maybe this article will help https://blog.wearehealthyseniors.com/p/when-winter-feels-lonely-navigating
Thanks for thinking of me. I do sometimes struggle in winter but I'm in Australia so summer here. A couple of years ago I was able to embrace the freedom of being alone at Christmas - could please myself how I spent the time, no obligations and so on. But I still get annoyed at the assumptions behind the mindless 'merry Christmas' offered by many people, almost like a talisman. Not everyone looks forward to Christmas.
Such a good conversation. My husband and I have talked about next year telling our (young adult)daughters we’ll buy them one splurge gift they wouldn’t buy for themselves and make a donation to their retirement account with the other money we’d spend. I’m dying to downsize the gifting.
Gifts can be conversations memories to share a meal just listening with faith hope humanity and care to the reason for the season as every family believes hoping for leadership that walks with us to grow enjoy the peace the crackling of the fires amazing music and stories create gros remember all you are ! Happy Holidays!
Thank you for sharing - happy holidays!
Thank-you so much for this thoughtful, helpful article. Having spent many years giving multiple gifts to the people in my family and several friends, I have reduced my efforts and costs in recent years. This year I have bought 6 lovely scented candles which I will put in pretty bags, one for each family and friend, and still leggo for the young children. Whew!
❤️ ❤️ ❤️!
Thank you for sharing! This is exactly what I am doing this year and your essay makes me feel as if I am doing the right thing for me! 👍
Thank you for this article. There are so many holidays in December including Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, not to mention birthdays, Solstice, New Years, and others. And the idea that we measure our love for one another by how many or how much, is really taking away from the spirit of all of them.
Yes - December gets so packed, and it’s easy to lose the point. Glad it resonated with you, and thanks for commenting.
Your article resonates with me a lot. I down scaled gift giving to zero years ago due to financial difficulties. I explained my decision to those I cared about, and everyone completely understood. Nowadays nobody expects a gift from me at all, and I don’t expect a gift from anybody either. I make up for it in non-monetary ways throughout the year. There has never been any push back or criticism and I have been able to avoid debt, stress and feelings of guilt and obligation. Happy Christmas to Healthy Seniors and all the subscribers here!
❤️💚❤️
Thank you for sharing this, Irena. That perspective is powerful and refreshing. Wishing you a peaceful Christmas as well ❤️
Holidays, Season? Why don’t you call it what it actually is, CHRISTMAS?
I use “holiday” to be inclusive—since not everyone celebrates Christmas and there are other holidays in December (like Hanukkah, for example). The pressure and excitement around celebrating (and gift-giving) can be similar, though. Merry Christmas!
I for one, really appreciate this whole idea of reducing the stress of gift giving and especially appreciate the lack of 'Happy Christmas'. I spend the time alone as I have no family and it took many years to get over feeling lonely, excluded and bereft at this time of year. I hated people wishing me Happy Christmas because it was anything but. It's not just people who might celebrate other festivals - many people find Christmas a troubling time. Thank you for your inclusiveness!
Thank you for sharing this, Glenda. The holidays can be heavy for a lot of people for all kinds of reasons, and it shouldn’t be assumed they’re automatically joyful. I appreciate you saying this—and I’m wishing you a peaceful, kind season on your terms. 💛