Well, here we are again, that dreaded time of year. I usually worry about it for many reasons. I know it should be a happy time, but somehow, it becomes stressfull.
I am writing because I am actually finding ways around the hard parts. I was stressing about gifts, then I spoke to family and told them I could not to gifts this Christmas because we just moved and it was a little of an expense.
They said not to worry, they say that each year, but this year I am trying to listen.
I was still stressed because I wanted to give them something, so I started baking cookies. It is nice because it takes my mind off things, and keeps me out of the big stores. I hate how they shove holidays down you throat, I feel ambushed when I walk into certain stores. Besides there is a large crowd, and has anyone noticed lately people are angrier?
Whatever happened to wishing people a Merry Christmas?
People wishing everyone peace and happiness, and then starting a fight in the parking lot over a parking space? Seen it!
Anyone have any ideas on how to deal? It would be nice to share with others.
By the way, we just got 2 kittens, it helps a lot to pet them, it reduces some of my stress and anxiety.
Well, I just wanted to share.
Strawberry

very good idea strawberry this post can be great and help so many others if you can keep it going good luck;) now this Christmas i told the same stand as you but my hubby did all the shopping i knew i couldn't and so i did not it was very nice so Ive been baking as well never done it by the way but did this year i love it because if someone else brings me cookies ill eat them all but since i made them ill have one or two and save them for family and friends and they love em also i have new pets i have 4 rats they're boys and they are sooooooooo sweet they love to be held and played with also have never bit me oh and im not some goth girl that is in love with rats I'm a girly girl i just had to share that too hope that helps as well merry Christmas!!!:angel: phoenix

That's funny, I never had baked cookies for Christmas before either. I never had the time, I was always working and stressing over Christmas. I want to change Christmas memories and start making new good ones.
Rats are dool by the way, pets seem to have a calming effect. Rats are very cool, and very smart too.
Well I hope you have a good Christmas.
Strawberry:D

Pets really are little miracles--my three kitties will arrange themselves in a semi-circle around me whenever I settle down somewhere, to remind me they love me. Wow! What a gift! One is nudging me right now.

I want to make better Christmas memories, too. Next year, when I can afford presents, I will order them online to avoid the crowds and lines and frustrated, angry people and drivers. They do seem so much worse this year, but I thought that might be because I am back in Southern CA. Shopping is a problem anyways, because when I am down, I have to buy something for me, don't care how little, just something. And when I am up, I want to go out browsing. Knowing myself is half the battle, but doesn't always help because the feelings are so strong.

Hope your cookies turn out delicious! :D Some of my best memories involve making sugar cookies, frosted with care.

Hi, Strawberry:wave: I am glad to see you here and what you are experiencing is the reality of what Christmas is all about....it's really not about the gifts it's about sharing with others around you and getting together to celebrate the season. So don't worry about the gifts....you just came back from serving our country and are settling into your new home which of course must have placed a financial strain on you.

There are Christmases that you will be able to do gifts and others that you will not be able to. And do not feel bad if you get some gifts from others but have been unable to reciprocate.....I am sure that those who love you would like the opportunity to get you something for your new home. Accept it an the blessings of knowing that you are loved and have people who are there for you and understand that settling back in the states is not such an easy thing to do.

I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and that 2007 is a healthy and happy year for you and your husband. You certainly deserve it!!

(((HUGS))) ~ Goody:angel: :wave:

I think that "Christ"mas is stressful for all people, it is supposed to be a load of happiness, cheer, being thankful and about being with and loving family. I think pets help to sooth a person and they say watching fish swim even lowers your blood pressure and creates some life diversions. I think society has gone boo-koo over gifts, gifts, and more gifts. It should be about your ability to be together or to talk at this time of year. If you feel you might like to make things in the future here are some very cheap ideas that I've found people love. I have learned to bake cookies and buy cheap holiday basket plastic and wrap an aluminum pan(2 for $1) in it and tie it off with a bow. It looks great! The basket wraps are 2 for$1 and the ribbon for bows makes 3 for $1. I also like to make candles! If you buy a 2-3" high glass about 4-6" wide(at K-mart $1.25 each) you can put a candle in the center (usually comes in 6 for $1.50) and pour chunky piece rock salt around the candle and cut pieces of tinsel in tiny pcs and let it fall over it. I think I figured it cost less than $1.60 a pc and you will have a lot of rock salt left over to do more with. Christmas is more than gifts and your mere presence should be gift enough for most people. We should remember why we celebrate! "Christ"mas is because of Christ's birth not about the stress of spending your last 4 paychecks or charging your next 4. Best of Wishes to you!

Strawberry you've given the ultimate sacrificial gift to your family and country by serving, we should all be sending you gifts....I too struggle every year with the commercialism shoved down our throats. I've had more arguments with commercials on t.v....in these last few years we (with family agreement) only get each of the 4 grandchildren a gift, no exchanging with the adults. What a relief. We don't really need anything anyway (that they can afford, lol) and ever since 9/11 I feel worse and worse about getting trivial things and taking things for granted. Our spoiled kids here open toys and toss them aside for the next gift (not all I know) while some kids, in our country too, would give anything for a hot meal. Of course this has always been the way it's been, but it's been more in my head the last few years. Not to mention the BP problems of the holidays...I buy what I buy online pretty much, last time I was in a big store I felt a breakdown of some sort coming on and WANTED to scream and ram everyone's carts and get the hell out of there...instead I just got the hell out of there. There's too many people! I'm mostly home anyway, I go to the g rocery store 2 miles away to avoid it all. My daughter now does the holiday dinners at her house, I'm so glad she wanted to take that over-some people wouldn't want to give it up but I did gladly. So we've simplified a lot, I can still get worked up just over the anticipated problems, but hopefully it will soon be December 26th. I don't act this way around the grandkids, they are blessedly sweet and innocent and fun to watch.
-Mary

I totallt agree with you guys!! I guess I am not alone on this one. It's not you, the crowds drive just about everyone batty. But I tried this year to take it easy. I am not vlose to ready, I feel lost, like it should be sprind or summer, not Christmas already. Wow, but what can I expect, I lost a year in a place where time did not seem to go by. It was not bad, just a job, but it ate up our time, it all went so fast. I am so gratefu;l for everything, a beautiful home, warmth, love, food and freedom. I am truly blessed.
About the kids thing, I sent for one of those things on TV, did you watch aABout Schmidt? I don't know how to spell it. But that gave me the idea. I sponsored a child. I chose a good place that helps children in the US. My child is in Arizona in the reservation. He is a very cool little kid, and I wish I had more money and I could do more. It feels good helping others when we can.
Well, I hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas. Jesus is our first gift, our gift from God, his very own Son, come down to our tiny little world, to save us. We must be special. Sometimes I feel bad or worthless, and I remind myself, God made me, he does not make mistakes, he made me and then he loved me and He takes care of me. What else do I need?
This goes for you too we are all His children.
Well, Merry Christmas! Hope I cheered someone up a little.
Strawberry