dealing with Christmas - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

Strawberry.hill · 12-21-2006, 07:20 PM

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

The Phoenix · 12-21-2006, 08:43 PM

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!!!

phoenix

Strawberry.hill · 12-21-2006, 09:59 PM

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

blauermonday · 12-22-2006, 08:49 PM

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!

Some of my best memories involve making sugar cookies, frosted with care.

goody2shuz · 12-22-2006, 08:58 PM

Hi, Strawberry

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