But Thanksgiving just ended, didn’t it? Yet, Christmas is already on the way. The combination of Advent times and chronically ill people can make for difficult days, as preparation is so much harder for us.
One definition for advent is a coming into being, or arrival. In Christian terms, it refers to the arrival of Jesus; hence, its celebration begins four weeks before Christmas. Four terms are frequently used in conjunction with Advent: hope, preparation, joy, and love. What’s great is that they also can be used by all of us as we anticipate Christmas.
For myself, Christmas preparations begin before Thanksgiving according to my to-do list. However, I must say I am failing in that this year. Hopefully, I can catch up quickly so by the time Christmas comes I will be rested and ready.
Seriously, how can we prepare for Christmas when we deal with so many limitations daily? Is it even possible?
I say, “yes! It is possible. It just takes dreaming, adapting, and planning. Maybe with a little – or a lot – of help.
Let’s look at some ways.
Dream big
Envision what you would like to see happen this Christmas season. Parties, shopping, Christmas programs, making gifts, hosting dinners. Dreaming of doing all or any of this can be a hard step; I know. For me to think about what could be saddens and grieves me because I can no longer do these things. However, this may be an important first step in eventually celebrating.
Face reality
But I just said to dream. However, just dreaming can lead to living in a fantasy world. But only looking at our realities can become depressing. So we dream a while, then come back to the world in which we presently live. So, now what?
- Take inventory of what you can realistically do.
- Then move onto the next step.
Plan sensibly
Consider your dreams, then assess your abilities. And we begin to plan.
- You have invitations to five parties. No way. But can you attend one? Maybe talk to the hostess beforehand and plan to leave early?
- Can you divide your shopping trips? Or buy some or all of the gifts online? (Not my favorite.)
- How important is the Christmas program to attend?
- Have you always made gifts? Maybe your family and friends will understand if you need to buy something this year instead.
- Can someone else host that dinner? Or can you get help to cook, and especially to clean up?
- You may need to seek and/or accept help to accomplish your plans.
Enjoy
Ahhh! you can enjoy the peace of the season and meditate on the reason for it.
On to Christmas …
Your preparation for the upcoming Christmas season is complete. You can sit back and enjoy the hope, joy, and love of the season. And now, you can see that Advent times and chronically ill people CAN mix together well. At least, with some groundwork.
Your Input
How do you plan for Christmas?
More Info
“Easy Christmas Light Alternatives” is an article written by a chronically ill person for other chronically ill people.
See other Christmas posts for more Christmas ideas.
Check out the archives page about adapting plans.
If you want more information about the Christian Advent, see this page.
Reality can be hard! We go get a big Christmas tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving and I just have to be excited that I went and picked it out, and accept the reality that I’m too tired to decorate it after we get home – I watch my husband do it. Good post. 🙂
This week, when I should have been decorating and doing cards (carefully), I had an infection that basically sidelined me. Decorating at a third of my usual slowness. Very frustrating. Sure don’t like this reality! Watching my husband do my work – ugh! Merry Christmas to you Ava.
Excellent tips and ideas!
I included your post in my holiday-themed Weekly Inspiration post:
https://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2020/11/weekly-inspiration-chronically-ill.html
Sue
Thank you!
Thanks Carole. Each year gets more frustrating with letting go but easier with practice and more enjoyable when I am finally done letting go of all the personal expectations. Now I can enjoy the season a bit more for myself. I find it very necessary to let go but to try to keep to modified traditions so I don’t slip in to a pity party.. That kind of party is no fun and no one wants to come anyway!
Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts, Jennie.
Thanks Carole. I find myself frustrated a little more each year but increasingly satisfied that the season just gets easier and easier with so much less expectation for me to perform. Now I can enjoy other things. Letting go was hard but very rewarding too.
I do realize this is a 2nd sharing, but it brings in a different angle so I wanted to share it with the others. I’m glad you’ve been able to come to a time of enjoying what you can still do. It’s hard for me, especially this year.