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Post by pammy on Dec 11, 2003 17:21:59 GMT -5
Anyone else out there 'not' in the spirit of it yet? I'm not. Too darn stressed right now. I do see the light at the end of the tunnel, though. Yes! Have been doing my 40 hours of clinicals, but am now working on top of that. And if any of you doubt the flu season is here, let me put that to rest... IT IS!!! The hospital I'm at is bursting at the seams and we are being run ragged. My butt is draggin' 2 miles behind me. And I'm supposed to Christmas shop? The good news is that our last clinical day is Wednesday. Yay! a break! ;D Okay, okay... I did get the tree up and manage to get one gift so far. One down, 1 billion to go (or so it feels). *sighs big* Anyone have any tricks to getting 'in the mood'? I've already made spiced tea mix and hot cocoa mixes and put them in tins to give away. Nope, still no spirit. Have put wreaths out and have lights outside all put up. Still no spirit. Found the Christmas music CD... didn't wanna hear it. lol It's bad  Okay, enough whinin'.... just wondered if there were other unspirited's out there. |
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Post by gigi on Dec 11, 2003 19:51:40 GMT -5
I'm right there with you Pammy! The only spirit I can get is the liquid kind. Had a few "jingles" yesterday but that was 'cause I couldn't get one of the carols out of my head. This really stinks. I am not even studying about getting in the mood either. Bah.
gigi
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Post by teatowel on Dec 11, 2003 20:04:27 GMT -5
I was in tears over my sparkly lights that wouldn't light so I gave up and put out some evergreens with bows instead. I let my youngest put some ornaments on a Norfolk Island Pine. I think thats it for us this year, though I do have some shopping to do. Haven't been in the mood for years. Will do whatever my inlaws and parents dictate as usual. Boy this is depressing. If I had any of my own money I would go away. Something magical is bound to happen when we least expect it. Glad there is some light at the end of the tunnel for you Pammy. tea
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Post by PrincessGrace on Dec 11, 2003 22:45:25 GMT -5
Honestly, I think a lot of the spirit flies out the window when we focus on all the things we think we "have to" do. Christmas was never intended to be so stressful. If you think about it, the Baby Jesus only received 3 gifts, and many scholars believe that wasn't until He was 2 years old! No, I'm not advocating Christmas every two years (though it might not be a bad idea -- kind of like the Olympics), but I think we've just gotten wrapped up in the materialistic side of the holiday. It's hard to relax with a to-do list 10 miles long. Tea, I'm with you about the in-laws. I'm tired of it. I just want to stay home and relax with my hubby and kids. We did that three years ago and two of the sister-in-laws took our children's gifts back home with them, instead of leaving them there for us to pick up. But one of them and another sister (and their families) have missed Christmas Eve twice in the years since. Okay for them, not for us? We weren't fighting with them, it's just the way they are.  I'm fed up! All I can say is, carve out those quiet moments. Escape whatever stress you can, and focus on WHY we have a Christmas in the first place. Shop online (I did that last night) instead of at the mall. And get sleep, get rested. Being sleep-deprived can really affect your mood (I'm speaking from experience!). Maybe, too, we can learn to say no. No, we're not coming to the family get-together this year. No, we're not buying for everyone this year. Or, we're buying gift cards this year...period. No, we're not hosting Christmas dinner again. The more we can simplify, the better. Remember the rule: if you don't take care of your own health (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually), you won't be any good to anyone else. Grace |
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Post by mominator on Dec 12, 2003 14:22:42 GMT -5
Princess Grace....KUDOS! I couldn't agree more! It is ridiculous how much time we spend SHOPPING! And I HATE to shop for anything! I do love giving presents though.  I also did a lot of E-baying for Christmas, last year and did it again this year. It is VERY nice, just sitting at home shopping. And the surprises in the mail..feels like the nice side of Christmas TWICE! ;D Actually, this is the first year in 15 years, that I am NOT having 20 people for dinner.  My sis is insisting it be at her house. GREAT FOR ME! My kidz are thrilled, they actually don't have to rush through opening their gifts, put them away, and clean up the mess. No matter, how much pre-cleaning, pre-cooking, etc...it is always a very STRESSFUL time getting ready for that many people for dinner. Pammy...me one step ahead of you and one step behind. No TREE YET!  YIKES! But I am almost done shopping!  Just had to rub that one in....lubs ya' |
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Post by lilsx1 on Dec 12, 2003 20:49:02 GMT -5
Hm I can't say that I am IN the spirit, but I am not too out of it either... My suggestion would be to do xmas shopping on e-bay... Then again ya never know if it will be in time for the holiday... uhm gift certificates?
What is your favorite thing to do or eat on xmas? Maybe do that and you will feel better? Or maybe take a hot bath with some candles and "chill" music... I think you just need to unwind and de-stress!
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Post by bwashing34 on Dec 13, 2003 9:33:28 GMT -5
Man, some of you's really hit the nail right on the head!  I've gotten about 4 gifts so far, tree goes up today.... But as far as the shopping madness goes, I'd rather not! Everything I've done so far has been online, and it does take some of the stress out. I'm also planning on making a few of my gifts (cookies, crafts, bath potions, etc.) and folks always that. Once I made dried fruit garland for a couple of women on my list and that was a big hit. Anyway, I agree that you should try and do what works best for you. Happy holidays to all! ;D |
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Post by SomeGirl on Dec 13, 2003 13:15:07 GMT -5
I shop throughout the year, whenever I spot something. I think Christmas can get out of hand in it's meaning. It's about spending time with people you love, and for many (including myself) a time to celebrate religious beliefs. Not so much about having the bigger better gifts and the most decorated house. I know what you mean though. I don't drink much and some Christmas pasts I have found I just need a drink to keep myself in my place. I have 9 people in my family and many of them are married with kids, so it's a large crowd to handle! I also work in merchandising so it's the busiest time at my job too. But when that day comes and everyone is in their PJs opening gifts, drinking mimosa and giving gifts to one another it all seems worth it.
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Post by pammy on Dec 20, 2003 9:05:28 GMT -5
It's getting closer!! How dumb is this: Today, the Saturday before Christmas, my dumb butt will be in the big city at one of the malls of all places. Might need a tranquilizer, anyone got one??  Kinda have to go there, meeting the ex to let him get daughter for a few days. *sigh* We'll see if me and the hubby will escape with our lives...... |
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Post by PrincessGrace on Dec 20, 2003 13:05:02 GMT -5
Yes, it's getting closer, but don't remind me. I think I'm in denial, and I like it that way.  (And, see? I don't know whether to laugh or cry.) Really, though, I'm doing just fine. I am so glad I did most of my shopping online, but I'll admit, a lot of my budgeted $ were eaten up in shipping costs. But at least I found some good deals (enough, in my mind, to offset paying so much for shipping). Anyway, I think I'm done, as far as gift buying; just have to buy one more gift card. Hubby still hasn't put up the Christmas lights on the house, and the kids are so disappointed. What's with him? It's just busyness. I've done good making it through the week -- I made a bunch of fudge several days ago, so whenever I feel the stress -- CHOCOLATE! ;D |
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Post by teatowel on Dec 22, 2003 8:27:48 GMT -5
Your hubby is willing to put up lights? That is nice. Mine doesn't participate in the holiday at all, but I'm expected to spend the holidays with my inlaws and shop for them and he insists we raise the kids catholic so I'm obliged to do something religious...well it is the point isn't it. hmmm. I am shopping this morning. At least I have a weekday morning to do it. Shouldn't be too bad. Happy Holidays. tea
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Post by pammy on Dec 27, 2003 8:53:15 GMT -5
Awww Chicky  that musta been awful! Isn't that kinda cutting off their nose to spite their face, though? You came all that way and it's like they wanted to hurt your feelings for moving off. Sometimes I think people punish others for having a more exciting life than they do, does that make sense? Could be they were jealous of you being away and living a different life than they do. I've been there girlie. Everyone talks about what is going on locally, and things that I had no clue about, just kinda sitting there not being included in on the conversation. Heck, I moved back closer and am still excluded, even at my own house. Had Thanksgiving at my house and I swear I didn't speak 5 words that night. Not one person asked how my brand new job was. When I would try to say something some else just interrupted me. I gave up. Mostly the women do it. Sometimes women can be so petty. I've just started hanging out with the guys instead. Heck, guys are funner anyways! And no one is as cool as my dad to hang out with, he's the bomb! There's this saying that sometimes makes me feel better, 'no one learned anything by talking, they learn by listening'. I think of that and just sit back and listen. Shoot, most people prove themselves a fool by opening their mouth (and it's been proven in my family!). Still makes ya feel rotten though. (((hug))) Am hoping you're feeling better by now, girlie. Sending warm wishes your way, |
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Post by mominator on Dec 27, 2003 14:31:21 GMT -5
Aweeeeee Chicky! I am so sorry your trip home was less than you expected. I know how excited you were to get home and how much missed home. My family lives under 30 miles away, and I know exactly how you felt. Cuz my bro & sis live REALLY close to each other. I just kinda' felt like an outsider, and when you travel with 4 kidz! Well...people just aren't nice excited to see ya'. They are all teens, just sit quietly and chat...but just not quite old enough in their eyes I guess! Oh well...I am happy with MY lil' family! I hope you feel better soon! HUGS! |
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Post by Chickydee on Dec 28, 2003 0:28:58 GMT -5
;)Thanks Pammy and Mominator! Yes I feel much better now....I was actually oversensitive that day because I was exhausted so things were a little magnified...if ya know what I mean....however most of my cousins didn't seem a bit excited to see me at all...and, I guess i was just "expecting" my cousins to talk to me more since I'm not around much.
Pammy I totally agree with you! Men are so much easier to hang out with and can be fun too. I've told my hubby before...men have it easier with the socializing than women (in my perspective) because with women you have to worry about who's talking about you behind your back.....what's being said about you behind your back and worrying about offending someone ...and sometimes it can actually be someone you consider a "friend"! Sheesh! Men definitely have it easier for sure! Sometimes I wished I would have been born a boy instead! LOL
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Post by pammy on Dec 28, 2003 4:44:06 GMT -5
LMAO! Yeah, I guess guys got their worries, too And I agree, women can be so mean to each other and are so judgemental of each other. Plus, they're either trying to steal your clothes or your fella Shoot, round here the only thing you gotta do to be accepted in the guy circle is open one beer And have you ever listened to them talk bout other people? They eiter same something nice about someone or nothing at all, just shake their head, hehe. Too funny!! Hey, I can handle that! Glad things better  |
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