#55 Hints for the Holiday

#55 Hints for the Holiday
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 by Deb Vellines

Merry Christmas! It’s the most wonderful time of the year. That’s what the song says. It can also be the busiest. So much to do and so much to think about and so much to remember.

All this can be overwhelming, especially to someone recovering from surgery, or someone trying to figure out what kind of treatment, or where to have treatment or even whether or not to have treatment. So someone trying to come to grips with a new diagnosis (like a brain tumor) doesn’t always feel like shopping. Someone who is trying to keep their balance might not feel like shopping. Someone whose head hurts says, “Do I have to do this?”

A car or airplane trip means packing and getting ready. Walking through an airport terminal with folks moving all directions and noises everywhere can cause the balance to go haywire. It’s a challenge.

So what’s the solution? Two thoughts come to my mind that I want to share with you: Pacing and keeping it as simple as possible.

Let’s talk about keeping it simple first. Is everyone coming to your house for the big meal? Keep it as simple as you can. Here’s an example — instead of fussing with potatoes, why not buy the prepackaged already, throw-in-the-microwave package. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help. If you are not a delegating person, change that. Most everyone likes to help, whether by bringing something or helping in the kitchen. Give them jobs, jobs that can make your life easier.

If you buy groceries a few days ahead, this gives you time to rest up. Grocery shopping can be such a challenge. A therapist explained to me, that the constant eye motion finding stuff is what makes me feel lightheaded. That’s in addition to the extra people that seem to appear at holiday time. Does your store offer to shop for you? All you have to do is drive up to the designated spot and they put it in the trunk of the car. Want to keep the shopping even more simple? Let them deliver it to you.

If the idea of gift shopping makes you want to crawl under the covers, money works. Let the kids buy. Whether your kids are ten or fifty, you can’t go wrong with a money gift.

When it’s party time, you might have to find a quiet place to stop and close your eyes for a few minutes, or an hour. Depends on how tired you are. A couple of quick pick-me-up close-your-eyes naps or a serious longer nap can create the feeling you are upright and ready to party a little longer.

*****

Readers, do you have a hint to share with the rest of us?

*****

Dear Jesus, help me to remember your birth is the reason we celebrate the season. Thank you for coming. Amen.

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

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