How are you handling the holidays?

Im not. Every year i have a huge party with all my family and friends. Decorations, rented linens, music, food...everything. not this year. I have a wreath on the door and purchased gifts for my daughter online. I was sad about it but im over it. I just want to recover. next year i can go back to my traditional party and do it bigger than ever.

Many people to buy for, so I did a combo of online purchases, gift cards and a couple of shopping "blitzes" on days when I was out and had the energy (later in my recovery). Asking my DH's help more, esp with driving in the snow. This year, I've been more likely to say, "OK, that's good enough" with the gifts. We've put up a few decorations on the doors and mantel but we're keeping it very simple - less to put away later. (No Xmas tree, but we never do, since our kitty would wrestle it to the ground in spite of all efforts.) Also cutting back on Xmas cards...conserving my energy, I guess.

I did all of the decorating, list-making, shopping and wrapping before my procedure on Dec 5. The few perishables that will be needed will be handled by my folks or partner. Some friends even dropped off TONS of cookies and pastry....so actually that takes care of the sweets we had originally intended on making.

There is nothing like asking for the help you need and deserve while recovering and taking care of yourself.

The best Christmas gift I can give to myself and family is a healthy, strong, fast recovery. Therefore no gifts, no decorations, no dinner. Lol it is easy for me as I don't have any children. My BF and I did a nice romantic dinner at home and called it good. Now he has went on Holiday with his children and I will focus being a good girl and healing. Praying the next 3 weeks fly by. Merry Christmas ladies!! Next year we will make up for it

I did all of my shopping before my surgery, and I did minimal decorating of the house, too. We got our tree and I told my boys (ages 19, 17, and 15) that they were responsible for decorating it. It did sit there for almost a week before they threw some lights and ornaments on it.

Our Christmas was VERY low key. (I had only been home from the hospital for 2 days!) It almost didn't even feel like it was Christmas. I felt bad that we didn't have a big family get together, and my husband and boys mentioned it felt weird. They have been wonderful, though. I am lucky! Now I'm looking at the tree and the house, knowing it all needs to be taken down and packed a way. There's no way I can do it at 10 days post-op, so I'm delegating it tomorrow. I know they will be thrilled. Lol

I do feel like this has been a real eye opener to them about how much I do around the house, especially at the holidays. Hang in there everyone!