Saturday 9 December 2017

Christmas

As the day itself draws nearer I find it absolutely impossible to get any sort of Christmassy feeling about things.   I suppose, as it is only nine months since I lost my farmer, this is to be expected.   But I have no desire to put up decorations and make much in the way of prepation.
My family will all receive a present of money and friends have agreed to give presents a miss this year.    All my family will come as usual on Boxing Day and the big day itself I am spending with three other friends.
Menus are being planned so that much of the cooking can be done in advance.   Jacket potatoes and vegetables cooked on the day to add to various cold cuts of meat and a Christmas pudding - mince pies, cake and trifle for tea - not much to do then. 
We still have no snow here at all but the weather is bitterly cold.   My son came to take Tess for her morning walk today as it was icy and he has promised to do the same tomorrow.   By lunchtime today the roads and paths were dry so I was able to take her myself.
My great grand-daughter, Ula, is one year old today - so Happy Birthday little one.

27 comments:

John Going Gently said...

This year just get through it dearheart.....that's all you need to do

Rachel Phillips said...

It is only the 9th December so lots of time yet. The supermarket seemed rather full today of both furrowed brow faces and Christmas food piles and I was thinking if I was planning a meal for the 25th of any other month I wouldn't be thinking about it on the 9th.

Yarrow said...

Happy Birthday to Ula <3
I'm not at all surprised that you're not feeling the Christmas cheer. So much expectation is put on Christmas and for so many people it's just a time to 'get through'. I had to paste on a smile for so many years for the sake of my children, before and after my divorce. I'm sure you're sick of hearing about how it will get better, but for this year, just do what you feel like and don't feel pressured by what others are doing. I wish I could give you a hug.xxx

donna baker said...

Did you bake your Christmas cakes this year? I'm with you. Just the bear minimum. Had a new grand baby boy on Thursday who came in at 9lbs.13 ozs. Looks like a little Eskimo baby. Carson he is named.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

It sounds like you will be spending the holidays in a very nice way without all the fuss and muss.

Terra said...

I was in shock last year at Christmas as my dear husband died the month before. It was all a daze dimly remembered but this year I am more aware, and have done some healing. I think you have a good plan on how to spend Christmas this year; hugs to you from California.

Mac n' Janet said...

What a sad Christmas this will be without the Farmer, glad you have family and friends close by. Stay safe and warms.

Tom Stephenson said...

Oh, dear Weave. I wish you were a little closer. I would love to have you round here for drinks and things. Thank you so much for the card. That looks like you and Tess! You know that you will always be welcome for a little city break if you can face the trip South. X

The Furry Gnome said...

Dear Weaver, I have to confess to being a blurker with your blog, lurking around and reading it every day, but not commenting. I have been amazed at how you have adapted over the past few months after the farmer passed awy. I'm inspired by your constant visiting, something I should do more of. And I really enjoy your daily reports of what's going on in your life. We lost our oldest son two years ago, and Christmas hasn't been the same since, but we do have other children and grandchildren, so we adapt as best we can. Along with many others, I'm thinking of you.

Living Alone in Your 60's said...

Christmas is a time for many to reflect on what has been. It's your first without farmer and you've moved. But I'm pleased you're not going to be alone.

Cro Magnon said...

I find Christmas a very emotional time. I suppose it's normal to look back at Christmases past and remember all those who are now no longer with us. Memories should not be blocked, I believe they are good for us.

Jules said...

I think that what you have planned sounds just right. X

Derek Faulkner said...

The mad spell of stress and tension that comes round every year in December for people who feel that they must do this and that because it's Christmas and buy huge amounts of food "just in case", will soon be over. We then have the mad spell of stress and tension immediately after, as people go out and refill shopping trolleys with another load of food and drink for New Years Eve - and of course, partake in The Sales. It used to be a simple and enjoyable time of year.

Sue said...

Christmas can be such a sad time for many people. I'm just grateful that my daughter, Sarah, will not be alone this year and is able to join us for a few days.

Librarian said...

My husband died less than 2 months before Christmas in 2009, but somehow, knowing how much he loved Christmas - and decorating our flat for it! - made me do it "for him" that first year without him, and then I found myself in the festive spirit, too. Of course it helped that I had (and still have) my parents and sister nearby, and celebrated with them. We all thought of Steve and talked about him that night.
I think you should really only do the things you feel like doing. And if you do not feel like putting up decorations, then don't! From the pictures you have showed us here, your place looks cosy and homely anyway.

Happy Birthday to little Ula!

Heather said...

Happy Birthday to Ula. I understand how you feel Pat and feel much the same, however I have put a few decorations up but no tree. It brightens the place up a bit on a grey day, and today is very grey with wet, slushy snow lying around. We seldom get a white Christmas down here but sometimes get a light fall of snow just before. Glad you will have good company on Boxing Day.x

Sue said...

You've done amazingly well this year and it sounds like you have made excellent plans for Christmas, but it's those alone moments and sudden realisations that catch you out isn't it.

I still get them after the death of my Dad as does my Mum who was with him for over 50 years. He died in the March a few years ago and the first Christmas without him was so hard for all of us. Do what YOU want to do and don't be pushed into any extra visits or outings that you can't cope with.

Minigranny said...

You have had so many thing to cope with this year that it's not surprising you feel like this.I'm sure your plans for the day and Boxing day are just right.
A Happy Birthday to little Ula!

Devon said...

The first holidays without those we love are sad ones. I lost my best friend, only sibling, my sister 4 months ago. I am keeping the holiday simple and will do what I can and not regret the rest.
I think you have endured so much the past year and have been very brave in your life. A friend recently told me that in life everything changes except change.

liparifam said...

I understand completely; nothing to compare to your loss, but this is my first Christmas in a new city, and I have no friends here yet. My oldest (15 1/2 years) dog passed away last week, and I received a worrisome medical test result that will have to be addressed right after Christmas, so it's hard to get into the spirit. No tree for me this year, but I bought a lot of poinsettias and put out a few other decorations as well as outdoor wreaths on the windows. And I'll fly to be with my sister and her family and my 82 yr old father for the actual holiday... Keeping busy is the best thing, and you always seem to try to do that :)

The Weaver of Grass said...

Looks as though we are all of the same mind - relax - do what you feel like doing - take each day as it comes and don't overdo the food. Thanks to you all for taking the trouble to reply in such detail.

Anonymous said...

Pat, I gave up Christmas many years ago; my friends and family know this and respect my views. Feel free to do the same m'dear.

Gwil W said...

Brrr....

Last year we said no Christmas tree. And on 24th we went out and bought one.

This year we have 4 candles in a bit of greenery and a small nativity scene made from olive wood from Bethlehem.

Derek Faulkner said...

Lashing down with rain here in North Kent for the second day running and a very cold N.E.gale.

thelma said...

I am glad you are doing what you want for Christmas Pat, it should be a quiet time of the year, but all the razzle-dazzle of making us spend money is confusing and so uncalled for.

Theresa Y said...

Enjoy your Christmas, no matter how you spend it. Do what works for you and Tess this year.

The Weaver of Grass said...

I love the sound of the nativity scene with olive wood from Bethlehem Gwil.
Thanks everyone.