In the past, I have been the Christmas Queen: neighbourhood party, family and other folk over for dinner, presents, food, NYE Party, you get the idea!
However, with long covid and a horrid perimenopause, Christmas is just a reminder of everything I can't do right now.
I am also a bit fed up of the politics of it all - who wants to give presents, who doesn't, who is doing cards and who isn't. I almost need a spreadsheet to keep track!
ANYWAY, this year I decided just to do what suits me/us. Have sent cards to closest friends we don't see and bought small presents for family and friends. Just a 'minding' as my granny would say.
Christmas Day will be just three of us - me, my hubby and our son who is home for Christmas. My daughter and husband run Christmas like clockwork to accommodate all the children's naps so we will likely see them at some point, but this year I am not rearranging my routine to suit. Love them all, but this year is about having a relaxed day whilst still being pretty unwell with long covid.
Jaypo - a cruise - fab. Will note that for when I am well again!
Flossieteacake - yes, just one day gives perspective. My husband was a church minister for years so Christmas was definitely a month-long event.
CLKD - Christmas pudding early in the day - great idea. They last for years.
Songbird - sounds like you will have a lovely Christmas and Boxing Day.
I know that 'normal service will resume' in my life at some point, but it is good (I think) to take time to reflect and reassess what we have been doing for the past fifty or so years!!
My mother and father in law started going on Christmas holidays round about her late fifties. Now I know why!