Holidays are so stressed filled for everyone. We all want things perfect and the "Norman Rockwell" scene to be a part of the holiday. Life is busier than ever and kids are all over the world. There are mixed families, blended families, families with three or four sets of grandparents and even a few great grandparents. I used to be able to keep up with cards and gifts but those days have past. Yes, I realize that it is about being together and not the gift but I always liked the look of surprise on my kids faces when they opened a gift, even as adults. Now, I find that just trying to think of what to get them puts me in a tizzy. Sizes, I have no clue and what do they have or need? Money seems so impersonal but do they really need another toy or sweater? Back when we were growing up we also did something that was really fun in the summertime as all of us were together. This was the most fun of all. We would get a certain amount of money and we went to a store similar to Dollar General and the like and bought Christmas gifts. We had our Christmas in the summer when we could all be together. We laughed and it really took the sting out of trying to figure out what to get someone. It was really fun to see what the little kids in the group would think would be appropriate for each person. Usually before the day was over, the gift was broke or lost but we sure laughed in the meantime.
Dealing with an illness on top of holidays is excruciating and the burden of trying to have the perfect holiday goes out the door. Cookies aren't going to get baked and the thoughts of a ham or turkey cooking may be repulsive. What with this all approaching so fast and all the stores that have holiday decorations up months before the event just tips the apple cart. It really does come back to, just being together and enjoying each moment and looking for laughs along the way. It is ok to laugh in the face of Cancer. Sometimes it is all you can do and may be the best medicine anyhow. So as these events hurry in, enjoy and find the best in each day. Make it a great day! S