Christmas Island © lynette sheppard
2020. It’s been the most stress filled year that I can remember. And now, the holidays are upon us. And yet. And yet. The holidays seem a bright spot amid all the angst. On our tiny island, Christmas decorations went up extra early. It seemed like everyone was putting lights on their homes.
If this were a normal year, our Christmas light parade would have kicked off the celebrations on the first Saturday of December. Of course, we had no parade this year. No parties, no concerts, no get-togethers.
I read a piece written by a physician who asked herself if mid-November was too early to put up decorations. She decided that she really needed the boost in her spirits and it really didn’t matter if she left them up all year long. She felt that her holiday was actually a prescription to decrease her stress this year.
I get it. Staying at home and listening to my inner thoughts about the season rather than rushing: to shop, to attend potlucks, to participate in cookie exchanges, and on and on and on. I am not baking cookies – especially since I don’t need any more goodies after all the comfort food I’ve indulged in during the pandemic. I’m not wrapping gifts. I am not signing cards.
I am enjoying the scent of the tree. I am playing old Christmas albums and singing at the top of my lungs. (My poor cat wishes I wouldn’t.) I have put more thought and less obligation into gift-giving. Nat Geo Kids subscriptions for the grandchildren, a few books and CD’s for close friends, nothing for Dewitt and me. For the rest, I will be making donations to the local food bank in their names.
We have hope. We have light. Covid 19 vaccinations started today. This is shaping up to be a very meaningful holiday. Enjoy yours as you can. Stay safe. Be well. Love one another.
I’ve included a video of our favorite Christmas decoration: Santa’s Marching Band. Enjoy.
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I love Santa’s marching band!!!
Wishing you and Dewitt a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with Hope and Healing! LOVED your Santa’s Marching Band! Love, Barb and Rich
I have found your site after googling mental confusion and forgetfulness. I was worried I may be experiencing early dementia, but after reading so much about perimenopause, I am wondering if that is what I may be going through. I have always had hormonal problems. Missed periods for months in my 20s and 4 miscarriages in my 30s before finally giving birth only once to a healthy boy. I am looking for more information on mental fog, concentration, forgetfulness, etc. Can you give me any advice? I am not sure if I should make an appointment with a doctor or go see my ob!?? I am 46 in two months, and I wonder if it is too early to be experiencing perimenopause symptoms??
Thank you for any help!
Hi Allie, Put mental changes and or brain fog in the search box on the blog to bring up all our posts regarding this. 46 is not too early to experience perimenopause at all – your MD can do hormonal testing to determine if you are indeed premenopausal. They don’t offer much except hormone therapy to help with symptoms – the posts tell of some things you can do in the meantime that will help – the best news is that it is temporary but it will be a drag for a while. HOpe this helps. Lynette
I love Santa’s marching band! I have a similar music box – I have soldiers that tap on keys. It reminds me of a hand bell choir.