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Navigating the Pre-Holiday Week
I find the days leading up to Christmas among the most disorienting of the year. Part of it is being Jewish, and there’s a frenzy that I don’t quite understand. It’s also the weird limbo state between work and holiday. 5 years ago, I began inviting a group of friends to my home for Christmas dinner. The benefit is not only that I’ve secured an activity on the actual day, but it gives me a focus beforehand. And the one place I’m most at ease this week is wandering through the aisles of my favorite food markets. How are you holding up?
Disassembled gingerbread house from things organized neatly
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6 comments for “Navigating the Pre-Holiday Week”
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That’s a lovely tradition you’ve started, Wendy. Having something to focus on can help eliminate a lot of the frenzy and noise around you during a hectic time.
My family (father, brother) is too far away to see at Christmas, and none of us want the others to have the stress of traveling when the weather can be unpredictable and the roads unsafe, so we agreed to meet up in the summer instead, and no gifts. Everyone is in a better mood, we can hang out outside. It eliminates so much stress from my life and I’m grateful for it. It frees me up to help out where I want to, do what I want; as introvert, this is ideal.
The one thing that still bothers me is the commercialism, and hearing parents complain about “having to buy” their offspring expensive gifts (TVs, iPads, cellphones). First world problem. Hard to bite my tongue sometimes.
Wishing you enjoyable dinner preparations, and a wonderful time with your friends!
A few days ago, a friend told me how happy he is to participate in our annual Christmas dinner, and that it feels like family. It was the best compliment.
Honestly, I just grit my teeth and get through the holidays. I hate the feeling that everything is thrown out of whack. I am a creature of routine and it always feels like “Let’s just get to January 2!!” But I am trying harder to go through the season with a good attitude. Resistance results in suffering, right?!
I do love your idea of a Christmas dinner with good friends. Your friend’s comment is certainly a high compliment to you and the experience you are creating! Cheers!
For some lovely reason, last year the holidays were a breeze. This season, I’m also gritting my teeth and just getting through it. Glad to know I’m in your good company, Dee.
I’ve *really* been enjoying this time of year, believe it or not! A few weeks ago I attended a beer festival, last week ZooLights, and tonight walked through the city to see all of the special trees and ugly sweaters on display. This weekend is SantaCon, and I have parties to go to on Christmas Eve and the 26th. Nothing planned for Christmas Day, but maybe that’s a good thing. Although all of the gift-giving can feel a bit overwhelming, with waiting in the post office lines, etc, fortunately I’m all done with that, since I did a lot of shopping on Black Friday.
It sounds like you will have a very special party, Wendy, and I wish you a Merry Christmas! Am so happy to have discovered this blog, and have really enjoyed reading your prolific blog posts this year.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the season, Meghan. And grateful for your being part of the FPS community!