Christmas Countdown - 2018

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

I hope everyone had a really great Christmas yesterday.
And don't forget, Christmas Season 2018 continues on to New Year's day, at which point this thread will lock and "Christmas Countdown - 2019" will commence!

That's what I love about the countdown; one merry window closes and another festive one is revealed and the counts make it speed forward with jolly milestones along the way to keep the momentum of the excitement going.

Thanks to you and the "replacement crew" for keeping us on track throughout the year.

 

[Christmasstar]

So, when does everyone start picking up? I just got done taking down my Christmas decoration in the living room. I know I do it early, but when does everyone else do it?

we usually do it new years day

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

First of all, no one in my family spent Christmas in the hospital or funeral home, so I am blessed here.

DH & I went out of town for our 25th wedding anniversary on Thursday night. He got sick during the night on Thursday and has been sick off and on ever since. He made it to his parent's house for Christmas breakfast, but not to my parent's house for Christmas dinner. He is off work today & tomorrow and said he feels better today.

Being gone for the lead up to Christmas Eve made it seem that Christmas just started & then it was over. We met DH's parents at the mall on Christmas Eve morning as usual and they brought DD with them. DD & DH had our traditional Chinese lunch at the food court and I should have too, but I chose Chic-Fil-A instead. Can't go wrong there either! We came home to start laundry & straightened up the house for Santa's arrival. We watched Little House on the Prairie's The Christmas They Never Forgot & It's a Wonderful Life. DH even watched with us this year! We had soup & grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner since DH wasn't feeling great. Our Christmas Eve menu at home is different every year.

Christmas morning DH wasn't feeling well again, but he made it through Christmas breakfast with his family at his parent's house. We came home and took an afternoon nap. He still wasn't feeling well, so DD & I went to my parent's house for Christmas dinner & he stayed at home. DD spent the night with my parent's as has become tradition (all four granddaughters stay the night with them). Because we had been gone since Thursday, there were no groceries at home, so DH & I ended up at Walgreen's at 8:30 on Christmas night buying chicken noodle soup for his dinner!

I am a traditionalist with a twist and I have learned over the years that I have to let go of the perfect vision I have for everything and just go with the flow. This Christmas season and our anniversary trip have been another learning experience for me. By the time It's a Wonderful Life was over on Christmas Eve, I was sufficiently filled with the Christmas spirit and slept well. That is, until FIL called DH at 4:20 a.m. to yell "Christmas Gift!" and hang up. That is a tradition started by FIL's mother (not at 4:20 a.m though...). I told DH not to answer the phone, but he did and then we had a hard time going back to sleep, hence the afternoon nap we needed! Next year, maybe we will remember to turn off our ringers before bedtime on Christmas Eve!

I am back to work today, but DH took vacation days for today & tomorrow. He & MIL took DD to see the new Mary Poppins movie today. DH & I saw it on our anniversary trip. I'm still listening to Christmas music in the car as long as satellite radio keeps playing it & the house will stay decorated until January 1. I'm already looking forward to next year and thinking up possible gifts for next Christmas.

I hope everyone who is sick is recovering. Bless you all.

Happy Anniversary!

I used to stress about how the merry events would unfold, but in my case it only made sense to stop because my tradition became dependent on how the people we were visiting were celebrating and hosting Christmas festivities and gatherings.

We do what your FIL does for New Year's, but that tradition of trying to be the first one to call isn't practiced annually anymore so you never know when you'll wake up to the boisterous greeting.

We do it just like this guy.

Stay Jolly!

 

[Iteachpercussion]

Hi all.

I joined this forum two years ago, when I was feeling the post-Christmas blues. Ever since I was little, I looked forward to Christmas all year long. I love the music, the movies, the lights, decorations, the aura, the history...basically, everything.

I love how early it all starts, but I HATE how it seemingly ends at 9 PM on December 25th. In 12 days fashion, I still love doing Christmas things up until mid-January.

Still though, I just get an empty, hollow feeling, when everyone around me is packing up their Christmas stuff, throwing out their trees, etc.

What are some little ways that you friends keep up the Christmas cheer all year round? Despite me still celebrating through early January, it just doesn't feel the same.

Anyone feel me on this?

Hello.
I know that empty feeling you are talking about. I find the few days right after Christmas are the hardest to keep the spirit alive.

As far as keeping Christmas cheer all year:
We have one Santa decoration that stays up in the living room all-year long. That really does help. I can always look at Santa and I light up with joy.
I also listen to Christmas music all-year round. Not all of the time, but when I am in the mood for Christmas music, I listen to it; especially when it snows. During the summer, I listen to Christmas music when I mow the grass. It took my wife a little while to understand my Christmas music habits, but she gets it now. However, unless I am home by myself, I use head phones.

Another great way to keep Christmas going is to celebrate Rudolph Day on the 25th of each month. Watch a Christmas movie or some other Christmas type of activity. This is going to be something I do for sure this year.

The best way to keep Christmas cheer alive (and I am going to sound like a commercial here) is to stay active on the forums here. We are all in the same boat and help each other throughout the year. Check out the daily winter/Christmas pictures thread, this thread of course, and explore the others. The sense of community is amazing here and it really helps on those days when you are not feeling Christmassy.

I hope some of that helps.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

So, when does everyone start picking up? I just got done taking down my Christmas decoration in the living room. I know I do it early, but when does everyone else do it?

Usually the weekend following "Little Christmas"; Feast of Stephen, Jan. 6th.; this year it falls on a Sunday - they won't likely disappear that day.

 

[SnowflakeMom]

Merry Thursday! Not too many plans for today. I am going to catch up on some cleaning and I am meeting a couple of friends for dinner. We will take down our Christmas stuff next Sunday/Monday. Hope you all have a great day!

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Hi all.

I joined this forum two years ago, when I was feeling the post-Christmas blues. Ever since I was little, I looked forward to Christmas all year long. I love the music, the movies, the lights, decorations, the aura, the history...basically, everything.

I love how early it all starts, but I HATE how it seemingly ends at 9 PM on December 25th. In 12 days fashion, I still love doing Christmas things up until mid-January.

Still though, I just get an empty, hollow feeling, when everyone around me is packing up their Christmas stuff, throwing out their trees, etc.

What are some little ways that you friends keep up the Christmas cheer all year round? Despite me still celebrating through early January, it just doesn't feel the same.

Anyone feel me on this?

Festive Greetings, Brooker!

I keep watching Christmas flicks, listening to music off and on and visiting here to keep the merriment alive throughout the year.
I also keep a few special decorations out all year, including a few ornaments that I've received from various gift exchanges over the years.
I always feel the "hit" from the "grinching" of the season when I see trees on the snowbanks waiting for pick up; some that still have a bit of tinsel left on the branches.
There's a fellow around here who will pick them up and bring them to the bush for the deer and other animals to nibble on during the winter. Not sure if he uses any of them for wood work.
There's a Christmas tree farm not far from here that will rent a tree and then take it back and nurse it until the following season for those who want to pay for that service; not sure how much it costs, but it's a nice idea.

Keep a merry thought in your head!

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Here's another diddy I made up in the shower ...
Christmas! Christmas!
By:AuntieMistletoeDear (Sung to the tune and based on the lyrics of Iko Iko performed by: The Dixie Cups (By: James Crawford Jr. / Rosa Lee Hawkins / Barbara Anne Hawkins / Joan Marie Johnson)

Mama Elf and Papa Elf
Were sittin’ by the fire
Chatting ‘bout Christmas wishes
What’s your child’s desire?

Talking ‘bout Christmas! - Christmas!
Ho-Ho Ha Hee-Hee
Sippin’ hot cocoa with Santa & Mrs. C
All the elves’ children and me.

Christmas smells and Christmas bells
All share a common glee
Sharing the joys of Christmas
All ‘round the Christmas Tree.

Talking ‘bout Christmas! - Christmas!
Ho-Ho Ha Hee-Hee
Sippin’ hot cocoa with Santa & Mrs. C
All the elves’ children and me.

See the snowman in the yard
He’s painted green and gold
There’s a special celebration on the way
It’s Christmas I am told.

Talking ‘bout Christmas! - Christmas!
Ho-Ho Ha Hee-Hee
Sippin’ hot cocoa with Santa & Mrs. C
All the elves’ children and me.

See Santa all dressed in red
Climbing into his sleigh
Gonna start his deliveries
As long as the wee ones are in bed.

Talking ‘bout Christmas! - Christmas!
Ho-Ho Ha Hee-Hee
Sippin’ hot cocoa with Santa & Mrs. C
All the elves’ children and me.

Ho-Ho Ha Hee-Hee
All the elves’ children and me.

That's a little something I do in the shower, when I'm not solving the world's problems or work related ones, I am making up merry tunes.

Keep a merry song in your head!

 

[Bradmac]

Good Thursday morning, Christmas friends!

We had a great Christmas! After church on Christmas Eve, we went to Nancy's family get-together, and lots of seafood! We spent most of Christmas Day at my mom's, with my family and Jim's family. I smoked some turkey and a ham, and it was pretty good, if I do say so myself.

I'm off all week, but I woke up with a sore throat and stuffy nose. Doggone it.

And Jacob is home for the week, too!

I hope y'all have a great day!

 

[Crown 84]

Hi all.

I joined this forum two years ago, when I was feeling the post-Christmas blues. Ever since I was little, I looked forward to Christmas all year long. I love the music, the movies, the lights, decorations, the aura, the history...basically, everything.

I love how early it all starts, but I HATE how it seemingly ends at 9 PM on December 25th. In 12 days fashion, I still love doing Christmas things up until mid-January.

Still though, I just get an empty, hollow feeling, when everyone around me is packing up their Christmas stuff, throwing out their trees, etc.

What are some little ways that you friends keep up the Christmas cheer all year round? Despite me still celebrating through early January, it just doesn't feel the same.

Anyone feel me on this?

Welcome, Brooker!
I know the feeling, my friend. But for me, it does not hit until after January 1 because we always keep all of our decorations up until after then. And I must live in a lucky neighborhood because most everyone here feels the same way. Very few decorations come down before New Years.
As for "keeping the spirit" all year long, I don't worry about that. To me, if it was "Christmassy" all year long, then the season itself would loose its specialness. (I will confess, however, I do play a Christmas song or two out of season just because Christmas music is my favorite genre!)
And, of course, we count down here all year, marking milestones along the way, so Christmas never really disappears for us. Great fun!
So don't worry about the blues. They are temporary and sure to end before long.
Happy New Year!

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

I have a few errands to run today.

Hard to believe it has been a year already since my mom passed away with my dad and I at her side knowing she was loved.

Other than a few songs she used to play over and over sneaking into my head and a few funny memories, I doubt she will be occupying my thoughts today any more than other times since she's been gone.

Family, friends, music, and Christmas (among other things) occupy my thoughts constantly so I imagine today is really just another day of celebrating life and doing my best to stay jolly through the hours.

Keep a merry thought in your head!

 

[MerryCarey]

Hi all.

I joined this forum two years ago, when I was feeling the post-Christmas blues. Ever since I was little, I looked forward to Christmas all year long. I love the music, the movies, the lights, decorations, the aura, the history...basically, everything.

I love how early it all starts, but I HATE how it seemingly ends at 9 PM on December 25th. In 12 days fashion, I still love doing Christmas things up until mid-January.

Still though, I just get an empty, hollow feeling, when everyone around me is packing up their Christmas stuff, throwing out their trees, etc.

What are some little ways that you friends keep up the Christmas cheer all year round? Despite me still celebrating through early January, it just doesn't feel the same.

Anyone feel me on this?

I definitely feel the "shift in temperature" when the general public turns off their Christmas cheer. I'm not ready to pack the ornaments away until after New Year's, but something is missing when the general festive feeling is abandoned. The good news is, it lives here year 'round. Doesn't stop me from having PCBs, but at least I know others feel the same way.

I keep a little Christmas tree figurine on my office desk year-round, and keep a candy-cane ballpoint pen in my pen cup. I also keep a shelf of Christmas mugs in the kitchen year-round, and one or two items on top of the spinet piano. I try to ration my off-season listening of Christmas music, because it's more magical for me that way, but if I need Christmas music, I listen to it.

 

[Murphman]

So, when does everyone start picking up? I just got done taking down my Christmas decoration in the living room. I know I do it early, but when does everyone else do it?

Usually the day after Epiphany we start but it's a slow process and it might not get finished until the 3rd week of January.

 

[Yuletide Junkie]

we usually do it new years day

Sometime in January...Though one year life stretched it to Valentine's Day. That was different.

 

[made582]

I hope everyone is having a great day!!! I’m just trying to get caught up on some stuff I slacked off on the last week leading up to Christmas.

 

[Holiday]

Good afternoon MMC! 363 days to go!!
With Christmas being here & gone I so far don't have the blues setting in, but I think it's because I am off work & I'm trying not to think about starting the new job full time next week! EEK! So I'm just enjoying. Between last night & this morning I was able to watch It's A Wonderful Life - it's a must! ♥ I have veggie soup on the stove & I'm thinking about putting "The Christmas Gift" in the DVD.
Hope you are all having a GREAT day!!!

 

[Holiday]

Hello everyone.
We just got back from a trip to IKEA. Picked up a new adjustable table for my wife and a new cabinet for Henry's room.

Still hard to to believe Christmas is over. However, we are going to watch the new Kurt Russell Santa movie tonight. Plus, like all if us here, Christmas is never really over. I will listen to a fair amount of Christmas music for the next several days. In truth I will listen to it all year long off and on. Especially on snowy days.

Here is Henry and Oscar (his elf) waiting for us all to gather round the tree on Christmas morning.
View attachment 54093

So stinkin cute!!!

 

[Holiday]

Thank you sugar! They say he is having strokes in his brain due to the clots. They are not sure what it is but there are a lot of specialists involved. Infectious disease drs won't treat him with medicine until they know exactly what it is. Nothing has grown on the lumbar punctures so they are going to redo those again tomorrow. I wish for once we would have an uneventful Christmas

Prayers being sent your way!!!

 

[Holiday]

So, when does everyone start picking up? I just got done taking down my Christmas decoration in the living room. I know I do it early, but when does everyone else do it?

Definitely not yet!! Too soon, especially since I'm off work this week - I just enjoy it! I always let it up until at least the day after the Epiphany. A lot of years we had my MIL's birthday party here on Jan. 7th, so I would always let it up for that. I will take down my main tree & Christmas decs sometime in January (probably!) & put up snowmen & I will change my tree in the sunroom to a blue/silver "winter tree"

 

[Holiday]

Hi all.

I joined this forum two years ago, when I was feeling the post-Christmas blues. Ever since I was little, I looked forward to Christmas all year long. I love the music, the movies, the lights, decorations, the aura, the history...basically, everything.

I love how early it all starts, but I HATE how it seemingly ends at 9 PM on December 25th. In 12 days fashion, I still love doing Christmas things up until mid-January.

Still though, I just get an empty, hollow feeling, when everyone around me is packing up their Christmas stuff, throwing out their trees, etc.

What are some little ways that you friends keep up the Christmas cheer all year round? Despite me still celebrating through early January, it just doesn't feel the same.

Anyone feel me on this?

Come here & celebrate ALL year round!!!

I have a Christmas countdown chalk board I change - not every day (especially in the summer on weekends) but probably 90 % of the time I change the number every day! I ♥ it! I never totally stop listening to Christmas music all year round. Sometimes I listen to more Jan-March just b/c there isn't much Christmas on TV anymore.

Welcome to the countdown!!!!