Not just for Christmas

 

We don't buy each other Christmas presents (we find it all a bit naff and unnecessary); my strategy is to get spoilt all year round - presents are for life not just for Christmas. I was teasing Husband before Christmas about what he had bought me, knowing full well the answer. He said: 'let me be very clear. You are getting absolutely nothing!' I thought this was hilarious and imagined how it would sound to someone listening in.

But if Christmas is about love, compassion and kindness then Husband is Mr Christmas and I was showered with gifts.

We have been away in Norfolk for the last five days (in Sheringham - a very picturesque coastal town.) Whenever we go away Husband takes care of EVERYTHING. My sole job is to get me ready and to be honest when the energy is limited that is enough of a challenge. So while I focused on the very important task of making sure I had enough knickers and deciding what to wear Christmas Day, Husband planned where to stay, how to get there, created exciting menus, bought food and drink and got everything ready. (As we were arriving Christmas Eve evening 'we' had to take everything with us and as we were travelling by train it had to travel in a suitcase - or three!)

And it's not like he could relax once he got there...looking after me brings a whole new meaning to the term high maintenance wife. Once we were there, Husband did everything for us so that I could use my precious energy for doing some fun stuff together.

Being away is my idea of a perfect Christmas. To be honest I don't really like Christmas. I find the commercial build up from September excruciating, I think tinsel is a crime against taste and the thought of excessive eating brings me out in a panic - Chronic Flabby Syndrome does not need this kind of encouragement!

Of course Christmas is also a family time. But for me spending time with family is challenging. Not because my family are a nightmare, my family are great fun; if anything they are too much fun. They are loud, they enjoy a drink and laugh a lot. But that much fun is exhausting. And having to go upstairs and lie down and listen to everyone else having fun is hard; it's a harsh reminder of my limitations and brings with it a huge feeling of missing out.

This year, Husband’s sister and boyfriend joined us for Christmas lunch so there was a nod to a family Christmas. (And Sister brought table decorations, crackers and presents – all very tasteful I might add. I could hardly ban such activity, that would be taking the bah humbug status a little too far.)

And Christmas lunch was fun until I realised half way through my main course that I was in trouble (despite my excellent pacing plan and morning of resting) and really needed to lie down. But there wasn't an easy time to get up without looking rude: before desert which sister had very kindly made? Before the presents she had so thoughtfully brought? Before I had cleared up? (I had to be seen to be contributing something!) So by the time I made it to bed at the rock and roll time of 7 pm I felt awful. And once again Christmas night was spent listening to other people having fun - loudly. Grr...

But the other days were easier (because I wasn't trying to keep up with 'normal' people!) And we had some really magical moments: walks along the seafront arm in arm, half a lager in the pub (crazy times people) playing penny falls in the arcade, coffee overlooking the sea, snuggled up on the sofa reading, eating yummy food (thank you Husband), savouring the odd glass of wine.

And it is these moments that keep me going (maybe they are what keep everyone going?) When we were at the top of a cliff looking into the seemingly endless expanse of sea my world felt at peace. No, maybe I can't keep up with normal social activities and yes, I have to do A LOT of lying down but I have lots of magical moments. And many of those moments are down to my amazing husband. (Sorry if this is making you reach for the sick bucket.)

So if Christmas is about counting your blessings then I guess I have come over all Christmassy, because I am very blessed. I am blessed to have so much love in my life and I am blessed to have so many magical moments. But being blessed is for all year round not just for Christmas - right Husband?!

How was Christmas for you? All sparkly and festive or a bit bah humbug?? Would love to hear your thoughts...xx