I put up a three ft. foot tree that comes out of a box for the holidays. Just a little light and branch adjustment, lights and ornaments are already on and we're good to go! I also keep a small box of decorations that are OK for the great grandkids to safely play with and decorating is done in less than an hour. I love lights, but the stress of getting them up and down became a dreaded holiday ritual. I've given most of my decorations, especially the ones my kids and grandkids made back to the giver and now it's sweet to go to my kids houses and see them continue being part of the family's holiday traditions.

@A MyFibroTeam Member I love the lights too. I agree they are so soothing to see. Before fibro I actually had several different themes for Christmas. I had a ton of different tubs labeled for each theme and stored in our crawl space. I had different color themes and lots of fancy ornaments. We used to talk about it and decide with theme and my kids loved to pick their favorites. As my boys got older and lost interest in the decorations I quit doing the ones that they loved more. I donated so much to charities so someone that doesn't have the money could use them. The one we all decided was our favorite to keep was the blue and silver decorations with snow flake and icicle ornaments. The lights are all white and it is beautiful. I have the same problem now with no one wanting to help put up the tree. Last year they just brought out my tree and ornaments and put them in the entry and left them. My husband had to say something to them before they set up the tree. They weren't going to decorate it though and I was in way too much pain to do it. I called my church and the missionaries came over and decorated my tree for me. They were so happy to help. If your church doesn't have missionaries available you can always called the closest mormon church and they are always happy to help. Their missionaries are always looking for ways to help.

I'm so happy for you to be able to spend this time with your grandson. That sounds like a lot of fun. Little boys are such a joy. I am sure little girls are too I just don't have much experience with little girls lol

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A MyFibro...

I love Christmas and I've been so upset quite a few of the last twelve years since all my health problems started. There were a couple of years in there where I told my family like the week before Christmas that if they didn't put the tree up, they weren't getting anything. My two kids are grown now, 30 & 28, so it was fairly easy for me a few years cause they got money to go out Boxing Day and get what they wanted. It was never easy though cause I would start with an envelope on the tree with maybe a twenty dollar bill and a clue where to look for their next envelope. They quite enjoyed it though and we actually had quite a few laughs at times. I do everything as simple as possible but this year I have a one year old grandson who has put the magic back in Christmas for me. I'm so excited but exhausted as I haven't been in stores shopping for years it seems A foil turkey pan I can just throw out helps, doing as much prep the night before the big meal and having it at my daughters also helps! Lol. I've found sometimes when I'm sore but can't sleep, I'll put the tree lights on and watch tv and it is so calming!! I hope even one thing I've mentioned helps in some way or gives you an idea! Merry Christmas and I hope you and your family enjoy the holidays!!!

@A MyFibroTeam Member I agree about the wrapping. I actually found a set of nesting Christmas boxes so I reuse those every year and sometimes I actually have one of my boys wrap their own present lol It is in a box so they don't see it. It is always funnier when they see the wrapping and realize what I did. I also use amazon to order gifts. One year my husband ordered gifts from them and asked for their gift wrapping so we have these velvet blue drawstring bags and I reuse those too. That is a great tip to save time and energy. It is so difficult for me to wrap gifts now. I just can't get comfortable in any way I try to sit to wrap presents.

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A MyFibro...

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to you all.🌲🌲🎄🎄🎁🎁🎅🎍.
Just call me Scrooge. I will not be putting a tree up. I will try to find a Norfork Island Pine as a substitute. I will do well to put a wreath on the door. There was a time no matter how cold it was outside, I would decorate the front porch, railings & Windows. Of course the inside. There will be no preparing for a Christmas feast. I am well endowed with my children, grandchildren & great grandchildren. I do not like to shop. Too strenuous. I usually give gift cards. They can get whatever they want. However I don"t know how that is going to work this year. My funds are low. My family know that I love them & will respect my wishes if I decide that I want to be alone.
I guess I'm still missing my husband. I know I am. Anyway l wish you all a GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON. Don't forget to take it slow. Take care of yourselves.
God Bless