I'm learning to leave holiday traditions behind. Many if not most, aren't the same without those I spent precious moments with back then. I spent years trying to emulate and recreate the feelings I missed so much. All I created was sorrow and more tears left in the void.
This year was step one. I did nothing to celebrate Christmas; no tree, decorations, lights, and most importantly no gift exchanging. I felt relief for the first time in years. Next year I'll spend it elsewhere hopefully in a foreign country, or at least at a far distance from I'm currently living.
I have to adopt my long gone elderly mother's attitude she held fast to in her last years: "That was then, this is now." Wonderful words to remember in times of remembering days gone by, and leaving behind the sometimes sorrow that accompanies remembering the long gone past.
Since my husband died three years ago, I've had to build a lot of new traditions. If truth be told, I haven't done very well - especially this Christmas. I have to find better ways next year.
Such a great post - you've given me food for thought to think the things I need to think.
(Sorry - that's a bonkers sentence, but it makes sense to me!)
😊
I'm learning to leave holiday traditions behind. Many if not most, aren't the same without those I spent precious moments with back then. I spent years trying to emulate and recreate the feelings I missed so much. All I created was sorrow and more tears left in the void.
This year was step one. I did nothing to celebrate Christmas; no tree, decorations, lights, and most importantly no gift exchanging. I felt relief for the first time in years. Next year I'll spend it elsewhere hopefully in a foreign country, or at least at a far distance from I'm currently living.
I have to adopt my long gone elderly mother's attitude she held fast to in her last years: "That was then, this is now." Wonderful words to remember in times of remembering days gone by, and leaving behind the sometimes sorrow that accompanies remembering the long gone past.
I've been following you for a year (I think) and the hurdles you've cleared and the distance you've come are remarkable.
Onwards, by all means.
Wow. Congratulations. Sounds like an exciting future for you.
Since my husband died three years ago, I've had to build a lot of new traditions. If truth be told, I haven't done very well - especially this Christmas. I have to find better ways next year.