Stress and the upcoming holidays

[GutlessWonder86]

stress and the upcoming holidays

How does everyone avoid stress with holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas so their illness doesn't worsen??

For me, I shop for my 4 nieces and 5 nephews in the summer as well as my hubby so I don't have to deal w/idiots driving 65 mph on ice and snow. Also, I hate trying to find a parking spot when I feel lousy and the weather is freezing cold. Then I can take my time wrapping and gift bagging.

As for baking, I cut it down because my back starts to throb if I am on my feet for long periods. I started using Betty Crocker cookie mixes to save time and only made a small batch for the adopted family during the holidays via the bible study group I belonged to. I will set aside a few for my husband and unexpected company but that's it. No extra. Don't need any additional calories.

My husband makes the turkey at Thanksgiving time and I do 3 side dishes for the 2 of us the day after as he usually has to work on that day. We don't go anywhere as the roads get busy where we live.

And this is how I avoid stress around the holidays. :thumleft:

 

[Crohn's 35]

Every year we went thru massive money, food, running around and eating Turkey which really causes major gas and pain! Now our adult children get money sent in a card. My husband is the only one I really shop for, and my mom. This year my husband has to work Christmas and Thanksgiving so it will only be me, my daughter and my mom. My mom is a Turkey freak and my daughter doesnt like and I can't eat it. Last year had ham, this year, dunno. The traditional Christmas are hectic and I always end up in pain, this year not!

My mom is the cookies and pie eater, I dont eat pie, the pastry kills me, cookies she uses butter and I cant digest it, or the flour, so maybe we will go out and eat that way everyone is happy and I dont have to cook, clean or suffer. My husband does an amazing Turkey and I dont eat gravy so this year, I am takin it easy!!

Gosh our thanksgiving isnt far away so it will only be me and my daughter SWISS CHALET Chicken! :lol:

Christmas... long ways off lol.

 

[GutlessWonder86]

I love Swiss Chalet!!! We use to have it here but then they closed all of the chains. (sniff)

My husband is an awesome cook/baker. When I flare he can even make bland food tasty but easy on my gut. He makes the BEST bread from scratch as well as pretzels which are healthier than the ones you get at the mall. I thank his dad (God rest his soul) and mom for teaching their boys how to fend for themselves.

When we were dating, he made me the most delicious cake from scratch w/strawberries and home made white frosting. mmmmmmmmmmm

Those days are long gone. lol

 

[Crohn's 35]

:lol: My husband makes bread from the bread maker, cause during the holidays the fresh stuff dont last long. My husband loves to cook but he doesnt bake and either do I , he dont like it and I dont need it :lol: I love pretzels, it would be great if your hubby gave us the recipe to get my hubby to make it...yep, we is lucky

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

GW, I also shop well ahead of time so that I don't have to go scrambling to the stores in the snow and the crowds. In fact, I start my xmas shopping just after the holidays, when all of the xmas stuff goes on clearance. Late last December after xmas, I bought my nieces nice ornaments for something like 50 cents apiece, and necklaces for about $2 each. They'll get those this xmas. I also keep a list of what my family wants, and buy that stuff whenever it's on sale. For example, my mother-in-law stated last year that she needs a really good pair of long underwear. So I found a really nice set on sale in July for $10, and she'll get that for xmas this year.

 

[ameslouise]

This year I am going to suggest to my family and co-workers to choose a charity for a donation. I will make the donation in their name as the gift. Less work + charitable donation = win win.

For those of you that bake, you can do the same - donate the $$ you would have spent on baking supplies or donate the time you would have spent baking at a local food bank, homeless shelter, etc. Personally I think there are WAY too many baked goodies around at the holidays, and if anyone questions, "Where are your pecan sandies? I look forward to them every year!" they certainly would be humbled and inspired by your new tradition.

- Amy

 

[GutlessWonder86]

I like that idea ames. I like it alot. For my birthday I usually tell my loved ones to just donate to the CCFA or sponsor me to not walk and keep me out of the hospital for the WNY chapter Take Steps walk that I volunteer my time at.

I honestly feel that the holidays are way too commercialized and it takes away from the true meaning of the spirit. I don't mind getting a little something for my little and not so little nieces/nephews because I like to see their eyes light up but once they turn 18, most likely they'll either get something for their hope chest for when they marry or something homemade. My 10 yr. niece told me that she plans to open her own chain of restaurants cld Peggy's Gravy Fiesta as she really loves to cook/bake and does a good job of it at home. I have no idea how she came up w/the name but I think it has something to do w/her grandma's gravy that she loves to eat.

Anyway, I'm praying for a quiet time at home w/just me, my husband, and Ike this year and not having to travel in the snow. Oh, and I'm looking forward to hubby's cooking as well. mmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[ThanksP]

My husband and I take a vacation for Christmas so we aren't around all the annoyances and stress. That's our gift to each other, and our parents get gift cards. We like to keep it simple.