Phase 1 of Surviving the Holidays: Pass!

SUCCESS

I have survived Christmas with minimal tears and no depression! I owe this in part to...

1. A friend asking me to knit her a scarf with a pattern style I've never tried before. My desire to get this done propelled me to work on it frequently. My slow progress for not knowing the pattern pushed me to try something new.

2. Castle, of course. I was in re-run heaven on Saturday.

3. Downton Abbey.

 If you read my other blog, you know I adore historical romances. It's no surprise then that I adore the world of Downton Abbey. With season 3 finally making its way to the US on January 6 I felt the need to re-watch season 1 and 2. That took up the rest of this time off.

4. Skype. I was able to skype with my in-laws for about 30-40 minutes. Shortly after that I enjoyed christmas with my parents, my brother, and his family- just as I would at home. I joined them just after dinner as the kids were settling down to open presents. I got to watch the joy of my niece and nephews open the presents, than play with them. I got the added bonus joy of my brother and sister-in-law groaning over the glitter from my nieces 'make your own glitter tattoos' which now covers all three kids. I just smiled and told my brother "just tally it up, you can pay me back in a few years...".

I do admit, the skype was tough, too. As great as it was to see and talk to everyone, what I wouldn't give to get a hug from them. I did shed a tear or two, but I didn't give in to them.

5. Projects, projects, projects. I did some baking, I cleaned the house, I finally brought some old clothes that didn't fit me right to a donation bin outside of CVS. I kept busy. I got rid of some of the projects I knew would take me too long (took 2 knitting projects upstairs and boxed them in the closet until I'm ready to address them again) and focused on finishing projects that I'd begun far too long ago- 2 pair of boots polished, a project I've been trying to get done since before Thanksgiving.

There you have it. That's the secret to not getting the holiday blues. It's entirely up to you. Force yourself to keep busy and don't dwell on the unhappy.

How you want to experience your life is how you perceive your life. My holiday could have been miserable. I could have been crying my eyes out for the fact I have no friends, no family, no one on Christmas- what is usually my favorite season. I could be ranting and raving to everyone I meet, maybe even get a pity invitation somewhere. I won't do that, though- it's just not me.

My holiday wasn't bad. I won't prefer to spend every holiday this way, but I still got to spend time with the family and received an e-mail from my husband as a bonus. I got to do what I want when I wanted. I'm a married woman living a semi-single life (minus the dating part, naturally). Really, how can I complain?