tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post8162744958148913681..comments2024-03-28T08:54:28.654+08:00Comments on Cresting The Hill: RE-DEFINING CHRISTMAS IN MIDLIFELeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-53233854250205152722018-12-19T17:48:41.144+08:002018-12-19T17:48:41.144+08:00Thanks for sharing...and I hope whatever happens f...Thanks for sharing...and I hope whatever happens for Christmas this year, you enjoy it.<br /><br /><br />Thank you for your connections & comments on #lifethisweek in 2018. It has been fun and I welcome you back in 2019. Next week's optional prompt is "We Made It". The last one in 2018. Denyse xDenyse Whelan.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16888810644186418559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-19292875376703958162018-12-18T12:12:07.653+08:002018-12-18T12:12:07.653+08:00I enjoyed this snippet of your life Leanne and had...I enjoyed this snippet of your life Leanne and had to check when it was written as I thought I'd missed one of your recent posts and we just couldn't have that could we??? Hoping this year will be a happy occasion for you all. xDeb's Worldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12706654888846671781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-47226151037858701342018-12-17T08:10:56.783+08:002018-12-17T08:10:56.783+08:00A really timely post for me. We've spent the l...A really timely post for me. We've spent the last 2 years away from my parents and siblings & Mum still hasn't really come to terms with it. Yet when we were growing up we took it in turns to visit Mum and Dad's families - both of which were hundreds of kms away. Christmas these days stresses my parents out so much - who will be there, who won't. They've been so lucky - we've all been so lucky - that even once we all paired off we've always come home for the day - which has meant that the parents of those we paired off with have missed out. I have to admit to feeling so much more relaxed about the whole thing since we moved away - yet feel guilty because I'm more relaxed. It's all so fraught. Can I though take this opportunity to thank you for the connection this year. I've thoroughly enjoyed it - and value it.Jo Traceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01096756433952821037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-45154169907469417042016-12-19T05:37:56.812+08:002016-12-19T05:37:56.812+08:00I totally get it. As a matter of fact, I almost de...I totally get it. As a matter of fact, I almost decided not to put a tree this year. I have one daughter and she has two children, but one is a teen and of course has plans of her own, or would like to have and we also have to share her with my daughter's ex's family as well. The youngest loves to be with me, but I have to understand that there are other grandparents who love him as well. I am just not as excited about Christmas as I was when my daughter was a child and I think I am okay with that. Thank you for sharing with #blogginggrandmothers.Clearissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09525590696247530768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-47798950114720399842016-12-14T18:52:38.614+08:002016-12-14T18:52:38.614+08:00I know what you mean Sue - it's all about crea...I know what you mean Sue - it's all about creating a gathering that works for everyone and still has some festive meaning to it. I totally get it intellectually but my heart still hurts a bit at times xLeannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-3791750316572758312016-12-14T18:00:46.945+08:002016-12-14T18:00:46.945+08:00Life and the Festive Season became so much easier ...Life and the Festive Season became so much easier and enjoyable when I changed our family get-togethers to a week before. As our children grow and become adults we have to realise that when they meet someone, they too have a family and they all have to divide their time. You can start new traditions anytime as nothing is carved in stone is it Leanne. Do what you feel is right.Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyondhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15418770845484399102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-77121223128879568892016-12-13T09:28:50.138+08:002016-12-13T09:28:50.138+08:00Me too Susan - it's about reminding myself tha...Me too Susan - it's about reminding myself that "enough" is enough - it's not fair on the kids (and their in-laws) to demand first place each year. Although being first occasionally would be nice - see there I go again......Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-15488578322841627952016-12-13T09:27:41.559+08:002016-12-13T09:27:41.559+08:00I think that's the thing Bren isn't it? Fi...I think that's the thing Bren isn't it? Finding what works in today's day and age and not fantasize about Christmases Past (that probably weren't as fabulous as we remember them being!)Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-79888661135436240442016-12-13T09:26:44.250+08:002016-12-13T09:26:44.250+08:00Brenda - my Very Brady Christmas sounds great but ...Brenda - my Very Brady Christmas sounds great but is probably more trouble than it's worth! There is no such thing (except in my head) and I'm not really sure what I'd do with it if I ever achieved it! I'd probably set myself up for failure for future Christmases. I just want a day where we're all happy and together :)Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-53277777836656917102016-12-13T09:23:38.784+08:002016-12-13T09:23:38.784+08:00That's so true Lois - trying to hold on to the...That's so true Lois - trying to hold on to the old ways and pressuring our kids to make choices that they're not comfortable with means we all lose out.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-12298553800569363082016-12-13T09:22:58.781+08:002016-12-13T09:22:58.781+08:00Thanks so much Laurie - I don't want to be the...Thanks so much Laurie - I don't want to be the person who puts pressure on my kids - they have enough of that already. I know my daughter would probably say I still "guilt trip" her about Christmas, but there has to be some give and take or we all end up unhappy. There are no winners if you get too pushy.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-8074633688566416792016-12-13T09:21:44.994+08:002016-12-13T09:21:44.994+08:00I agree Lois - it takes on a life of its own and w...I agree Lois - it takes on a life of its own and we just have to keep adjusting to the changes. I miss the simplicity of Christmas Past - but I guess we move forward or get left behind.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-83735750963483300892016-12-13T09:20:51.465+08:002016-12-13T09:20:51.465+08:00Compromise certainly seems to be the word for Chri...Compromise certainly seems to be the word for Christmas once the kids get married doesn't it Tam. I'm happy if I get some time allocated without having to arrange it like some kind of military operation!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-27088139527079648982016-12-13T09:19:45.088+08:002016-12-13T09:19:45.088+08:00There is the little voice in my head that enjoys n...There is the little voice in my head that enjoys not having a full blown Christmas every year too Rebecca - but I do love seeing my kids and spending time together - it looks like Boxing Day is our Christmas Day for the foreseeable future - and that's not a bad thing.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-172219756145919682016-12-13T09:18:37.383+08:002016-12-13T09:18:37.383+08:00I'm the same Ellen - I just want one meal wher...I'm the same Ellen - I just want one meal where we're all at the same table at the same time. I love these few moments we get each year - and I know it's an excuse to bask in my kids for a couple of days and I hold onto that way too tight at times.<br />Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-66653826021982672282016-12-13T09:17:18.769+08:002016-12-13T09:17:18.769+08:00It's a lesson I'm learning Candace - we ca...It's a lesson I'm learning Candace - we can't please everyone, all we can do is find a happy medium and be grateful.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-73726895956159375602016-12-13T09:16:48.828+08:002016-12-13T09:16:48.828+08:00I think you're right Cathy - my daughter remin...I think you're right Cathy - my daughter reminds me that I don't need to continue the "running around after family all Christmas" tradition. It's a lot more pleasant to sit back and let things work out in their own way. The worry and stress just isn't worth it in the end. Joy to the World :)Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-65498362543747131102016-12-13T09:15:26.315+08:002016-12-13T09:15:26.315+08:00Nice to see your Father and Mother Christmas avata...Nice to see your Father and Mother Christmas avatar happening there Diane - and you're right about adaptation - adapt or become extinct!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-75331073546156944782016-12-13T09:14:49.596+08:002016-12-13T09:14:49.596+08:00It's very hard to toss that bill of sale out t...It's very hard to toss that bill of sale out the window Carol when you've invested so much in it over the years. I'm getting better at settling for what's on offer because it beats the alternative.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-64406288394666914732016-12-13T09:14:04.843+08:002016-12-13T09:14:04.843+08:00They really are Haralee - trying to find time to a...They really are Haralee - trying to find time to all be together for ONE meal is like organizing an army campaign!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-49498704297493468952016-12-13T09:09:20.451+08:002016-12-13T09:09:20.451+08:00You do what you have to do to keep the peace and t...You do what you have to do to keep the peace and to have some joy over Christmas don't you Dee. A bit of compromise means I get the time I so desperately want with my kids, so it's worth it in the end.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-86607309873408040982016-12-13T09:08:14.923+08:002016-12-13T09:08:14.923+08:00Thanks Paula - a cheer squad is exactly what I nee...Thanks Paula - a cheer squad is exactly what I need at the moment :)Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-19096429560163314912016-12-13T09:07:55.534+08:002016-12-13T09:07:55.534+08:00It makes me glad that I don't have Hanukkah or...It makes me glad that I don't have Hanukkah or Thanksgiving Carla - my poor little mother brain would probably have imploded by now!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-87200561512446017442016-12-13T09:07:24.295+08:002016-12-13T09:07:24.295+08:00I know exactly what you're saying - we need to...I know exactly what you're saying - we need to move with the changes or be left behind. My version of Christmas is different to my kids' and we need to meet somewhere in the middle. If that means changing the day then so be it!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-43729260676076612042016-12-13T09:06:15.366+08:002016-12-13T09:06:15.366+08:00I keep thinking the same thing Kathy - why is Chri...I keep thinking the same thing Kathy - why is Christmas such a big deal to me? But it seems to push some buttons that are entrenched in me and when things go off the rails it stresses me out big time. I am getting better at letting go but I do wonder why it's so hard to get my "moment in the sun"Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com