How would you complete this sentence?
“'Tis the season …”
- for tradition
- for pain
- to celebrate
- to flare
- all of the above.
For many, the months of November and December are times to celebrate. Depending on your background and/or beliefs, this time of year is filled with gatherings, fellowship and reflection, involving gratitude and praise, all of which create memories for years to come. It’s a time when families and friends come together to give thanks, break bread, serve others and revive traditions.
Celebrating is fun, but is it worth it?
I truly enjoy the reasons for the season and in my heart, can’t get enough! But behind closed doors, I’ve asked myself, “Why?”
Arthritis is a chronic illness that never goes away. Those of us diagnosed accept the daily challenges and learn to tolerate the pain and trials. For most, normalcy is a thing of the past and pacing stands out in the forefront of our minds. However, during the hustle and bustle, we have a tendency to forego our individual pace and exceed our limits in an effort to be part of the norm.
Why do we push ourselves over the holidays to do the extra taks that cause added pain and discomfort in the days that follow?
This week, my son graduates from college – a milestone that makes a mother proud! As the day approaches, I find myself reflecting on his life and have come to realize our family has a lot of fun traditions this time of year. Since his birth, our celebrations include traditional meals with all the trimmings, decorating our home, the hunt for a perfect tree, gifts promoting laughter, serving our community, the reading of a popular storybook and more!
To me, the desire to re-live holiday traditions is my motive to disregard ‘Arthur’ and celebrate the season with loved ones. In an effort to keep up and give the appearance of being somewhat healthy, I must deny the aches and pains and fill my mind with the positives that surround me. A balance that’s not easy, but well worth it!
What are your holiday traditions and how do you cope? Are you guilty of pushing yourself beyond your physical limits? Where do you find the energy to keep up with the season? Please share in the comment section below.
Luckily, I could do it all through out the holidays. But since yesterday I have got bad flare up. I think I called for it and cannot blame anyone. Now I am feeling bad and I have learnt my lesson.
I guess I don't understand why people find it so hard to say "no" to everyone's invitations and end up running to everyone's houses on Christmas day and don't stop and end up being frantic, over-stuffed and tired.
We also have the tradition of going to my side of the family at some point before or after Christmas and we eat pizza, because everyone is tired of ham and turkey. Plus we don't have to cook - we can simply enjoy each other without the physical labor. And we eat on paper plates that can be thrown away.
We also go to church service on Christmas Eve together.
In this way, none of us are pushed beyond our physical limitations.
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