This is not major, but I smile to remember it.

I celebrate Christmas. I used to enjoy it whole hog and that turned into doing everything the next year I had done the year before plus something extra. That became required the following year, etc.

Then Ive had bare-bones alone years of practically no celebration.  Just another day.

This year it was Christmas eve morning when I began. I had to work a full day, but I took lunch outside and went to a market to get ingredients for a special dinner. I was able to refrigerate it in the empty office fridge because almost all of my coworkers were gone already.

It wasnt until I got home that we put on holiday music and put up the tree. I never thought I would be like the people on TV who decorated on Christmas Eve! It was good. The dinner was quickly made, candles lit and we had a very nice evening. The following day we went to our friends open house and saw all the friends.

I didnt make a big drama of any of it and I had time to contemplate my idea of Christmas (new beginnings, my religious beliefs and my gratitude).

I believe it was my use of slogans how important is it? and this too shall pass  - that allowed me to navigate this minefield into safety and contentment. I love knowing I can do this.

Thanks to all of you for participating in this saner life.