Can't seem to shake off this Christmas funk

[Rambling Rose]

So I've decided to go out of town instead. I booked a room in New Orleans and I'm going to wander the streets in search of some holiday spirit! Barring that, I feel certain there are other spirits that can be found in the 'city that care forgot'!

So much for chestnuts roasting on an open fire, fa la la la la.

 

[kotori]

And here I thought you were spreading cheer.
Maybe an étouffé simmering on a gas ring. Oo la la.
Have fun.

 

[bluntforcemama]

I know that blue feeling. It's tough this year since we've had a death in the family. I run around the park, get that blood flowing and some fresh air. I wish I could go to New Orleans, though!

 

[Black_Bird]

... Christmas sucks this year...

Lets all just admit it... this year something is definitely missing. Christmas has lost its heart... and all the presents in the world can't bring it back.

Bah humbug.

 

[Guest]

Blushing Rose and Everyone,

Please don't feel like you are all alone. Just because you may be alone bodily doesn't mean you're alone in spirit. There are people all over the world thinking about all of you and wishing that you could have what they may be sharing in. Or, even wish they could be helping you to share your times, too.

I know that when I leave to go back to see my family there are many people here I will miss. Believe it or not, I have made some wonderful friends here and some of them have become family to me. Some have become so close that the thought of being away makes we cry. So you see, even though some of us will be with other people, our hearts will be elsewhere.

I think the holiday time is a very lonely time, especially when you will not have people to share it with. But, the loneliness can also be there even if you do have people to be with. One of the loneliest feelings I can even imagine is when you are with others yet still feel lonely.

Yes, something is missing this year. That something will never be reclaimed. But, what we can do is start all over again to find the joy and see the good in people. Everyone needs to know that goodness is there. Sometimes you need to search it out, but believe me, you will find it if you continue to look. Nothing can be brought back - it can only be replaced. Let's replace what we feel is missing with a vengeance.

Let's not forget the true meaning - it's all about love and caring. Friendship and sharing. It's about giving and helping others.

Please know you will all be with me as well as with the others even though we are not all together.

Enchanted

 

[SexuallyGifted]

The chritmas funk has also set in here this year, and w/almost everyone i know. It could have something to do with the tragedies of 9-11, the entire nation is still in mourning over that and will be for awhile

 

[daughter]

It is different

I'm having a difficult time this year. We're feeling the fallout financially at my job. Emotionally, I've gone from falling apart, uncontrollable tears to that gnawing in my stomach I can't name. I think that's normal. Whatever it is, I acknowledge it and try to move through it.

Norman Vincent Peale says we need to admit to ourselves that life is difficult. Then decide how you're going to tackle your challenges. What the 11th did most for me was to get me off my ass and start reaching out to folk again. We really can't afford to take our connections for granted.

The last few years, my family has been spending less and trying to be together more. We'll be able to do that this year. I'm grateful.

Hang in there, BR. You're not feeling the funk alone.

Peace,

daughter

 

[dlj403]

So I've decided to go out of town instead. I booked a room in New Orleans and I'm going to wander the streets in search of some holiday spirit! Barring that, I feel certain there are other spirits that can be found in the 'city that care forgot'!

So much for chestnuts roasting on an open fire, fa la la la la.

Damn that sounds like fun! I wish I could join you, but money's tight this year... And I was just down there for Halloween, so I really can't afford another trip this year...

Have some crawfish for me, and know that you're not the only one in a slump this holiday season.

dlj

 

[Black_Bird]

Enchanted...

I know all that... it is just sad what this holiday has become. Empty gift giving. BAH!

No... I'd honestly rather be able to sit down with my family, eat a glorious meal, and talk and laugh. That, I believe, is christmas. But I can't do that because of the moral posturing that my grandparents, aunts and uncles use to condemn my religious beliefs and practices. I refuse to apologize for being myself - this is what they expect of me.

I also find it disheartening how so many people who claim to love christmas so much becomes such pricks during the holiday season. It's sickening.

It is true that Christmas should be about friendship and closeness and caring - and I try to practise that everyday of my life... I'm just tired of the people who *claim* to practice it all year round, and give it lip service for one month out of twelve.

As such I say this with all sincerity towards anybody who knows what I'm talking about and truely understands the signifcance of the season: God Bless You and Yours.

To everybody else, I say: BAH! Humbug.

 

[modest mouse]

I have not been able to find joy in shopping for my family, which is usually where my Holiday fun comes. I dont have any anticipation of gifts or a Xmas dinner. I dont know the cause of my cold feelings but it may be a refelction of mt tiring of the Xmas buildup each year. I, personally, am not influenced by Sept. 11 regarding the Holiday, its just a funk of unknow origin.

Pour some more Rum in the eggnog and pass me the nuts.

 

[kotori]

the nuts are all here, Mouse.
sit, boy--bad dog

 

[cymbidia]

Me either.



But i've got two kids coming home today and if nothing else, this time of year is for kids. Additionally, the hugs one gets from kids are the purest form of caring and have been balm to troubled hearts forever.

Maybe i'll go get a pointsettia or something before they get here. Then we'll all go get a tree and do the decorating thing.
Then, maybe, i'll feel better.
I'll fake it anyway - for them.
They deserve it.

 

[Elizabeth]

Oh honey. Let me know if you get my card, ok. ((((BR)))

 

[Rambling Rose]

I have to admit this kind of cheers me up

http://www.arnauds.com/images/Arn_watercolor.gif

Thank you all for understanding and commiserating with me. I don't know what is the matter with me, but I am not feeling very Christmas-y this year. I have a really small family to celebrate with, and my aunt's house burned down last week, my parent's are still paying off some major repair bills on their own home, and the University where I work is in proration and we've cut back to a skeleton crew ~ moral is very low at the end of the year around these hallowed halls.

I am remembering to count my blessings, but I thought I would try to leave the idea of a traditional Christmas behind and just run away this year to the city that is my home away from home. Good food, good weather, no schedules and the old decayed beauty of that historic city should do me a world of good. No matter my mood at present, the new year looks very promising!

 

[LukkyKnight]

Hot buttered rum

Eggnog. Coffee with Bailey's. These are a few of my favorite things. If the alcohol doesn't overcome your blues it will at least harmonize nicely... not that it's a cure, mind you, for that you need to get off the board and out and about in the real world.

Would some body art of an amusing, erotic nature cheer you up?



Would it?




Well?


http://www.riddleware.com/funny/Tattoo.jpg

 

[Sassy7]

I have a hard time at Christmas every year. I have lost a lot of loved ones around the holiday time. My mother died the day after Christmas 30 years ago when I was just 20, my aunt, who then became my surragate mother, died 10 years ago on New Years Eve, my Dad died a week before Christmas 2 years ago, and my brother, who was only 1 year younger than me, died last year just before Christmas from a heart attack. But I have 2 grandchildren and try very hard to make it special for them. It also helps to remember all the holidays I did get to spend with those I have lost and treasure them. I will do that this year, and also after 9-11, I will be thankfull for the family I still have and pray for all those who have lost a loved one. I also want to wish everyone here at Lit. a very happy holiday.

 

[Desert Amazon]

 

[JennyOmanHill]

Funky Xmas

Blushing Rose... as you can tell, you are not alone this season with the blues. (What better place to go to for blues, huh?) Enjoy yourself! Looking at that picture cheered ME up!

After my grandparents passed, Christmas was something completely different for me. We tried visiting others in our family, but we didn't quite feel "included" and comfortable with our cousins' idea of Christmas togetherness.

Spent several Xmases in Altantic City, splurging for a big dinner on Christmas Eve! I could think of two places I'd love to be this Xmas, but my finances (and theirs) will not allow it to be.

I will stay home this Xmas and stay "connected" on phone and internet with a few of the others who I cannot be with. Plus drink a toast and hopefully find comfort in a few of the Xmas classics that will blaze on TV.

 

[batter]

i always try to get into the christmas spirit with my crafts and the decorating around the house.
i look forward to the holiday season with family and friends (all of you included with that) and listening to christmas songs (not the traditional ones) that are a lot of fun and off the wall and watching the christmas cartoon specials on the television.
at work, i make it a point to get in earlier than usual to see my friends and co-workers before they leave to shake their hands and wish them happy holidays. we had company executives and our floor supervisors who through the years do not seem to want to see any of us to wish us a happy holiday season. one company president had the balls one year to write on a piece of cardboard "merry xmas" and held it up over his head as he walked down the walkway (rapidly).
i let the big kid in me come out more than usual and get me through the season.
so to you all :

I would like to wish each and every one of you a safe and happy holiday season and to all of your friends and family as well.
i would love to give you all a firm handshake and a big hug and a kiss to the ladies.
i will be posting pics soon on my thread with house displays from around the area and i am also looking forward to trying some of the recipies that were posted there as well.
i am leaving for work now (only one midnight to do before the holidays) and i will see you all on the BB before too long.
goodnight my fiends!

 

[Rambling Rose]

batter, I've seen pics of your house...you are the Christmas King and freakygurl is your Queen!

I am actually feeling a little better today. I leave right after work for the drive down and it will give me some time to reflect. Driving is so therapeutic sometimes. This time tomorrow I will be sitting in the Croissant d'Or and nibbling an almond pastry, sipping cafe au lait and watching the Quarter dwellers go about their day.

I have reservations at Commander's Palace for brunch on Sunday and I lied and told them it was my birthday...we'll see if I get any special treatment!

Thank you again for all your thoughts and caring enough to offer some comfort. I wish only the happiest of holidays to everyone. Be safe and I will look for you all after the 25th!

 

[batter]

know what else i find helps get me in the Christmas spirit?

wishing everyone i meet in the stores or on the street i meet a merry christmas and i make sure to give them a smile as well.
it is nice to see the looks on their faces and smile back and wish me a merry christmas as well.
i make sure i look them right in the eye when i do it.
i know it makes me feel good doing it and from the smile on their faces, i am sure they feel more upbeat as well.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

 

[PHANTOM5875]

Re: Hot buttered rum

Eggnog. Coffee with Bailey's. These are a few of my favorite things. If the alcohol doesn't overcome your blues it will at least harmonize nicely... not that it's a cure, mind you, for that you need to get off the board and out and about in the real world.

Would some body art of an amusing, erotic nature cheer you up?



Would it?




Well?


http://www.riddleware.com/funny/Tattoo.jpg

Well, I was sitting with a frown on my face thinking about how sad this holiday season is because of recent events but I have to admit that picture had me grinning from ear to ear. Thanks for sharing!

 

[PHANTOM5875]

know what else i find helps get me in the Christmas spirit?

wishing everyone i meet in the stores or on the street i meet a merry christmas and i make sure to give them a smile as well.
it is nice to see the looks on their faces and smile back and wish me a merry christmas as well.
i make sure i look them right in the eye when i do it.
i know it makes me feel good doing it and from the smile on their faces, i am sure they feel more upbeat as well.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

That's a great thing! I still see a much more concentrated effort amongst the people I come into contact with that are making a special effort to be more courteous and right now wishing as many people around them as possible a Merry Christmas! I hope that trend keeps going. We could all stand to be more considerate of one another.

 

[Scabbers]

Funny coincidence, Blushing Rose

picked up an old book yesterday called "Hotel" by Arthur Halley, takes place in New Orleans--made me think of you and your plans. Had the original dust-jacket, too--only 75p.
Have a great Chrimbo!

 

[SINthysist]

I won't depress you further

We've got a beautiful three year-old who finally understands presents and is EXCITED!

Forget 911, forget anything negative, man it's good to be alive and be able to give so much joy for Christmas!

If you haven't left for the Big Easy (I love that town, but soon the ocean will reclaim it, so enjoy while you can...),

The buy some toys!

The Marines Toy's for Tot's is down this year. You can make a difference, you can help bring joy!

I know I will!