The concert sounds lovely, what a nice concept.

I am trying to downsize too but not doing very well. I wasn't going to do cookies at all but got complaints from a few family members. I used to do a dozen different types so will do half that, guess it's an improvement. But I am so far behind on that project, as soon as the sun comes up this morning I am going to get them all done and shipped...that's the worst part really, most of my family is far away so I can't give in person. The cards, I said I won't send any to people we haven't talked to since last year, but that ended up only being one or two. At least I've eliminated Christmas Eve dinner and just doing Christmas Day! That is a big help! No overnight guests anymore, what a relief. Just a few hours and we're done.

Our fire dept used to come by with Santa too, but I don't remember seeing them the last few years. Maybe I just wasn't home. Oh I wish he'd come on a sleigh, but it's always just the fire truck, with sirens blaring. Still the kids love it!

Julie,

I am glad that you are successfully downsizing. I am slowly doing the same. But, I am doing it very slowly and not very successfully.

the Christmas program sounded wonderful. It was different.

Wonderful idea. I need a small Christmas tree. Very small. Perhaps, next year I will find one the right size.

Have a Merry Christmas.

Ruth

Julie,

That was great and Larry was a happy man I'm sure! We had a play at our church also since Sunday was children's day and they did a good job of the Christmas scene about the birth of Jesus!!

Then at 6pm my grand daughter's church did their play and it was a good one too so we spent nearly all day Sunday in churches doing plays so I ate hearty when I finally got home and today was appointments!!

Julie: the program sounded great and so different, really someone put some thought into it. Our Festival of Lights opened and I have to get Bruce over there. It is a park that you drive through and all proceeds go to United Way.

I am going to have to find some other programs this year. Bruce is better about getting out in the early evening.

Yes, downsizing. I think for most of us this is such a special time of year. A time of reflection, sharing with family. Like all of you, everything we have for this holiday has special meaning. We always had an oversized tree and I had to fill in with generic bulbs etc. But I donated all of that the first year. Everything left has meaning and precious memories and as much work as that makes, I know Bruce will miss seeing all of it.

As much as I have considered some downsizing options, know in the end I will probably give in. Last week, I was exhausted, so the thinking was different. We shall see. Debbie

Julie

Me too trying to be happy with less. I can't do any of it so Wayne has to do it all. I have trouble getting the truth out of him to know what he wants to bother with - should we put up tree? its not too bad to do -- then he grumbles. his Dad would do anything to avoid any conflict it really depresses me he won't talk about what he would like or not - I tiptoe around trying to avoid inconveniencing him. unless we know we might have grand children around - think this may be the last year. for me - I feel so guilty & it conflicts with hunting season.

I've got a wonderful recipe for popcorn Christmas wreaths. much like rice K bars melted marshmallows butter, oil mixed into popcorn pushed into bundt pans decorated with red/green candies & sugar. we started giving these as gifts a few years ago. they are cheap & easy & a real hit -- we still have 10 to make -- I suggested we quit & he said "no"

he likes doing it. but I can't get him to buckle down & get them done in time to deliver on time about 25 30miles away

I personally cannot handle the stress of getting him to get these things done in time.

we are bust at church with all sorts of Christmas things - that just may be enough in the future.

I have to change & organizr things - but to do that I have to involve Wayne.

I CAN'T STAND CLUTTER & DISORGANIZATION. But I can't pick it all up & put it away.

Susan from Alberta Canada

Debbie, I like the idea of the Festival of Lights. We have something like that here at a county park.

Susan, those wreaths are really unique.

I have to post this here as I don't want to cover up other posts:

Larry dreams a lot and remembers the details. This a.m. he said we had moved to Florida, near Tampa Bay. We ended up in a trailer park in a double wide big trailer. Someone at the trailer park recommended it as it was close to doctors, shops, etc. The people in the trailer park were from StrokeNet! He said there were lots of children and I helped take care of them. lol

Larry said this is the first dream he had that he was post stroke in the dream. His dreams are always interesting.

Julie

Julie: if Bruce dreams, he doesn't remember. I know he has nightmares, really no surprise but he did pre-stroke and they are not all that often.

I know Larry has Bruce and me right next to you in yes, a double wide! LOL. I am sorry that all the news from Connecticut has him thinking about the children, but it seemed a happy thought.

And really, how much fun would that be? Terrific Christmas present and you give him big hugs and kisses from me. Debbie