[xRavenx]

How are you all coping with the holidays now?

Some of my current concerns:
1. Finding out I have to see certain relatives around this time of year triggers me. Of course it has to happen on a day where I want peace and quiet. It's hard enough having to spend time with people in general. Plus, not sure if anyone relates... but relatives with such conflicting views involving politics and being super loud and obnoxious about it, is something I cannot stomach. Hopefully they'll get the memo, because a few other family members hates that too.
2. My boss is leaving, and I found out they are having this big going away party for her smack in the middle of the week when I really don't have much time off and need it to rest, because I've been really struggling trying to take care of myself while working. Although I thought about going on temporary leave, but I want to try seeing if my medication increase helps.

3. New Year's: I was invited by a couple of friends who might go out, unless they decide to have their own party. These are the only few people I sort of keep up with. They do not live around the corner, and I am afraid of people drinking when driving on the roads. Also, I don't like to drink anymore, shouldn't be drinking, and find New Year's overrated. I just canceled, because I am not up to it and plan on staying in.

My feelings of wanting to avoid people right now has been a problem. I do not feel comfortable, get irritable, and feel vulnerable. Thinking about losses has really been upsetting me as well.

What are some of your challenges right now?

[Yzen]

I am staying in on New Years too. Going out and especially drinking would be a bad idea for me, so I stay home. I have challenges with relatives and always with work. I wasn't allowed to take time off until around New Years and I am hoping New Years will give me a time to rest.

[Unrigged64072835]

My stress is that I'm having a procedure done on my back this morning that could leave me in a lot of pain for up to four weeks.

Plus my daughter asked if we could postpone Christmas celebrations until the day after because of her work. We normally wouldn't mind but she is hanging out with a co-worker all morning. We're a bit miffed about that and decided we would have Christmas as usual and she could have a regular meal with us the day after. Haven't heard from her since. We've bent our celebrations around her for many years, and now it's our turn. She could've showed up for an hour to open her presents and have breakfast. She only lives a few minutes away. So, boundaries. Not a fun thing.

But--I'm doing well and at peace with things.

[MickeyCheeky]

Thank you for making this thread, xRavenx. Yes, the holidays are hard for a lot of people. But the good news (or bad news for some) is that they don't last forever. I hope you'll try to hang on. Please don't give up. Sending many hugs to everyone

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by Fharraige

My stress is that I'm having a procedure done on my back this morning that could leave me in a lot of pain for up to four weeks.

Plus my daughter asked if we could postpone Christmas celebrations until the day after because of her work. We normally wouldn't mind but she is hanging out with a co-worker all morning. We're a bit miffed about that and decided we would have Christmas as usual and she could have a regular meal with us the day after. Haven't heard from her since. We've bent our celebrations around her for many years, and now it's our turn. She could've showed up for an hour to open her presents and have breakfast. She only lives a few minutes away. So, boundaries. Not a fun thing.

But--I'm doing well and at peace with things.

That's a lot to cope with, and I'd feel the same way in a situation like that. That is hurtful, especially since you've centered the celebrations around her for such a long time. It's good that you are staying positive though. I hope your procedure goes well and for a speedy recovery.