Cupsmas Launch Check-In

I actually got all of my Christmas cards out, stamps and all, yesterday! I’m satisfied and happy because it feels like one of the most productive, selfless things I’ve done in such a long time! Everyone will get their cards right on time. Merry Christmas everyone!

@SoulfullyAButterfly

This season feels a little different for me this year. I kinda feel like Cindy from the Grinch asking, "Where are you Christmas?" I'm looking around, trying to find the joy, and I am happy, but Christmas just feels like another day. I can't find the joy that little me felt, waking up early, spending days thinking about what to get people, and what people might get me. It just feels like it's a day that will come and go like any others. I don't know if it's because I'm getting older, or because Christmas just doesn't feel the same anymore without my brothers to celebrate it with me. 

One thing on my 'Holiday to Do' list that I still need to do is get all of my presents to family in order. I'm actually hand crafting all of my presents this year, which takes quite a bit of time, and I am not quite finished with all of them yet, so I need to work on those. I think there are some things I can stop stressing about, but this is definitely one that won't be going away, lol. 

One specific thing that made it feel like the holidays was my Winter Christmas Choir Concert where we all went out into the audience and stood together and all sang Christmas carols together. It really felt like we were all together as one, just singing together happy songs, and enjoying the music together. And I feel like the holidays are sometimes about just being together. 

This season is the first after the loss of my husband. And it's just nothing in the grief.

I have no expectations this year, so anything I do is a bonus.

What made it festive was the lights in the city. I've always found them pretty and cheering. I didn't plan to see then this year, but I did by chance. And I'm glad I did. I came home and got the reindeer out. Now they greet me every time I come home in the dark.

@SoulfullyAButterfly

❄️ How does this season actually feel for you this year?
This season feels calm for me. No rushing, just slowing down and breathing.

❄️ What is one thing on your "holiday to-do list" that you still need to do? Are there things you can let go of?
My holiday to-do list is pretty simple since winter vacations have started. It’s time to enjoy the break now and gently look ahead to the New Year.

❄️ What is one tiny, specific thing (a certain scent, a song, a specific mug) that has made it feel like the holidays this week?
A tiny thing that’s made it feel like the holidays for me is the winter scent, I’ve changed all the scents in my house to orange's, and it instantly feels warm and cozy 🍊✨

@SoulfullyAButterfly Hello, thank you for this check‑in.

For me, this season feels a bit different because Christmas isn't really celebrated where I live, so the whole "holiday spirit" doesn’t naturally surround me the way it does in other places. Instead, this time of year often feels quiet in a way that's hard to sit with, especially when you're going through it alone.  

@SoulfullyAButterfly

I’m not feeling the season at all, just grateful to be alive. I’m having pre op testing Christmas Eve and surgery on New Years Eve.

I’m letting go of everything!

And we never really had traditions growing up. I started with our children, but they’ve all moved out except the youngest who is twenty. We each get each other one meaningful, wanted gift THD other pucks out so it’s definitely something they will want or use. Her gift is supposed to arrive -12/24. I hope it’s not late!!

Happy Holidays everyone!

I needed to hear this thank you. I was already feeling behind on christmas prep, my husband was away for the week, it looks like our house sale might fall through and we'd lose a load of money, I was dealing with a tonne of work stress and a belligerent colleague, and then just when I thought I was making some ground and could catch my breath over the weekend ... BAM stomach bug and my time of the month started all at the same time.

I'm still feeling wiped out from not being able to eat for the last 48hrs but I've finished work and my husband is home to help now.

To me if feels like Christmas is telling me to slow down. This year I've also tried to change job, start volunteering and go on more holidays. I cant do it all. I need to leave some space to breathe. This week has been a wakeup call.

Little (BIG) improvement….my Saint Husband put some lights up last night, right outside my window where my hospital bed (in my living room) is, so I see them now! It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!! Just when I really didn’t think it would! So I am alright with how this has progressed. Yayyy!!

@SoulfullyAButterfly🌷🌼