Hey, Honey, it’s Cold Outside

Job - 37:9 – The tempest comes out from its chamber, the cold from the driving winds. 

“Tis been the season to be Jolly,” but boy has it been cold outside. 
 
For people who have chronic illnesses, it can be difficult to go outside. Whether it’s the aches and pains or the cold can create full blown pain throughout your body.
 
Some people, like myself, begin to creak and crack as the temperature lowers.
 
It can create a time when you only want to do is stay home. It used to mean that someone else would have to do your Christmas shopping. But thanks to the internet, you can shop and purchase gifts and even have them shipped to your loved one’s doorstep.
 
Yet it is more fun to find the gifts in person, there’s a cost you will pay for the trip outside. This may not seem like a big deal to most people, but for those who love finding just the right gift, taking them home and wrapping them and having family over for Christmas dinner it is important to do so.
 
It used to be a really hard time, no matter what ailed you to take part in the cooking process. But now, many stores will provide you with pre-cooked meals that all you do is warm up the dinner.
 
And, for those who can go outside for a limited time, many churches hold Christmas Eve’s candlelight service. For me, that’s the one thing that helps me prepare my heart for Christmas.
 
Others bake Christmas cookies and pies. And maybe they all go out for dinner and return home to open presents.
 
And now that Christmas is over, there are many returns to deal with, too.
 
Nationalpainreport.com shares the article, “Chronic Christmas: Surviving the Holidays With a chronic illness.” Some of the article’s ideas on having a chronic illness are very helpful during the Christmas season. One of the challenges that the article discusses is the pressure to put on a perfect holiday for the people you love can be completely overwhelming when all you want to do is take a nap. Another suggestion is to get real about where you want to spend your time and energy. Lasting memories are created by the love and laughter between you and your family and friends. Focus on what matters to you.
 
And remember, when the holidays are over get some help putting away the decorations and cleaning the clutter. So why have I discussed Christmas after Christmas? Because it’s the best time to rethink your Christmas for next year and get help cleaning up. When approaching your difficult season plan ahead how you will handle different demands.

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