Christmas Survival Guide for the Disabled:

Face it. Christmas can exhaust the most able-bodied organized person! It took ALL day, but I finished my Christmas cards, except for the addresses my hubby continues to give me every other day to annoy me, of course. While doing my cards, I felt myself getting irritable as the time passed and I was still working on them. Part of my problem was the EASY label program I installed that sent me to call technical assistance who, of course, spoke a different language and was of no help. She had the audacity to suggest I call microsoft. I quickly defended myself telling her I was not an idiot. When she hung up, I'm sure she knew I was. So, as I found myself in tears of frustration a few times yesterday, I thought ahead to next year. Next year, I'll plan ahead I thought!! So, here's a list I'll pull up next year, hopefully before December! :)

1) Plan ahead: I know everyone needs to do this but when you are not physically able to rush around, you will avoid much frustration and the pity party and exhaustion that follow. Pull up your 2009 calendar NOW and type "order cards" on Nov. 25th for example. It's less likely to creep up on you.

2) Ask for help: Of course, after I have finished my cards, it dawned on me that I had bible study Friday and those women would have loved to help me. When your hands don't work, placing "easy-peel" labels and stamps, putting the cards inside the envelope, folding the letters- it can be daunting.

3) Don't assume others understand. They don't. They really have no clue and can only help you if they are aware. If you had a hospital rehab experience, one of the most frustrating things the therapists tell you is "you must learn to direct your care." This, of course, goes against everything in your being when YOU are the caregiver in the family. It is a learned skill. Practice it. Resentment of people because they can't read your mind is just stupid and miserable! Been there, done that. No one suffered but prideful me.

4) Internet shop: Can I just tell you what a blessing this is! Even when you're exhausted, you can sit in front of a computer. Of course, the packaging is impossible to open when it arrives but that is a whole post in itself! If and when you go out shopping, know where chairs are in the stores you are shopping in. Periods of rest while out can prolong your day.

5) Hire somebody to help: If you want to cook up some goodies or wrap packages and family and friends can't help, find a reliable helper. Getting it all done will help you enjoy the holidays more and eliminate your frustrations. Besides, you could actually mentor someone while getting your work done- a win-win situation.

6) Lower your expectations: I have found that I forget I am now disabled. I try to do things the same way them find myself literally falling because I'm trying to hurry or in tears. Remind yourself of what you can do and focus on that. Remind your family that things will be different and ask them what they plan to do to help out. If they were in the same situation, you would help them if they asked, wouldn't you?

7) Simplify: Your holiday will be much more enjoyable if you do this. For me, the greatest gift you can give each other is time together and an expressed love with words not packages. We do a disservice to our kids teaching them otherwise. Play games, watch movies, hang out by the fire!


8) Be thankful: Use your words to tell those who bless your life how thankful you are to have them and what a blessing they are!

9) Rest: Don't sacrifice your health. Running a compromised body into the ground isn't smart and is in reality a bit selfish. You'll really need to impose on others if you get ill. If you have several stops on your list, you need to keep how you are feeling in mind. Accept what your body is willing to give you that day.

10) Enjoy Christmas: Most importantly, remember the miracle of the Christ child and sing to your favorite Christmas music. Don't let the holiday slip by without telling those you love what a gift they truly are.

Even though your life has changed, you can choose to have a joyous Christ-filled Christmas! We have SO much to be thankful for......

Colossians 3:12-17: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.