[Anonymous]

#1020248

I hope that all of you enjoy a lovely holiday with your family.

For those of you stressing out about dinner tomorrow: You do not have to “do” what you normally “do” if you are feeling ill. There are stores that will cook the turkey for you, and provide all the fixin’s for just a little more money. Leaving out one of the “normal” dishes might even bring the costs back into line with “normal.” Try to figure out how to do what is most important without wearing yourself out, or making yourself crazy. There are disposable plates nowadays that look like china, too.

Many of us have a tendency to think that we “have” to do things a certain way or the family will be disappointed. Trust me, you will NOT be letting them down if you manage to save yourself for enjoying the people. I found this out myself the year that I was so ill. It was right after Christmas, when I had done nothing more than decorate the house and put Christmas music on the stereo that my oldest child said to me, “Gee, Mom, you really went all out for Christmas this year. It was so nice.” My kids have given me many lovely “gifts” like that over the years, but that was by far the best one. And, as Jake would remind me, that “gift” also came from having Graves. Without Graves, I would not have learned that to my family, just being there was the most important thing I could do for them. Your family is no doubt exactly the same.

Take good care of yourselves,
Bobbi — NGDF Online Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1076498

Bobbi,

I am fortunate to have a daughter-in-law that loves to cook. She took over the holiday cooking for her grandmother 3 years ago and has done a wonderful job. She combines her side and our side into one big happy family. She cooks and bakes for 25-30 people. I miss cooking the big dinner, but I haven’t had the energy to do it for a long time.

I was feeling a little stressed about Christmas, both the shopping and decorating. But, I decided not to decorate this year and cut back my shopping. I’m just not up to it energy-wise and I am not going to wear myself out. I have also ordered on-line and had it delivered. I hope my family understands.

[Anonymous]

#1076499

Hsppy Thanksgiving to everyone and we need to remember what we are thankful for. I’m thankful for the bulletin board, the wonderful people I have met, made friends with because of Graves Disease. I’m thinkful for the fact that a different terrible disease didn’t strike me instead of Graves Disease.

Where as for Christmas I too have cut back on my decorations but I always have a tree. That is important to my family, but instead of doing the entire tree myself, I get help doing it. I tell myself that everyone can decorate a tree as perfect as I can. Haha.

For shopping, gifts certificates are a wonderful thing. You can usually get several from the same store for different people. Even though it can make me very tired I tried to do all in one day. Alone, at my own pace. I’ll make a big list and try to get everything in one day. That way I’m done and I don’t have to keep fighting the crowds or think about it, which can be wear you out also.

Most important take time for a great lunch, pick up something little for yourself and once you get home take a long hot bath.

Diane B On-Line Facilitator

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