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Easy Christmas Light Alternatives: Simplify Christmas Decorating
I love decorating for the holidays, but due to chronic illness, I need some easier Christmas light alternatives. I’m sharing some creative and festive ways to simplify Christmas decorating. This way, the outside of your house can shine, but you won’t have to untangle a bunch of light cords in cold weather!
The annual tradition of decorating outdoors is such a beautiful way to brighten up the dark Pacific Northwest winters and herald the coming of Christmas. I want the outside of my house to look festive, but it’s too cold out for me to put up lights (asthma and fibromyalgia are not forgiving of the cold). And the last place I need to be is on top of a ladder with my dizziness and balance issues caused by dysautonomia, an autonomic nervous system disorder.
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To the Christian Who Feels Sad at Christmastime—Here’s What’s Helping Me
We’re getting real on the blog today.
I want talk about struggling with feelings of sadness around Christmas, something that can impact anyone, not only those of us with chronic illness.
In a way, this feels a bit like a taboo subject. I kind of worry about admitting to this struggle out of fear that people will think I’m not grateful for all Christmas represents (it is Jesus’ birthday after all!) or that my sadness means I somehow dislike Christmas (which certainly is not the case!)
I’ve struggled over the past several holiday seasons, and a lot of it has had to do with getting used to my limitations due to chronic illness. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, so in addition to struggling with not feeling happy, I’m also struggling with not feeling quite like myself. My love for Christmas is a part of who I am, so this sadness is yet another way my chronic illnesses impact my identity.
And I think as Christians we can sometimes feel pressure to feel or act happy 24/7, so feeling sad this time of year adds another layer of complexity—I feel guilty about it!
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Low-Cost Low-Stress Gift Giving When You’re Chronically Ill
As Christmas approaches, I wanted to share some ideas for inexpensive and low-stress gift giving. Being chronically ill often means you’re watching your budget and conserving energy, so spending a lot of time and money hunting for gifts is not a great idea. The point is to let those you love know you are thinking of them and care about them, and a simple, well-chosen gift can do that perfectly! So I’ve rounded up ideas that are low cost, or easily made without using up all your energy.
The best way I’ve found to give meaningful gifts is to make sure I’m gifting something in someone’s love language. If you’ve never read The Five Love Languages, I highly recommend it! (I read the original, but there is a singles edition, and other versions available too.) The book breaks down the way people best receive love into five categories: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.
My default way to show love is through gift-giving, so in years past I’ve created a lot of stress for myself by thinking I have to find the *perfect* gift.
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Easy & Affordable Ideas For Summer Fun + A Free Printable
If you’re looking for ideas for summer fun , I’ve been compiling a list of activities that won’t drain your energy or your pocketbook. My goal has been to make a list that is inspiring and feels achievable.
What inspired this list? I think it’s important to be intentional to make time to try new experiences and have a sense of adventure in life, and I enjoy suggestions on Pinterest and various blogs. Lately, however, when I see “bucket lists” or lists of what you “must-do’s before you’re 20/25/30” or “20 things to do to have the perfect summer” I feel discouraged because the activities are out of reach. These lists can assume that people have unlimited time, energy, and money and can lead to unhealthy comparison and discontent. What about those of us with chronic pain and/or illness?
This post contains affiliate links.
I had to take a moment and pause to realize that just because all these fun things were on a list doesn’t mean that someone else is enjoying them. (Honestly, how many people fit into one summer a backpacking trip across Europe, snorkeling, a road trip, Disneyworld, etc. etc.?!) I found myself feeling jealous for no reason thinking of these imaginary people having all of these imaginary adventures!
Let’s be a little more realistic. Lists of ideas can be a fun jumping off point so that you can pick and choose a few activities that you’re most excited about. And just because I’m dealing with chronic illness doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the summer. For those of us who are sick, we have to work a little harder to find fun opportunities that are doable. We have to do some mining, but that’s how we find the gold. If we’re intentional and realistic, we can build many beautiful memories to treasure this summer.
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Simple Card Ideas: Playful Borders
So, I’m a bit of a perfectionist. (And that’ a bit of an underestimate…) What does this have to do with me sharing simple card ideas?
My perfectionism can make it hard for me to start making a craft or card knowing I am not going to have the energy to make it elaborate. I have the tendency to think that if I’m going to craft, I have to CRAFT. As in, all-caps, all-out, something new and creative that uses all the crafting skills I’ve acquired over my life.
Not super realistic right now due to my health.
I’ve been trying to embrace more simplistic forms of creativity. Something doesn’t have to be intricate in order to turn out beautiful.
After all, some of the best cards I’ve ever received are simple handmade ones from friends with heartfelt messages inside.
It really is the message and the thought that counts. And a card that’s made simply and received is better than a card that is never sent.
