Happy Labor Day to friends in the US. My late hubs was a union electrician, so this day played a roll in our household for years. As I kick off Week 2, my focus will be on the living room, which shares space with my dining room. Some work will cross over, but other will not. I need to get the following tackled --
- dust crown moulding and walls DONE
- wash baseboards DONE (well, dusted them)
- wash windows in and out (if possible -- will have to reach out one window to wash the others' exterior; can't remember if it's do-able or not) DONE (inside only; can't reach far enough to do outside)
- wash window screens DONE
- clean out buffet, inside and out, and weed, wash, and better organize contents (shifted to Week 13)
- vac couches and polish all furniture DONE
- damp-mop floors (laminate) DONE
- set out autumn decor, including swapping candles, wax melts, and potpourri DONE (except potpourri; need to purchase)
Carried over from Week 1, due to weather --
- paint front door DONE
- hang autumn door wreath DONE
Christmas, for me, is a time of reflection and focus on what
I find important. That may be different from others in my family, but it's important to me to make family
my focus. As many know, I was widowed 8 years ago, in my mid-50s. I have only one DD, who is married and lives an hour away. My personal immediate family is all in SW Mich. and have families of their own (and their own "issues"). Because there are "littles" involved, they tend to do their own thing for Christmas. While we FaceTime or call on Christmas, there's been no other involvement with them over the holidays in aeons. I have tried in the past and may try something again this year. But Christmas generally involves me, my DD and SIL, and a couple of close friends on the days leading up to the holiday.
While our family is Christian (my DH was Catholic; we were married in the Catholic church, but I never converted; DD was raised Catholic, as was DSIL, but neither are practicing), I've not found a church in my now-suburban area where I feel a true fit. There are a couple of churches on my radar, but I've not felt compelled to join either. I have my spiritual readings, and I'll watch televised midnight Mass, but I'm not actively involved in organized religion. My charitable giving has always been centered around Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I'll have several bags for donation to the food pantry. Through work, DH would also gift the Chicago Food Depository, and I've continued the tradition in his memory.
Christmas traditions have included Christmas Eve with friends. As their family continues to grow, I'm not sure how much longer they'll host. But it's always an enjoyable time, and is close to home. Christmas morning is by myself, with dinner either at my place or at DDs. Last year, DSis#2 brought my mom in from Michigan and she spent the holiday with us, and that was nice. I'm hopeful that we can do something similar this year, but things are still up in the air.
My wish is that my extended family can all gather some time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to celebrate the holidays as a large family. I've offered to host Thanksgiving, but not sure if that will come to fruition. Not getting anything more than "I can't plan that far in advance" from pretty much everyone. So, for now, I plan things how I want them to be. If someone wants to participate, so be it. If not, their loss.
