As those who have read my posts know the winter holidays are not a high point for me...

I want to be supportive and encouraging and loving and festive but it is difficult for many reasons (anniversary of my sis's death, he lost a loved one this time of year as well, lack of employment frustrations, financial junk, long distance familial relations on both sides). This is Sebastian's first holiday(s) home in a while so I'll put on a brave face. It's what I do. His birthday is December 15th (yikes in the middle of all the "stuff"). We'll get by.

We survived Thanksgiving. We did it "our" way and family and friends supported our need to spend quiet time.

His birthday and Christmas are the next "events" to be handled. I'm having a surprise party for him. I'm worried because the company I ordered his Christmas gift from may not be able to ship before December 27th (can I get a catalogue shopping comes through for Patty dance? :dance: ).

He's frustrated that he can't get me or other loved ones things. I try to reassure him that noone is expecting anything and he should just ease his way through it. Sheesh his family and myself got everything we wanted the minute he walked out of prison on September 15th...THAT was our greatest gift, wish he'd realize that a lil more often.

Regardless I know we are gonna get through it, he's holdin me down I'm holdin on to him for dear life some days. I believe in us and so does he and so do those that know us so that is the ultimate gift.

What plans do you have for the holidays with your loved ones? Share with us...

Happy Holidays to one and all,
Patty

I have no idea how Xmas will turn out around here. My family is very small and very dysfunctional, so you never know what you are going to get. I have been shopping for my kids, but that is about it. I don't know what to get anyone else. I guess I will cook a big meal because the kids will want it. I will try to decorate this weekend. I don't expect Andy to help with anything. He will go about life as always. His job, come home, go to sleep and stay to himself. So I will just try to concentrate on my kids.

Many of my past Christmases were spent picking myself up, dusting myself off and getting through it for the kids. The important part is that they get to maintain or begin traditions. I'm sorry you are having a rough time but spending time with the children is gonna pull you through. In retrospect I don't know who needs it more us or them.

Happy Holidays to you and yours,
Patty

I'm not sure what we will do for the Holidays I think we will spend Christmas Eve alone here providing his PO will give him an overnight pass,then visit his family Christmas morning/afternoon and dinner at my families that night (If he is welcome,so far that is a big if!)

I feel ya on the "if" factor Cali gal ~ I am just gonna go with the flow on this. Traditional non traditional what the heck we're gonna be together and that's the most important thing. I hope things go well for you and Matt.

Hugggz,
Patty

BTW every year on Christmas eve I go to my childhood friends (sisters who are also Matts cousins) to exchange gifts,eat etc. This has been an anual event for at least 5 years,one I really enjoy.However this year I am not sure that I am going. WHY? You ask....Well because although they are HIS cousins they don't seem willing to have anything to do with him until he proves himself and even then I'm not so sure.I called them 3x to invite them to the family lunch I had today and they didn't bother to show up or even return my calls.So if he isn't welcome this Christmas Eve I think I am going to let them know that I won't be coming either,we will have to have our get together another day as this is my first Christmas with him since we were youngsters (10 years ago) and I want to spend it with him!

Well so far this Christmas we will be doing a Christmas eve with my family. His family hasn't said they are doing anything. Note: His mom lives in another state so we aren't expecting her to have any plans. His oldest brother lives in another state. His sister lives in Springs but has't said she wants to have dinner or anything and his younger brother is locked up. But we do have his Uncle who lives nearby and he hasn't said he wants to do anything yet but if he does Christmas day is wide open for us. If not then we will just relax and spend it at home with our son and enjoy the day together. We are thankful we only had to spend one Christmas without eachother so we will definetly enjoy this year together.

:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

Patty there is your catalogue dance!!

I hope no matter what all of your honeys realize that being home and with family is the best present they could ever give!


And for those family members who are trippen, I hope that the spirit of Christmas is bestowed upon them to forgive these guys pasts, I mean they have paid the price, leave well enough alone!

Candy ~ It worked!!! The catalogue dance really worked!!! I just called to check on the status of my order and it was mailed to me on dec. 6th will be here any day now.
Yahoooooooooooooo!!!!

Feel good about that,
Patty

That is great news about your order! I am sure just having him home will be the best gift all of you could get! I can't wait till Phil and I can share Christmas together. This is the fourth one we have gotten through and hopefully only three more after this! If I don't work I will spend it with his brother and sister-in-law.

I hope you don't have to work. It will be nice for you to spend time with family. I know that's what Phil would want.

Happy Holidays to you and yours,
Patty

This is our first Christmas together (he just got out on November 22). I explained to him also that his children and family have the best gift ever- his being home. We are going through some rough times but we love each other and that is all that counts. My family is out of state and doesn't speak to me and my mother committed suicide 1 and a half years ago so I am usually alone with the kids. It is nice to spend the holidays with him and his big family who treat me like one of their own:p

Sorry about your mother. It sounds like you will have a happy holiday with his family. I'm happy for you and hope it's the best ever!!

Hugggz,
Patty

Well this Xmas is shaping up to be stressful. I'm hoping not. It will be sad regardless. Every year I thought one year he will be home and it will really be Xmas. Well, he is home, and nothing is "right". So that dream has been murdered in cold blood. My family is just a mess. I will try to concentrate on my two kids, but I think it will just be a very sad time.