Phew, what a year it has been! Here is our final Chronic Voice Link-Up blog post for 2020. Look out for my fabulous giveaway in the Chronic Voice Christmas competition.

Exhausting

I am always exhausted at this time of year because we lead busy lives. My children have worked extra hard this term to try and catch up on what they missed during lockdown. It soon became clear that my girls had lost some core skills when they missed four months of school due to the pandemic. It was exhausting trying to home-school, work from home, run the house and support my children mentally and emotionally. We had some special moments together and we made some happy memories in the garden and having our impromptu mini parties. We made the best of a bad situation.

Exciting

Christmas is my favourite time of year! I find all the festivities exciting, from putting up the Christmas tree and decorations, opening our advent calendars, buying gifts and giving out cards, to the holiday itself. Last year my Christmas was subdued due to bereavement and grief so this year I am determined to enjoy it despite the limitations from coronavirus restrictions and my recent official status of single parenthood. Yes, our lives have changed dramatically in the last twelve months, but I would rather focus on the exciting elements of change and embrace a new way of doing things.

Oh, and let’s not forget the most exciting gift today: your chance to win some lovely prizes in the Chronic Illness Christmas Giveaway (thank you, Sheryl, for organizing!)

I am offering a free Reiki healing treatment in the giveaway, and I can offer distance healing treatments via Zoom for those who live further away. If you haven’t tried it yet, you will be pleasantly surprised. Check out all the prizes and get your entries in quick.

Socialising

Socialising looks very different here in the UK and in many parts of the world over Christmas. We should have enjoyed a school Christmas Fair, the town lights switch-on event with visits to Santa, and a few impromptu pub visits with friends and family. None of that has happened or will happen this year because we are only allowed to socialize with members of our own household. Since my children refuse to eat restaurant meals, I won’t be going for a Christmas meal anytime soon.

It isn’t all bad, however. We are fortunate to have the power of social media. This week I enjoyed my book club Christmas party via Zoom and next week will be my Reiki group Christmas party also via Zoom. I will get dressed up at home, crack open the prosecco and at least see my friends on screens if not in person.

Indulging

OK, I admit I do indulge myself quite regularly with sweet treats and wine. I can’t help it! This Christmas might be a little worse because I keep telling my daughters that we should enjoy ourselves after the horrible year we have had. Since we never got our family summer holiday and have barely left our town, I feel the need to buy extra treats such as toys and sweets to make up for it. I am indulging my children and myself as we keep our spirits up and wait to spend time with our friends again.

Cutting

This is an interesting prompt for the month. The first thing that came to my mind was cutting toxic people out of my life. There are a few people close to me that have caused a lot of distress, and while I don’t wish to publicly name and shame, I have taken steps to distance myself from these people in the interests of self-preservation. I spent many years supporting them, caring for them and trying to be there when they needed help, but when I reached crisis point during summer, they were not available, physically, or emotionally. It was a shock to the system and a huge wake-up call for me. I am determined to move forward with my chin up and to embrace the people that really care about me, not those who only serve themselves.

Chronic Voice Link-Up

I joined the social network for A Chronic Voice because I needed to find people who understand what life is like with chronic illness, people like me. Today I have written a post using the November link-up prompts, to show my experience of living with a chronic pain disorder. Click here to find other blog posts from fellow chronic pain sufferers, or #spoonies as we call ourselves online.

Well, that was my year in a whirlwind of emotional chaos, chronic pain, magical moments and generally just life. How was your 2020? Merry Christmas, my spoonie friends. And a Happy New Year.

Did you enjoy this article? Join my tribe to keep informed of new stories from SpookyMrsGreen.