Altered Traditions
When I was a little girl, I always knew that everything would be magical for the month of December. I looked forward to it every year. I knew, that no matter what was going on in the world around me, my home and my heart would be shining. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, I understand that, but I do hope everyone finds an excuse to feel some sort of sparkle for themselves this season. No matter what you are going through.
For 32 years now, my family and I celebrated Christmas Daddies Day in our houses. When I was younger, at 10:50 AM every year, my grandmother would call my mother so they could listen to the intro of Christmas Daddies together. I remember when we lived in Florida, Christmas Daddies wasn't on television of course. But my Nanny or my Aunt would call my mom and they would let the phone sit by the television for the entire thing so Mom and us could hear. Now that I am older, at 10:50 AM, my sister calls me, we conference call Mom in and Mom conference calls Nanny in and the 4 of us try to listen to the intro of Christmas Daddies together while gabbing :)
It's tradition. Even though I have CRPS, I still celebrate Christmas Daddies day, even if it takes me 16 hours :)
So what is Christmas Daddies day? Technically, it is a 6 hour telethon that raises money for children and families in Canada for Christmas. The tradition started 56 years ago and has helped thousands of Canadian families each year. To learn more about Christmas Daddies, or to donate to the amazing cause:
https://www.christmasdaddies.org/
For my family, the women all spend 6 hours decorating our houses for Christmas while enjoying the music and presentations on the show. It's when the magic begins :)
Yes, 6 hours decorating for Christmas. Our homes turn into tacky winter wonderlands, but they sparkle and it feels magical.
I have struggled with this for the past 2 years now because of the CRPS in my arm though. Last year, it took me 16 hours between 2 days to complete my winter wonderland. It did sparkle, but I was near broken. That childhood magic still works though- no matter what's going on, Christmas lights and decorations add something special to life.
This year, my CRPS is in my legs and arm, but do you think I'm going to let that stop me? I can't. The only thing that will not be decorated is the outside of my house if it is snowing or raining out. I can handle intense situations for a CRPS patient, but cold and damp weather is something I need to avoid.
The inside of my house however, will Sparkle for the next month.
Like I mentioned in previous posts, I put my tacky tree up early for the first time in 32 years and hopefully that will help save me time tomorrow :) No matter what happens, I am going to appreciate every moment of it and the magic in this house for the next month will be worth it.
I have been awake since 3am and I am going to work today at noon. Thank goodness it's Friday :) Many things are on the go and I am proud of myself for all I have accomplished, the small steps are leading to great things <3
Be kind to your mind everyone and make today a great day with positive thinking
Positive thoughts,
-Kristen Sparkle
Day 250!!/365
Entry 115/183
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