It's that time of year again, when we have to gather with relatives, eat lots of stuff, drive all over the place, shop for presents...and figure out where and when to use the limited spoons we have. Chronic illness adds a whole new level of complications to the holidays, but over the years I've found a few ways to make life easier.
Make lists. Because brainfog won't let me remember much. STM (short-term memory) issues are also a factor, which may be illness-related, weather-change-related, or medication-related. You can also make plans for doing stuff in such a way as to conserve what few spoons you have. Which leads me to the next point.
Amazon: This is where I buy gifts for people, because it means I don't have to physically go out and traipse around the mall. Gift wrapping is available on most items, and you can keep track of addresses as well. It also offers reminders for people's birthdays and special events. Amazon also does the shipping for you. Since my family is across the Atlantic, shipping from the UK can be a right pain if you're shipping everything by yourself by going to...
The dreaded post office. Queues. Not fun for a Spoonie. They really need to have more chairs in there. If you can manage it, do your off-Amazon Christmas shipping all on one pre-determined date, that will ensure that the parcels get to where they need to be before December 25. Use the blue badge to get close parking.
If anyone has more ideas, please post them in the comments!
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3 comments:
I'll be doing Amazon too this year, as I'm near London and they're all in California. The only difference is, my mom's agreed to wrap my gifts to others for me. Plus, buying through the US Amazon allows me to pay in dollars, so I'm spending less to. It's soo handy.
I recommend, limiting who you buy for: buy for the kids, partner & parents/in-laws.
If you can use the gift wrap service from amazon or online shops, do it & have it sent way before xmas so it's less stress.
Remember, your family love you, so a late present will be as welcome as no prestents, as long as they know you are safe, happy & well, is all that matters.
Travelling for xmas: http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/what-is-a-disabled-persons-railcard you & a person travelling with you can save 1/3 off train travel.
And your bus pass: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/MotoringAndTransport/PublicAndCommunityTransport/DG_4019388
& saving money & time on multiply trips to the card shops while the big christmas rush is on: http://wholesale.shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=christmas+cards&_sacat=40005&_dmpt=UK_WSJL_Wholesale_GL&_odkw=christmas&_osacat=40005&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313
Also E-cards are awesome too!
Thanks for more ideas!
If I'm buying for people in Canada, I also use amazon.ca as well as the UK site for the UK people. I'm definitely trying to limit who I buy for. If I can make something instead of buying, so much the better.
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