Twelve Tiny Efforts to Brighten The Season

Twelve Tiny Efforts to Brighten the Season

For several years I needed tiny efforts to brighten the season. My rheumatoid arthritis (RA) left me too fatigued and in too much pain to want to decorate for the Christmas season. That in itself made me sad. So I decided to put a tiny effort into warming up our house to celebrate on a smaller scale.

Fatigue and pain have a way of enclosing the world. Isolation happens without even being aware of it. Socializing and interaction with others are on an as-necessary basis by default. Everything is on an as-necessary basis. Even eating.

There are moments when I realized what was happening, but I was too exhausted to do anything about it. When it occurred at Christmastime, I decided tiny efforts were needed to brighten the season for our family.

In my enclosed world, what spoke “Christmas” to me? I trusted it would speak the same to my gracious family. Here is what I came up with.

My Twelve Tiny Efforts to Brighten the Season:

How about a festive mug! I pulled out our Christmas mugs. It was a little cheer when we had our coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Festive placemats. I got our hollyberry placemats out to use during the season. Even in an enclosed world, you need to eat. The placemat was so visible and reminded us of the special time of year.

Glass bowl filled with Christmas ornaments. I didn’t put ornaments on the tree that year, but they were so pretty in a bowl on the table.

Tune the radio or device to seasonal music. I turned the volume real low, but it still lifted my spirit.

Holiday themed movies and television specials. Who doesn’t like the Charlie Brown Christmas special or Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer? The movie channel is full of choices. Wrap yourself in a blanket and enjoy them right in your own home.

Spiced or peppermint flavored tea. Smells and tastes signal something special to me. I hope it helps you, too!

Cranberry refresher is sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice. I even bob a few cranberries in this concoction! It makes me happy to see the berries bob around!

Picking up a Christmas cactus or a Poinsettia when you are at the grocery store. The cactus blooms at Christmastime and can be enjoyed for years to come! A note concerning the poinsettia. It is toxic, so keep it away from pets and children. It can be a problem for those allergic to latex, avocados, kiwi, passion fruit and chestnuts, according to the Mayo Clinic. And the allergic reaction can be severe.

Reading a Christmas classic, magazine, poetry, or any uplifting literature. Something to warm your heart.

String the greeting cards you receive on a ribbon with clothespins in a very visible place. An easy way to get those sweet memories stirred.

Arrange candles of all sorts on a platter. Add a pop of color by mingling colored Christmas ornaments or ribbon around them.

A bowl or basket of pinecones with a red ribbon is an easy way to add holiday spirit to any room!

Some years will be ” tiny effort ” ones. I’m not going to fight it, but by doing a few things to brighten the space will be a good thing for not only the spirit, but will be a good thing for the immune system.

And that is using Arthritis Wisdom!

Have a blessed season! XXOO Cathy