Christmas.....ok I know it might sound early but hear me out!

Oh gosh @Former-Member yes that would be a big adjustment!! It sounds like you're doing amazingly in shifting that mental space to one of creative potential too, what fab reframing skills you have 😊

Hmm... what about decorating your wheelchair like a lil Christmas tree? You could bring festive cheer with you wherever you go!! Or some little fairy lights!! That would look very cute I'm sure!

I think for most, Christmas time is a time of rituals and traditions!! We humans love our little rituals! So maybe some of your usual rituals aren't really feasible anymore or might need to be adjusted, but you can also maybe make some new ones!!

Hi @Former-Member. It must be tough this year being isolated from your family. I love @Jynx's idea about Christmas decorations on your wheelchair. Surely some lights connected to a small battery or something.

I like making handmade cards for my partner. Maybe you could do some for your family. It seems a very 'Christmasy' thing to do. Or even make a little advent calendar for someone with little gifts in it. My pick would be chocolate 🙂

Making a scrapbook of photos and memories of past family Christmases to share with them. You could ask them to send you some of their photos, or some personal stories to add to it.

Possibly arrange to chat to some of the family over zoom or something and have a bit of a Christmas themed get together... showing off your Christmas tree like wheelchair.

I'll have to have a ponder and see if I can come up with anything else.

Thank you @MJG017 @and @Jynx

I like those ideas. My family are sadly not wanting to be apart of my life right now but I think I am going to see who else maybe isolated and try to spread some joy. I have bought myself some comfy Christmas Oodies and a grinch mug. I have really learnt to make my room a haven so I might add a little something but I also like the wheelchair idea.

Well done @Former-Member, spreading a bit of Christmas cheer to others more appreciative is a great idea. Maybe you could self-appoint yourself SANE forum's unofficial Christmas ambassador and spread some of the Christmas spirit around here. I know that it's not a particularly easy time of year for me, so I find any extra seasonal good wishes in my direction a nice distraction and boost to my mood.

If you bake, you could do some little Christmas treats for some of the people living nearby.

@Former-Member

My Sister is also in a wheelchair and she usually decorates it for December. Maybe you could decorate your home at wheelchair level. I like the idea of you being the forums Christmas Ambassador. Making cards and baking are all things you can do from a chair. Maybe get a Christmasy jigsaw puzzle?

Thanks @MJG017

I do love Christmas and very much acquainted with the grief and negative emotions it can bring. I think that's why I I have always worked so hard to be intentional with this time of the year and focus on the good things. Don't get me wrong, I have my hard moments I just try to be intentional with the good ones. like watch funny Christmas movies or ones that are so unrealistic your not sad at the end because it was all about family and you don't have that 😂😂

anyway happy to spread some Christmas cheer as I figure out new ways to enjoy it and share it this year.

Yes @Oaktree tree was bought today so we are on our way. I actually also just created some Christmas cards online for my grandparents with photos and a message as I only have use of my left hand and it's not my dominant so I have learnt to nail the typing but not so great at writing yet. 😂😂

I am sitting here at midnight thinking of ideas so I am preparing for it all.

How did you go @Former-Member feeling inspired? Teehee I get my best ideas around midnight-2am too 😋

Hi... or is it too early to say 'Merry Christmas' @Former-Member

I sounds like you're well on your way to finding all sorts of way to spread that Christmas cheer. I have been told I have a 'perfect shape' for being a very good Santa, so maybe I should be a little more festive this year as well.

Writing left handed isn't too hard, I've done it my whole life. Come to think of it, everyone tells me my handwriting is terrible, so maybe ignore that... it's hard! 🤣

I know there a online services that allow you to use some photos to make customised calendars and have them printed out and delivered to you. They may make some great Christmas gifts for people as well. That way, they would have a gift that is useful all year! I have no idea how much they cost to do though.

Thanks @MJG017

my signature is different everytime, although I'm not even sure my dominant gf d had consistency with that anyway so 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

you are one step ahead of me. I found a page called Moonpig. I only do cards for people who are words and sentimental people. I made some individually for each of my grandparents with photos and a special note. That with local chutney and jam I get every year I think will be well received.

I also for the first time paid $20 for a beautifully handmade Christmas card for my GP. In a season that's made me very wary of health professionals I have to recognise her continued support and care. I thought this was the most appropriate avenue of gratitude with a specific writing for her and maybe a little box of chocolates.

I think I am trying yo be simple but intentional and grateful for those who have been supportive. Maybe if I can focus on that it will help me find contentment in this season.