Anybody have any advice for me on transitioning from one "world" into another? Thanks, Nana R
Welcome, Nana. I will include some tip sheets at the bottom to deal with holidays. As for broadening your social network, how about joining a club or an arts and crafts group? An arts and crafts group would also help you make personalized gifts, even if they are not given on the "day". As for fielding the husband, how about decorating with neutral themes year-round? You could put up clear decorative lights on a tree outside, or artificial ivy and candles indoors, for instance. Another way to bring Christmas in to the home without decorating is to simmer some cinnamon and water on the stove. That way you can break him in slowly without being showy about it.
It's not just JW's, many people get overwhelmed with the holidays. I think the trick is to NOT to think of the activities as a series of obligations. Spend some time thinking about who you would like to honor or remember, what you like MOST about Christmas, and set a realistic limit on what you can spend (if anything). For me, Christmas is magical if it is full of food, friends and family, laughter, and music. Sometimes I just send a card with heartfelt thoughts to my friends. Maybe inviting those you care about most for a nice dinner would be meaningful. Spoiled children cannot be pleased, but I found they all like shopping cards. Besides, it saves me the agony of shopping and the disappointment of rejection. It is a huge treat for me to attend Handel's Messiah at Christmastime. I've never understood the JW rejection of that great music. Every word is directly from scripture.
http://childparenting.about.com/cs/holidays/a/holidayplan.htm
http://organizedchristmas.com/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/10396/helpful_hints_for_stressfree_christmas.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/72175/tips_for_a_stress_free_christmas.html
