How Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms Can Be a Grinch
Holidays are bittersweet for me because of the Rheumatoid Arthritis factor
A sweet little sign my aunt sent me years ago.
Here's what my aunt wrote on the back: "stucco"!
No, I’m not shopping today. If you’ve read the blog a little, you know why. I’m safe at home ‘cause Rheumatoid Arthritis has put an end to my Black Friday shopping.
No one loves the Christmas season more than I. There are year round signs of Christmas in my house like a tiny nativity set, a shelf of Christmas books I no longer put away each year, and my Christmas cell phone ringtones.
Everyone who cares about me knows I love God, giving, snow, singing, decorating, baking, visiting…
I generally like to celebrate anyway
I love to make every day into a party. I have done plenty of dinner parties, spontaneous picnics, and tea parties. So, holidays have always been over the top.
But holidays are different. I want to keep as many traditions as I can. It is frustrating how much I can’t do. It’s frustrating all the things I want to do for others that I had to give up. I used to bake treats and drive around delivering them the week before Christmas. Everything is different now.
I’ve actually been dreading the Christmas season because of all of the things I won’t do this year because of RA…
Finding new ways to express the Christmas spirit
Of course I know Christmas is not about me or what I can do to celebrate. And like I’ve always told my kids: Christmas always comes; it does not depend upon us. This is just another new challenge which comes with the Rheumatoid Arthritis disease: waging war against the Grinch.
Recommended reading:
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Medication: Are Natural Medicines Better?
Celebrities and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Love of Challenge and the Rheumatoid Arthritis Speed Limit
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Thanks Kelly! I enjoyed reading this, I came across it whilst researching RA which I’ve just been diagnosed with, it’s encouraging to hear of someone who’s clearly persevering with it I have a young son too who keeps me upbeat at this time of year.
Sounds like you could use a HUG.
p.s. – the Grinch sucks!
Dear RA Warrior, I’m always looking for new information, including people’s stories and experiences. They are such useful learning tools! This time of year has always been extra special for my family, but since my RA diagnosis, the lifestyle changes I’ve had to make are really put to the test! It’s hard for my children to understand that Mom doesn’t have the energy or feel well, but my son, (almost 8) understands more than his sister, (5 year old). We are constantly learning and making changes as a family. I try to put a positive spin on it by telling them how boring things would be if we could predict each day. (Oh how it would be nice, just once in awhile though)! =/ As you mentioned, this time of year is a special time for baked goods and getting together with friends. Well, that doesn’t happen as much as they use to, however I’ve learned to do special treats throughout the year. Things that don’t have to be handmade. My friends seem to appreciate it just as much. Merry Christmas to you and thank you again for sharing a piece of your ideas with me and the RA community!
Colleen
Colleen,
Thank you for taking the time to write that. I love your positive suggestions. Merry Christmas to you too.
Happy Thanksgiving Kelly. Ain’t it a bummer that RA keeps us from doing all the things we used to do? I pray for God’s grace and unfailing love as you head into Christmas. Do you ever get snow in Florida?
Andrew
No snow. Every few years, we get a freeze which kills the oranges & flowers. But that’s about it…
I really miss snow. Most people here go north to see “fall color” at least once in a while; I don’t know which one I miss more – snow or fall leaves?
If you become Jewish you don’t have to put up a Christmas tree and all those decorations
lol. But RA and AS is the Grinch the stole a piece of EVERY day which is more difficult to face at the holidays.
Yes, that is said by someone who gets it. I’m grieving once again the loss of being able to express myself by doing the things that are meaningful. I want to do make gifts and decorate, etc. I want to bless those I love. It’s aggravating to lose abilities all year long (as you said: “a piece of everyday”
, but now it’s a particularly bitter pill.