'Happy Moments' Christmas edition. - YouLookFab Forum

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'Happy Moments' Christmas edition.

Anonymous

Hi folks! I thought I'd do a Christmas edition of my regular thread and I hope you'll join in

The idea is that we usually share, good news, blessings, gratitudes and things we're looking forward to.

As well as the usual news etc. I thought it would also be nice to perhaps share what we are thankful for about Christmas 2014, or happy plans we might have, favourite Christmas songs that always bring a smile to your face etc.

I'm also fully aware that many of you may be missing loved ones, furbabies included, who are no longer with you. If it's not too painful for you to do so... maybe you could share with us a lovely Christmas memory that always make you think of the good times you had with them.

I'll start the ball rolling... a week ago the three of us (me, DH, DS) went to see 80's band The Human League in concert and had a fabulous time! They always put on the best shows! DS is becoming quite the concert go-er. This was their opening song :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMu1T_Tg5Fw

Yesterday, DS had two friends over and we took them all to see Paddington Bear at the cinema and Mac Donald's afterwards. It was by way of an early celebration for DS's 11th Birthday on Wednesday. They all had a wonderful time and I can't believe where the last 11 years have gone. DS is a wonderful kind, thoughtful, funny, intelligent young man and I'm grateful every day to have him as a wonderful son.

We will be having a quiet family Christmas as per usual as we only have our 2 Mums, and just my Dad (other relatives live a fair distance away) so there will be 6 of us on the day, but I always love this time of year. My mum always said I'm like my Gran who died about 20 years ago aged 97. Apparently she always loved Christmas a lot and really made the most of it. I have a fond memory of my other Gran too, who used to always sing along to Once in Royal David's City when it came on the church service programme called 'Songs of Praise' here in the UK. She loved that song and could still remember the words even when dementia was taking hold.

Things to look forward to apart for Christmas day itself are probably a nice meal out and also a fancy dress Steampunk themed party. And of course lots of lovely food. Favourite thing? Christmas pudding... I could eat it (topped with proper British 'Birds Custard') every day given half a chance

Oh, I nearly forgot.. we've had our cat Bilbo a year now and he has his feet firmly under the table now.. definitely one of the family

Over to you now...

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wooohooooooo. There is little better than British '80s music in my own music life. I love the Human League, Diane. Obsession, Facination, Mirror Man - all soooo fun and very nostalgic. And extra fab that DS likes our geriatric vintage music. Here's how I feel about this type of music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6FBfAQ-NDE

You have lots of fun Christmas memories Diane, and continue to build onto them with your family, pets like precious Bilbo, and friends. These are the moments that count in life, along with making a difference. I wish you many more happy Christmas memories, and much love. xo

Xmas is bitter sweet for the Cox Castle because we are no longer celebrating with our beloved Jasmine and Rosie. I did put up the tree a few days ago because my Papa arrives on Wed - he is AMAZING that he still travels in his 80s - but last year I didn't put up any decorations. So it's a bit better this year having my Papa with us for Xmas, but it will never be how it was.

That said, we have many holiday engagements with friends over the next few weeks, which does help. I enjoy the food and prepping my outfits, as well as of course, spending quality time with friends.

The stollen in out almost every morning in Dec - best breakfast ever. xo

Anonymous

Thanks for starting off the replies Angie. Oh, I love that Depeche Mode song, and of course we can't get enough can we I'm glad you felt up to putting the tree up this year. Rosie and Jasmine will be smiling down while you enjoy time with your amazing Papa. He does so well to keep travelling. Sounds like your get-togethers with pals will be fun too and keep enjoying that stollen. I never thought to try it for breakfast time. Yum!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks, Diane. I HIGHLY recommend two thick slices of stollen with butter and a sprinkle of sugar for breakfast at this time of year. My Mum used to make her own, but it's a mare. I buy delicious German stollen here, so that's how we continue the tradition:

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Anonymous

Heavens, my mouth is officially watering now at those photos!

deb

Veteran

This year December is a month of Christmas celebrations. Whit the 'kids' having 'kids' we try to do our thing early so they are able to enjoy their families. My son came in from Washington DC on the 7th and I have been having a great time with him. Friday night we did our Christmas thing with the annual pizza, stockings and presents for the little ones. It was all chaos and I love every minute of it. DS is in Chico this weekend visiting friends and he leaves on Wednesday. Here are a few pics of our festivities.

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crutcher

Veteran

What a year from June until now!...I am thankfully, thankfully thankful that Toby is doing so well and truthfully, I celebrate EVERY day...I have learned to take one day at a time and to enjoy that day to the max...You may see me often grinning like a Cheshire cat at something totally simple which I do...
Christmas is going to be quiet and blessed...I look forward to the day...family and friends and the dinner...I can almost taste the dressing and turkey...smile...And I am more into the reason for the season...
I wish each and every one of the YLF family a blessed Christmas and a ton of smiles....and happy days to note in the new year...

jenanded

Veteran

Warning... very long
Last Christmas was really fantastic and we all had a wonderful time. We ran it over several days to work around Mardi's work shifts and I wonder if it was the slow eeking out of presents and favourite foods that made it so special. I can not believe now that I went out on a limb and bought Mardi a giant 5kg catering pack of nutella. The boys and I set up the dining area and her chair etc so that when she came home from work she would be looking right at her own ginormous jar... I so wish we had a video of her eyes boggling that she had her very own personal mega-jar of the stuff. A picture of her holding the jar was her Facebook picture. She had also set up what she wanted as a new tradition to see the Nutcracker ballet each Christmas. So we are going next week, and have tickets for 2015 as well...

The people in the industrial estate near her accident site are having a fundraiser this year and donating money in her honour to premmie babies at the hospital where she worked so that is pretty special. It links in with the following story about her which I hope you don't mind me sharing. The photo mentioned is below...

"Mardi born 1992

This photo was taken around 6am at the Gothenberg airport. Mardi had been tagging around behind her mum at work for a few days and was about to fly to Belgium to meet her friends. She had worked three jobs to save for this trip and she didn't waste one single moment of it.

This is the story of our Mardi - full of plans and enthusiasm for everything she did. She worked so hard and achieved so much - lead bass of the State Youth Orchestra; Deans Honours student at university; and studying biomedical engineering so she could make a difference. And always with a smile on her face.

She worked as a registered oncology nurse caring for people as they went through chemo, facing their own mortality, and supporting families as their loved ones died. The last thing she did at work before her accident was resuscitate a dying patient, working late to ensure they went safely to ICU.

That patient wrote to us later and like the messages we got from others, she was such a dedicated but happy person. Talking to her 100s of friends and colleagues, not one knew of the depth of the work she did, she was always there with a smile and a laugh, and making sure people were included.

In typical Mardi fashion, she has been the one who has inspired and supported us through this year. She used to say to me, "Mum when you are working with people going through incredible suffering, you realise that if you are sad and angry it just makes it harder. The people who smile make it easier for us all to get on and deal with a tough situation."

I think of her wisdom every day as we try and work out life without her."

And even more so for Christmas!

I also have to say it was so warming to have the support from so many people here on YLF... You can see her wearing her pearl earrings in the first picture and we had just bought that Longchamp bag a couple of days before so it must have been just by her when we took this photo.

So along with the Happy Memories tag, my key message for everyone is ENJOY! Right now is a wonderful moment. Lots of loves xx

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Anonymous

Deb, thank you for sharing those lovely family photos of precious memories. The little ones are so sweet! Moments to treasure eh?

Crutcher, you grin away as much as you like! I'm so pleased that your lovely furbaby Toby is doing well. Wishing you a peaceful and joyous Christmas too.

Jenanded, thank you for telling us all the story of Mardi. To read of such a generous, compassionate, happy, wise and beautiful (inside and out) young lady who touched the lives of others in the most magical ways is both emotional and poignant, and a reminder to live our lives as she did. We need to enjoy the here and now. Thank you for sharing those lovely photos of Mardi. I think she will always have a secure place in our hearts here on YLF. xo

AviaMariah

Veteran

I love reading everyone's Christmas plans.
Our Christmas is either going to be really laid back or really exciting; depending on when DD2 decides to make an appearance. She's due 12/27 but is showing signs of making an earlier appearance. Woo Hoo!!
But either way DD1 just turned 2 and is obsessed with "Sanka Claus" and anything Christmas related so it's going to be fun! Here's a pic of one of her multiple visits to "Sanka". I hope everyone has a peaceful and blessed season!!

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abc

Veteran

Diane, thanks for this thread. It was the extra push I needed to pull out the one plastic tub of Christmas decorations that made the international move with me 4 years ago. I'll see what I can use. We are spending our last Christmas as renters, as we just closed on our own condo. I'm tickled peach, but with a lot of work to be done in the next 45 days. I always have excuses not to decorate every year but this year I won't let that happen. The kids are getting older and coming home from school talking about Santa Claus. I guess it's time to get in the spirit THis is the first year since losing my dad in 2008 that I've really felt some holiday cheer. I'm sure I have my two little babies to thank for that. It's been nice reading about how we all celebrate, thanks for sharing and I wish everyone happiness and health in the coming year.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Diane, and thanks to you all for sharing.

Jenanded - thank you for your memories of last Christmas. You are a brave strong woman.

Our family is off to Chile this Christmas to catch up with some members of my husband's family. So we will have a very different Christmas this year, and make some memories.

My favourite Christmas songs are "Silent Night", "All I want for Christmas is you" and " Hark the Herald Angels Sing"...My favourite Christmas food is champagne - and Christmas Mince Pies. These are an English good, a small sweet tart with a dried fruit filling. Rich but delicious. I think these might account for my waistband being a little tight!!

I am grateful for this YLF community, I have enjoyed getting to know some of you over the last 9 or so months when I started posting on the forum. So thanks Angie, Greg and Inge for this fun and special place.

Thistle

Veteran

I am thoroughly enjoying the season through the eyes of my 3year old. Having her baby sister along for the ride makes it that much merrier, especially after what an awful Christmas 2013 was.

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Runcarla

Veteran

The past year has been all about the move/ relocation - from DH finding out just days before Christmas 2013 that he got his dream job, followed by buying and selling of homes, and my securing a transfer. We are reprising some of our old activities and discovering new ones as we settle into our new community. Everything is going so well, and we are both over the moon happy.

Anonymous

Aww, Aviamariah! What a gorgeous photo of your DD on Santa's lap. So precious. I sounds like there may possibly be an early arrival too... I hope all goes well.

ABC, I'm pleased that you feel up to a bit of decorating this year. It sounds like you've had a lot to cope with over the last few years. I'm sure your little ones will love all the festivities too. I wish you all the very best and a healthy 2015.

Kiwigal, you Chile trip will be different and wonderful I'll bet. I'm nodding along with your song and hymn choices... I love those too. Of course being a Brit I also love mince pies! I love to gently warm a mince pie and top with a little whipped cream Safe travels and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Oh, Thistle that photo just melts my heart... thank you for sharing.

Carla, it sure has been a busy year for you and your DH with the big relocation. I'm glad things are finally settling down and falling into place. Enjoy Christmas in your new home.

Alassë

Veteran

Keep us posted on DD2, Aviamariah! Exciting.
Your girls are so beautiful, Thistle!
This year I got help making pinwheels and can now make them easily (before they were difficult). I'm looking forward to more Christmas cookies this week and following.

anne

Veteran

Thistle what a precious picture. All the best for the upcoming time Aviamariah!
Jenanded, thanks for sharing about your last Christmas with Mardi

MsMary

Veteran

Jenanded, thank you for sharing the lovely photos and stories of beautiful Mardi!

Thistle! Your girls are so lovely! Your big girl is Mini Thistle, isn't she?

Deb, your little ones (and big ones) are just adorable! Such fun!!

AviaMariah, your DD is so sweet! What an exciting time this must be for your family!

Angie, I'm happy you will be with your dear Papa this Christmas!

And thanks to everyone else for all your lovely happy moments and memories, especially to DIane for starting it all!

I must say I keep pinching myself because my life has changed so much in the past year. Last year at Christmastime I was stuck in protracted divorce proceedings, living in a tiny apartment, with my son far far away in Japan. This year I am a free woman, happily ensconced in my beautiful new almost-finished home, with my son just two hours down the freeway (and of course he'll be here for Christmas), and I have even been spending a bit of time with a lovely man, which I have to tell you is the biggest lovely surprise of all! (Jenanded, he's a cyclist and that always makes me think of Mardi!) And you all had better believe I am enjoying every precious moment!!

I am sending much love to all of you from my home to all of yours!

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Anonymous

Oh, Mary, I'm so pleased that this Christmas sounds so full of promise for you. It's so well deserved! I'm excited for you about the new man in you life

And may I just say, your living room is gorgeous! You've got impeccable taste you know. Thanks for sharing the photo. And Merry Christmas and a healthy Happy New Year to you and yours.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

What wonderful and moving stories everyone! I love that you start this thread Diane - somehow sharing a personal moment makes the Fabbers seem even more like family and friends than they already do.

Diane - I think I'm going to have Depeche Mode stuck in my head all day now - and that's a GOOD thing!

Angie - how wonderful that your Papa is coming for Christmas. Sadly my father, at age 90, is now unable to travel so I will miss him this year. Sweet Christmas wishes for Rosie and Jasmine. And your stollen picture is making me very hungry...

Deb - a whole month of Christmas celebrations sounds fantastic! Great to be able to extend the season.

Crutcher - wonderful that Toby is doing so well.

Jenanded - thank you so much for sharing a little more of Mardi with us. I am wishing you much strength for what will be a difficult holiday season.

AviaMariah - oooohhhhhhh a Christmas baby - how exciting! Hope your delivery is quick and painless - lol!

abc - huge congrats on the condo closing! You will have much to look forward to in 2015.

Kiwigal - have a fabulous Christmas in Chile. Spending the holidays with friends and family makes it extra special.

Thistle - your girls are positively adorable! In fact, they could pass for little Christmas angels Enjoy the holidays with your newly expanded family

Carla - "over the moon happY" - well it doesn't get much better than that, does it? I'm so glad you're settling in and doing well.

Alasse - mmmmmmm Christmas cookies....I'm doing my baking this weekend. If I make things too early then we eat them all and I have bake again!

Anne - wishing you a very merry Christmas.

Mary - you had an ugly road to go down last year that's for sure, but my goodness, you have come through on the other side with style and grace! I'm so happy for you and your new life and house. Here's to even better in 2015!

Our Christmas will be spent this year with much of my husband's family since my family is scattered all over the globe. Christmas Eve tradition in our house is sushi and saki with just hubby, son and I with no telephone, texting or friends interrupting. We've done this for the last 5 or 6 years and I wouldn't change a thing. It's time to reconnect and just be together before the chaos with my hubby's family begins on Christmas Day.

We'll be missing Gain of course - we used to hear him in the middle of the night playing with the ornaments on the Christmas tree...."jingle jingle" went the bells...I could never get mad at him for it though. I mean c'mon...a Christmas tree with decorations is really just a giant cat toy!!!

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Anonymous

Oh, Shannon, I love your Christmas Eve plans before you enter the fray of the big day itself. Enjoy the Saki! Aww, Gain, sweet puss. He will be watching over you I'm sure. Merry Christmas to you all.

I forgot to say, thanks Alasse for chiming in . Your cookies sound delish!

Thanks for chiming in too Anne!

jenanded

Veteran

I am loving hearing all your stories... and Thistle, your little girls are soooo beautiful.

Mary, my husband is back on his bike which is ok now... they do have fun. Australian Olympians and some of the Tour de France guys have been supporting an inaugural womens race in Mards honour... totally unbelievable but very supportive community so your beau must be a nice man.

Such a lovely bunch of people on ylf xxx Enjoy your christmas everyone!

Anonymous

Our house has had some great highs this year, a successful work transfer and move closer to family and friends, shorter commute, kids seem adjusted to grade 9 and university. I have a new job starting in January.

but we also had a terrible tragedy in my Hubs family in October /November with the funeral probably going to happen in January so I am dreading the holiday with his side as it is going to be sad.

My DD comes home from uni dec 23, looking forward to my babies under my roof and some of our traditions.

Extra thoughts and kind wishes to all suffering a loss of a loved one.

Angela

Anonymous

For the past couple of years Christmas had lost all meaning to me after my mom passed away in 2012 at age 90. My dad passed away 5 years earlier. We celebrate Xmas Eve with DH's family, but it is not the same for me, not my traditions. But this year so far it has been different, especially after my trip to NYC this past Sunday, which DD said she wanted to do when she came home from college.

Yes, New York was crazy crowded with people but we were not in a rush. My DH,DD, and I just took our time and took everything in. The city had just such a great holiday spirit. People were courteous, smiling and wishing everyone a happy holiday. We visited Bryant Park's Winter Village sipping hot apple cider, watching the ice skaters, and browsing the shops. Made our way up to Rockerfeller Center to see the tree, window shopped at Saks and even browsed inside the store. Stood in the middle of Times Square and took lots
of pics everywhere. Had a phenomenal lunch at Becco's. Did not see a showor anything because we made the decision to go the night before.

Then late Monday afternoon we went over to a local place called Peddler's Village. You have to see it in person to truly appreciate it. This time of year the entire shopping center is converted into a Christmas Village. We took pics of each other under the holiday lights and stepped into the enclosed gazebo to gaze at the gingerbread houses that were entered into the yearly competition. We visited a few shops that carry the most lovely and unique things and had a nice dinner at one of the Village's great restaurants.

This week I have been baking with Nutcracker music playing in the background.

This year my spirits have definitely been lifted.

Anonymous

Thanks for chiming back in Jenanded.

A, I'm so sorry to hear of the sadness on your DH's side of the family. I know you will love having your DD home for the holidays though and that you'll be able to make some good memories together.

Lara, your description of your time in New York sounds truly lovely! I'm pleased that light is coming back into your life now and that as you say.. your spirits have been lifted. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Louise

Veteran

What lovely happy moments everyone is having.

Mine is just being happy and feeling Christmassy, such nice feelings after last Christmas being a post breakup emotional nightmare x

MsMary

Veteran

I'm right there with you, Louise! So happy you're feeling better! What a difference a year makes!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'm glad to read this thread on a difficult day. It's reminding me that I have a lot to be thankful for. My thoughts are especially with you, jenanded.

As I said another thread, we're finishing up the year with a tough spot, but so much of this year has been wonderful. I have just been going through photos on my phone that were taken at the ranch this year -- I'm preparing to print out a bunch and frame a collage for my husband to hang in the shop house. Here are a few from the collection.

I hope you all have happy, peaceful, healthy, and safe holidays!

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Anonymous

Absolutely, Louise. A year does make a huge difference. I'm glad you're on the up.... and Mary is right along with you

Thank you for sharing those lovely photos that remind you of the good times from this past year, Janet. I'm glad you have found a tid bit of comfort reading the replies here too.... sorry things are rough for you right now.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

What a wonderful thread, and Diane, thank you for starting it. Jenanded, you have been in my thoughts and prayers, and thank you for sharing Mardi's story and words of wisdom with us.

I have been quite nostalgic this Christmas. My mother did not pass away at holiday time, but she was exactly my age when she died. Way too young. I have been baking her favorite cookie recipes and telling Cosmo Edward all about the Grammy he never knew.

And while I am thankful for Cosmo Edward and love him dearly, I am also missing my fur babies who've gone to heaven: Jodie and Jasper. Jodie (Jodie Marie, she also had a middle name!) loved Christmas. We dressed her up as Santa Paws and she opened her own presents. Jasper was quite the devilish, playful, and friendly kitty cat.

I do have a lot to be thankful for. Most recently, DH was in a car accident - he hit a deer. Thank God he is fine, no injuries whatsoever. Plenty of damage to the car ($7,900 worth) but cars can be replaced, people can't.

I must get off and running as there is still lots to do before our family get-together. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

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