Entertainment Lately
Glad I wrote this a few days ago before the gloomy mood set in. The post's not really where my head is today, but that's ok. I'm home today, wrapping gifts, tidying the house, and hope the nice weather promised will lure me outside for a good long walk.
I'm doing a very low-key Christmas. I just decided there really doesn't need to be stress. In past years, that was probably self-created. Instead, I'm just going day to day trying to find the pieces of December that fit my spirit. That's going to be my mantra through the cold winter months. I have a huge to do list, regardless of being low key. But I want to enjoy my time when I can. Here's been some of my entertainment lately, free or very low cost.
- Watched the latest Blanc movie, Wake Dead Man already in Netflix. It was very good and Josh O'Connor is an excellent actor. I had only seen him as the teen- younger adult Prince Charles in The Crown. This role couldn't have been any more different, but so well done. 10/10 for the movie and cast. I wasn't sure how long it would stay available, but it would be a good deep in January watch.
- Community Christmas concert. I have a few friends in the choir and went with another who I haven't seen since mid-October. I really can appreciate people not only continuing their passion hobbies, but the time investment to create a beautiful concert. We stopped for a hard seltzer at the brewery after, and while we didn't play, we listened in a bit while we chatted as there was The Muppet Christmas Carol trivia going on. To this day, it is my favorite version, and dare I say, probably my favorite Christmas movie.
- Playing with the dogs. Over the cold last weekend, this had to be done in small snippets multiple times, at least for the big guy. Then we had a warm up and could really get good walks and play time. There's no better joy than a happy dog, romping in the snow, and playing ball.
- Treat making. I'm going to count this as entertainment rather than a chore. I don't have to make any of the treats but as sharing with people who love them brings me joy, the activity is entertaining.
- Watched the finale of Survivor...I'm a sucker for a good reality show, masqueraded as a competition. I was annoyed with the interruption of what I later heard (I turned off) was a demented old man shouting lies and demanding praise. I tuned back in once his rant was done. Just like Kyle last season, the right player, Savannah, won.
- Browsing in stores and enjoying the decorations. While not impeding actual shoppers, I treated myself to a wander in several stores, including Home Goods, Target, and Menards. Having my shopping done, there was no pressure to buy.
- Played with an AI image generator. Here's the scene I "created" typing in Merry Christmas from London with Tower Bridge.
I kept myself busy, enjoyed some of the holiday spirit, and didn't bust my budget. December is an expensive month, but it is also a happy one (present mindset aside) if I don't let stress get to me. How are you all doing leading up to the holiday or just enjoying your December?
Sending good vibes to you, Sam. I'm not a fan of Xmas but always celebrate the Solstice and the reurn of the light. As usual we're hosting The Dead Relatives Society on Xmas Day, I've no idea what we've going to eat - probably go out on Xmas Eve and see what's been reduced to clear!
ReplyDeleteJon's made me watch all three of those Knives Out films, they're definitely more his thing than mine. I've earmarked The Mastermind as our next film, also starring Josh O'Connor - loved him in The Riot Club. xxx
I appreciate the thoughts and the movie recommendations. I prefer the season of Christmas and just try to get through the actual day.
DeleteThat sounds like a really great approach. I haven't been doing much in the way of entertainment, but did get together with friends for a dinner, M & I did some shopping, we opened presents with everyone yesterday (we always do right before we leave for Portland - this year we had to move up due to work schedules), I wrapped gifts (which I generally enjoy), & I made my one Christmas food contribution - cardamom bread. It was so nice having time with the boys to open gifts, and they are at an age where they really appreciate gifts from Mom & Dad. :-) = Hawaii Planner
ReplyDeleteI know you're so generous with meals in e you get to your parents. My daughter is coming back with her dog Wednesday morning and younger later today, Monday, with her cats.
DeleteHow are you all doing leading up to the holiday or just enjoying your December?
ReplyDeleteWalking through each day as it comes. No fuss, no muss. 2025 has been a trial of patience, life and death for hubster so we're currently considering December a win! We are grateful for each day.
Hugs to you Sam.
I enjoy the season if Christmas but as I said to Vix, the day itself feels like I just try and get through. Each year I say I LL back off but it's hard with in-laws.
DeleteI'm hoping you can bring this calm and cool energy into the new year, too! This has certainly been a quiet month for me, having had all birds flown from the nest. So I've been extra gentle with myself, and like you, I am looking for simple ways to stay in the right frame of mind. (:
ReplyDeleteAre you still expected to do in-laws traditions/ gatherings? I'd love to skip Christmas day, but for my kids I go too. It just doesn't feel like my family.
DeleteI don't have a relationship with any of Mark's family. His parents and siblings died before he did. His sister's daughter died a year after Mark did, and her brother has pretty much written us off. You know what? I am OK with it. I think you should let go of whatever does not serve you. You can explain this gently to your peeps.
DeleteThat's where my situation is quite different. His mom is alive and well, which is good that she's so independent. However, his family has this attachment to things as they want, and have expectations of our time without comprehending that my kids and I want space for just us too.
DeleteYour past week sounds lovely. My past week somehow got crammed full of tasks I had no desire to complete but neither did I have a choice. Yesterday by noon my time was mine and mine alone, and I intend to keep it that way until after Christmas. So wrecked by the last two or so weeks, I woke up in a chair in front of the woodstove at about 8:15 last night, realized I had fallen asleep and decided to just go to bed. Today I feel well rested for the first time in days. I hope I stay that way!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy these next few days.
-Meg B
The tiredness for me still springs up nearly three years later. I'm tired of doing / making the holiday by myself, so just did minimal this year and am good with that. If zi could have Christmas Day to myself, I'd be very satisfied.
DeleteThinking of you, dear Sam. Nothing wrong with a low-key Christmas/holiday season. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks April. Your kindness is always appreciated.
DeleteI don't think Christmas or any celebration needs to be stress. If I'm stressed, that's on me and I can make the choice not to be and just to have a good time. Holidays here are no stressful. It's just no point in that, IMO. Why allow that nonsense in. Nah. I'm here for the fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you can just see the fun. I'm still trying to figure out my life without my husband, though the rest of the world moved on, including his family. So the stress I do feel is probably more grief.
DeleteI can understand that. That grief for sure is no joke. I think more I was thinking about the self-imposed stress people put on themselves during the holidays. That sort of thing. Learning how to live without our hubbies, that is to me, gotta be one of the hardest things. I'm so sorry that he's gone. ❤️
DeleteIt has been a nice mix this year. Thanksgiving was quieter-both kids were with spouse/significant other families. I missed them, but had a nice time with my sister and family. In early December, I met a friend for coffee and a hike and also attended a cookie exchange for the first time in about 15 years! This past week, I met up with a friend to have lunch, exchange gifts, and saw her new home in an over 55 community. I do 90 % of my holiday shopping from my couch on Black Friday-it was a marathon but I felt a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. I've had a lull of sorts for a few days-baked some cookies and sat by the tree and read holiday magazines while I sipped peppermint tea. The quiet time was very restorative! Things kick into high gear this week-DH and I are going out for e lunch tomorrow, and then daughter arrives from the west coast on Tuesday. We also have my soon to be 4 year old grandson.'s family birthday gathering on the 23rd, church and dinner out on the 24th, and our immediate family at home on Christmas Day (I might suggest that it be a pajama day :) My sister and family are coming on the 28th, and then we are going out to eat with some friends the day after. I am eternally grateful for every smidgen of joy that I can wring out of the holidays. Years ago, my ex informed me of his office affair and plans for a divorce which was totally out of the blue. I had 2 young kids and was quite despondent. Repeated viewing of "It's A Wonderful Life" saved me that Christmas. If you are not in a good place this year, try to enjoy the stillness that the winter brings, a treasured ornament, or a romp with a beloved pet. It can be hard to be missing a prior life, but there are still good things in store to boost your spirits.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Beth. Your Ex was an a$#ho$#- of the first degree. It sounds like you found a good man in your DH with a full family to enjoy the season.
DeleteI like your entertainment choices this week. We have to watch A Muppet Christmas Carol every year; it is one of our favs. I also like the George C Scott version. I started watching the miniseries Christmas Carol on Hulu, but it is definitely a darker version, and I'm not sure that I like it. I haven't watched the newest Blanc movie, but we did enjoy the other two, so thanks for the review. I'm sure the pups enjoyed their romps in the snow, and I'm glad you were able to enjoy the concert with a friend.
ReplyDeleteBe kind to yourself, and I wish you joy this holiday season.
The second Blanc movie was a bit flat for me, but not bad. This one had the twists I expected from the first. I already feel January and February will be challenging, so trying to figure out the best things in life to find bits of joy even in the cold. Hey, more light in the days is coming.
DeleteI'm sorry a gloomy mood has set in. Sounds like you were keeping yourself very well entertained before that happened. The AI picture is so neat! It was so nice here today that walked outside and got a little bit of sunshine.
ReplyDeleteMy gloomy has been there, but an unfortunate dentist visit and now today heading for doctor, made my mood truly drop. It's just going to happen and I know to just expect it.
DeleteWe decided we'd buy experiences for the adults this year rather than things nobody wants or needs (I think I'm paying for an air b n b at an animal park about four hours away - my DIL's organising it) and so it has been a pleasure just buying for the kids. Hopefully no stress either on the day. Oh and thank you for mentioning that film. I just looked it up and they have just added it to Neflix over here. We don't always get the same content as Netflix in the US so it was a pleasure to see I can watch it later!
ReplyDeleteI love that, experience you all can enjoy. My adult kids are getting a "fun" gift, but more practical. Not adding work to the mix has been a mix of both good in that my days are mine, but also I be had too little structure. I'll wrap up things literally today.
DeleteI will be spending Christmas dinner with friends, otherwise I'll be home with just the cat. I'm actually looking forward to the quiet and peacefulness. I hope you can enjoy the time regardless of your mood.
ReplyDeleteThe mood will improve, it eventually does. I'm looking forward to the day after Christmas. Just pure calm.
DeleteI loved the Knives Off 3. The writing was terrific and every actor was spot on. Enjoy your holiday.
ReplyDeleteIt kept me guessing and I usually figure out the who's and why's early.
DeleteAll holidays are alone for me. Christmas week is hard with everyone’s plans and family talk. I always say I could go from Halloween to 1/2 and skip the middle. Was not always that way, but can’t bring back how things were which makes me sad. So I try and keep busy, will stay inside and relax on Christmas Day after maybe early church service and will be very happy when I wake up 12/26 and the week is over until next year. We do what we have to do to get through. Hope you can find enjoyment in some family time but find time to do what you need to do for you.
ReplyDeleteI'll be happy to have all three of my kids here, and enjoy Christmas Eve with my siblings, though we'll be missing my brother immensely. I'll just stay a couple hours at MILs and use pets as a good reason to keep it shorter than would be expected. Yes, we don't get to change how life goes do we? I look to the end of January to try and exhale but hold my breath until then.
DeleteMaybe I will watch the latest Blanc move. I do love thrillers but found Daniel Craig so irritating in the first two movies.
ReplyDeletePS - you did make me laugh with "demented old man shouting lies...." though unfortunately for you in the USA it is quite sad.
I understand your point on his acting/ the character but he seemed a bit less in this one.
DeleteI hope the holidays still bring you some joy, I think they will. But as I am getting older, I see how tough it is for folks around this time. Personally, I want to lay in bed and be a slovenly pig! Fingers crossed I get my wish. I agree with J, the first knives out movie I watched, I did not enjoy him whatsoever but this third one, there are more British actors so possibly I will be checking it out. I wish they had the character keep Craig's own accent- he seems to enjoy playing the character though.
ReplyDeleteI've been under the weather and missing people, my husband and of course the first year without my brother. I know death is part of life, but holidays, though special, bring out the feelings of loss especially when it feels no time has passed. Craig's accent is very exaggerated in the movie.
DeleteI hope today was an OK/good enough day for you. I was thinking of you.
ReplyDelete