Christmas in Retirement

I’m not retired but Christmas, like all the other holidays, is always a big deal. Decorations inside and out, tree cutting that we do traditionally, and lots of visiting. It’s usually a revolving door of family and friends. It’s not about gift giving or gift getting, it’s about warm embraces and decent conversations.

Having kids and working your tail off is very busy business. The holidays is a great time to hit the slo-mo button and relax. We are always big on the food, and have a big traditional full family Christmas meal. Since I was a kid it’s been the same, and I’ve looked forward to the time that I would host. Well that time is this year, and we’re all systems go here.

Of course it never goes smoothly and we yearly have our fair share of national lampoons mishaps. A few years back the Christmas turkey didn’t quite make it, who knew McDonald’s was open Christmas Day (100 chicken nuggets later and 7 very happy kids, lol).

Merry Christmas to all.

I'm not retired but we still keep it going my youngest is still home and the older boy still comes home for Xmas. We don't put up as many decorations but we still put up a tree. I think it would be unfair to stop until he moves out.

I do think I might get a fake tree next year.

I have never asked my parents (76) if they still put up decorations. It was a big thing for my Mom. Outside, inside every room a fir tree decorated and a Birch tree. All the home made goodies.

Can't say i give a rip about about the religious aspect but i love the family time with my kids and grand kids. We also have a great vaulted spot for a tree that i just can't help filling with the biggest, fattest 12 footer i can find. Have to take the light fixture down each year to put it up but the little ones (and the cat) just love it so i am game. Most years i need a winch to get it in the house:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1a430dff_k.jpg

I’ve been retired for 7 years now. No tree this year just because puppy in the house he’s a grab and run type

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f6b56463c3.jpg

Yes even my wife agreed to forgo a tree in the house years ago due to our dogs, Bernese /Great Pyrenees. Dry tree, fireplace and and 4 legged friends is a recipe for at 911 call :)

For a few years I put it outside on the deck and we could see it lit up thru the big living room windows.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

I'm not retired but we still keep it going my youngest is still home and the older boy still comes home for Xmas. We don't put up as many decorations but we still put up a tree. I think it would be unfair to stop until he moves out.

I do think I might get a fake tree next year.

I have never asked my parents (76) if they still put up decorations. It was a big thing for my Mom. Outside, inside every room a fir tree decorated and a Birch tree. All the home made goodies.

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Our old fake tree is up... looks good AFTER it is decorated, getting thinner in the needle department every year. I mentioned tossing it several years ago now... the screams and howls from the kids resolved me that I will have that tree until nothing but the wires that used to hold the fake pine needles are left. Still has quite a few on it but sure leaves a trail taking out of the box and when it is put away, as for Xmas itself.
https://vimeo.com/8174973?embedded=t...o&owner=944953

Not retired yet, just here to wish everyone on the forum a very Merry Christmas.

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Originally Posted by Species8472

Can't say i give a rip about about the religious aspect but i love the family time with my kids and grand kids. We also have a great vaulted spot for a tree that i just can't help filling with the biggest, fattest 12 footer i can find. Have to take the light fixture down each year to put it up but the little ones (and the cat) just love it so i am game. Most years i need a winch to get it in the house:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1a430dff_k.jpg

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Well at least you cut off the root ball “Clark” :)

Our kids are still relatively young, we do the tree cutting & decorating and some simple exterior lights. As others have said, the holidays are more about seeing family for us; all our family is minimum 2 hours away so we don’t gather often. Usually down to Kingston with the in-laws on Christmas Day and up to Parry Sound with my family a few days later. Except this year - Kingston is not the place to be the last few days

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Species8472

Can't say i give a rip about about the religious aspect but i love the family time with my kids and grand kids. We also have a great vaulted spot for a tree that i just can't help filling with the biggest, fattest 12 footer i can find. Have to take the light fixture down each year to put it up but the little ones (and the cat) just love it so i am game. Most years i need a winch to get it in the house:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1a430dff_k.jpg

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That’s quite the tree… I hope you shook the squirrels out of it !! Lol