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Hi Reader,

I can't believe Christmas is just a week away.

I realize not everyone celebrates Christmas but no matter what you do or don't celebrate, you may resonate with this email.

To be honest, I'm having a hard time getting into the spirit this year due to a lot of things going on.

One of the downers is it's the first Christmas without my mom at my parent's house. As many of you know, she was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease 6 years ago when she was just 59 (also happened to be the week I found out I was pregnant with twins).

Earlier this year she transitioned to memory care, which is a wonderful place and a great fit for her, but it's hard not having her at my parent's home for Christmas Eve.

We'll go visit her next week but it won't be same of course, she no longer knows who we are or even who she is. Alzheimer's is a horrible disease.

There are a few other things going on, some related to that situation and some related to health concerns that I won't divulge for privacy of loved ones but it's a rough Christmas.

Nevertheless, Christmas decorations are up, gifts are wrapped, and my fake smile is on (when it needs to be) but ugh I'm dragging.

I hope that you're having a more festive and exciting holiday season!

Enough of being a downer, just telling it The Way it Really Is as always, partially so you see it's ok and normal to not have that Hallmark Movie Christmas.

Christmas Activities

If you're looking for some Christmas activities for yourself and the children this week and the following, check out my popular blog post this time of year!

This post includes our favorite activities, books, some fun printables, and recipes.

Have a great week and remember, things don't have to be perfect!

Nicole Prom, M.S.Ed., Ed.S.

Founder/Blogger at TheWayitReallyIs.com​

P.S. Use the code Newsletter20 for an extra 20% off everything in my shop! ​Click to ​Shop My Store​

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