1. How organized are you? Do you plan ahead, take things as they come, or does it depend on the circumstances?
I often try to plan ahead but sometimes, that planning gets me all excited and I can’t sleep. Then with all the excitement will no doubt follow by expectations. Lately, it seems like my plans have a way of blowing up in my face. So I guess it depends on the situation but these days, I’m trying my hardest of going with the flow, this way, my disappointment will be minimized.
2. How many Christmas presents have you bought already?
None! The last Christmas I ever received presents from family was in 2006. Since mom and I separated from my step-father’s family, I haven’t had any presents since then. Despite being a Christian, mom hardly commemorate Christmas. She often tells me my life is her gift, thus she never has to give me anything tangible.
The last time I went all out for Christmas was in 2019 as it was the family’s first Christmas in the U.S. I bought everyone except me gifts. Somehow, not only I got nothing in return, they dismissed the gifts without a second look. So why should I bother?
It’s why I no longer buy Christmas presents for anyone except for the department’s Christmas party, which is an white elephant gift we exchange among co-workers. It’s a bit of fun and I think my co-workers are totally worth it.
3. Do you prefer a family gathering for special occasions, or just you and your significant other?
If I can choose alone, I would but in this case, I guess I’d pick family gathering because at least, someone other than me gets to be mom’s punching bag for just an hour or two.
4. How many words do you think your pet understands?
I was listening to an audiobook yesterday about a dog whose owner died. It turned out, there’s a chip in the dog which enables him to talk. I guess the owner swore a lot so the dog had quite a potty mouth. I thought it was funny and proves pets understand more than we give them credit.
Please share a gratitude meme for your readers.
This is Another Story 
I am so sorry your Christmases have been so empty and joyless. I can understand about questioning why we bother, but mine is more on the subject of things like birthday or Christmas cards which are rarely acknowledged by my family. I stopped sending them gifts years ago and the only one that gets sent now is a calendar to my brother in NZ. Guess it’s tradition as I send SIL’s birthday card for November at the same time.
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It’s actually been a little more enjoyable after I started my current job and we have an annual department party to keep my spirits up. It’s the best part of the year and the thing I am always looking forward to.
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That’s lovely.
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I’m sorry my friend that your mom makes your holidays difficult. At least you have at the office party.
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She likes to make everyone miserable. It’s in her DNA I guess as her dad’s the same way. I think she inherited the most of her dad’s temper and personality out of her siblings. I’m just the unfortunate being who has to put up with it.
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How sad for her. Having such traits makes one unlivable.
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It really does.
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😅
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On the upside you don’t live in Somalia. 🌹We only buy the grandchildren gifts now. But I do all year round anyway. The only difference is we wrap their gifts. I’d rather be alone, but the food is always great. I’m getting too old for gatherings. I’d rather watch movies and knit.
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I am glad I don’t live in Somalia but why?
I’m not good at gatherings either and I often wish to be alone as I love the solitude. I mostly just eat at gatherings and I agree, the food’s always good at these.
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Free food is always my motivator… Somalia is always in such bad shape. People have no gifts and not much else like Sudan Yemen Syria and…
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Free food is always a good motivator. 🙂
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