Holidays in the Hospital

I really do not like living in a hospital, and I can't tell if the holidays make it worse or better. The Christmas decorations hanging from the ceiling make being wheeled to the shower a bit more fun. And I like the colored flashing lights outside. That's it for me on the plus side. There are holiday-themed activities, which I do not take part in. I'm not a Grinch. It's just that most of the activities are geared towards the majority population here who work at a grade school level. There are also the performers who give concerts that I'm sure are nice but I don't have any desire to hear.

When I was living on my own, I dreaded holidays because my caregiving needs do not take days off. It can be difficult to find staffing for Christmas and New Year's. That chore is nonexistent now, but it's not a big enough selling point to make living here worth it. For me, holidays emphasize the vast difference between how I used to live and how I live now.

I was in choir during high school, and every year, we would do a big Christmas concert at the cathedral connected to our school. They put candles around the supporting columns and the atmosphere was magical. While the full choir was over 100 people, I was part of the elite choir, and we went around the city doing concerts for shopping centers and the like. After college, I was part of a very good theater company for many years, so I am very familiar with performing for people. After all that, it bums me out a little bit to be part of the audience.

My mother and sister came to me for Christmas Eve dinner and brought food from California Pizza Kitchen. I also asked them to bring Humphrey as he only wants to cuddle with me when I'm in bed. I asked the staff to move me into the dining room across the hall from my room. We had the whole place to ourselves, which was great.

I am grateful that while my body is very disabled it is still sturdy, and my mind is aware enough to be able to travel. My sister picked me up and took me to my mom's condo for Christmas Day. Other residents have family visits, but they end early enough so they can have a holiday dinner at home.

So that's the best way to experience the holidays. Leave the hospital and go somewhere else. Of course, that option is not available for most. And no matter how great your experience is outside of this place, you are always going to have to come back.

That's only true for those who are stuck in limited reality-based thinking. There are some residents who have never been to the hospital despite living here for years. I am glad I have the choice to sink into a world of memories. I enjoy reviewing the nice ones.