Hi Grammy, and welcome! I'm so glad you found us and joined in! Well, I'm by myself, too and have crowds for Thanksgiving. Yes, it is really difficult but I start planning weeks ahead. I just have some Thanksgiving "statues" that I have collected over the ...Pilgrims, turkeys, etc....that I scatter around the house. You can get some festive flowers or a pot of mums and put tiny squash/pumpkins around the base for a centerpiece. For Thanksgiving, I make my dressing weeks ahead of time and freeze it. I thaw it and stuff the bird and you wouldn't know I did that! I peel my potatoes sometimes the night before and have them covered with water and in the fridge. I just have to pop that out on the stove and cook them. I usually do easy things like cooking veggies in the microwave or use crockpot things. I do have each family bring something, too. We always do that. It's just too much for one person and my family cleans up the mess because I'm usually exhausted by the time the turkey is served. BUT I do it! I just got done steam cleaning my carpeting getting ready for guests. You do have to pace yourself.
For Christmas, I have a five foot tree that has the lights already on it. I set it on a stack table and have a beautiful skirt at the bottom that covers the tabe. Now the tree is about six feet because of the table! I can have it decorated in under an hour. I usually set the tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving. It's nice to turn on and enjoy when you are by yourself. I have a nativity scene that is sprawled across one table, a Santa set on another table, and few Christmas knick nacks scattered here and there and I also have a couple wreaths that take the place of pictures on my wall. Simple but festive! The front door has an artifical wreath and a basket filled with silk poinsettias at the side. That's it! It really is quite easy and your house will be great for your grandchildren!
I hope I've given you a few ideas. But you need to remember, the family is there to see YOU, not your house. We gather for these festivities to remind us of our heritage and to create memories. So, don't worry or stress yourself over it. That will only cause more pain and fatigue. Just do the best you can and then sit back and enjoy the day with your family and friends!
As far as weight gain....do some stretching and gentle exercises. I walk as my exercise. I also take care of my own home, since I'm by myself. That's exercise, too! Watch the carbs, too. I lost 85 pounds by limiting my carbs and grabbing celery instead of potato chips! Both have crunch and that's what I love!
Be sure to check out Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum. There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there.
I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you. Hope to hear more from you soon.
Sherrine