What do you have left to do before Christmas?

I hate to even think about what is left for me to do in between working. No more parties but know comes the cleaning and finishing up the baked goodies...how am I going to stay away from the grazing of the goodies while fixing them. I have a crew coming over for the holidays starting next Friday thu the following Wednesday. Any suggestions on how to maintain during this time. I love this time of year and really enjoy the company but this is the first christmas with my band and need to some hints on how to deal with this.

I just keep telling myself to "just say NO!". Nothing tastes as good as thin feels and looks! Good luck to you and Merry Christmas. Nancy

I am trying but have caved a couple of times. Since my little unfill I have been able to eat more but not as bad as I thought..so you got all your Christmas stuff done????? I am done! ...well almost. LOL Phyllis

A long way from being finished. Trying to concentrate more on Jesus is the reason for the season than presents, presents, presents. My hubby and I decided we really didn't need anything so we're not going to exchange gifts. My mom is 73 and says there is not one thing in this world that she needs. So, probably the only ones around here that have some presents are the grandchildren. DH got laid off from the railroad in August, so he decided to take a truck driving class and will finish on Monday. When the money starts rolling in again, we will take a trip somewhere.  Are you still loving your band? I had my third fill last week, up to 6cc in my 10cc band. Finally think this restriction is working. Up to now it has been pretty much sheer willpower on my part and it has been tough. I've had to fight for every pound lost. Now it is impossible to eat more than a half cup of anything each meal. Not sure I'm getting in enough protein so I'm eating like 5 meals a day to try and make up for it.

Christmas is all about Jesus and family to me. I love to have everyone around. I might not eat but I will have it available for others. That is wonderful about your hubby getting a truck driving license. Will he haul cross country? I always thought that would be a great way to see america. I had to have a small unfill last week so I dont have much restriction now but I still dont eat that much. All the dang sweets is what is killing me.  Get that protein in and take your supplements and of course all your water and you will do fine.

I'm glad to see someone else who gets a tad bit stressed about the holidays!  I love Christmas sooo much, but I swear, the stress from not having enough money for everything sure does get me down!  Its all worth it in the long run though---to see the look in all my childrens' eyes....and this year, to see Brendan, my baby, 7 months, enjoying Christmas for the first time (but enjoying mostly boxes, ribbons, bows and wrapping paper, I'm sure!)  I'm 2 years, 7 months out and went from 278 to my current weight of 140.  I got down to about 130 or a bit lower after I had Brendan, but the health issues were the reason---( was diagnosed hyperthyroid, had thyroid removed, diagnosed with cancer, radiation, etc) so actually, although I feel like 140 is heavy, and I battle everyday with the games my mind plays with me about being fat still----I guess I'm at a good weight....130 was too thin---doc even thought so.  His goal for me was 167.  Anyway---the question was something about how to do your baking and keep from eating eating eating......I LOVE to bake---and cook all sorts of things around the holidays---and sugar doesn't make me dump (don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing) BUT....Seems like I dont really feel GOOD if I dont eat my protein and veggies.  Still, at 31 months out, its important to eat a balance.  As far as sweets----try cooking with splenda---I've made some awesome recipes and no one (except me) knew that it was made with splenda! Experiment with Protein powder----it makes awesome high-protein peanut butter balls!  Good luck to you! Lisa

Hi Phyllis,   A great new picture.. you really glow in that beautiful red sweater.. I am about done with Christmas stuff.. still have to wrap some gifts, but after tonight, the parties are over, and the going, going , going non stop is over.. I can sit back and enjoy Christmas,  and the reason for Christmas.   We do have to go to the elementary school tomorrow evening for our precious 5 year old granddaughter's Christmas program, then we are exchanging gifts with her, her mom, and her Dad.. we are leaving early Sat to go down to Jacksonville for Christmas with our daughter. We spent last evening at our son's home, helping him get his tree up, lit, and decorated, as well as I wrapped all his Christmas gifts for the family, his daughter, his girlfriends's daughter, and etc..  I am still not feeling up to par.. still having some cardiac symptoms, had the EGD on Monday, didn't show esophageal spasms which the cardiologist felt might be the cause of the symptoms.. but I have to have a pressure test  on esophagus after Christmas.. which will definitively rule out the spasms. I am currently also wearing an event monitor for my heart.. only the monitor I was given on Friday was a dud.. so waiting for the cardiologists office to call and tell me that they have another one I can swap out with.. hopefully today sometime. Take care.. and try not to be overcome with all those tempting sweet treats.. I know it is hard, but you are doing good..  Merry Christmas to you and your family.