Holidays with Macular Degeneration
How do you feel around the holidays with macular degeneration? Do you feel that your family understands your condition? Are there usually lots of questions regarding the condition?
Share worries, thoughts, feelings below.
My family knows all too well about macular degeneration. My Mom and sister have wet AMD. My son and I both have dry AMD. My biggest problem during the holidays is trying to read recipes. I usually take a photo and blow it up or use my iPhone magnifier. Sharon Moore advocate
one Christmas Day my mother, who was legally blind, had a fall on the stairs in my house. She was going to get something we all needed for the meal, but she wasn't used to the stairs. I think about it every year. If we hadn't all been so "busy" we would have suggested she stay put, and someone else would go upstairs. She wasn't worried that she might be hurt, just that she might have spoiled the day for everyone else. She wasn't seriously hurt but it was a lesson to take care on other "special" days. Wendy, Advocate. 
those of you that know me, know I am a positive person. I preface my remark to this question as my response might seem negative and dark. It's not meant that way, it's just my truth. So here goes.
I do not like the holidays! It is too manic and takes away from my peace of mind. I think the meaning of Christmas has been lost or at least misplaced.
My family and loved ones can't really understand my condition because the loss of central vision and paling of colors hasn't happened to them. Some of them, if not most of them get “the thousand yard stare” on their face when my failing vision is brought up. They can’t relate and don’t know what to say. I’m ok with that, I understand it. So Merry Christmas! Hohoho! Sorry if my answer is a buzz kill. Richard, advocate
PS, I still love y'all and wish you a happy holiday!
I hear ya! My focus on Christmas is the Lord, Jesus Christ. Not on the busyness or finding the perfect gift. My family is opposite. Has driven me to sadness and not wanting to participate forever. When my vision starting failing and I had to give up driving at night, it got worse.
But I decided that this year be different. I made food baskets for everyone and had so much fun! I embraced the Christmas movies and my time alone. And even though I missed out on social gatherings and that was sad, I enjoyed the holidays more than I had in a long time. I was able to put a positive spin on it. But next year I think I'll take a cruise over the holidays! Lol!thanks for commenting. Richard would be pleased to know that you managed to put a positive spin on Christmas this year. I bet everyone loved the baskets! I often think of going away over Christmas, too, and avoiding the drama 😄 Best wishes, Wendy, Patient Leader.
your answer is honest and I get where you are coming from. It is easy to lose focus of the meaning of Christmas. It is such a busy time of year that it is easy to lose our peace of mind. That peace is so important I guard it carefully. I have to remind myself to slow down and just breathe. Sharon Moore Advocate
