I survived another christmas with chronic fatigue

I've survived another christmas with CFS. Just. Here's proof...

We had the usual family christmas lunch. Nothing exciting. It was quite boring to be honest. I wasn't really feeling the best so I'm glad it's over. I always seem really good at overdoing things at christmas time. Oh heck. Exhausted is an understatement. I'm still struggling. I really shouldn't have taken on as much as I did, you think I would have learnt by now, but I just can't help myself when it comes to christmas shopping and baking- I did enjoy these activities greatly.

 

I do love gift giving, too. I get a bit carried away with the excitement, which probably explains my insanity in going late night shopping. I'm talking 11pm. I thought it would be quieter, and it actually was! But just some advice if you have chronic fatigue and arthritis- don't go shopping really late at night. Just don't. Or you may just find yourself limping to your car crying.

 

The four christmas shopping trips I made this month were worth it though. I was really happy with the gifts that I gave. I especially love what I got Sweet Sister. I made her a uni survival kit for next year.

You can't go wrong with a cute mug filled with chocolates, lip gloss and cool stationary. I wrapped it up in pretty cellophane. Adorable gift, no? She's so excited about studying next year.

 

While I was looking for an arty gift for Brother Bear, I stumbled across some scrapbooking paper that I really liked. I didn't end up finding anything for my brother that day, but I did come home with a bag full of paper to play with. Why is it that when you're looking for a present you always find things for yourself instead?

I love how scrapbook papers are double sided.

These papers are all by My memories.

 

I received some pretty cool things, too. I scored some baking goodies and a few pretty girly things. I got given a ridiculous amount of gift cards this year as well. I have so many!

I've already spent two in the boxing day sales. My grandad sent me a gift card in the mail. Inside the card it says "Have a ball". Have a ball I did- spent it the same day I got it. I'm enjoying my new super soft pillows and cushions. So blessed.

My new european cushions. So comfy.

 

For christmas day I baked chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese peppermint candy cane frosting. I also made some truffles to give as gifts- chocolate coconut balls, milk chocolate candy cane truffles and white chocolate candy cane truffles.

I gave them in these cute gift boxes..

I was super happy with how they turned out, although people were complaining that they were too sweet, so I don't think I'll be wasting my energy on baking these again. I'll save it for those that I know have a big sweet tooth.

I survived, people. I survived. Now excuse me while I go collapse in a heap on the couch.