My husband was exhausted. He had driven to our home in the Valley the long way round, over the Coquihalla Highway, which added about two hours to the usual trip, to get the staff's Christmas mail, and bring me back with him on the 22nd. When we got to our cabin here at the resort, he lost another night's sleep trying to repair a generator that powered twelve guest cabins. The resort had been without power for ten days, since the road closure. I had a sinusitis flare-up to contend with - lots of Advil and sinus flushes, and naps after rough nights of headache. While we were glad to be together after a couple of weeks apart, we didn't have much energy for anything else, or anyone else. I spent much of the afternoon of Christmas Eve asleep in a recliner while my husband went skiing.
This Christmas was also the first in ages that I did not cook Christmas dinner. My husband had hosted a gathering before I arrived, and there were plenty of leftovers in the fridge. Christmas Eve, we unceremoniously raided the fridge and plunked everything on the table. Pickles, cheeses, dips, crackers, fresh vegetables, chorizo salami, my Christmas cake and cookies, and some kind of winter ale to quench our thirst - my husband enjoying the lion's share since alcohol is not great for sinusitis. Family tradition dictates we watch Scrooged (which our eldest calls 'Dad's favourite redemption story'). We started the movie early and finished it earlier than any other year we have watched it. Then, we 'settled our brains for a long winter's nap'. On Christmas Day I was feeling a little better from all the rest I'd had the day before. We unwrapped our gifts from each other and enjoyed a good breakfast of bacon and eggs, delicious pannetone bread from the bakery I have worked at for several years, and oranges. After a walk and a light lunch we facetimed with our kids, determining which upcoming weekend would work best for the postponed gathering. After another nap, we donned our best sweaters and walked down to the resort's restaurant for turkey dinner.
My husband and I said to each other more than once that although our Christmas had not gone to plan this year, it was exactly what we could manage considering the circumstances. I am reminded of the Christmas in the mid-2000's when we were all sick with stomach flu. I ended up cooking the turkey on the 27th, and it tasted just as good as it would have on the 25th. I have a turkey in the freezer now. I will take it out to thaw in the fridge tomorrow, and it will taste just as good this weekend when we cook it for our belated Christmas dinner with our kids. We're leaving the tree up, too. It's still green and healthy looking.
As philosophical as I seem in my response to an upended family Christmas, I have been further challenged this New Year, making it a bit more difficult to remain positive and 'look on the bright side'. On December 20th, I had a CT Scan of my sinuses. Yesterday, my doctor called me with the results. While the scan indicated mild sinusitis throughout, it also indicated a blockage where my nose leads into my sphenoid sinuses - the little brute that's been giving me nearly three months of trouble so far. My doctor prescribed a course of treatment for up to three months. If the treatment doesn't work, I will be referred to the ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist who may decide a procedure is necessary to remove the little brute.
For the last several months, my eldest daughter and I have been planning a big trip to the UK for June. A trip that has been a dream of mine for forty years. A trip that would involve a long flight. I was quite sure the short flight I had done as a test in October of last year had triggered my current sinus issues. After the call with my doctor I decided to postpone our trip until my sinuses are totally clear. One should completely avoid flying with sinusitis. I'm living and painful proof of why that is.
I was going to take only the winter off of work again this year, but I had to leave early December due to recurring flare-ups that rendered me miserable. My back would also become inflamed with each flare-up making it even more difficult to sleep. I spent one third of 2025 with inflamed sinuses. Fortunately, February through September were pretty wonderful. I felt healthier than I have since before 2020. I realized a couple of moderately big goals, too, and had many great times with family and friends. I can remember how it felt to be well. I will try and focus on that feeling as I strive to heal over the next few months.
I know we all have our challenges, especially as we age. I know postponing the UK trip is a First World problem. I know I am very fortunate in so many ways, like having someone who loves me to spend Christmas with, but please forgive me a few tears, too, as I let go of plans and dreams for a while until I feel better.
Wishing all my lovely readers a happy, healthy, wonderful 2026.
'til next time,
Rebecca
