Christmas Eve Bitter--Sweet

[tippyclubb]

Leaving Michigan is not going to be easy as we had anticipated. Tom & I thought we could move thousands of miles away like it was nothing. The kids have always encouraged us to live our dream. Now, that we have bought a house in TV so many emotions came out tonight. Reality has set in and its not that simple to leave. Many a tears were shed during our last Christmas making memories in our home. We were laughing and doing fine until the kids started crying. It was a rough night for our family.

Merry Christmas to you all. Enjoy your day with family and friends!

[jebartle]

all the kids have a new home to visit with lots of perks...You will love it here!

[OurHappyHome]

It was tough for us, but it just means you have to plan and make the effort. My wife also retired last year so this has been a really big change. We have made so many friends, and just love the lifestyle. It's like camp for adults.

My heart goes out to you.

Merry Christmas

[yabbadu]

We left Michigan and could not be more HAPPY. Have the kids visit. It's your time now!

[graciegirl]

Here is what I said to them.


We have worked so hard to have some time to live in a climate that is comfortable to be outdoors all year. And we are getting older. If we don't do it now, when will we do it?

[gomoho]

It's difficult but can be done. We have a Christmas Eve tradition that we always go to a Japanese Steak house with our kids and any other family or friends that are visiting. This Christmas Eve it was just my husband and myself and I did not want to continue the tradition, but he insisted. We sat at the hibachi table alone for a few minutes when the most delightful family sat with us and shared their celebration with us. It was magical just as Christmas Eve is meant to be. Love to all this Christmas Day.

[DandyGirl]

Attitude is everything! A positive attitude will result in a positive experience! You're gonna love it and they will love visiting. :a040:

[Whit53]

I can so understand what you are feeling. I posted almost the same exact thing yesterday. I retired Monday and will be celebrating with my kids and grand kids in a bit then head down to Florida later today. For the last few months I was just thrilled and so excited, now that the time is here.....just not as easy as I was thinking it would be.

As I was told 'the best is yet to come.' If 100,000 have done it and are enjoying the lifestyle to the fullest I have no doubt I too will feel like I found my perfect place. Change is just hard.

Merry Christmas.

[Happinow]

I totally understand how your feeling. We left all family to move here. Christmas would be very difficult without my daughter and grand baby. They are here with us this year however if there is a year we cannot be with them we would probably surround ourselves with our good friends. Skype with your family, it does make it easier during the holidays. Also, try to find a way either for them to visit you or you visit them during the holidays. Merry Christmas!

[Bonnevie]

if it helps, just tell yourself if you don't like it you can move back. real estate is only going up here so you won't lose. but once you're here, I'm pretty confident you'll be glad you did it. As I was out and about yesterday morning, I was amazed at all the people out walking, jogging, or bicycling. It is a healthy place to be.

[nitehawk]

Christmas is not the same in Florida as it is in New England I just cant be bothered comparing ----------New England 10 -----Florida 2

[2BNTV]

I think everything that happens for the first time, is the toughest time, when being separated from loved one's. It will be the second year without my aunt and uncle at Christmas time, as it has been ingrained in me. They are associated with Christmas Eve and Christmas day in my memories.

It will get better, going forward. ;smiley:

Your family may visit you, for your next Christmas, and enjoy the warm temperatures. The kids may enjoy a day trip to Disney World or Universal.

[ivanhoe]

The kids have always encouraged us to live our dream.


There is your Christmas gift from God.

Remember when Mom let go of your little hand for the first day of kindergarten...well neither do I...but it was all going forward after that.

Merry Christmas...welcome.

[champion6]

The best is yet to come!

[BarryRX]

It's difficult but can be done. We have a Christmas Eve tradition that we always go to a Japanese Steak house with our kids and any other family or friends that are visiting. This Christmas Eve it was just my husband and myself and I did not want to continue the tradition, but he insisted. We sat at the hibachi table alone for a few minutes when the most delightful family sat with us and shared their celebration with us. It was magical just as Christmas Eve is meant to be. Love to all this Christmas Day.
Your simple little story touched me. Have a Merry Christmas.

[DianeM]

It doesn't get easier to not see regularly the ones we love. Period. Just another thing in life that requires us to accept or change back. Only your heart can tell you what to do.

[missypie]

Our kids live in Michigan and North Carolina. They all came down and are out golfing now with Hubby. I hope this sets a trend.

Take care. You Michiganders will Love it here!!!!

[tippyclubb]

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words. Today went much better and no one cried. We talked about the many places we could visit on their trip down during the holidays. They were especially excited when I suggested we could rent a condo in the Keys and spend Christmas on the beach. Life is going to be great in TV !

[Mikitv]

Also from Michigan but had moved to Tennessee and Arkansas before TV.

You will love it here. There's always SKYPE but you have to work around their schedule. They love to visit here when they can because so much to do and it's warm. No snow or ice. Always hard when you first leave them but it does get better. You will have new friends here to become your Village family.

[Ray Roberts]

We just established a new Christmas eve tradition. Visit the Evergreen Buffett after church services a New Life Christian Church Christmas eve services. A great evening and didn't have to experience an old tradition - driving home from visiting families in the snow...

[The Great Fumar]

We handled the problem a little differently , We moved here and gave our kids the wrong address......the piece and quite is wonderful...

Silence of the Lambs Fumar

:jester:

PS The tough part was leaving Elk Lake outside of Traverse City....

[Count'n the days]

Congratulations for having raised such appreciative children that openly express their feelings. That will not change and now you'll start a new chapter in your lives to share with them. Best wishes for a smooth move!

[skyguy79]

We handled the problem a little differently , We moved here and gave our kids the wrong address......the piece and quite is wonderful...

Silence of the Lambs Fumar

:jester:

PS The tough part was leaving Elk Lake outside of Traverse City....Fumar, just reading your posts since we moved here have made that fateful decision in and of itself worthwhile. You've been an inspiration to me and influenced many of my own postings!
BTW, in return I'd like to pay your dog sitting ads for 2014! http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/laughing/laughing-dog-smiley-emoticon.gif

[rubicon]

Retiring and /or moving is emotional. Many people adjust some do not . My wife and I moved a number of times over the years and our last move to The Villages was the last. Despite all that moving it took me better than 5 years to adjust here

[2BNTV]

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words. Today went much better and no one cried. We talked about the many places we could visit on their trip down during the holidays. They were especially excited when I suggested we could rent a condo in the Keys and spend Christmas on the beach. Life is going to be great in TV !

Forgot to add to my post, that it is time to make new traditions and memories, with you love one's. It seems like you got a good start.

Have a great time in the Keys!!!!!

Kids tend to adapt, after an initial shock. They will be in your corner soon, as they enjoy the warmer temps, and see it's a great thing for you and your health. They will be excited, to come, and visit you.

It will get better and better!!! :smiley: