Christmas tree conflict!

Do get that tree up, phoenix. It's a signal to everyone that you are still up and running.

I haven't decided about the tree yet myself. (For one thing I'm not sure which safe place we put it in last year!) Normally I love putting it up, but this has been such a bad month so far - DH has now got a horrible virus and doesn't want to get involved in anything. I've put up a few odds and ends of decorations to show willing and perhaps I'll feel more Christmassy by next weekend.

Again, thanks to all who have responded.

I know I shouldn't, but I did laugh janerowena at your post about grinding St John's Wort and adding it to your husbands muesli!

Now all I have to do is to somehow persuade Mr P to eat muesli!

If you can manage to get muesli down him you have achieved the impossible! Dh would never eat muesli or such things, though I did persuade him to have a little fruit yoghurt occasionally.

Mr P would regard both with deep suspicion!

Might be a bit hard to smuggle it into a bit of toast and marmite!

Curried St John's Wort and rice? St John's Wort casserole with dumplings? (there's an idea, put it in the dumplings) Jam rolypoly with St John's Wort custard?

Title for a cookbook - "Wort Cuisine" or "How to con your nearest and dearest into taking medicine"

I have always found the sight of the Christmas tree very comforting, even when Christmas has been a sad one, for whatever reason.
I know it's a relatively modern tradition but it seems to symbolise the peace and goodwill of Christmas.
Put it up Phoenix, I hope MrP cheers up soon.

I once put some Bach Flower Remedy Mustard (for 'deep gloom for no apparent reason') into MrA's morning orange juice.
You have to be a bit careful with St Johns Wort I think, as it can interact with some prescription drugs.

Is it St John's Wort that can react with sunlight on your skin? Or am I thinking of something else.

Mr P isn't on any form of medication, so that's not a problem. However he doesn't "do" puddings or deserts, and if I was to put it in curry, casserole or dumplings then I would be having it too!

Might not be a good combo with Dosulepin.

Sounds like he does not "do" medication either.

I was right. St Johns Wort can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Not much danger of a bad reaction this time of year, Elegran

PS I have just begun stage 1 of a cunning plan!

While he is engrossed in a film, I have just been up to have a bath, and somehow (innocent face emoticon) managed to take the step ladder from the cupboard under the stairs and put it in the spare room!

Maybe the tree will cheer him up?

I take the St.John's Wort, I should have said, I get dreadful SAD and it doesn't afffect me in any way. I think it only affects a few people. Yes, to the curry as previously suggested but he might get a bit suspicious if he has it every day! One year I did give him an ultimatum, take it or else, because he was unbearable. That was how I know it works. But when he said that it affected his work I knew that the only thing left was to give it to him for a few days when he gets really bad. Some people say it takes two weeks before it takes effect - not so in our family. Half an hour. And not addictive.

I have taken it in the past, and I think it does work well for mild depression (and possibly SAD). It can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin, but as that isn't a problem in MrP's case I'd suggest getting some in liquid form and putting a few drops in his tea/coffee!

It's your Christmas too, Phoenix! There's a point where you have to accept that he's the one with the problem, and so your own thing! I don't think I'd have the patience to pander to that behaviour ( but admittedly, I don't know how bad the consequences might be!).

Phoenix I really admire your spirit in the face of so many difficulties. Putting the tree up seems to be a symbol of hope for you even if Mr P isn't able to appreciate it. Strange how your step ladder has migrated itself.

Even stranger how the tree is going to migrate through a closed trapdoor and down the stairs.

Yes, if the tree makes you happy you have to do it, you can't let them drag you down with them otherwise things get really bad. I probably shouldn't be leading you astray but grinding the tablets with sugar is how I add it to his muesli, it's not the easiest stuff to disguise! But desperate measures for desperate times. He seems a little cheerier today, can't think why...

Only you know your husband Phoenix - as long as you're sure that the whole lighted and decorated tree won't tip him over the edge, so to speak, then I'd put it up as it will cheer you up and maybe DH too.

As an alternative to the tree, something I did one year when going to be away for most of Xmas week, was to put lights and tinsel, greenery, etc around the mirror and a large plant - it all looked very festive in an understated way.

One year (I can't remember why) we went out and cut a large bare branch, it was practically a mini tree, about 5ft high, sprayed it with white paint, wedged it in a silver bucket and decorated it with plain lights and silver baubles (no tinsel though) It looked gorgeous! I did suggest doing that again, but he knows how long it will take me to find the "right" branch!

PS The step ladder has now migrated to the landing!

Keep an eye on that stepladder. It is aiming for the rooftop, to wait for Santa.

I have just posted on another thread about our first 1963 Christmas tree - a large branch painted white and hung with minimalist baubles. I must have been synchronised with you!

What excellent taste you have!