A Naked Wreath and Off to a Bad Start | Vlogmas Day 1
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ธ.ค. 2024
- Welcome to vlogmas! It's the first of December and it's time to attempt something possibly totally stupid and impractical, daily vlogs!
I've got several craft projects, knitting, sewing and maybe even some printing planned but it'll mostly be about me, my life and my disability. I hope you enjoy!
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I enjoyed this episode very much. As far as I am concerned...this is what vlogmas should be about. I like seeing the reality of other people's December instead of the curated unreality. Otherwise I end up feeling even more inadequate!
I loved seeing the laughter and problem-solving through the start of the Advent wreath, what a wonderful way to bring in December. My family of course also does the wreath, though we don't let the candles burn so long anymore after catching it on fire one year! I'm so looking forward to seeing your real-life Vlogmas, whatever you're willing and able to share. Thank you for taking us along! My favorite (cheeky) poem for advent is:
Advent, Advent,
ein Lichtlein brennt.
Erst eins, dann zwei,
dann drei, dann vier,
Und wenn das fünfte Lichtlein brennt,
dann hast du Weihnachten verpennt!
TH-cam on the TV is the best. I'm literally watching this on my TV while I'm resting on my couch and knitting.
That Woody is all kinds of smart! Also please take it easy on yourself. Most of your subscribers are long-time viewers and we know that the number of spoons varies ❤
I’ll tell him ☺️
The past couple of months I've had a stretch of bad mental and physical health, so I really understand and appreciate these types of vlogs so much more now. There have been days when I've felt like doing literally nothing but sleeping, so sometimes doing even little things can be a victory.
Most of us with ME/CFS tend to "fake well" and mask our illness as much as we can. It's hard to know how to be real. But also, personally I'm sick of putting up a false front. It's extra energy to fake well, and it's also extra energy to be real, not knowing how that will go over. I really enjoyed the authenticity in this video. Thank you.
You have perfectly described my feelings! Thank you 💙
If you can manage it, I think it will be very comforting to watch your daily vlogs, however short or uninteresting you may think they are!
Just don’t push yourself into a crash doing this, ‘kay? Not worth being ill for the hols. *ME-sufferers-unite fistbump*
❤❤❤
Much love to all of us
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Share what you feel comfortable with, you advocate just by sharing that you have health issues. You are by NO means expected to share the things that make you feel vulnerable.
Ma'am we're watching even if you record yourself reading your local news. Also every time you say a swear word it brings me so much joy. 😏😅
I don’t know my local news can be quite exciting! And I’m always glad to find some one who appreciates a good swear word 😂
I'm definitely watching at least in part for comfy Claude talking about things, not even specific things just like friends spending time together. Her voice is soothing and on days when I can't get out of bed it's nice to fall asleep to, in the best way possible. Sending lots of love and support for all people. ❤
Perhaps recipes. The news is traumatizing.
Honestly its content of realistic days that help me stay grounded in what reality is with a disabiling condition that can only be managed.
Even if its a little chatty recap of the day it nice to hear what your up to.
What it stated as "good" content isnt usually real but I find realism to be important and enjoyable content.
I am here for it! WHATEVER "it" ends up being. I have no ongoing health issues, and some days are still like this one, so as far as I'm concerned: You are doing JUST FINE. I'll be cheering you for every video, and I'll be waiting til you feel well enough for the next one. Also, Woody's additions were great. :-) Be well. XO
I’ll let him know 😂
I'm glad you realize that we always want to sit on the couch, watch TH-cam, and knit with you!
Thankyou for making this. My partner has severe ME and our Christmas always feels so different than other peoples. Its nice when I see other people engaging in Christmas activities in a way thats acccesible to them. This year I bought a reusable felt advent calander from the charity shop to hang in our room and I'm reading a poem a day for my partner and I. We also have a cat treat advent calander for the joy of making our cat happy. We'll be eating Christmas food in bed, maybe not on the actual day depending on how they're feeling and listening to audiodescribed christmas movies on a slow speed.
Oh I know how hard this time of year can be. I hope you and your partner are able to enjoy the season in your own way and make your own traditions 💙
I sat on my sofa, crocheting a jacket, in an ME slump, instead of the 27 things my brain keeps telling me of what I “should” be doing. It feels much better to be sitting here. For today, that’s good enough. ❤
Good enough is Good.
I love the idea of a realistic advent💜
Happy first of advent from Sweden!
As someone who is living with a chronic illness (MS) I think it can be good for other people to see what our reality is like, both the limitations we live with and the way we have adapted to be able to do the things we love doing. For me personally, I always find it interesting to hear how other chronically ill people go about their everyday lives, in a way I guess it makes me fell seen and less alone. As long as you are okay with being open about this part of your life, not even to be an advocate of anything other than your own lived reality, then I think it's a lovely idea for vlogmas. I think most of us are here because we enjoy watching you, not just because you know how to knit and sew, but because of you as a person.
Thanks for sharing your realistic December, Claude! If this makes things easier, I know several TH-camrs are doing a modified vlogmas, where they film every day but only post twice per week. (Usually, the resulting video is labeled something like Vlogmas Days 4-8). That way, they can still participate but there’s less pressure if they get sick or busy or just have a bad day. Hopefully, you’ll find something that works well for you! I’m happy to watch no matter what!
I like that idea! Also because longer videos are my favourite ❤️
Having a low point in illness and general life so it will be nice to see you pop up throughout the Christmas season (when you can). Hope you have a lovely festive season 💙
I appreciate the effort that even goes into something like this, because it's not nothing, particularly when you're also dealing with a perpetual spoon shortage. And honestly the recognition of these struggles is really affirming to your fellow spoonies. ❤️
I loved this episode. It was super cozy and reminded me to go and find my advent candle holder - I live in Scotland now, but it's a Swedish tradition too to light candles for advent that I grew up with. Looking forward to the next one, but please pace yourself and don't overdo it if it's too much ❤❤
Isnt it wonderful to have someone who can lend you a spoon for a little while ❤
As someone who suffers from RA, I totally understand the complication of living with a chronic illness. I hate talking about it because it requires me to acknowledge my disability. It’s your channel so you get to control what and how much you share. I love the knitting content so never feel guilty about focusing on that.
Another RA sufferer here, solidarity high five (better than a fist in the air since it doesn't require bending our fingers 😅)
Hiya! Thank you for sharing
Please don’t stress about the Christmas content so much, I would watch you make commentaries while watching anything, or whatever you have energy doing ❤ wish you all the best!
So appreciate you sharing and showing up as you, with the realities of life ❤ This is indeed what community should be all about and helps us all to feel a part of the festive season, regardless of what it actually looks like in our lives!
Not the channel I expected to see “Naked” on, but I’m excited to see the wreath. 😂 Greetings from the snowy Midwest of the US!
Oh dear god I didn't even think about that 😳🤣 might bring in a new audience?
@ 😂😂😂
LoL I too wondered if it was "on-brand" for a minute before I worked it out 😂😂😂
Woody is a delight!
I do have to say, while I don't have a chronic condition, your videos help me with my everyday life and forging on when I don't feel good or things are tough. Thanks for the cheery posts. I know I'd love to hear more of the German Christmas traditions. I suspect a lot of my American ones are based on the German holiday!
I gravitated towards you because you are honest about your life with your disability as I have several disabilities and having had a stroke in April and having to learn to listen to my body a lot more than I was previously
I did vlogmas once and somehow I managed to get all four videos up (I did one vlog a week). It’s so hard to stick to a schedule, even a weekly one! Adventsgrüße from a fellow German disabled knitter.
The first thing I asked myself was how do you make a naked wreath lol. Love puppers in the jumper. Looks so cozy
With very little effort! 🤣
Please do not be too hard on yourself and that you can also enjoy this season :) Happy Advent!
I squealed with delight when I saw your video pop up. It was lovely knitting on the couch while you too were knitting on your couch and ocean away!
Go for it Claude! None of us are OKAY all the time or even some of the time. But doing what we can do is enough of a win. Advent traditions are lovely. It is typically the four Sundays before Christmas and symbolizes our joyful waiting to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
I understand where you’re coming from about your reluctance to share the ups and downs of chronic illness. Your subscribers understand! A great start to Vlogmas - do what you can do and no more.
I cannot express to you how surprised and delighted I was to see you release a vlogmas video! Thank you for letting us spend time with you this month (health allowing); I can think of nothing more appropriate for the season than cosy, boring, crafting with a TH-cam video from our favourite creators keeping us company :D
05.30 here (northern Spain) and I have been awake since 3 in chronic pain, so am watching you, while knitting in bed, for inspiration. Keep it up, Claud, for all us sufferers out there. Xxx
My sympathies dear friend! I hope you are able to find some respite today ❤️
Yay! I love when creators that don’t usually vlog do vlogmas! Also sooooo real about the TH-cam small screen thing 😂
Please just do what you can. I think you are an awesome advocate and a source of great comfort.
As a person with fibromyalgia (ME), chronic fatigue, and rheumatoid arthritis - I can completely understand! I'll be looking forward to seeing you vlogmas (I want to watch each episode but may not be able to...depending on the stupid body).
Thank you for wanting to get the word out about chronic illnesses. We need more invisible diseases awareness.
I am always ar the ready to watch your videos. I also live with a disability and just find ways to live at a slower pace. Not my favorite, but I want to live my life. Knitting is my passion. 💚💚💚 So is history. You show both. Thank you.💚💚💚
Thanks. I appreciate being allowed into your every day life.
The dog sweater looks very lovely.
I loved this! Its just nice to go about your normal day with you. Your right, not everyday is a good or great day, thats why average is called average 😊 its nice to see your honesty and transparency, its really nice to see ❤
Always enjoy your posts - the reality is helpful! Chronic illness is an absolute bugger. I will appreciate your posts whenever you feel you can do one.
THANK YOU to Mr Retro Claude!! for fixing the candle holders at the start... it was exactly what I was thinking and I wanted to reach through the screen so badly...
It's so interesting that you don't think of yourself as a good advocate for us chronic illness folks, because I see you as a person who is already doing things! You have been really honest about what's going on with you health wise and talk about when you can't do things. :)
I do appreciate an even better look into how you manage day to day, cause I often feel like I do so little daily and it's nice to have insight into how normal that is. I guess what I am trying to say is Yay! More Claude and also thank you for what you have talked about already :)
I guess I just feel guilty for having cultivated an online space where we can all be honest about our struggles but I then hide many of my own struggles and still only present an ‘acceptable’ image online. I know I don’t have to live out my suffering in real time for everyone to see for it to be real but I also don’t want to feel like I have to hide it if I don’t want to 😊
@@RetroClaude I’m a little bit heartbroken that you feel guilty over the very thing we find so extraordinary about you. We know you’re not a machine, but a flesh and blood human being doing the extraordinary. Existing in the world with an invisible illness that can be asymptomatic one day and completely devastating for the next week is overwhelming and confusing. Please understand anyone with half a brain knows we see the cultivated best we have to offer on the internet. We also understand the physical limitations and struggles because most of us share them or love someone who does.
I get the ambivalence of it all. I’m constantly hearing people say I’m so strong or an inspiration and they don’t know how I keep going blah , blah, blah. 🙄 I always say it’s mostly because I don’t have a choice. I go to sleep and if I wake up then I must continue to exist. It’s not as if there’s some action plan of bravery happening every day. The act of doing something is mostly to keep me from losing my mind over how drastically different my life is than I expected. I’ve long since gotten over the depression and mourning that loss, but it’s impossible to define a new life. I’m here. That’s the best I can do. Sometimes, I even accomplish things 🎉. That’s my happy place. ❤
Interesting idea to go back to some family traditions. I'm half Dutch so we had several Dutch traditions when i was younger. I'll borrow the idea and see if it helps lift some of the sadness caused by all the recent medical nonsense going on in my house. Thanks for the suggestion!
You're such a blessing Claude! Thank you for being you and showing the human side of disability. ❤❤❤
Just a big thank you (from one Spoonie to another)!
I'm so glad you are doing this. Thank you. I also have a chronic illness and feel understood when I watch your channel. So appreciate it. ❤❤❤
As a sock DPN knitter, I love seeing others knit with DPNs. 🎄 Happy Holidays
Woo! It was starting to feel like I was the only DPN user left! Magic loop is everywhere!
I’m also DPN until the end of time! Magic loop can go piss off 😂
Thank you for making this. My daughter had a chronic disability. It is good to see others like yourself.
Frohe Adventszeit from a non-christmassy German. This kind of vlog is very fitting for December, a lot of content is so overworked and glittery and exhausting this time of year... I hope you'll feel up to the greenery foraging trip soon. Also, your colourwork knitting looked amazing.
Claude, thanks for doing Vlogmas. Anyone who lives with a chronic illness, knows you have good days and bad days. It’s good to show the reality of that. I always enjoy Advent, in the Methodist church it coincides with the coming of Jesus. We have scripture readings and light the candles. It’s a warm feeling and fond memories.
I really appreciate it when you show the realities of living with a chronic illness. Seeing you doing anything festive, however small, helps me know I'm not alone in this.
I've managed to put up Christmas decorations this year. It might have taken me three days instead of one afternoon, but they're up! Which is an improvement over last year when I had no decorations at all.
Don’t over think the vlogmas thing, people will still watch even if it’s just a catch up to say you’re not feeling great, or to talk about something you are thinking about for the future. I for one know exactly what you are going through with pain and brain fog, I’ve been trying to get back into crocheting for the past few months but my doesn’t seem to able to instruct my hands properly any more, but I will keep trying now and again 😊
Yay Retro Claud vlogmas, I'm excited 😁
The squeel that came out of me when I saw you’re doing vlogmas 😂❤. Obviously pls don’t push yourself too far for these videos, but I’m so glad you’re doing it🎉 I’m gonna catch every single one! (Also could do 12 days so alternate days so you could get a rest) 🎉
I also recently discovered watching youtube on a big screen and was converted!
This is so lovely hang out, we are full in Advent now too. Hi from Prague :) Do as much as you can and want, but not more, I am all for surprise vlogs as often as you can and enjoy 💚❤🤍
And Baaaaaaad weather cannot be underestimated 😂
I am also sat on my sofa watching TH-cam and knitting!
I hope you are able to do vlogmas as I would very much enjoy watching but please also take care of yourself.
Your health comes first.
Good luck to you! I get excited every time I see you have posted! Even if we only get one vlogmas, it’s already a gift!
Watching and enjoying, both! Thanks for honestly representing your life as a chronic illness creator. Enjoying the advent wreath teamwork ❤ and the cute dog in a jacket with a pun from Woody 😂 i bet he wasnt even sheep-ish😂
Don’t encourage him 🤣
While I don’t celebrate advent I do celebrate Sunwait, which is very similar, in the lead up to the winter solstice, and I know what you mean about it being such a special time. I love it so much.
Your videos are some of my favorites here on TH-cam, and I will definitely be watching these vlogs this month no matter what form or frequency they happen in. Taking care of yourself is the most important part. We’re just happy to share whatever moments you choose to share with us!
My husband has a loving joke for me:Roxanne you're my hero. Even he recognises her voice. We are so lucky to have her. Wish you well.
I think trying out vlogmas sounds both splendid and exhausting! That Woody seems to be a great help, but only do what you can do. We will understand if you need to take a break here and there. ❤
Edit: we set up our Advent candles today, too. The first Sunday is for hope. Then they are peace, joy and love. The 5th candle is for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. That one is for Christ.
Yes, TH-cam on the big screen is delightful. It's your big screen, you can do what you want. ;)
As a fellow chronic illnesses girlie, I appreciate this. Seeing this makes me feel less alone in my struggles. Every day I am bombarded with reels and YT video suggestions from "perfect" aesthetic creators that end up making me feel worse about myself because I could not do the same without ending up laid out in bed for days to weeks. I appreciate seeing the reality of living with a chronic illness and your videos have encouraged me to not give up on being creative, just need to change how I might do it. It helps seeing how other people with chronic illness do things so I can hopefully get tips on work arounds and such. Saying that, don't feel the need to overdo it and risk flares, I have seen other creators push themselves to exhaustion with vlogmas. I would happily watch you sitting and knitting (or whatever) without aesthtic shots and explainations, if you don't feel up to it. I know I can struggle with the mental energy to string words together some days. Take care from Canada
Thank you for your support! I promise I will take care of myself this month and any videos I do make will definitely not be perfect and aesthetic. Hopefully, cosy, hopefully honest and hopefully comforting ❤️
When I saw you were doing vlogmas, I got so excited! Just have fun and do what you can because we'll all still be here excited to see whatever you choose to share ❤
I have read a christmas Pixie book a while back. The advent wreath was invented by a priest who had an orphanage in Hamburg many years ago. To give the smaller children a visual aid to see how long until christmas he built a wreath. Originally it had 4 big candles for the advent sundays and smaller candles for the days in between.
Oh that’s such a charming story!
So nice to see an Advent ring. Thank you. May a new hope be yours this Christmas and beyond.
Claude does vlogmas? It's a christmas miracle!
I'm absolutely here for vlogmas videos from you, but I also am totally here for irregular uploads, etc.
Festive cheer to you, woody, and your dog!
Your wreath thingy is pretty just the way it is and I love what your knitting. The blue yarn is a pretty color And I've been. Calling crochet knitting for some reason when i used to correct my parents and sibling that it's crochet not knitting but now I just all it all knitting.
So glad you are keeping up family traditions! 😊
I too live with a chronic illness which is a daily struggle and I really appreciate the reality of your vlog. There’s so many “perfect” vlogs out there that can make me feel inadequate but you make me feel that’s it’s ok for me to achieve whatever I can each day no matter how small. Thank you 🎄🌟🧶
Small achievements are still achievements to be proud of!❤️
I love this so much! Ive been following you for a few years but this year I'm struggling with Long COVID (which is definitely ME) and all your content hits different. You are an inspiration to me both because of what you are able to do AND because you are real and honest and authentic about what you can't. I'm here for whatever Vlogmas is available and sustainable for you. ❤❤❤❤❤
I’m so sorry to hear you’re in the Long Covid/ME camp but I’m so glad you’ve found us here. To know I am helping people who are in a similar position to me keeps me going because we are all in this together 💙
I'm looking forward in seeing your Vlogmas vidods because I'm not the only one in the chronic illness community who's vloging. I'll bé going to infusion tomorrow afternoon so I'll be sharing that again for the 2nd time in my history of a TH-camr by hobby.
I appreciate you showing the “oops”es and “oooh noo”s of setting up the wreath instead of just some prefect ‘aesthetic’
"fucking hell i can't find my buttons" made me chuckle. you and woody are very adorable!
Also about the Advent wreath...In a liturgical setting (church) 3 of the candles are usually blue or purple- the color for the church season of Advent. There is a meaning associated with each. As a former, long time Alta Guild chairman, I should know them. But digress...the 4th candle in the ring pink or rose symbolizing Joy. It is lit on the 3rd Sunday when one of the appointed readings mentions joy. The center candle is the Christ Candle which is lit on Christmas & remains lit until Epiphany, Jan 6, the coming of the Wise Men. Here endeth the lesson!😂 More than you ever wanted to know about Advent wreaths from an old German Lutheran (in the US) .
I think the meaning of the 4 candles is hope, faith, joy, and love (maybe in this order?) At least in the Anglican tradition...
No thank you for that! I shall have to remember that by the 3rd Sunday to feel the joy!
I've been sick a lot lately and all I can do is get through it as no heroic measures will fix this. Hearing about your struggles during my own is very encouraging! Plus, I love that thing you're knitting.
Woody's weather pun was so cute, good job 😂 so excited for the next stashbusting episode, I'm watching it after this!!
Omg you’re doing Vlogmas! So excited to see anything you are able to do, warts and all. I love the Advent Wreath so much, such a clever idea to make a naked one. I grew up with Advent Wreaths in the Catholic Church interestingly enough. 1 candle is lit per each Sunday of Advent (ie 2nd Sunday of Advent 2 candles are lit and so on) and the middle final one is lit on Christmas Eve (that’s if I remember rightly, it’s been a while haha). Thank you for sharing your first bit of Christmas cheer with us. 😊❤🎄
That’s the way we always did it n my house but at a multi cultural multi denominational household I get all my traditions mixed up 😂 do we do this because it’s German or because it’s Catholic? Or both? Or is this just high Anglican? Or wait is that Methodist now?
Omg that clip from Woody was amazing! I literally laughed out loud after that
Welcome to Couch Tube! :)
We have an advent wreath, and I'm so happy to see one!
It's definitely religious, although there are specific colored candles (purple, pink, and white) that align with fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace and hope. The Christ candle is in the middle.
thank you for the virtual company, and for sharing your day with us! showing how pacing and spoon variations work in practice is helpful both for those of us struggling, and those seeking to understand others' experience. as long as you keep doing this vlog -- and feeling up to doing it -- your community will be here watching and appreciating it. much love!
(that said, hopefully you know as well as anyone that there is no reason to push yourself beyond your capability or comfort on days when it's just not happening. the appreciation will still be here!)
Please don’t stress about Vlogmas. Chronic illness and stress never play well together. If you can vlog every other day, that’s fine, every 3 days is fine. We’ll be here whenever you’re ready.
Thank you!
The first week of advent is about Hope. I don't think you have to be religious to be able to reflect or to appreciate the beauties of this season. Thank you for sharing with us, even the difficulties.
German here! I’m no longer in the church and my parents weren’t really that religious, but here goes: Advent comes from Latin as Adventus:Arrival and means the arrival of Jesus. The original wreath consisted of 23 candles, the candles for Sunday were bigger and red because it’s the church holy day of the week. Over time, this got simplified to 4 candles.
I loved this episode. Especially because I am also a convert from TH-cam being a small screen thing to now being a big tv thing! I relate!!
I’m excited for this vlogmas! Do what you can we will love whatever you put out ❤
Saw your video pop up and just that made me smile! I'm so glad you're doing vlogmas, and hope it brings you joy! We are here for it in whatever capacity your spoons allow 🥄❤
Thank you so much!! I hope you’ll enjoy it too ❤️
This was fun! And thanks for reminding me to get my microwave neck warmer, with your lovely plaid one.
Hi! It was such a lovely surprise that you're doing vlogmas this year! :) Ideas for low energy days: 1. More videos of the puppy. 2. Showing some of your mothers favorite yarns from her stash? 3. Showing some of your favorite gifts other people have made for you. 4. Talking about your favorite Christmas traditions/movies. Anyway, hope you have a wonderful Christmas and find the time to enjoy it!
loved the video! i like the idea of a realistic advent vlog
Oh your Christmas sounds fascinating!
That was fun. Thank you Claude x
It's OK to take it easy on yourself! I couldn't do vlogmas, that looks like a lot of energy! But spoons are in limited supply during the holidays. I get you! Also the roomba is very "mood" when the spoons are low. Where am I going? What was I doing? Why is there an obstacle in front of me?
Seeing what you're knitting on and working on is pretty cool!
Vlogmas is the best time of year! Although, your dilemma about when to stop filming so you'll have time to post brought back some vivid moments of Vlogmas stress from the time I did it ages back. It's a tricky balance between having fun and working hard. Welcome to the world of watching TH-cam on TV, too. I barely ever watch "proper" TV on my TV any more.
I’m hoping I can get ahead of myself a little bit now as Stashbusting is going up next!
@@RetroClaude semi cheat: stash bust by making gifts and decor with yarn? Share with us some of your fav TH-camrs to watch while knitting 🤷🏻♀️ Share info about how you create videos cameras and tripods and such, how you handle editing (maybe land yourself a Skill Share sponsored video 🎉).
It’s sharing time with you we enjoy. It’s rather isolating having these illnesses. It’s even more difficult finding those who really get it fully. ❤
Right before I watched this, I was scrolling instagram and a snippet from a podcast on being chronically ill was recommended to me. They talked about not being believed by doctors and even loved ones not taking symptoms seriously because to an otherwise healthy person, they mean nothing. It released a bit of my own frustration, anger and sadness and I started crying a little and then turned to youtube to watch this video. And I want to say that I don't need you to do advocacy if you don't feel like it. As a fellow chronically ill person, your channel is a lovely reminder that I'm allowed to slow down. That has so much more worth than you might think.
Whoaaaa. I've never even heard of advent!
Oh my, it was a surprising amount of fun to watch as you set up those candles and lit them! I'm terrified of those lighters, so watching you successfully use one was impressive!
I am also terrified 😂 Woody had to supervise. Extra long candles are on the shopping list!