Oh, the holidays…
The holidays are upon us and everyone is cranking up the joy. Well, maybe not quite everyone.
Sometimes the holidays aren’t as easy as sitting on Santa’s lap. There are presents to buy, bills to pay, trees and homes to decorate, relatives to contend with, and for some, there’s the loneliness of spending the holidays solo.
So here’s what we’re going to do this year. Our best.
Yup, that’s it. We’re going to do our best and forgive and forget the rest.
Just get by.
Don’t try to be the most fantastical gift giver or the twinkliest decorator.
Just get by.
Have to deal with the realities of family? And the crush of certain questions?
When are you having a baby?
What? No boyfriend again this year?
Hmmm…put on a little weight?
Who just called you to wish you Happy New Year? Isn’t she married?
Why do you treat your dog like a child?
Do you actually enjoy being alone?
…just to mention a few. (Hopefully you at least chuckled a bit…)
Prepare yourself for the questions with a funny or short but sweet answer. Practice in advance if you need to. Also practice getting up from the couch immediately to go grab another drink or finger sandwich to extract yourself from the barrage of questions.
Oh dear, I think I hear the nacho cheese dip bubbling over in the fondue pot…
…and believe me, no one wants the cheese dip to go off the rails.
And if you’re lonely, well, honestly this one is a little harder. Try to make plans to be with people. Don’t just sit by yourself. Or do like I’m going to do and plan your own party. This year I’m holding the First Annual Christmas Open House for Lost Souls, Lonely Hearts, Those Far Away From Home, and Others Who are Generally Bored After the Presents are Opened. On Christmas evening.
Several people have already have given me a funny look and questioned the wisdom of having a party on Christmas — who will actually come? Won’t people be with their loved ones?
Well, yes, hopefully. And those who aren’t can swing by. Hopefully they’ll feel a little more joyful, and I know that I will too. And if three people show up, perfect. Or if 30 people show up, that’s fine too. I just want to share some joy with whomever may want or need a little.
So over the next couple of weeks, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Do your best to let yourself off the hook and have some fun.
Now go sit on Santa’s lap…
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