I'm not trying to be Scroogie. Really, I'm not. I promise to write a follow up about what I love about the holidays. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and then suddenly it's December. I blink, and then it's 2014.The holiday season is in full swing, and I'm already stressed.
So here's my mental/emotional unload (aka whining) about how the holidays rob me of holiday joy.
10. I have more lists: During the holidays I have an extra list or two to plan gifts going out in a timely manner (normally a fail), holiday pictures/cards (still have last years) and projects to do during our time off (snicker away). This is on top of my normal lists
9. Expecting some relaxing family time and not getting enough of it: We have to do all those things we didn't have time for on the regular list or things to do the extra list. (To make sure we get some time, I put it on my list.)
8. All the candy: Halloween is the official start of eating badly when there is some kind of holiday all the way through February. Stupid Take 5 bars. How many calories was that?
7. All the starchy fatty food: Let's face it. Thanksgiving food is the same color as the leaves in Autumn. A good portion of it is shiny. Homer Simpson when rubbing the food on paper and seeing the oil spot said "It's the window to weight gain." And the gateway to elastic waistbands.
6. It's cold: The snow is beautiful and fun to play in. However, after a day or two it's gray and dirty. The single digit and negative wind chills suck.
5. It's dark outside: Nothing says "Celebrate!" like waking up in the dark and the sun going down at 4 pm.
4. Making small talk: I am terrible at small talk. I am great at staring awkwardly and ending a conversation feeling like a fool. I love catching up with my family and going to minglings with friends, but, oh, the humanity. I'll just eat my words; they have no calories.
3. Getting the family dressed up: We are not fancy people. We are barely matching people. What do you mean you don't have shoes? Those are your only stockings? Why didn't I put those on my list?
2. Commercializing the holidays: Skip the meaning and get to the marketing. Are the 4th of July holiday decorations out yet? I need to get a jump on those.
1. Brown Thursday: Is it only called Thanksgiving until 6 pm when the specials start? Can we just wait a day?
Happy Thanksgiving. Happy Hanukkah too. Blessings to you as the holiday roller coaster begins.
I hope you have a good holiday this year and get to do what YOU want to do! I know it's easier for us since we don't have kids, but I also skip all the crap that stresses me out (cards, big parties, nice decorations) so we can enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteAnd a huge YES to #2. I love buying gifts for others, but I want to buy them things they want. I avoid the sales and stores and try to just focus on what my loved ones will enjoy (I am sure I still fail).
Love this post. I know we are all supposed to be thankful, gracious and put on our happy faces, but sometimes the holidays are just such a beat down. Thanks for an honest post.
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