I have a new loathing

I'm going to say it. I never thought I would ever say it. I loathe Christmas. Loathe.

Next year, I am boycotting altogether. Each year it gets a little bit worse. My mom and I ran down a good list of my last few Christmas holidays. Oh, it was grim and each year seems to get a little bit worse. Let's review shall we? Trigger dream sequence here...

2003 - I was nine months pregnant and my then husband's parents decided to come stay with us for 10 days in our 1655 sq ft. home and that his sister-in-law shoud come over every night and bring her two kids and her dog. My family, which did not get along with his in one house. 12 people. 1655 sq ft. and I couldn't drink.

2004 - I took the tip of my thumb off in a rare mandolin accident. I don't remember anything beyond that. There was too much liquor and bandages involved, I assume.

2005 - Again with the in-laws at my house. Only this time, my darling ex-husband had joined the police force and had to work each night leaving me to entertain his family (including his sister, her two kids and the damn dog). I made a perfect meal that was criticized before and during consumption. The friggin' dog got into it my my new dog and in tearing them apart, I had a chunk taken out of my forearm. Bandage redux.

2006 - Freshly divorced, I ran out of steam and left my treasured garland hanging down from the staircase as I could only muster decorating the top half of the stair case. Really, it just hung there. Dangling. I spent all Christmas Eve being dragged around with my parents from house to house, while their friends all asked, "Are you okay?" I answered yes and then was greeted by one of two responses. A) "No really, are you okay?" or B) "Great! I want you to meet my nephew (fill in the blank)...

2007 - Nine hours in the dungeon of excrutiating humiliation as I get company in my fifth wheel spot by a man who would not date me, solidifying the common assumption that I am undatable.

Seriously. I am not doing it next year. I am just not. I am calling it off right now. I give. Where's the white flag?

Comments

[catherine]

I've been there. I think we get pulled into impossible expectations at Christmas, esp as a single person, its a tough time of year.

I just try to keep my expectations low. Next year maybe plan a low-key Christmas for yourself. Have some favorite foods, build a fire, veg out. Maybe find a gorgeous Midnight Mass to go to.

[CaroG]

Ya know, Rockwellian Christmases are a farce. Celebrate however you wish -- others be damned.

There have been plenty of years I have just wanted to sleep from December 20 to January 5. If it weren't for the fact I'd miss the bowl games......

You're far from "undateable" -- so hang in there!

[delmer]

"Great! I want you to meet my nephew (fill in the blank)."

I lie out of habit now when people ask if I'm dating someone. At poker one night my friend asked to hear more about the woman I was seeing. I had to admit that when he'd originally asked if I was seeing someone I'd said 'yes' out of reflex and to keep my life simpler.

[Deb]

Christmas is for kids. I mean, it used to be all about the "magic". It still can be if it's done the way you prefer it to be, but sometimes, with life circumstances and people that are in your life, you have to just bite the bullet and "try" to enjoy it the best you can. I think most people are with you when you say you loathe Christmas.

Keep the spirit!!! :)

[Kelly O]

Welcome to the Dark Side. We have booze.