I’m quickly realizing that “It’s that time of year again.” That time of year as in- running around with a bird on my head, event to event, and trying to remember everyone’s names- even after almost five year’s of marriage.
The holidays.
They’re here.
I would have thought by now that the days of “Angstgiving” were long gone. However, I’ve finally decided that Angstgiving is not just an event that lasts during the first few years of marriage.
Oh no no no no no.
Instead, it’s a way of holiday life that sticks with a married couple for all eternity.
FOR-freaking-EVER.
Only to get worse upon having kids that are insanely cute with huge rosy chubby cheeks that weird smelling aunts want to eat.
Oh yes my friends, it’s not going away.
Get used to it- for as long as there’s Thanksgiving and Christmas they’ll be the stress and pulls and tugs from every.single.person.ever.born.ever.
ever.
You know, this is our first holiday season home since 2004! Just typing that is very strange to me. Sure, we went home twice for Christmas- but we were “guests” during those stays.
There was no obligation to write Christmas cards or make the most amazing ambrosia salad for Turkey Day. This year, however, there is!
Okay- hold it.
Let me back up.
I’m SO excited about being home this year for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In fact, I’m a little on the “is she okay?” side.
I’m elated walking into Walmart and seeing all the Christmas decorations. I get all glazed over like a Krispe Kreme donut and begin to grow giddy and laugh uncontrollably for no apparent reason.
I eat up all the Campbells green bean casserole commercials.
I’m all about the church Christmas pageant.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this time of year.
Having said that- I guess I’m just realizing that this year will be very different than years past because along with all the Christmas cheer and fun also comes Christmas stress.
I was a little annoyed the other day when my MIL (whom I love very much) casually mentioned this whole story about how important it was for grandparents to see their grandkids and how they drove all over the state of Oklahoma on Thanksgiving and Christmas every year to parade the kids around.
I don’t know why it rubbed me the wrong way- but it did.
You guys know me by know and know- you know- how I feel about kids.
Why would one say that then?
It really bothered me. I know it wasn’t meant to upset me- but it did! Not only that, but if we ever do have kids they’re going to enjoy Christmas and will play with their toys and won’t be dragged around the world and expected to be cute and cuddly and “on” when all they want to do is be home enjoying the day.
Sigh..
am I getting off track?
Because I think I am.
Anyway, it just rubbed me the wrong way, and as a person that worries about EVERYTHING- even things that aren’t going to happen for a few years- it still bothered me because it made me realize that this Angstgiving thing? Yeah- it’s not going anywhere and will only get worse.
Geez-a-lou.
I sound really negative right now, don’t I?
Why are you reading? Go read this or this or this … they’re way happier people than I seem to be right now!
What is my problem today, you ask?
I don’t know!
I think I’m missing my family and am bummed that I won’t get to spend the holidays with them. I’m also thinking about the expectations that there seems to be this time of year.
And you know what else?
I’m also thinking I’m being a negative worrier and it’s really stupid for me to be this way because I ought to be enjoying these coming weeks and not all stressed about the house and cooking and plans and family and plans and cleaning and getting everyone the right gift and plans and making sure I sent our 2nd cousin’s boyfriend a Christmas card and plans and- did I mention plans?
Just typing this out makes me feel a little better. I know- I know I’m allowing myself to get caught up in the whole hype and commercialism and stress and everything else. I know I need to focus my heart on the real meaning. I know I need a softer heart that embraces the love of God this time of year. I know! I know, I promise. I also know if I’m honest there’s absolutely no possible way that I won’t be stressed out during these coming weeks.
So- here’s what I’ve decided.
Angstgiving is here to stay. It’s not going anywhere.
I might as well embrace this time of year and make the most of it, as it is my favorite time.
I might as well suck up the fact that things absolutely will not go as planned,
that my ambrosia will probably suck,
that I’ll forever have people quietly praying over my ovaries in hopes that I’ll produce them a kid to dress in awful sweaters,
and that gift shopping, Christmas card writing, and a messy house are all inevitable.
I’m coming to terms with the fact that because we’re back in America now the holidays will forever be crazy and hectic forever. Forever
That, my friends, is what eggnog is for.
Lots and lots of eggnog.