"Where should we go and what should we do for Christmas?" This is a question often asked by many people in my mixed family.
Let's get to know the players involved (in relation to me):
Hank - father
Louise - stepmother
Greg - myself
Jackie - sister
Allie - stepsister
Kristen - stepsister
Donna - mother
This year, just like last, we have decided to do Christmas at Louise's family's house in Rehoboth Beach, DE. The reason we chose this beach house (normally used during the summer season, obviously) is that it's the easiest thing for ALL of us. We have collectively chosen the lowest hanging fruit off of our Christmas tree (a 2 foot plastic tree - lame).
But, in honor of Christmas and happy tidings, this post will not end in mediocrity. This post is inspiring to all of us who would rather do the bare minimum and have it turn out wonderful. Although this seems opposite of the intention of this blog - this IS the reason we keep grabbing for that low hanging fruit. If it never worked out to be great, despite our miserable effort level, we'd probably just try harder - and that wouldn't be any fun!
As a group, we have decided that heading to a house that isn't ours is the easiest, most effective way to spend Christmas this year. It's a beach house: spilled eggnog, Black Label, general misbehavior, and dog slobber is encouraged. Since no one can claim this house as their own, the pressure is off of everyone else. No one is telling me to take my shoes off, watch the crumbs, or stop farting on the dog's head (well maybe that's a little Xmas white lie).
But that same pressure is taken off in the opposite direction. The people usually responsible for making Christmas work can now share the load. Kids are cooking breakfast, dads are walking dogs on the beach for fun, and moms are hanging out drinking coffee in bed. The normal Christmas routine puts ALL the pressure on parents, and, in our family, they are taking a fucking stand!
Christmas is about being with family, loving them, and helping them out. Although by choosing this destination, it's easier for everyone involved - in this case, our low hanging fruit was the ripest, juiciest, tastiest, and most delicious of the bunch.
Let's all raise our glasses to those rare times we can slack like crazy and it turns out for the best! Thanks to all my supporters and contributors. Happy holidays, super Kwanzaa, and rockin' Christmas to all.
Greg Rose, MW06, let's all get fat and tipsy over this holiday season - January is for being good :)
As the sister I can report that farting on the dog's head WAS in fact discouraged.
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