Hi there, Catie here! If you are over the age of 18, the term Christmas Break is an oxymoron if ever there was one.
Am I the only person just not feeling the holiday spirit this year? Admittedly, I greatly dislike the whole season so it doesn’t bother me.
But usually I’m surrounded by cheerful Jingle Bells humming people that smile at you in Target for no apparent reason. Not this year though, everyone just seems busy and annoyed. There are a million reasons why this could be, but I blame Republicans for the most part. Who needs net neutrality, basic health care, fair taxes, civil rights, unbiased judges, and a bright future? No one in this country, clearly.
Luckily we didn’t have much running around to do this year. We decided a couple of years ago that experiences were far more important than presents, so we book a weekend away during Christmas break to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Instead of presents, we each get a couple little stocking stuffers and all the yummy junk food we can eat! This year will be a little different. Ri won’t be joining us, he promised his dad that he would spend the day with that side of the family. But Paul’s sister and her family will be. As much as I love Paul’s family, I am not looking forward to all the “quality time.”
Hi, it’s Lena. Catie always gets all discombobulated and flustered when the “in-laws” are around, but it’s never as bad as she thinks it’ll be. They’re not perfect, none of us are, but they’re fairly easy going, so stressing over “hosting” isn’t needed. The nieces will be… challenging. They on the younger side and they demand attention. How dare children behave like children! Bah-humbug!
The past few years, our Christmas getaways have been relaxing. We played games, watched holiday themed movies, enjoyed the pool. Oh, and ate. Lots of yummy foods. This year will be a bit more challenging having another five people to coordinate and work around, but I expect it to be a lot of fun. We’ll let you know when we return.
There’s also the missing puzzle piece this year: Ri. The world may be sunshine and rainbows perfect, but if Ri isn’t around, it’s just not the same. He adds a little something-something when he’s around: chaos, weapons, humor. We’ll all miss him.
But it’s only for the weekend. We’re coming back Christmas morning and we’ll be able to see him and our furry family members that day. And the world will be merry and bright again.
Be happy!
