Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Holiday Analysis: Abridged Version

This holiday season kicked my ass! I could give you a play-by-play on how my holiday went, but chances are most of you lived some version of it, and probably don’t want to relive it again. To sum it up in one word, my holiday was arduous. Which then made me feel bitter because after all this hard work, I would like to at least enjoy Christmas with my family. Let me explain. . . .

First of all, like most moms I know, I was the head producer of the holiday season. I made that sure that there were set designs, wardrobe changes and music for the different scenes, food and beverage for the craft services table, props to open, scheduling hair and makeup, and photo documentation. Harrington was a good assistant producer, don’t get me wrong, but you know, it’s not the same. If you are wondering why it sounds so much like a production, it’s because Christmas is a production when there is a set of divorced parents, my parents, guests from out of town, and close extended family in addition to the four of us under this roof. So in 3 days, we had 5 events. I felt so confident that I planned everything so it wouldn’t be too exhausting, but as my Dad always says, “Six to one, half-dozen the other.” Either way, 5 events in 3 days is exhausting, and from what I can remember, there were some good times and some not-so-good times.

Merry Christmas!
Baby Jesus delivered several Christmas miracles this season, number one being that I lost all but a few pounds of baby weight in less than a year! A close second would be a certain family member finally taking responsibility for a big mistake, not only with words, but with actions and followed through to create a very nice holiday memory for me and the Babes. I also think it should be noted that actually surviving 5 events in 3 days (with Thomas recovering from his 2 month long ear infection) should be considered a miracle as well.

Not-So-Merry-Christmas.
Let’s just say that when given the opportunity to rise to the occasion, some people continue to be the lowest common denominator. Not only continue, but seem content with their chosen lot in life. And although I find this frustrating, at least I can say they are consistent; therefore, I can act accordingly. Instead of getting all mad and confrontational, I just smile, finish my lines for that scene, and remember that I don’t have to be a bitch because Lady Karma already is!

Random Christmas Program Note
I think it’s funny how some people are shocked that Marie, as smart as she is, does not drive her 3 year old self to the store to pick up the materials for her holiday crafts that she makes as gifts and does not have her own Snapfish account or own credit card to create and order her gifts. And shockingly enough, Harrington is not the one who scurries home from work, gobbles down his dinner, and tries to fit in craft time with his daughter before bath time. I know it’s going to come as a shocker, but it’s ME! *GASP* Who would have ever thought that?!?! Anyway-

Happy New Year, Everyone!

7 comments:

Erin Janda Rawlings said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Ah yes...the stress of a perfect holiday! I remember when my kids were young I thought, "Well, maybe if I don't sleep tonight I can get more accomplished" and then I stepped back and realized the craziness of that observation and scaled back the activities. I feel for you. And I missed you this holiday.

Again, let's celebrate when we return with as little stress as possible.

Hugs and kisses.....

Erin Janda Rawlings said...

I feel that way about sleep too, pretty crazy isn't it? Hard to scale back those activities since 3 out of 5 are with our parents. I missed you guys a lot this holiday. Let's figure something for when you get back. When do you guys get back??

Love you!

Kendra said...

I'm still trying to master the holiday that my kids will remember fondly. I think there's way too much pressure to see everyone and have a smile on your face the entire time. But each year I think we get a little better at saying "This is about them and making Christmas memories, so you're going to have to scale back your expectations."

I'm actually looking forward to January, and that's just sick!

Erin Janda Rawlings said...

i hear ya, kendra!

~Laura said...

I think the production example is brilliant! I have often said the exact same thing to my husband. It's sometimes hard to have the fun or enjoy things when you are the set designer or director running the show... Happy Holidays!

Zumi said...

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