What to Hope for the Holidays. . . . but what is really going to happen

Are you excited about the upcoming holidays? First, we have Halloween which seems more and more each year to be an “adult” event. How sad that the kids can no longer be let loose on the block, going to neighbors that you know, getting the homemade goodies and bringing it home for mom to go through so she gets all the good chocolate first. What? Your mother didn’t do that? Ours did! Every year. Every single year.

Then there is Thanksgiving. The turkey, the dressing, the favorite pies, the football games. The family fights, the cousin who drinks too much and your brother’s new girlfriend who refuses to eat anything “green.” Then there is Christmas where emotions are on high alert. Toes get stepped on and feelings are easily bruised.

Sound familiar? What to do?

The best thing to do is deal with it.

Unless there are serious outbreaks over politics or if someone truly drinks too much and doesn’t even need to be there, the best thing to do is deal with it. Yep! Suck it up! After all, how many times a year do we actually get together…truly get together with our loved ones. When you think about it, they really are “loved ones.” Yes, you still remember when your brother embarrassed you to tears when he jumped out of the bushes by the front porch when you were kissing your high school boyfriend good night. But he also remembers when you strolled through the living room “casually” mentioning to his new girlfriend that his “old girlfriend” still wants him to call her. If looks could kill, right?

Yet, there you sit at the holiday table with your aging parents, your spouses and children who are actually behaving this year! Ok, so you have to take their phones away from them…again. And you have to give your spouse “the look” so he/she won’t bring up “that” subject. So what?

Keep in mind that this gathering could be the golden opportunity to have “the discussion” with your parents. Check out my blogs titled “Is it time for a family pow-wow” and “Why won’t my parents listen to me?” They will give you hints and suggestions on how to start that conversation. It is never too early. But it can be too late.

Life is way too short, folks! If you have siblings, cousins, parents, grandchildren and friends of decades, be very, very grateful. So many people are alone. So many people are without family members who care or remember. And sadly, so many have passed away.

What I wouldn’t give for one more Thanksgiving and Christmas with my baby brother, my parents, my best friend in the world and my six-month old son. Anything.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas! Sue