Christmas Villain
It was 1970 something. The absence of my younger sister in this memory puts me at about 6-years-old. My folks, relatively new to Canada, hadn’t received the memo on extravagant Christmas hoopla. Décor was limited to one tree and two gifts. One gift for little Pamy, as I was called, the other for my 3-year-old brother, Jonathan.
Jonathan was quicker than me that December 25thmorning. He reached the tree first and in his haste opened my present instead of his own. I can still picture and feel the moment that I realized I had nothing to open. My brother held a gift that clearly belonged to me.
My shame in recalling the hissy fit I threw is overshadowed by the joy I get in irritating my brother each year as I retell the story. Even now, I can picture his back-rolling eyes, veins bulging a bit, as yet again he is the tiny villain in my tragic Christmas tale. OK—maybe not exactly tragic, but in my version it’s devastating and scar-making. Telling the story is practically tradition.
My point in sharing this (in addition to the idea that it’s online in perpetuity) is to acknowledge that, this year, despite my retelling of my brother’s least favourite story, I have vowed to keep our Christmas drama free.
Not all families will make out so well. Over the years, I’ve heard stories ranging from a mother-in-law angered by the wrong kind of potatoes, to uncles unhappy with their chosen gifts. One friend had her weight gain pointed out by her dear mama. “Do you really think you need more gravy honey?” Ouch.
Maybe there’s a reason people started spiking their eggnog and why most hostess gifts involve alcohol? Makes sense right?
Sometimes, in our panic for holiday perfection, we forget that we’re actually supposed to be kind—to each other. With so much effort put into one day, even the tiniest of things can throw the most solid gal off kilter.
So think twice if you want to tell your daughter her dress is too tight, or if you want the receipt so you can return your “tacky” gift. If there’s not enough eggnog in the house – you may not get invited back next year.
While you try to NOT be the Christmas villain – I’ll be dodging my brother. Behave and have a great holiday!